tourist visa fiji to nz

Visas and entry requirements

Visas, New Zealand

By Tourism New Zealand

Learn more about the available visa options and entry requirements into Aotearoa New Zealand, including the New Zealand Traveller Declaration.

Aotearoa New Zealand enjoys welcoming visitors (manuhiri) to our beautiful country.

Having a valid passport, the right visa and completing the entry requirements are key to a trouble-free entry into New Zealand.

Your passport has to be valid for at least three months beyond your intended departure date, and if required, have a valid New Zealand visa .

On this page, you'll find helpful information on:

• Arriving in New Zealand
• Visitor visa for a holiday
• Working holiday visa
• Transit visa (through New Zealand or Australia)

New Zealand visa options

Visiting new zealand for a holiday.

You do not need a visa to visit New Zealand if you are:

• A New Zealand citizen travelling on a New Zealand passport or on a foreign passport that has a New Zealand citizen endorsement
• An Australian citizen travelling on an Australian passport
• A foreign passport holder with a valid visa for New Zealand - including a Permanent Resident visa

If you plan to visit New Zealand for a short period, you need to request a New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (opens in new window) (NZeTA) before you travel if you are:

• A citizen of a country which has a visa waiver (opens in new window) agreement with New Zealand (you can stay up to three months)

If you don’t meet the above, then you’ll need a visitor visa. The fastest and easiest way to apply for a visitor visa (opens in new window) is online.

Before travelling to New Zealand, you need to make sure your passport is valid for at least three months longer than your expected departure date.

Be sure to request your NZeTA (opens in new window) , or apply for your visitor visa well in advance of travel to avoid delays, and only use the official NZeTA website to request your New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority.

For more information on cost and processing times, visit the official NZeTA website .

If you have a biometric ordinary passport (or electronic passport) and are over 12 years old, you may be able to use New Zealand Customs eGate service. This allows you to complete your Customs and Immigration checks faster so you can get on with enjoying your visit to New Zealand.

Essential travel information

Working holidays.

Working holiday visas (opens in new window) are available to young people, usually aged 18-30 (but 18-35 for a select few nationalities). They let you travel and work in New Zealand for up to 12 months, or 23 months if you’re from the UK. To apply you’ll need to meet the visa requirements, and have:

• A return ticket, or enough money to pay for one; and 
• Be coming mainly to holiday, with work being a secondary intention.

Back to the top

Work visas and staying permanently

If you’re thinking of coming to New Zealand to work for a few years, or maybe even to settle, you’ll need a work or resident visa. To get that – you’re likely to need a job.

For information about working in New Zealand, including industry profiles, tips on job hunting, and a list of job sites to check out, visit New Zealand Now. (opens in new window)

Transiting through New Zealand or Australia

If you are travelling to New Zealand via an Australian airport, you may also need an Australian visa – consult your travel agent or airline if you are unsure.

Transit visas (opens in new window) will also be needed for all people travelling via New Zealand, unless they are specifically exempted by immigration policy.

More information about visas

The visa and immigration information on this page is just a summary. For everything you need to know about coming to New Zealand, visit Immigration New Zealand. (opens in new window)

Find out if you need a visa

Arriving in Aotearoa New Zealand

Everyone entering New Zealand needs to complete a  New Zealand Traveller Declaration (NZTD) (opens in new window)  including babies and children.

Traveller Declaration requirements (opens in new window)

It’s free and you can complete it on the NZTD website or by downloading the NZTD app ahead of your travel.

You can start your NZTD at a time that suits you. If arriving by plane, the earliest you can submit your declaration is 24 hours before you start your trip to New Zealand. An NZTD needs to be submitted by the time you reach New Zealand passport control.

If arriving by boat (including cruise ships), the earliest you can submit your NZTD is 24 hours before departing the vessel’s last foreign port prior to arriving in New Zealand.

It needs to be submitted by the time the vessel has berthed at its first port in New Zealand. ​

If you apply for a visa or NZeTA, you still need to complete an NZTD (opens in new window) .

Here's how to complete your declaration online. 

The form is available in English and Te Reo Māori, as well as simplified and traditional Chinese Mandarin. 

From April 2024, the form will be in 12 more languages: Hindi, Samoan, Fijian, French, German, Japanese, Korean, Malay, Tagalog, Tamil, Tongan, and Portuguese.

Paper NZTD forms will be available for travellers who cannot complete it online.

Fill out your NZ Traveller Declaration

What you can bring into New Zealand

After you’ve cleared passport control, you should collect your baggage and proceed through customs and biosecurity checks. In order to protect New Zealand and its environment, certain items are not allowed to be brought into the country, have restrictions for entry or must be declared if they are deemed to present a biosecurity risk. These include food, plants, animal products and outdoor recreational equipment.

Your baggage may be sniffed by a detector dog and/or x-rayed, and it may be searched to identify any risk goods you might be carrying.

