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Before you go to Fiji: what to know

Must know

  • Visa-exempt visitors still need a visitor permit, issued at the border for a period up to 4 calendar months; admission is not automatic.
  • Carry FJD cash for villages, markets and local transport; card surcharges can apply.
  • November–April is cyclone season; check forecasts, flood conditions and your accommodation’s evacuation plan.

Entry and visas

Visa-exempt nationals can receive a visitor permit on arrival; non-exempt nationals must obtain visa approval before travel. A permit can run from a few days up to four months. Confirm the expiry at entry. A normal visitor permit does not permit employment or study.

Passport validity: Immigration FAQ asks for a passport valid for more than 6 months from travel; confirm your route and airline requirements.

At the border you may be asked for

  • Carry return/onward travel, accommodation details, sufficient-funds evidence and visa approval if required.

Customs

  • Check food, plant, animal, medicine and other restricted-goods rules before packing.

Checked October 30, 2026 · Sources: immigration.gov.fj ↗, immigration.gov.fj ↗, immigration.gov.fj ↗, travel.gc.ca ↗

Money

Cash and cards are both common. Cards are accepted mainly in cities and tourist areas.

Payment networks: Visa, Mastercard

Apple Pay — no data · Google Pay — no data

Where to exchange money

  • Compare bank and authorised exchange-provider final rates.

ATMs: ATMs are common in urban centres and larger resorts; fees apply and access is more limited in remote areas.

  • Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted by tourism businesses; smaller businesses and transport often need cash.
  • Card surcharges apply at some merchants; confirm the total before paying.

Checked October 30, 2026 · Sources: fiji.travel ↗, smartraveller.gov.au ↗

Rules and bans

Prohibited

  • Public nudity, including topless sunbathing, is illegal.

Laws visitors break unknowingly

  • Check customs restrictions on food, plants, weapons, medicines and animals.

Checked October 30, 2026 · Sources: travel.gc.ca ↗

Culture and clothing

Religion: Sunday is traditionally reserved for church, family and rest in many communities.

Clothing: Cover shoulders and knees in villages; a sulu is a useful cover-up.

Etiquette

  • Ask before photographs or entering homes and communal spaces.
  • Remove hats and sunglasses in villages and shoes before entering village buildings.
  • Follow your guide’s directions during a sevusevu ceremony.

Checked October 30, 2026 · Sources: fiji.travel ↗, fiji.travel ↗

Climate

Tropical conditions with cyclone and flood risk, especially November–April. Severe storms can occur outside the main season; check marine and road conditions before island transfers.

Month by month
  • January: Jan: main cyclone season; monitor official warnings
  • February: Feb: main cyclone season; monitor official warnings
  • March: Mar: main cyclone season; monitor official warnings
  • April: Apr: main cyclone season; monitor official warnings
  • May: May: outside main cyclone season; storms remain possible
  • June: Jun: outside main cyclone season; storms remain possible
  • July: Jul: outside main cyclone season; storms remain possible
  • August: Aug: outside main cyclone season; storms remain possible
  • September: Sep: outside main cyclone season; storms remain possible
  • October: Oct: outside main cyclone season; storms remain possible
  • November: Nov: main cyclone season; monitor official warnings
  • December: Dec: main cyclone season; monitor official warnings

Best season: Choose dates around local forecasts and planned island activities; have a disruption plan in cyclone season.

Checked October 30, 2026 · Sources: smartraveller.gov.au ↗, safetravel.govt.nz ↗

What to pack

  • Village cover-up or sulu
  • FJD cash in small notes
  • Sun and rain protection
  • Personal medication and travel documents
  • Offline details for island transfers

Do not bring / prohibited to import

  • Nude or topless sunbathing
  • Depending on card payment in every village
  • Unplanned night driving outside urban areas

Practical

Plugs: Confirm socket type and voltage with your accommodation before travel.

Water: Confirm the local supply; carry safe water for village and remote-island outings.

Traffic: drives on the left

Insurance: Include your planned water sports and medical evacuation in your cover.

Checked October 30, 2026 · Sources: fiji.travel ↗, travel.gc.ca ↗, safetravel.govt.nz ↗

Entry rules change. Before your trip, check the website of the embassy or immigration service of the country.