Asia and Oceania

• Travel Summary
• Safety and security
• Local laws and customs
• Entry requirements

• Health
• Natural disasters
• General
 

Travel Summary

• There have been confirmed human cases of A (H1N1) -Swine Flu in Fiji. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has raised its Pandemic Threat Alert Phase to Level 6. The World Health Organisation website has further details. You should monitor media reports for any developments and advice. Travellers are also advised to check for updates on the British High Commission website and the Fijian Ministry of Health website before travelling.  There is a dedicated Swine Flu link on this website.  Guidance on Pandemic Flu can be obtained on the UK Department of Health website.  
  
  

• Almost 35,000 British nationals visit Fiji every year. Most visits to Fiji are trouble–free. 10 British nationals required consular assistance in Fiji in the period 01 April 2008 – 31 March 2009 for the following types of incident; deaths (2 cases); hospitalisations (1 cases); and arrests, for a variety of offences (1 cases). During this period assistance was also requested with regard to lost or stolen passports (11 cases).
  
  

• Register with our LOCATE service to tell us when and where you are travelling abroad or where you live abroad so our consular and crisis staff can provide better assistance to you in an emergency.
  
  

• A military coup took place in Fiji in December 2006. On 10 April 2009, the Fiji Court of Appeal ruled the interim government unlawful and urged the creation of a new interim government. Travellers should exercise caution and are advised to monitor the local situation for developments. You should avoid all political rallies and avoid openly discussing political issues. See the Political Situation section of this advice.  
  
  

• The penalty for possession of any amount of marijuana is a mandatory prison sentence.
  
  

• There is a low threat from terrorism in Fiji. But you should be aware of the global risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks, which could be in public areas, including those frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers.
  
  

• Tropical cyclones can occur in Fiji from the beginning of November until the end of April.  Following widespread flooding in Northern and Western Divisions of Fiji in January 2009, driving conditions on major roads in flood affected areas remain poor.  See the Natural Disasters section of this advice and Tropical Cyclones for more details.
  
  

• We recommend that you obtain comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling.  You should check any exclusions, and that your policy covers you for all the activities you want to undertake. See the General (Insurance) section of this advice and Travel Insurance for more details.