To avoid penalties it is best to familiarise yourself with these guidelines prior to travel. For a detailed list of prohibited, restricted or declarable items, please visit Ministry for Primary Industries (opens in new window) (biosecurity agency).

Allowances and duty free concessions

As a visitor to New Zealand you may be entitled to various concessions and duty free entries on some of your goods. If you are 17 years or older, you are entitled to allowances for alcohol, cigarettes and tobacco. For detailed information on allowances and duty free concessions, please visit New Zealand Customs (opens in new window) .

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How to apply for a visitor visa

If you come to New Zealand on a holiday, you might need to apply for a visitor visa before you arrive. Work out what you need to do to apply.

Find out if you need to apply

If you come to New Zealand on holiday, you’ll need to get either an NZeTA or a visitor visa — unless you’re an Australian citizen.

Check if you need an NZeTA or a visitor visa — Immigration New Zealand

Explore visa options — Immigration New Zealand

If you already have a visitor visa and want to stay longer in NZ

You cannot extend a visitor visa — you’ll need to apply for a new visa at least a month before your current visa expires.

If you do not leave NZ before your visa expires — Immigration New Zealand

Choose how to apply

The fastest and easiest way to apply is online.

Apply for your visitor visa online — Immigration New Zealand

If you cannot apply online, you can download a paper application.

Visitor Visa Application ( INZ 1017) — Immigration New Zealand

If you do not provide all the documents you’re asked for, Immigration New Zealand ( INZ ) will return your application.

Find out what it costs and how long it takes

What you pay for your visa depends on the method you use to apply — applying online is usually cheaper. Most people pay by credit card (Mastercard, Visa or UnionPay).

Find out what applies to you and how long it’ll take to get your visa.

Fees, decision times and where to apply — Immigration New Zealand

Gather documents for your application

You’ll need to prove that you:

• have a ticket out of NZ or money to buy one
• are in good health and of good character
• have money to live on or have a sponsor to support you financially while you’re here.

What you need to apply for a visitor visa — Immigration New Zealand

Prove your identity

With your application you need to:

• provide a colour photo — or 2 if you’re using the paper form to apply
• have a passport that’s valid for at least 3 months after the date you plan to leave NZ .

Acceptable photos for a visa or NZeTA — Immigration New Zealand

INZ will let you know if you need to send your passport to them before they approve your visa. For most online applications they do not need it.

Prove you’re of good character and in good health

You must tell INZ about any offences you’ve:

• been charged with
• been convicted of
• served time in prison for.

Good character for temporary visas — Immigration New Zealand

If you’re applying for a visa, you may need a chest X-ray or medical examination as evidence of your good health.

Who needs an X-ray or medical examination — Immigration New Zealand

Apply for your visa

To make an online application, you need to set up a New Zealand Government RealMe ®  account.

Use RealMe ® to prove your identity online

Before you start your online application, have all your supporting documents ready to upload.

Apply for your visa online — Immigration New Zealand

Receive your visa

If your visa application is approved, you’ll get a label in your passport or a letter.

How we process visa applications — Immigration New Zealand

The date your visa expires is on your visa. Unless you get another visa, you must leave NZ on or before this date.

Changing the conditions of a visitor visa — Immigration New Zealand

Plan your trip

Once you have your visa sorted, you can start planning your trip to NZ . Check out some of the must-do attractions and places to go.

Welcome to New Zealand — Tourism New Zealand

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Last updated 30 April 2024

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Date printed 02 June 2024

Visa Traveler

Exploring the world one country at a time

New Zealand Visitor Visa (Tourist Visa): Eligibility, Requirements and Application Process

Published: February 16, 2024

The New Zealand Visitor Visa is the general tourist visa available to non-visa-waiver nationalities.

Applications can be lodged either online or on paper. It’s cheaper and simpler to do it online as you won’t have to pay fees for a Visa Application Center and couriers. It’s also recommended by the New Zealand Immigration.

Quick summary:

• Eligibility: All nationalities are eligible
• Validity: Valid for 6 months if single entry, or 3-5 years if multiple entry
• Multiple entries: Not more than 6 months in any 12-month period
• Single entry: 9 months
• Visa fee: Up to 246 NZD (if applied online)
• Processing time: 80% of applications are processed within 4 weeks

If you haven’t already, read the New Zealand Visa Guide to familiarize yourself with available visa types for tourists, requirements, eligibility and procedures at the airport.

Table of Contents

Understanding new zealand visitor visa.

Visitor visa validity

In most cases, the New Zealand visitor visa is valid for 3 years with multiple entries.

For Chinese passports, the visa is valid for 5 years, whereas for US passports, the validity is 4 years.

Single-entry visitor visas have 6 months validity.

If your passport expires before that, you are allowed to transfer your visa to your new passport. 

Duration of stay

Multiple-entry visas let you visit New Zealand for up to 6 months at a time. You can spend a maximum of 6 months within any 12 months. 

