Travel Report for Fiji

Country Profile for
Fiji

TRAVEL REPORTS:

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TRAVEL REPORT

Last Updated: December 5, 2006 14:46 EST
Still Valid: December 8, 2006 21:56 EST

Fiji

1.	INTRODUCTION
2.	ATTENTION
3.	SAFETY AND SECURITY
4.	LOCAL TRAVEL
5.	NATURAL DISASTERS AND CLIMATE
6.	LOCAL LAWS AND CUSTOMS
7.	ASSISTANCE FOR CANADIANS ABROAD
8.	ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS
9.	MONEY

10.	GENERAL INFORMATION
11.	TRAVEL MEDICINE PROGRAM
12.	ADDITIONAL HEALTH INFORMATION
13.	RETURNING TO CANADA
14.	INTERNATIONAL ADOPTIONS
15.	TRAVEL TIPS
16.	HEALTH AND TRAVEL INSURANCE
17.	FOR MORE INFORMATION
18.	ANNEX

1. INTRODUCTION

The level of Travel Warning in this report has not changed. Section 2 has been updated.

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2. ATTENTION

OFFICIAL WARNING: Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada advises against non-essential travel to this country. (IDW7)

You are advised against all non-essential travel to

Fiji

. Tensions between the Government of Fiji and members of the Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF) continue to build creating an unstable political and security environment.

The Commander of the RFMF announced that he had assumed control of the country and had dismissed the elected Prime Minister. Canadians are reminded to remain vigilant at all times.

Due to the escalating dispute, the security situation in Fiji, especially in the city of Suva, could deteriorate rapidly and without notice. Canadians should maintain a high level of personal security awareness at all times. They are advised to monitor local news reports, follow the advice of local authorities, and avoid large crowds.

OFFICIAL REGISTRATION RECOMMENDATION: Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada offers a registration service for Canadians travelling or residing abroad. Canadians who choose to travel to this country despite this warning should register with the responsible Canadian government office. Registration can be done on-line or by calling the responsible Canadian government office abroad to request a registration form.

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3. SAFETY AND SECURITY

Robbery and assault have increased, particularly at night in urban areas. Petty crime such as theft from hotel rooms and purse snatching is prevalent. Armed assaults occur, even in hotels. You should exercise caution at all times, and pay particular attention when exchanging money at hotels or withdrawing money from ATMs or banks. Do not show signs of affluence. Do not share taxis with strangers. Exercise normal safety precautions and ensure personal belongings, passports, and other travel documents are secure at all times. Do not walk alone after dark. Do not hike alone. The terrain can be hazardous. Consult with local guides before setting out and stay on marked paths.

There are tensions between the government and the Fiji military Forces. You should exercise caution and avoid political rallies and demonstrations.

Riptides can be dangerous along the reefs and river estuaries. Several drownings have occurred. Sharks are present.

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4. LOCAL TRAVEL

Traffic drives on the left. Roads outside cities are unpaved. Driving can be hazardous, particularly after dark, due to potholes and stray animals. Travel by boat on coastal waters and inter-islands trips should be undertaken only with a reputable tour company.

The maximum speed limit is 50 mph (80 km/h). Use taxis with a yellow registration plate, which denotes recent compliance with Land Transport Authority (LTA) regulations. Unlicensed minibuses may not be insured.

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended.

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5. NATURAL DISASTERS AND CLIMATE

Fiji is located in an active seismic zone. You should know the address and telephone number of the Consulate of Canada in Nadi or the High Commission of Canada in Wellington, New Zealand, in the event of an emergency.

The cyclone season extends from November to April. Heavy rains occasionally result in localized flash flooding. You should keep informed of regional weather forecasts and plan accordingly. Travellers contemplating sea journeys should contact the Meteorological Office (tel.: 23401) or consult the Met Web site (www.met.gov.fj) for weather reports.

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6. LOCAL LAWS AND CUSTOMS

You are subject to local laws. A serious violation may lead to a jail sentence. The sentence will be served in local prisons.

