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Captain Cook Cruises Fiji | Blog
Fiji is a place for relaxation, simplicity and pure enjoyment. As the Fijians say, island life is about living with “kua ni leqa” – meaning “no worries”.
To get you organised before you reach total relaxation, we’ve put together a list of things you’ll need to sort out beforehand. Ensure your visit to this island paradise is stress-free, enjoyable and memorable, and go prepared!
Related: Why You Shouldn’t Leave Home Without Travel Insurance
THE ESSENTIALS: PASSPORTS, VISAS AND TICKETS
- To enter the country you’ll need a valid passport for at least three months (90 days). A travel document for six months after the expected period of stay would be highly recommended.
- A return flight ticket (or onward travel documents to another country).
- A valid visa or visa requirements (regardless of whether you’re arriving by plane or boat).
Fiji, like many other countries, requires you to have a sufficient number of unused pages in your passport so necessary stamps can be placed in it upon arrival and departure.
Entry Visas
Entry visas are granted on arrival for a stay of four months or less for nationals of 108 countries, including:
- Australia
- United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
- United States of America
- Singapore
- France
- Greece
- India
- Indonesia
- Italy
- Finland
- Sweden
- Samoa
- China
- Japan
- Thailand
- Chile
- Canada
- Republic of Ireland
- New Zealand
- South Africa
Travellers from countries not listed among the 108 countries will require a pre-arranged visa. To apply for one, visit the nearest Fiji High Commission in your country. If you feel like staying a bit longer once you’re there, go ahead and extend your visa for up to six months at the Department of Immigration offices located in Suva, Lautoka or Nadi.
Those wishing to stay for more than six months should consult the Department of Immigration, or visit the official Immigration website.
If you plan on staying in Fiji for a much longer period and would like to work on a permanent or temporary basis, consult the relevant authorities and employers before arrival. Prospective employers will generally sort out required visa obligations on your behalf.
Temporary visitors to Fiji cannot partake in political activity or study.
OTHER USEFUL INFORMATION
Tourist VAT Refund Scheme
Tourists are eligible to claim VAT on items purchased in Fiji through the Tourist VAT Refund Scheme (TVRS). You can only claim VAT at the Nadi International Airport or Suva Wharf.
To be eligible to claim tax, a minimum amount of $500 must be spent on goods and services at a registered VAT refund outlet (these include Jack’s and Tappoo shops). Upon departure, present your purchase receipt to claim back your benefits.
Restricted items
Pottery shards, turtle shells, coral, trochus shells and giant clamshells cannot be taken out of the country without a special permit.
Customs regulations
Upon arrival in Fiji you can carry:
- 2.25L of liquor or spirits, or 4.5L of wine or beer.
- Maximum of 250g of tobacco products.
- Up to $10,000 in cash (sums exceeding this amount will need to be declared).
Visitors are restricted from bringing in:
- Fruits, vegetables and seeds.
- Animals, meat or dairy products.
Restricted items brought into the country will be disposed of by the authorities.
Traveling with family
If you’re travelling with children under the age of 18, it’s recommended that you take with you photocopies of not just their passports (which every traveller should take on holidays with them) but also photocopies of their birth certificate. This way in the event of their identification being lost you can provide two identification references.
Related: Tips for Organising the Family Before, During and After Travel
Climate and weather
Fiji’s tropical climate means that best months to travel are typically between March and November. Temperatures generally stay consistent at 26 to 31 degrees throughout the year. For most of the year, cool winds blow from the east to south-east regions.
Related: When is the Best Time to Travel to Fiji?
Language
The principal languages in Fiji are Fijian and Hindustani. English is widely spoken and taught within all schools.
Related: What Languages Do They Speak in Fiji?
Religion
The main religious demographics include Methodist and Hindu, with Roman Catholic and Muslim minorities. In 1997 the Constitution of Fiji guaranteed freedom of religion for all its residents.
Currency
The Fijian dollar is the national currency of Fiji. Currency is in the form of coins for any value of $2 and below, while notes go up to $100. Australian dollars and other forms of currency can be easily exchanged at Fiji’s international airports and transport terminals. Most hotels are capable of exchanging foreign currency, but it’s advised to check beforehand or sort everything out at the airport.
Banking
Most banks operate from 9:30am to 3:00pm on Monday to Thursday and till 4:00pm on Fridays. Banks are closed on public holidays.
- ANZ Bank has a 24 hour branch at the arrival concourse of Nadi International Airport.
- Bank of Hawaii provides ATM services in Suva, Nadi and Lautoka.
- ANZ services are available in Suva, Nausori, Nadi, Lautoka and Labasa.
- Both Westpac and the National Bank of Australia have EFTPOS services in Lautoka, Suva, Sigatoka, Nausori and Nadi.
Most hotels, restaurants, shops, car rental companies and tour operators accept major international credit cards.
Communications
You can make most of your calls using the direct dialling facilities available at most hotels.
Fiji’s international calling code is ‘+679’. There are no area codes within the country.
To place outbound international calls from Fiji dial ‘05’, then the country code and telephone number. If you intend to use your mobile phone, check what your network operator allows you to use roaming before travelling.
Tipping
Tipping has become more prevalent with the development of international tourism in Fiji, and is not expected but appreciated if you find the service exemplary. And the locals will always be appreciative of visitors simply smiling and dropping a “vinaka”, which is Fijian for “thank you”.
Related: Fiji Etiquette You Should Know
START PLANNING FOR FIJI TODAY!
It’s important to make sure you begin planning your trip to Fiji early to make sure no issues occur unexpectedly. Check out our small ship and day cruises to find the best form of travel into Fiji for you.