For example, if you stay in New Zealand for 4 months from January 1 to May 1, then leave and come back on June 1, you will only be allowed to stay 2 more months, i.e. until August 1. Afterwards, you can return to New Zealand no earlier than January 1.

Single-entry visas allow you to stay a maximum of 9 months. This visa cannot allow you to stay in New Zealand for more than 9 months within the last 18 months, for example, if you had another visa before that.

Allowed number of entries

Most New Zealand Visitor visas allow multiple entries.

Single-entry visas are issued if you express your need to stay in New Zealand for longer than 6 months.

Allowed ports of entry

You can enter through any international airport or port.

If you arrive in New Zealand in a different location by private yacht or private aircraft, you must report to a customs port or airport without delay and complete an arrival card there. 

When to apply

• Earliest: 3 months before you travel
• Latest: 1 month before you travel

New Zealand Visitor Visa Requirements

Who requires a visitor visa.

The New Zealand Visitor Visa is required for all nationalities who want to travel to New Zealand for tourism, EXCEPT for:

• Australian passport holders
• Travelers from visa-waiver countries (they must obtain an NZeTA )
• Transit passengers through Auckland International Airport not leaving the transit area (must obtain NZeTA or Transit Visa depending on eligibility)

Documents required

Include as many documents to support your application as you can. You have to satisfy New Zealand Immigration that:

• You are who you say you are
• You won’t be a risk to public health
• You are of good character without a substantial criminal record and not a threat to the public
• You have enough money to support yourself
• You are a genuine tourist visitor who will not overstay or work illegally.

To do this, attach the following documents:

Identity Documents

• Valid Passport or certificate of identity (valid for at least 3 more months after the intended departure date from New Zealand)
• 1 acceptable photo (for online applications)
• Residence Permit or Visa (if you live in a country different from your citizenship)

Health Documents

• normally nothing required
• Chest X-ray but only if you come from or have spent at least 3 months in the past 5 years in a country that doesn’t have a low incidence of tuberculosis .
• Chest X-ray regardless of where you come from
• Medical Certificate

Character Documents

• Normally nothing required
• You must disclose any criminal record or character issues

Proof of Funds Documents

Include documents that show you have at least 1000 NZD per month, or 400 NZD per month if you’ve already paid for your accommodation. For example:

• Bank statements
• Credit card statements
• Traveler cheques
• Proof of booked and paid accommodation 

Genuine Visitor Documents (Bona-fides)

• Explanation of the reasons for your trip
• Hotel bookings
• Tickets for attractions or events
• Transportation tickets
• Passport pages with entry and exit stamps
• Copy of the letter from that country’s immigration authority declining your application (OR)
• A written explanation of why your application was not successful if the original letter is not available.
• Citizenship statuses
• Evidence of Employment, e.g. leave approval letter from employer with expected return date and pay slips
• Evidence of Study, e.g. university letter, student identity card
• Evidence of Relationships, e.g. family register, marriage certificate
• Evidence of Assets, e.g. deed of ownership for property, proof of business ownership
• Evidence you receive a pension, e.g. retirement certificate, pension slips

Photo requirements

For online applications , your photo must be:

• between 500 KB and 3 MB
• between 900 x 1,200 pixels and 2,250 x 3,000 pixels
• JPG or JPEG format.

For paper applications , your photo must be:

• 35 mm wide and 45 mm high

All photos must:

• Be in portrait, not landscape
• Have even lighting with minimal shadowing
• Be in color, showing natural skin tones
• Be in focus, not blurry
• Not contain red-eye
• Be an unedited original
• Not be a selfie
• Be taken 1.5 meters from the face
• Be taken against a plain, light-colored (but not white) background with no patterns or objects
• Only contain plain clothing patterns
• facing straight to the camera
• Keeping your eyes open and mouth closed
• Not smiling or frowning
• Having long hair tucked behind the ears
• Not wearing any sunglasses or hats (prescription glasses are allowed if there is no reflected light or glare)
• Religious head coverings are allowed as long as your face and hairline are visible

Visit this page for examples of acceptable photos .

Visitor visa fee

The Visa fee for paper applications depends on your country and the Visa Application Center (VAC) you apply at. You will also have to pay a VAC processing fee and for courier service.

If you apply online, the visa fee for most nationalities is 246 NZD. This includes the International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL) of 35 NZD.

Citizens of the following Pacific Island Nations pay 171 NZD.

• Federated States of Micronesia
• Marshall Islands
• Papua New Guinea
• Solomon Islands

Processing time

As of the time of writing, 80% of all applications are processed within 4 weeks.

New Zealand Visitor Visa Application Process

How to apply for visitor visa.

It’s both easier and cheaper to apply online. As such, the following procedure is for online applications.

Follow these steps:

• Go to the New Zealand Immigration website
• You will be redirected to RealMe to create an account
• Start a new application
• Fill in your personal information and attach a photo (the system will check the photo for eligibility)
• Answer questions about your reasons for visiting New Zealand, your character, health, employment history and relationships
• Attach as many documents as you deem necessary
• Pay the visa fee
• Submit the application

Track visitor visa status

You can track your visa status in the dashboard of the application webpage.

