Fiji

Recommended Vaccinations For Fiji

For Most Travellers

Hepatitis A Vaccine

There is a significant risk of exposure to hepatitis A for this country. Therefore, the vaccination is recommended.

Hepatitis B Vaccine

There is a significant risk of infection with hepatitis B for this country. Therefore, the vaccination is recommended.

For Some Travellers

Yellow Fever Vaccine

There is no risk of yellow fever transmission. However, a yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for travellers over 1 year of age arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission and for travellers having transited more than 12 hours through an airport of a country with risk of yellow fever transmission.

Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) Vaccine

BCG vaccine is recommended for those at increased risk from coming in close contact with infected persons or for unvaccinated, children under 16 years of age, who are going to live in the country for more than 3 months.

Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) Vaccine

A dose of Measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine is recommended for infants aged 6 to 11 months.

Rabies Vaccine

Those travellers whose activities may bring them into direct contact with bats are at higher risk and should consider the vaccination against rabies.

Typhoid Fever Vaccine

There is a risk of exposure to typhoid fever in this country through consumption of unsafe food and water. Since exposure to unsafe sources is variable within this country, the vaccination against typhoid fever is generally recommended, especially when visiting smaller cities, rural areas, or staying with friends and family.

Recommended Medications For Fiji

There are no recommendations for Fiji at this time.

Diseases To Be Aware of for Fiji

For Most Travellers

Dengue Fever

Dengue fever outbreaks have occurred in Fiji.

Hepatitis B

There is a risk for acquiring hepatitis B in Fiji.

Hepatitis A

There is a risk for hepatitis A virus exposure in Fiji through contaminated food or water. Infection can still occur at tourist destinations and resorts.

For Some Travellers

Chikungunya Fever

There is a risk of acquiring Chikungunya in this country.

Hanta Virus

There is a risk of acquiring Hantavirus in this country through the consumption of food and water contaminated by an infected rodent or through rodent bites.

Measles

There is a risk of acquiring Measles in this country.

Zika Fever

There is transmission of the Zika virus in this county.

Typhoid Fever

Unvaccinated people can become infected through contaminated food and water in Fiji. The risk is higher when visiting smaller cities, villages, or rural areas where food and water sources may be contaminated.

Tuberculosis

Travellers to this country are at risk for tuberculosis if visiting sick friends or family, working in the healthcare field, or having close prolonged contact with a sick person.

Yellow Fever

Travellers are not at risk for yellow fever for this country. However, a yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for travellers over 1 year of age arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission and for travellers having transited more than 12 hours through an airport of a country with risk of yellow fever transmission.

Rabies

The risk of acquiring Rabies is low. Fiji is free of dog rabies. However, it may be present in bats. Those with occupational risks (such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals, researchers) may be at risk.

Safety & Security in Fiji

Personal Safety

Crime rates are low in Fiji, and most travellers have no safety or security problems. Petty crime is common. Keep valuables secure and out of sight. Ensure that personal belongings and travel documents are secure at all times. Be wary when withdrawing money from automated banking machines. Avoid walking alone after dark, and avoid isolated areas. Women travelling alone should exercise caution as there have been reports of sexual assaults against foreign nationals.

At this time, there is no hyperbaric (decompression) chamber in Fiji. The only decompression chamber is not operational at this time. If you plan to dive, do so well within safety limits. Have travel and health insurance that would cover any costs associated with diving and medical evacuation.

Exercise caution when driving as road conditions may be poor, especially in rural areas. Roads may not be well maintained and may not be well marked or lit. Animals wandering onto roadways may also pose a risk. Drive on the left-hand side of the road.

Yellow plates on taxis and minibuses denote vehicle registration and compliance with transportation regulations. Only use ferries associated with a travel company.

Exercise extreme caution when participating in outdoor adventure activities as safety standards may not be adequate. Also, exercise caution when swimming as currents may be strong and unpredictable.

Although same-sex sexual activity is legal in Fiji, same-sex marriage is not, and social discrimination against LGBTI people is common.

Due to the conservative nature of the country, dress and behave conservatively outside tourist locations.

Tropical cyclones and monsoons occur in Fiji between November and April. Flooding, landslides, major damage to infrastructure, and disruption to travel plans may result. Be aware of the evacuation routes. Move inland during these natural disasters, in accordance with the region’s evacuation plan. Monitor weather updates closely.

Due to its location in an active seismic zone, Fiji is at risk for earthquakes and tsunamis.

Political Unrest

As in any country, avoid public demonstrations or protests since these situations can escalate unexpectedly.