Fiji FAQs
Q: What is the weather like?
A: Between the months of May and October (“the dry season”), the weather is dry and the temperature ranges from 26°C to 30°C (79°F to 86°F) and there is little risk of tropical cyclones. Between November April (“the wet season”) the weather is humid and hot, and it can rain continuously for several days at a time. The climate also varies from island to island. As wet tradewinds traditionally blow from the east, the eastern parts of the islands tend to be wetter and cloudier.
Q: What should I bring to wear?
A: It’s best to bring clothing that is appropriate for the tropical weather: Bathing suits, shorts, T-shirts, sandals and the like. While vacationing on the islands, you will likely discover the traditional and versatile Fijian garment “sula,” which can be worn as a day dress, evening dress, or sarong. Wearing very revealing clothing in village areas is strongly discouraged; wrapping oneself in a sula is often an easy fix to this potential problem. If you’re traveling during the wet/humid season, raincoats, cottons and linens would also be useful to bring.
Q: Which island should I visit?
A: Where you decide to go in Fiji really depends on what kind of experience you want to have. Viti Levu, the mainland and hub of Fiji, has everything from nature to night life to peace and quiet. Here you can explore Suva, the nation’s capital and main metropolitan area, and the tourist-friendly Coral Coast, as well as ample venues that offer water sporting activities like shark diving and whitewater rafting. Vanua Levu is the second largest island in Fiji and is known for its beautiful beaches and private villas. The major tourist area of Vanua Levu is the region from Savusavu towards Buca Bay in the east. Taveuni Island, or the “Garden Island” is known for its beautiful flora and fauna and its topography make it ideal for an outdoorsy vacation. The Yasawas and the Mamuanca Islands will offer a more remote escape and offer great locations for surfing and snorkeling. The island of Rotuma in the far north is often considered the most beautiful Fijian island, but it is very pricey to get there and sometimes difficult to find accommodation.
Q: How much does accommodation generally cost?
A: Budget accommodation in the range of $F25- $F100 can be found on the Coral Coast, the main tourist area of Viti Levu, as well as near the Nadi Airport. Accommodation in the Yasawas Islands and Mamancuas Islands is a bit more expensive, though budget accommodation is possible in these areas, as well. The islands also have excellent, high-end resorts that can go upwards of $F700. Visitors may be interested in booking discount package deals that include both airfare and lodging.
Q: How long is the flight to Fiji?
A: A flight from Los Angeles to Fiji takes 10 hours; a flight from New York City to Fiji takes 15.5 hours; a flight from Brisbane to Fiji takes 3.5 hours; currently there are no direct flights from London.
Q: What are the visitor visa requirements for a non-Fiji citizen?
A: Passport holders from visa exempt countries are given visitors visas upon arrival that are valid for four (4) months. Extensions of up to 6 months can be granted on the condition that the visitors hold a passport that is valid for three (3) months beyond the intended period of stay in Fiji, as well as an outbound ticket and sufficient funds to accommodate them during their stay in Fiji.
Q: What countries are exempt from acquiring visas for entry into Fiji?
A: Antigua & Barbuda, Argentina, Australia, Austria, The Bahamas, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belgium, Belize, Bermuda, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei Darussalam, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, China, Columbia, Cook Islands [NZ passport holder] Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Commonwealth Dominica, Estonia, The federal Republic of Germany, The federated States of Micronesia, Finland, France, The Gambia, Ghana, Greece, Grenada, Guyana, Holy See (Vatican), Hong Kong [SAR] Hungary, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Kenya, Kiribati, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lesotho, Luxemburg, Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Malta, Mauritius, Mexico, Moldova, Monaco, Nauru, The Netherlands, New Zealand, Nigeria, Norway, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, The Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Republic of Ireland, Republic of the Marshall Islands, Romania, Russia, Samoa, Serbia, Slovak Republic, St Kitts & Nevis, St Lucia, St Vincent & The Grenadines, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Slovenia, Solomon Islands, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Swaziland, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Tanzania, Thailand, Tonga, Trinidad & Tobago, Tunisia, Turkey, Tuvalu, Uganda, United Arab Emirates, Ukraine, United Kingdom of great Britain and Northern Ireland, United States of America, Uruguay, Vanuatu, Venezuela, Zambia and Zimbabwe
Q: What are the requirements for investment in Fiji?
A: For details about investing in Fiji, visit the Fiji Trade & investment Board website at www.ftib.org.fj or email them at [email protected]
Q: Is it safe to travel to Fiji right now?
A: Travel to Fiji continues unabated regardless of the recent political unrest in the country. Though the politics are troubling, they don’t appear to be directly impacting visitors (except that the Fijian dollar has been devalued, which makes Fiji even more affordable for visitors). Some reports even seem to suggest that small, day-to-day criminal activities have dropped since the military has taken over the government.
Visitors can visit their state department websites for any travel warnings. Updated information on travel and security in Fiji may be obtained from the U.S. Department of State by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States and Canada or callers outside the United States and Canada can call a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444. American citizens are also encouraged to register with their state department upon arrival in Fiji (https://travelregistration.state.gov), so that the U.S.Embassy in Suva can contact them in case of an emergency.