Download approved visitor visa

If you made an online application, you must print your eVisa and carry it with you when you travel to New Zealand. You will get a visa label when you make a paper application, in which case you do not need to print anything. 

Visitor visa customer service

For additional help, check the Resource Library or make a complaint .

Procedure at the Border

When you arrive in New Zealand, you must complete a Traveler Declaration and seek entrance permission.

Approach an Immigration Officer

You must be able to produce evidence that you will meet the conditions of your visa. Officers usually ask to see:

• Onward travel ticket
• Booking confirmations

Clear Customs

Be extremely careful with the customs declaration you submit. Declare all items or goods listed on the form. Failure to do so, even if the items are benign, may lead to instant fines or even the cancellation of your visa.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is new zealand tourist visa easy to get.

The New Zealand Tourist Visa is easy to obtain if you submit all the necessary documents and enough proof that you intend to visit the country as a genuine tourist.

Is there an interview for New Zealand tourist visa?

In most cases there is no interview for the New Zealand Visitor Visa. Immigration may ask you to submit more documents to explain your circumstances. In very rare cases, you may be invited for an interview.

Is return ticket required for visitor visa to New Zealand?

Yes, a return ticket is a mandatory condition to enter New Zealand.

How much bank balance is required for New Zealand tourist visa?

The minimum bank balance required for a New Zealand tourist visa is 1000 NZD per month of intended stay. If you can prove that you’ve already paid for accommodation, the required amount drops to 400 NZD per month.

WRITTEN BY THIRUMAL MOTATI

Thirumal Motati is an expert in tourist visa matters. He has been traveling the world on tourist visas for more than a decade. With his expertise, he has obtained several tourist visas, including the most strenuous ones such as the US, UK, Canada, and Schengen, some of which were granted multiple times. He has also set foot inside US consulates on numerous occasions. Mr. Motati has uncovered the secrets to successful visa applications. His guidance has enabled countless individuals to obtain their visas and fulfill their travel dreams. His statements have been mentioned in publications like Yahoo, BBC, The Hindu, and Travel Zoo.

PLAN YOUR TRAVEL WITH VISA TRAVELER

I highly recommend using these websites to plan your trip. I use these websites myself to apply for my visas, book my flights and hotels and purchase my travel insurance.

01. Apply for your visa

Get a verifiable flight itinerary for your visa application from DummyTicket247 . DummyTicket247 is a flight search engine to search and book flight itineraries for visas instantly. These flight itineraries are guaranteed to be valid for 2 weeks and work for all visa applications.

02. Book your fight

Find the cheapest flight tickets using Skyscanner . Skyscanner includes all budget airlines and you are guaranteed to find the cheapest flight to your destination.

03. Book your hotel

Book your hotel from Booking.com . Booking.com has pretty much every hotel, hostel and guesthouse from every destination.

04. Get your onward ticket

If traveling on a one-way ticket, use BestOnwardTicket to get proof of onward ticket for just $12, valid for 48 hours.

05. Purchase your insurance

Purchase travel medical insurance for your trip from SafetyWing . Insurance from SafetyWing covers COVID-19 and also comes with a visa letter which you can use for your visas.

Need more? Check out my travel resources page  for the best websites to plan your trip.

LEGAL DISCLAIMER We are not affiliated with immigration, embassies or governments of any country. The content in this article is for educational and general informational purposes only, and shall not be understood or construed as, visa, immigration or legal advice. Your use of information provided in this article is solely at your own risk and you expressly agree not to rely upon any information contained in this article as a substitute for professional visa or immigration advice. Under no circumstance shall be held liable or responsible for any errors or omissions in this article or for any damage you may suffer in respect to any actions taken or not taken based on any or all of the information in this article. Please refer to our full disclaimer for further information.

AFFILIATE DISCLOSURE This post may contain affiliate links, which means we may receive a commission, at no extra cost to you, if you make a purchase through a link. Please refer to our full disclosure for further information.

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Travel Requirements

Travel requirements for fiji: visas, covid guidelines, and care fiji commitment, fiji entry requirements, essential fiji travel guides.

Do I need a visa for Fiji?

You may need a visa to visit  Fiji depending on your nationality. Foreign nationals from over 100 countries – including Australia , New Zealand , the United States , the EU and the United Kingdom – can enter Fiji visa-free for up to four months. Border officials will stamp your passport on arrival. This doesn’t mean there are no entry requirements though, as all travellers will need to provide confirmation of an onward travel ticket and a copy of your hotel or tour booking (among other entry requirements which we’ll get to shortly).

You can see the list of exempt countries on the Fijian Immigration Department's website . Foreign nationals from non-exempt countries will need to apply for a visa prior to travel.

