CONTENT|CONTENU

TRAVEL REPORT
Fiji

1. RECENT UPDATES

Section 2 has been updated (tsunami warning lifted).

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2. WARNINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

There is no Official Warning for this country.

Fiji

Exercise normal security precautions

Exercise high degree of caution

Avoid non-essential travel

Avoid all travel

On April 10, 2009, Fiji President Ratu Josefa Iloilo announced the abrogation of the 1997 Constitution, revoked the appointment of all judges and postponed national elections (originally scheduled for 2009) to September 2014, following a ruling by Fiji's Court of Appeal on April 9 that the military coup led by Commodore Frank Bainimarama in December 2006 was illegal.

Travellers should be aware that on April 11, 2009, President Iloilo also issued Public Emergency Regulations which permit authorities significant additional means to restore order, including subjecting gatherings of three persons or more to police scrutiny, and censoring all media. Although the situation is currently calm, protests remain possible in the coming days and any possible provocation of the police or military should be avoided. Canadians are strongly advised to maintain a low profile and avoid locations where unauthorized demonstrations may occur. Travellers should expect an increase in the number of police and military checkpoints. Due to the political instability, the security situation could deteriorate rapidly and without warning.

Canadians are reminded to remain vigilant at all times, exercise a high degree of caution, closely monitor local media and follow the advice of local authorities.

The country is recovering from severe floods that affected the Western and Northern Divisions in January 2009. Reconstruction is well underway, although the quality of road surface in the affected areas may still be impacted.

OFFICIAL REGISTRATION RECOMMENDATION: We offer a registration service for all Canadians travelling or living abroad. This service is provided so that we can contact and assist you in an emergency abroad, such as a natural disaster or civil unrest, or inform you of a family emergency at home. Registration can be done on-line or by contacting a Canadian government office abroad. For more information, see our FAQs on Registration of Canadians Abroad.

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3. SAFETY AND SECURITY

The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. The traveller is also responsible for his or her own personal safety. The purpose of this Travel Report is to provide Canadians with up-to-date information to enable them to make well-informed decisions.

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 automatic banking machines or banks. Do not show signs of affluence. Do not share taxis with strangers. 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.

Military installations and personnel should be avoided.

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

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4. ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS

It is the sole prerogative of each country or region to determine who is allowed to enter. All countries or regions 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 destination(s) to be visited. Violations of entry and exit requirements may result in serious penalties.

The following information on entry and exit requirements has been confirmed with the authorities of Fiji. However, these requirements are subject to change at any time. It is the traveller’s responsibility to check with the Embassy of the Republic of Fiji and its consulates, for up-to-date information.

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 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.

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

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A Certificate of Canadian Citizenship is not a travel document. A Canadian passport is the only reliable and universally accepted travel and identification document available to Canadians for the purpose of international travel. Canadian citizens returning to Canada who present other documents, such as a Certificate of Canadian Citizenship, birth certificate, provincial driver’s license, or foreign passport, instead of a Canadian passport, may face delays or be denied boarding by transport companies.

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 all visa requirements for this and other destinations, 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 or regions may not permit children to enter or, in some cases, leave the country or region without proper documentation such as a letter of consent or a court order.

Although same-sex marriages are legal in Canada, many countries or regions 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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5. CANADIAN GOVERNMENT CONTACTS

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 6011, New Zealand
Postal Address: P.O. Box 8047, Wellington 6143, New Zealand,
Tel.: 64 (4) 473-9577
Fax: 64 (4) 471-2082
E-Mail: wlgtn@international.gc.ca
Internet: http://www.NewZealand.gc.ca

For emergency assistance after hours, call the High Commission of Canada in Wellington, New Zealand, and follow the instructions.

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6. TRAVEL HEALTH

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 Health 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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7. ADDITIONAL HEALTH INFORMATION

The authorities in Fiji have implemented screening measures at airports in response to the H1N1 Flu Virus outbreak.

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.

Cases of dengue fever have been reported. Residents and travellers are advised to take appropriate precautions to protect themselves from contracting dengue fever by using mosquito repellent (containing DEET), and avoiding swampy or low lying areas where mosquitoes are more prevalent. People experiencing flu-like symptoms are advised to seek medical attention immediately.

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8. 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 5 above. Arresting officials have a responsibility to assist you in doing so. Canadian consular officials can provide a list of local lawyers upon request.

The procedures required in legal proceedings or police investigations may be different from the procedures in force in the Canadian legal system. Canadians wishing to undertake such proceedings can expect to face long delays and additional efforts in order to resolve their case. The Government of Canada cannot intervene in ongoing legal proceedings in other countries or regions, unless requested to do so by local authorities. Such requests are rare.

Possession of any amount of marijuana is punishable by emprisonment.

There are harsh penalties for engaging in sexual acts with a minor. In addition, Canadians may be prosecuted at home for sexually exploiting children while abroad. Please see our publication entitled Child Sex Tourism: It's a Crime for further information on the risks of committing this form of sexual abuse abroad.

Topless bathing and nudity in public is forbidden. Homosexual activity is illegal. Convicted offenders may face lengthy jail sentences.

Dual nationality is not legally recognized, which may limit the ability of Canadian officials to provide consular services. Canadians should travel using their Canadian passport and present themselves as Canadian to foreign authorities at all times. The Department publishes a booklet entitled Dual Citizenship: What Travellers Should Know, specifically targeted at Canadians with dual nationality.


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9. TRAVEL AND CURRENCY

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.

See our FAQ on transportation in order to verify if national airlines meet safety standards.

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended.

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

Canadian currency and traveller's cheques are not widely accepted worldwide. Check with your bank for information on automated banking machine (ABM) services outside Canada. You can also check the VISA ATM locator page or the MasterCard ATM locator page for the addresses of ABMs around the world. Verify with your financial institution whether your bank card can be used with ABMs abroad. Some countries use chip and/or personal identification number (PIN) technology for credit cards. Check with your bank to find out if your credit card will be accepted abroad. Credit cards and debit cards should be used with caution due to the potential for fraud and other criminal activity. ABMs 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. 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 Fiji Meteorological Service Web site for weather reports.

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11. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Returning to Canada

Traveller's Checklist

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.

Adoption: Provincial and territorial authorities in Canada are responsible for authorizing international adoptions. If you are thinking of adopting a child abroad, 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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12. ANNEX

N/A

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