Fiji

 What to expect

• Some of the best and whitest sandy beaches in the world.
• The jokingly (in)famous “Fiji time”. Take your time and just enjoy.
• The third largest coral reef in the world with a staggering amount of marine fauna. In Fiji you can find some of the best diving spots in the world
• Mouth watering local cuisine in the tranquil and laid back local villages.

 Must-see

If you feel like getting out of the resort and out of the sunbed (nobody blames you if don’t), there is a plethora of activities that can be found on the island.

First and foremost are the scuba diving and snorkeling activities, and Fiji boasts crystal clear waters, diverse marine life, and iconic sites like the Great White Wall and Great Sea Reef. Mamanuca Islands for example offer crystal clear lagoons and wonderful snorkeling opportunities in vibrant coral gardens.

Beach and water sports enthusiasts can explore 333 islands, so there is plenty of choice here. From tourist developed and resort-like beaches, to more “Robin Crusoe” type beaches, to beaches offering surfing, kayaking and sailing.

You can also try a cultural tour and experience Fiji’s proud heritage and culture. Take a tour of the islands to experience local markets, try traditional dishes and learn about Fijian customs and beliefs. End the day in Suva to participate in the vibrant nightlife of clubs and bars.

For (even) more relaxing experiences, the Sabeto Hot Springs on the island of Viti Levu and Mud Pool are a complex series of mineral heated pools and bubbling mud pools in a lush tropical setting, where you can feel the heat while you soak or try the traditional Fijian healing practices of mud bathing.

Nature enthusiasts can visit Fijis beautiful waterfalls, such as Sovi Hill or Sabeto Waterfalls. Also, the Kula Eco Park provides an eco-conscious experience focused on preserving Fiji’s biodiversity, featuring trails and wildlife exhibits.

 Country Info

• Language: English, iTaukei (Fijian), Hindi
• Population: 905,500 (2017 est.)
• Timezone: UTC +12
• Political System: Unitary parliamentary republic
• Ethic Groups: 56.8% Indigenous Fijians, 37.5% Indo-Fijians, 1.2% Rotumans, other 4.5%
• Religions: Christian 64.4%, Hinduist 27.9%, Muslim 6.3%, 1.4% other
• Currency: Fijian dollar (FJD)
• Credit Cards: Credit cards are widely accepted
• Electricity: 240 volt / 50 hertz (AS/NZS 3112)
• Tipping Customs: Not customary
• Haggling Culture: Somewhat common but not always

Save the country cheat sheet for reference

 Safety

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Safety Indices

Learn more on the data source and the methodologies of ranking in the Global Safety Indices page.

 Getting there

• By air: There are 11 airports scatterd across the Fijian islands
• By car: The main form of transport in Fiji is by bus. Public transport is run by a company called Viti Levu Bus Services, which is run by a government agency, LTA (Land Transport Authority). LTA also operates smaller buses in some cities and towns. Other transport options include taxis, minibuses, shuttle services and car rentals.

 Entry Requirements

Fiji mostly has visa-free access, with the exception of countries from Central America, Africa, and the Middle East.

Click the map to see details on visa requirements for each country

Alternatively, input your passport citizenship and quickly see the requirements that apply to you:

 Weather

Fiji has a tropical climate. As such it has a wet and dry season, and warm temperatures all year round (average temperatures range from 23–31°C).

The wet season is from November to April and during this time, rainfall is abundant with some heavy tropical downpours. During the dry season from May to October, there is less rain and slightly cooler temperatures. (73–88°F).

 Etiquette

• The traditional ‘bula’ greeting is said on meeting and leaving, and is used to mean hello, thank you, goodbye, cheers, and more. Since we are not talking about a major New York City metropolis it is appropriate to greet people you encounter.
• People from Fiji tend to be very conscious of maintaining personal space and a polite distance between themselves and others, especially those of the opposite sex. Keep this in mind if you come from a country where traditions on personal maintaining space are more lax.

 Flora & Fauna

• Flora: Fiji is home to a wide variety of tropical plants, including palm trees, ferns, and broad-leaved trees. Commonly seen flowers include frangipanis, orchids, and hibiscus. The country is also known for its exotic species, such as the Taunoa people’s medicinal plant, loatunuka; the yellow-blossomed visa tree; and the Fijian inkberry.
• Fauna: The island is also home to a variety of animals, including snakes, lizards, birds, and bats. While sea turtles can be found in the water, animals like the kouwai (Fiji snake) and the iguana are common on the land. Even more unusual creatures, such as the Fiji banded iguana, a species of iguana found only in Fiji, can be seen in the country.