There are two tourist visas for Fiji:

• Single entry visa (approx. $91) – grants single entry for stays of up to three months
• Multiple entry visa (approx. $180) – grants multiple entries valid up to 12 months, with each stay not exceeding four months
• Download  an application form from the Fiji Immigration Department's website
• Gather the relevant documents listed in this checklist
• Lodge your application directly through your nearest Fiji High Commission or Embassy.

Applications are usually processed within a couple of weeks, but it’s best to give yourself plenty of time in case there are any delays.

Regardless of whether or not you need a visa, all travellers entering Fiji must hold:

• a passport valid for at least six months beyond the planned period of stay
• at least one blank passport page
• evidence of onward travel (e.g. a return flight ticket)
• a document to show the purpose of your visit (e.g. a booking confirmation of your tour)
• sufficient funds for the duration of your trip
• a visa for your onward travel destination (if applicable)

Visa and entry requirements can change anytime, so we recommend all travellers check with their local consulate or embassy as this information may change. 

The page is for general information only and may be subject to change. It is your responsibility to obtain relevant visa and travel information required for entry, departure and travel to each country or region you visit on your trip. You should confirm these with the relevant embassies and/or consulates. 

Last updated: 1/12/2023

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New Zealand Visitor Visa for Fijian citizens

Are you planning a trip to New Zealand from Fiji? Here’s how to start with your visa application .

A visit to New Zealand is an opportunity to see incredible sights—from the towering peaks of the Southern Alps to the peaceful waters of the Bay of Islands. Getting a visa is an important part of your travel prep before experiencing these wonders.

Although iVisa does not currently handle applications for the New Zealand Visitor Visa, we're here to offer the essential information you'll need. By the end of this article, you'll know whether you need a Visitor Visa or an ETA and understand the steps to apply. Let’s prepare you for your journey to the Land of the Long White Cloud.

Do Fijian citizens need a New Zealand Visitor Visa?

Yes, Fijian citizens planning to visit New Zealand must first get a visa .

The New Zealand Visitor Visa is ideal for Fijians traveling to New Zealand for tourism, visiting family and friends, or participating in amateur sports or adventure activities . Depending on the type of visa issued, you can stay for up to 9 months on a single-entry visa or up to 6 months on a multiple-entry visa within a 12-month period .

To be eligible for the Visitor Visa, you must show that you have genuine intentions as a tourist. This means evidence of sufficient ties to your home country, such as a job or family. You also need to show that you have enough funds to support your stay in New Zealand. For a detailed breakdown of the visa requirements, please visit the New Zealand Immigration website .

As a Fijian national, you’re eligible for a New Zealand ETA if you meet one of the following conditions:

You’re a permanent resident of Australia.

You’re transiting through New Zealand to or from Australia via Auckland International Airport.

You arrive in New Zealand on a cruise ship.

Learn more about the New Zealand ETA

How to apply for a New Zealand Visitor Visa from Fiji

Applying for a New Zealand Visitor Visa from Fiji can be done online, which is often faster and allows you to upload documents and pay fees directly through the platform. You can also submit a paper application in person at a visa application center or by mail.

How to submit an online application

Gather the required documents. If your documents are not in English, have certified translated copies. Make sure they are in the correct format and size for uploading.

Visit the New Zealand Immigration website . Create a RealMe account or log into it if you already have one.

Create a new application by clicking “My visas” and “Apply for a visa” on the next page. Scroll down to “Your situation’” and choose “Temporary entry class visa” from the dropdown menu.

Select yes or no for the “Are you outside New Zealand” question. Choose “Visitor” in the “What type of visa do you want to apply for” dropdown menu.

On the next page select the purpose of your visit and the reason why you want to visit New Zealand. Click “Start my application.”

Fill out the online application form. Make sure the information you provide matches your documents. Upload your passport photo and the required documents.

Pay the visa fee and submit your application.

Wait for your application to be processed. You'll receive an email notification once a decision has been made.

How to submit a paper application

Visit the New Zealand Immigration website , download and print the application form.

Fill out the application form. Gather all the required documents. For those that are not in English, get them translated and certified.

Book an appointment at the VFS Global visa application center closest to you.

Visit the visa application center, submit your application, and pay the fees.

Wait for your application to be processed and then collect your documents as instructed.

New Zealand embassy in Fiji

If you need consular assistance for your New Zealand Visitor Visa, you can contact the New Zealand High Commission in Suva .

Address: Reserve Bank of Fiji Building, Pratt St, Suva, Fiji

Phone: +679 331 1422

Email address: [email protected]

If you're outside Fiji or need New Zealand consular services from another country, our Embassies Finder can help you locate the nearest New Zealand embassy or consulate wherever you are in the world.

Get support for your New Zealand ETA application

If you've got more questions about applying for a New Zealand ETA, you can get in touch with our customer support team . Contact them any time via WhatsApp or through the iVisa chat .

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Travel Advisory August 9, 2023

Fiji - level 1: exercise normal precautions.

Reissued with updates to health information and Level 2 area.

