Official advice for New Zealanders living and travelling overseas

  • Reviewed: 14 August 2023, 12:57 NZST
  • Still current at: 19 March 2024

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COVID-19

If you are planning international travel at this time, please read our COVID-19 related travel advice here, alongside our destination specific travel advice below.

Exercise increased caution

Exercise increased caution in Fiji (level 2 of 4).

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Fiji

Crime
Theft and assault have been reported by locals and tourists alike, with most occurring at night and in urban areas. We advise New Zealanders to avoid poorly lit areas at night, particularly in Suva. Female travellers can be subject to sexual harassment and there have been incidents of sexual assault against tourists. Female travellers should take extra care, and avoid walking alone, particularly at night.

Petty crime against visitors, such as bag snatching has been reported. While violent crime towards foreigners is not common, foreigners may be the targets of opportunistic crime, such as theft, robbery and home invasion. We advise New Zealanders to be alert to their surroundings at all times and take steps to safeguard and secure their personal belongings. Remain vigilant on public transport, including in taxis. Theft of valuables including passports from hotel rooms and vehicles has been reported and particular care should be taken to secure these items. Tourists have been targeted at the main international airports of Nadi and Nausori, with the opportunistic theft of passports and unattended luggage.

There have been spates of credit card fraud in the past in Fiji, including use of credit card skimming devices or other types of data theft. New Zealanders are advised to take extra care when paying with credit cards or withdrawing money from ATMs. This includes covering your PIN number when entering it, keeping your cards safe and carefully checking credit card statements to ensure no fraudulent charges are present.

Security Situation
The security situation in Fiji is stable. Fiji has experienced periods of political instability in the past and New Zealand citizens throughout Fiji are advised to avoid demonstrations, street rallies and areas of military exercises and operations. There can be limitations on judicial redress for decisions made by authorities.

General Travel Advice
New Zealanders are advised to respect religious, social and cultural traditions in Fiji to avoid offending local sensitivities. Modesty and discretion should be exercised in both dress and behaviour, particularly outside of tourist areas and when visiting villages.

Tropical Cyclone season runs from November to April, but cyclones may also occur outside of this period.  In the event of a cyclone or any other natural disaster, follow the advice of local authorities and your hotel or resort management.

New Zealanders undertaking tourist activities in Fiji, including travel between islands and adventure activities such as scuba diving, should check that they are covered by their travel insurance policy. Always use available safety gear such as life jackets or seatbelts, and use another provider if these are not available.

Medical services in Fiji can be limited. We advise New Zealanders travelling or living in Fiji to have a comprehensive travel insurance policy in place that includes provision for medical evacuation by air.

New Zealanders in Fiji are encouraged to register their details with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

 

 Travel tips


The New Zealand High Commission Suva, Fiji

Street Address Reserve Bank of Fiji Building, Pratt Street, Suva, Fiji Postal Address PO Box 1378, Suva, Fiji Telephone +679 331 1422 Email NZSuva@mfat.govt.nz Web Site https://www.mfat.govt.nz/en/countries-and-regions/australia-and-pacific/fiji/new-zealand-high-commission/ Hours Mon - Fri 0800-1200, 1300-1630 hrs

See our regional advice for the Pacific

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New Zealand High Commission Fiji

Street Address
Reserve Bank of Fiji Building, Pratt Street, Suva, Fiji

Telephone: +679 331 1422

Email: NZSuva@mfat.govt.nz

Website: https://www.mfat.govt.nz/en/countries-and-regions/australia-and-pacific/fiji/new-zealand-high-commission/

Hours: Mon - Fri 0800-1200, 1300-1630 hrs

Related advice from other countries

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