Fiji is a tropical paradise in the South Pacific, renowned for its pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, vibrant coral reefs, and warm Fijian hospitality. With over 300 islands featuring world-class diving, lush rainforests, and rich cultural heritage, Fiji offers unforgettable experiences for every type of traveler.
Fiji is generally a safe destination for tourists with a welcoming population and low rates of violent crime against visitors. Petty theft in crowded areas (markets, bus stations) and tourist-targeting scams near Nadi are the main concerns, along with natural hazards including rip currents, tropical cyclones (November-April), and dengue fever mosquitoes.
Current safety advisory
Low
Exercise normal precautions. Petty theft occurs in tourist areas; political stability returned after 2014 elections; natural hazards include cyclones (Nov-Apr) and dengue fever. Beach safety requires vigilance around rip currents.
Last updated: 2025-01
Official advisories
Guidance from national travel-advisory services.
Level 1 - Exercise Normal Precautions
Exercise normal precautions in Fiji. Be alert to petty crime in tourist areas and exercise caution at night.
Exercise normal safety precautions
Exercise normal safety precautions in Fiji. Be alert to risks of petty theft and exercise caution in Suva CBD at night.
Essential safety tips
Practical advice that applies everywhere.
Be vigilant with belongings in downtown Suva and Nadi -- pickpocketing occurs in crowded markets and bus stations.
Avoid displaying expensive jewelry, cameras, and electronics in public, especially outside resort areas.
Use insect repellent with DEET due to dengue fever and occasional Zika virus cases in the islands.
Avoid driving at night due to poor road conditions, wandering livestock, and inadequate lighting on rural roads.
Declare currency over FJ$10,000 at customs; there are no limits, but undeclared amounts can be confiscated.
Register with your country's embassy upon arrival for extended stays -- Australian High Commission and US Embassy are in Suva.
Respect kava ceremony protocols in villages -- always accept the cup with both hands, clap once before drinking, and say Bula!
Be aware of strong rip currents at beaches; only swim in patrolled areas and heed warning flags -- drownings do occur.
Cyclone season runs November to April -- monitor weather forecasts and follow evacuation advice if a cyclone warning is issued.
Petty scams target tourists near Nadi markets -- ignore unsolicited tour guides and book transport through your hotel.
Tap water is safe in Suva and Nadi but drink bottled water on outer islands and after heavy rains.
LGBTQ+ travelers should exercise discretion -- same-sex relationships face social stigma in rural and traditional communities.
Common scams to avoid
Recognise and sidestep tourist-targeted scams.
Taxi overcharging
Unlicensed or unscrupulous taxis at Nadi Airport and in tourist areas quote inflated fares to new arrivals. Some drivers claim the meter is broken to charge arbitrary prices.
How to avoid: Use official metered taxis (yellow taxi plates) and insist on the meter being used. Agree the fare before getting in if the driver refuses to use the meter. Airport taxis have a fixed zone rate to Denarau which should be posted.
Unsolicited tour guides
Men near Nadi Markets and tourist sites approach visitors offering tours, transport, or handicrafts at 'special prices.' They may insist you visit their shop or overcharge significantly for low-quality goods.
How to avoid: Politely decline and book all tours and transport through your hotel or established operators. Do not follow anyone to a shop or vehicle you didn't choose independently.
Fake handicrafts
Mass-produced crafts (masi cloth, carved items) imported from Asia are sometimes sold alongside genuine Fijian handicrafts at inflated prices. It can be difficult to distinguish authentic from imported items.
How to avoid: Buy from Suva Handicraft Centre or directly from village artisans. Ask about the item's origin. Genuine village-made goods are typically less uniformly perfect than machine-made imports.
Resort and hotel commission touts
Drivers or individuals at Nadi Airport may claim your booked hotel is closed, flooded, or overbooked, and offer to take you to an 'alternative' where they receive a commission.
How to avoid: Confirm bookings directly with accommodation before travel. Ignore claims that your hotel is unavailable unless you have independently verified this.
Health considerations
Staying healthy on your trip.
- Vaccinations
- No mandatory vaccinations required for Fiji. Recommended: Hepatitis A and B, Typhoid, Tetanus. Consult doctor about Japanese Encephalitis if visiting rural areas. Consider dengue prevention measures.
- Water
- Tap water generally safe in major hotels and resorts in Suva and Nadi. Bottled water recommended for travelers with sensitive stomachs and in all rural and outer island areas. Avoid ice in drinks outside of international hotels.
- Food
- Street food and market food is generally safe if freshly cooked and hot. Avoid raw shellfish from unknown sources. Fresh fruit should be peeled. Kokoda (marinated raw fish) is safe at reputable restaurants but check it is freshly made.
- Facilities
- Colonial War Memorial Hospital in Suva is the main government hospital. Nadi Hospital serves the western Viti Levu area. Private clinics in Nadi and Suva provide better facilities for non-emergency care. Outer islands have basic health posts only - serious medical issues require evacuation to Suva or international repatriation.
Safety for specific travellers
Tailored advice for different groups.
Solo travellers
Solo travel in Fiji is generally safe and common. Stick to well-lit areas in Suva CBD at night, use metered taxis after dark, and keep valuables secure in crowded markets. Solo female travellers should be aware of occasional unwanted attention in Nadi Town. Resort areas are very safe for solo travellers of all genders.
Female travellers
Fiji is a relatively safe destination for women travelling alone, particularly in resort areas and on outer islands. In Nadi Town and Suva CBD, dress modestly, avoid walking alone at night, and use taxis. Fijian culture is generally respectful toward women though unsolicited attention can occur in market areas. Village visits are safe with appropriate cultural respect shown.
Families
Fiji is very family-friendly with a culture that adores children. Fijians genuinely welcome families and resorts have excellent facilities. Main considerations are beach rip currents (supervise children closely), sun protection (tropical UV is intense), and bringing children's medications as pharmacies on outer islands are limited.
LGBTQ+ travellers
Same-sex relationships are legal in Fiji (decriminalised 2010) but face significant social stigma, particularly in rural, traditional, and religious communities. Major resort areas and Suva are more accepting. Public displays of affection between same-sex couples may attract negative attention outside tourist environments. LGBTQ travellers should exercise discretion in traditional communities and village settings.
Emergency contacts
Numbers to know before you go.
- Police
- 917
- Medical
- 911
- Embassy
- Australian High Commission: +679 338 2211; US Embassy: +679 331 4466; UK High Commission: +679 322 9100
- Tourist Police
- Contact Fiji Police Force on 917; tourist police operate in Nadi and Denarau areas