Exercise normal precautions in Fiji. Some areas have increased risks. Read the entire Travel Advisory.

Read the  country information page  for additional information on travel to Fiji.

If you decide to travel to Fiji:

• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program  ( STEP ) to receive security messages and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Follow the Department of State on  Facebook  and  Twitter.
• Review the  Country Security Report  for Fiji.
• Visit the CDC page for the latest  Travel Health Information  related to your travel.
• Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the  Traveler’s Checklist .

Colo I Suva Forest Park - Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution

Crime along the trails, particularly phone and bag snatchings, occurs frequently in areas where foreigners gather; resistance can result in injury. Be aware of your surroundings at all times and to be extra vigilant when displaying items like jewelry, bags and cell phones in public.

Do not physically resist any robbery attempt. Use caution when walking or driving at night.

Embassy Messages

View Alerts and Messages Archive

Quick Facts

At least six months after your scheduled departure from Fiji

One page required for entry stamp

Not required for stays of fewer than four months

Currency over F$10,000 or the U.S. dollar equivalent must be declared

Currency over F$10,000 or the U.S. dollar equivalent

Embassies and Consulates

U.s. embassy suva.

158 Princes Rd, Tamavua Suva, Fiji Islands Telephone: +(679) 331-4466 Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(679) 772-8049 Fax: +(679) 330-2267 Email:   [email protected]

Destination Description

Learn about the U.S. relationship to countries around the world.

Entry, Exit and Visa Requirements

To enter Fiji, you will need:

• A passport valid for at least six months after your scheduled departure date from Fiji
• Proof that you have sufficient funds for your stay in Fiji
• Onward or return ticket

You do not need a visa if you are a tourist staying less than four months.

HIV/AIDS Restrictions:  Some HIV/AIDS entry restrictions exist for visitors to and foreign residents of Fiji. There are no restrictions to long-term or short-term visits, and no HIV tests are required for a visit shorter than four months. A medical clearance is required for those seeking a work permit in Fiji. Once medical clearance is obtained, the work permit committee will decide on a case-by-case basis whether or not to approve the permit. Please verify this information with the  Embassy of the Republic of Fiji  before you travel.

Visit the  Embassy of Fiji   website for the most current visa information.

Find information on dual nationality , prevention of international child abduction and customs regulations on our websites.

Safety and Security

Public Safety: Although demonstrations are not common in Fiji, you should avoid marches and large crowds, remembering that even peaceful demonstrations can turn violent unexpectedly.

Crime:  Crime: Remain cautious and alert in public places. Urban areas experience a higher incidence of crime than rural areas, but there are specific locations to avoid. Most crime is opportunistic. If you are not familiar with an area, ask hotel staff about areas to avoid.

• Several assaults and robberies have occurred in the bar and nightclub district of downtown Suva, the waterfront/seawall area during hours of darkness, as well as on Victoria Parade Street. Consider taking door-to-door transportation.
• Violent robberies and assaults continue to occur within the Colo I Suva Forest Park and as of July 2023 there is no security presence on the trails.
• Be attentive to your personal safety and be cautious about sharing too much personal information about where you are from and where you are staying while traveling.
• Reports of sexual assault against female tourists have increased. You should not walk alone after dark and always be sure to avoid isolated and deserted areas.
• Since some crime takes place in taxis, do not allow taxis to pick up other passengers while you are enroute. Similarly, you should never enter a taxi already carrying other passengers.

Victims of Crime: U.S. citizen victims of sexual assault are encouraged to contact the U.S. Embassy for assistance at + (679) 331-4466, or after hours at +(679) 772-8049.

Report crimes to the local police at 911 and contact the U.S. Embassy at + (679) 331-4466, or after hours at +(679) 772-8049. Remember that local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crime.

See our webpage on  help for U.S. victims of crime overseas .

International Financial Scams:  See the  Department of State  and the  FBI   pages for information.

• Help you find appropriate medical care
• Assist you in reporting a crime to the police
• Contact relatives or friends with your written consent
• Provide general information regarding the victim’s role during the local investigation and following its conclusion
• Provide a list of local attorneys
• Provide our information on  victim’s compensation programs in the United States.
• Provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States and/or limited medical support in cases of destitution
• Help you find accommodation and arrange flights home
• Replace a stolen or lost passport

Tourism:  The tourism industry is unevenly regulated, and safety inspections for equipment and facilities do not commonly occur. Hazardous areas/activities are not always identified with appropriate signage, and staff may not be trained or certified either by the host government or by recognized authorities in the field. In the event of an injury, appropriate medical treatment is typically available only in/near major cities. First responders are generally unable to access areas outside of major cities and to provide urgent medical treatment. U.S. citizens are encouraged to purchase medical evacuation insurance . 

Domestic Violence:  U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence are encouraged to contact the Embassy for assistance.