Canadians arrested or detained have the right to contact the responsible Canadian government office (embassy, high commission, etc.) listed in Section 7 below. Arresting officials have a responsibility to assist you in doing so. Canadian consular officials can provide a list of local lawyers upon request.

The Department publishes A Guide for Canadians Imprisoned Abroad, specifically targeted at incarcerated Canadians. Its prime objective is to inform Canadian detainees, their families, and friends about available assistance and advice.

Possession of any amount of marijuana will lead to a three-month prison sentence. Pedophiliac activity is also severely punished.

Topless bathing and nudity in public is forbidden. Homosexuality is illegal and punishable by imprisonment for up to 14 years.

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7. ASSISTANCE FOR CANADIANS ABROAD

You can obtain consular assistance and further consular information at the following address:

FIJI - NADI, Consulate of Canada
Address: Nadi Airport, Nadi, Fiji
Postal Address: P.O. Box 10690, Nadi, FIJI
Tel.: 679 6722 400 or 679 9924 999 (mobile)
Fax: 679 672 1936 or 679 672 4489
E-mail: vyases@connect.com.fj

New Zealand - WELLINGTON, High Commission of Canada
Address: 125 The Terrace, Wellington, New Zealand
Postal Address: P.O. Box 8047, Wellington, New Zealand
Tel.: 64 (4) 473-9577
Fax: 64 (4) 471-2082
E-mail: wlgtn@international.gc.ca
Internet: http://www.international.gc.ca/newzealand

For emergency assistance after hours, call the High Commission of Canada in Wellington, New Zealand, and follow the instructions. You may also call the Department in Ottawa toll-free at 00800-7089 or use the services offered by Canada Direct.

Canada Direct, offered by Canada's major telecommunications companies, provides travellers with toll-free and hassle-free access to the Canadian telephone network. The Canada Direct access number from Fiji is 004-890-1005, where a Canadian operator is always available. For more information, call 1 800 561-8868 or visit the Canada Direct Web site.

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8. ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS

The following information on entry and exit requirements has been confirmed with the authorities of Fiji and was valid on April 13, 2006. However, entry and exit requirements are subject to change.

It is the sole prerogative of each country to determine who is allowed to enter. All countries have special requirements for persons intending to reside for extended periods (usually more than 90 days) or who plan to work, study, or engage in non-tourist activities. To obtain information on specific entry requirements, contact the nearest diplomatic or consular office of the country or countries to be visited. Violations of entry and exit requirements may result in serious penalties.

Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada’s Office of Protocol provides contact details for the Embassy of the Republic of Fiji and its consulates, where you can obtain further information on entry and exit requirements.

A valid Canadian passport is required for Canadians intending to visit Fiji. The passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the date of your expected departure from the country. Canadians must also be in possession of an onward or return ticket.

Tourist Visa: Required
Business Visa: Required
Work Visa: Required

Tourist visas are issued upon arrival for stays up to four months.

A renewal or replacement of a Canadian passport in Fiji can take several weeks. Questions concerning Canadian immigration papers must be sent to the Consulate General of Canada in Sydney, Australia, which also takes several weeks. Landed immigrants should ensure they visit a Canadian immigration office prior to travel to ensure their papers are verified, and always travel with original documents.

Proof of yellow fever immunization is required for those arriving from infected areas.

A FJD$30 departure tax must be paid in Fijian currency upon departure. Children under 12 are exempt.

Selling, altering, or allowing another person to use your passport is a criminal offence. It could lead to the laying of charges and imprisonment if convicted. It could also lead to the denial of future passport services.

Special and diplomatic passport holders should verify visa requirements for this and other countries, as they may differ from those that apply to regular passport holders.

Any adult travelling with children may be required to show evidence of parental/custodial and/or access rights. Foreign and Canadian authorities may also require evidence that the adult has the consent of the parents, legal guardian, and/or the court to travel with the children. Some countries may not permit children to enter or, in some cases, leave the country without proper documentation such as a letter of consent or a court order.

Although same-sex marriages are legal in Canada, many countries do not recognize them. Attempting to enter as a same-sex married couple may result in refusal by local officials. For more information, contact the foreign government office accredited to Canada.