For further information:

• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program  ( STEP )   to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency. 
• Call us in Washington at 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States and Canada or 1-202-501-4444 from other countries from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
• See the  State Department's travel website  for the  Worldwide Caution ,   Travel Advisories , and  Alerts .
• Follow us on  Twitter  and  Facebook . 
• See  traveling safely abroad  for useful travel tips.

Local Laws & Special Circumstances

Criminal Penalties:  You are subject to local laws. If you violate local laws, even unknowingly, you may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned. Individuals establishing a business or practicing a profession that requires additional permits or licensing should seek information from the competent local authorities, prior to practicing or operating a business.

Furthermore, some laws are also prosecutable in the United States, regardless of local law. For examples, see our website on  crimes against minors abroad  and the  Department of Justice  website.

Arrest Notification:  If you are arrested or detained, ask police or prison officials to notify the U.S. Embassy immediately. See our  webpage  for further information.

Disaster preparedness:

• Fiji is located in an area of high seismic activity called the “Ring of Fire” and is subject to earthquakes which can trigger a tsunami.
• The rainy (or monsoon) season in the South Pacific is from November to April, when strong winds, heavy rains, landslides, and disruptions to services could occur.
• For information about tropical cyclone preparedness, visit our disaster preparedness webpage and  NOAA's Hurricane Preparedness Guide.
• For information about all types of natural disasters, visit the  CDC webpages .

Faith-Based Travelers:  See the following webpages for details:

• Faith-Based Travel Information
• International Religious Freedom Report  – see country reports
• Human Rights Report  – see country reports
• Hajj Fact Sheet for Travelers
• Best Practices for Volunteering Abroad

LGBTQI+ Travelers:  The constitution of Fiji prohibits discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation, gender, and gender identity and expression. Fijian law also prohibits discrimination in employment based on sexual orientation; however, there are no laws specifically prohibiting discrimination against LGBTQI+ persons in other areas.

LGBTQI+ travelers may encounter difficulties when pursuing adoption, marriage, devolution of property on death and pension, and holding public office.

Fijian law does not criminalize consensual same-sex sexual activity and recognizes male-on-male rape as a crime.

In general attitudes toward LGBTQI+ individuals have become more accepting, especially among the young, and articles promoting tolerance are regularly found in the media.

See   our  LGBTQI+ Travel Information   page and section 6 of our  Human Rights report  for further details.

Travelers Who Require Accessibility Assistance.   All persons are considered equal under Fijian law, and discrimination against persons with disabilities in employment, education, provision of housing and land, or provision of other state services is illegal. Statutes provide for the right of access to places and all modes of transport are open to the public. Public health regulations include penalties for noncompliance; however, there is little or no enforcement of laws protecting persons with disabilities.

Building regulations require new public buildings to be accessible to persons with disabilities, but only a few existing buildings meet this requirement. Under the Health and Safety at Work Act, all new office spaces must be accessible to persons with disabilities. The number of disabled-accessible vehicles in the country is small.

There are some special schools for persons with physical, cognitive, and sensory disabilities, but cost and location limit access. Opportunities for a secondary school education for those with disabilities are very limited.

Students:  See our  Students Abroad  page and  FBI travel tips .

Women Travelers:  See our travel tips for  Women Travelers .

For emergency services in Fiji dial 911 or 910.

Ambulance services are not widely available and training and availability of emergency responders may be below U.S. standards. Ambulances are often not equipped with state-of-the-art medical equipment. Injured or seriously ill travelers may prefer to take a taxi or private vehicle to the nearest major hospital rather than wait for an ambulance.

The Department of State does not pay medical bills. Be aware that U.S. Medicare/Medicaid does not apply overseas. Most hospitals and doctors overseas do not accept U.S. health insurance.

Medical Insurance:  Make sure your health insurance plan provides coverage overseas. Most care providers overseas only accept cash payments. See  our webpage  for more information on insurance coverage overseas. Visit the  U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention  for more information on type of insurance you should consider before you travel overseas.

We strongly recommend supplemental insurance to cover medical evacuation.

Medication : Always carry your prescription medication in original packaging, along with your doctor’s prescription.

Vaccinations:  Be up-to-date on all  vaccinations  recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Further health information:

• World Health Organization
• U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention  (CDC)

The U.S. Embassy maintains  a list of doctors and hospitals . We do not endorse or recommend any specific medical provider or clinic.

Health facilities:

• Health facilities are available in major cities, but health care in rural areas may be below U.S. standards.
• Public medical clinics sometimes lack basic resources and supplies.
• Hospitals and doctors often require payment “up front” prior to service or admission. Most hospitals and medical professionals require cash payment.
• Hospitals usually require advance payment or proof of adequate insurance before admitting a patient.
• Psychological and psychiatric services are limited, even in the larger cities, with hospital-based care only available through government institutions

Pharmaceuticals:

• Exercise caution when purchasing medication overseas. Pharmaceuticals, both over the counter and requiring prescription in the United States, are often readily available for purchase with little controls. Counterfeit medication is common and may prove to be ineffective, the wrong strength, or contain dangerous ingredients. Medication should be purchased in consultation with a medical professional and from reputable establishments.
• U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the Food and Drug Administration are responsible for rules governing the transport of medication back to the United States. Medication purchased abroad must meet their requirements to be legally brought back into the United States. Medication should be for personal use and must be approved for usage in the United States. Please visit the  U.S. Customs and Border Protection  and the  Food and Drug Administration  websites for more information.