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9. MONEY

The currency is the Fijian dollar. Major credit cards are accepted by most hotels, restaurants, and shops. ATMs are available in Labasa, Lautoka, Nadi, Nausori, Sigatoka, and Suva.

Check with your bank for information on ATM services in other countries. You can also check the VISA ATM locator page or the MasterCard ATM locator page for the addresses of ATMs around the world. Your bank can advise if you need a new personal identification number (PIN) for overseas access to your account. Credit cards and debit cards should be used with caution due to the potential for fraud and other criminal activity. ATMs should be used during business hours inside a bank, supermarket, or large commercial building. Leave copies of your card numbers with a family member in case of emergency.

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10. GENERAL INFORMATION

The Republic of Fiji (capital: Suva) is a group of islands located in the South Pacific Ocean, between Hawaii and New Zealand. The official language is English. Tourist facilities and services are available.

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11. TRAVEL MEDICINE PROGRAM

The Public Health Agency of Canada and the World Health Organization (WHO) report on disease outbreaks that occur throughout the world. For the latest travel health advisories and related information, visit the Public Health Agency of Canada’s Travel Medicine Program Web site.

The Public Health Agency of Canada strongly recommends that your travel plans include contacting a travel medicine clinic or physician six to eight weeks before departure. Based on your individual risk assessment, a health care professional can determine your need for immunizations and/or preventive medication and advise you on precautions to avoid disease. Travellers are reminded to ensure that their routine (childhood) immunizations (e.g., tetanus, diphtheria, polio, and measles) are up to date.

Standards of medical care may differ from those in Canada. Treatment may be expensive, and payment in advance may be required. Travellers are advised to arrange for medical insurance prior to departure. Prescription medications should be kept in the original container and packed in carry-on luggage.

The Public Health Agency of Canada also recommends that travellers who become sick or feel unwell on their return to Canada seek a medical assessment with their personal physician. Travellers should inform their physician that they have been travelling or living outside of Canada.

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12. ADDITIONAL HEALTH INFORMATION

Medical facilities are adequate. Serious medical problems may require evacuation to New Zealand, Australia, or Canada. Emergency evacuations may cost tens of thousands of dollars. There are two decompression chambers in Suva. Many popular diving sites are located away from Suva. Divers visiting Fiji should buy travel insurance that includes decompression and medical evacuation services.

To avoid risks of mosquito-borne dengue fever, travellers should cover up and use mosquito repellent.

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13. RETURNING TO CANADA

Please consult the Current Issue on returning to Canada.

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14. INTERNATIONAL ADOPTIONS

Provincial and territorial authorities in Canada are responsible for authorizing international adoptions. If you are thinking of adopting a child from another country, you must first obtain information about the adoption regulations of the province or territory in which the child will reside. While adoption is a provincial/territorial responsibility, Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) is responsible for allowing an adopted child entry into Canada. Entry can be refused if the child does not hold the appropriate immigrant visa. A visa may be denied, even if the adoption has already been completed. For more information contact CIC at 1 888 242-2100 (in Canada only), check the CIC Web site or contact your provincial or territorial government.

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15. TRAVEL TIPS

Please consult our Traveller's Checklist.

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16. HEALTH AND TRAVEL INSURANCE

Do not rely on your provincial health plan to cover all expenses if you get sick or are injured while abroad. It may cover nothing or only a portion of the costs. Understand the terms of your supplementary insurance policy. Some credit cards offer their holders health and travel insurance. Do not assume the card alone provides adequate coverage. Carry details of your insurance with you. Also, tell your travel agent, a friend or relative, and/or travelling companion how to contact your insurer. Get a detailed invoice from the doctor or hospital before you return to Canada. Always submit original receipts for any medical services or prescriptions received abroad. Most insurance companies will not accept copies or faxes.

Cancelling a scheduled trip abroad could cost you money. Before cancelling a scheduled trip, you should discuss the matter with your travel agent, your travel insurer, or the airline. The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller.

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17. FOR MORE INFORMATION

N/A

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18. ANNEX

N/A

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