Adventure Travel:

• Scuba divers should be aware that Fiji’s hyperbaric chamber is currently not in service, and the nearest chambers are in New Zealand and Australia.
• While Fiji  continues work to bring a new chamber online, divers should consider insurance that covers both decompression treatment and, if needed, medical evacuation to a third country.
• Visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for more information about  Adventure Travel .

General Health Information:

The following diseases are prevalent:

• Chikungunya

Visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for more information about  Resources for Travelers  regarding specific issues in Fiji.

Travel and Transportation

Road Conditions and Safety:   Traffic moves on the left in Fiji. While most roads in urban areas are paved, they are poorly maintained. Roads outside the city are usually not paved. In the city, be especially attentive when driving after dark. Outside of the city, it is best to avoid driving after dark except in emergency or exceptional circumstances. Insufficient lighting, stray animals, and potholes make driving dangerous and particularly hazardous at night.

Traffic Laws:  Driving while intoxicated is illegal in Fiji. Use of a mobile phone while driving is illegal. Bicycle riders should be cautious as there is no separate lane for cyclists.

Public Transportation:  Avoid using minivans and public buses for public transportation, due to safety concerns.   There have been multiple recent reports of public buses catching fire or having severe accidents.

See our  Road Safety page  for more information

Visit the website of Fiji’s  national tourist office   and  national authority  responsible for road safety.

Aviation Safety Oversight:   The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has assessed the government of Fiji’s Civil Aviation Authority as being in compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards for oversight of Fiji’s air carrier operations. Further information may be found on the  FAA’s safety assessment page .

Maritime Travel:  The U.S. Coast Guard has concerns about the security practices in the ports of Fiji.  Until those concerns can be addressed, the Coast Guard advises that Mariners and passengers traveling through the ports of Fiji should exercise caution.

Mariners planning travel to Fiji should check for U.S. maritime  advisories  and  alerts . Information may also be posted to the  U.S. Coast Guard homeport  website, and the  NGA broadcast warnings website.

For additional travel information

• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)  to receive security messages and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Call us in Washington, D.C. at 1-888-407-4747 (toll-free in the United States and Canada) or 1-202-501-4444 (from all other countries) from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
• See the  State Department’s travel website  for the  Worldwide Caution  and  Travel Advisories .
• Follow us on  Twitter  and  Facebook .

Review information about International Parental Child Abduction in Fiji .  For additional IPCA-related information, please see the  International Child Abduction Prevention and Return Act ( ICAPRA )  report.

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Air Vanuatu's collapse raises questions about future of Pacific airlines

For Vanuatu resort owner Joel Slattery, the collapse of the nation's airline this month seemed inevitable.

But that hasn't made its demise, coming after a series of other crises in the nation, any easier for the tourism industry.

"It's affected a lot of people and just after we've all come through COVID and cyclones," Mr Slattery said.

"As if we don't have enough natural disasters that occurred, we don't need this mess thrown in on the top of all that," he said.

For years, state-owned Air Vanuatu was plagued with issues including flight delays and cancellations.

A report by Air Vanuatu's liquidator, Ernst & Young, last week found the airline had been in financial distress, dealing with large debts and unable to pay for spare parts needed to keep its sole Boeing 737 in the air.

Mr Slattery, who operates The Moso resort on an island near the capital Port Vila, said the airline's troubles had already taken a toll on Vanuatu's tourism.

"It's having a huge effect," he said in the days after its collapse.

"The number of people I've spoken to who have crossed Vanuatu off as a destination just because of all the bad press that they've had for 18 months, longer, two years almost [is huge]."

Air Vanuatu's liquidation left tourists and labour mobility workers stranded, and raised questions about the future of aviation in the region.

As Vanuatu waits to hear what liquidators recommend for the future of its airline, aviation industry experts say its collapse bears lessons for the region.

They also believe the success of other airlines — such as Fiji Airways, which has just announced record profits — shows a better path is available to Pacific Island airlines.

Teetering on the brink

Ernst & Young's report to Air Vanuatu's creditors, released last week, found a series of problems that weighed on the airline before it went into liquidation.

It had high costs for a company of its size, large debts, and 441 staff across Vanuatu, Australia and New Zealand as well as contractors in Fiji and New Caledonia.

"This is a high number of staff for an operation of the company's size and nature," the report said.

Another problem was that Air Vanuatu could not meet pay for parts critical to its fleet, which meant its aircraft, including its Boeing 737, were grounded for long periods.

Justin Wastnage, an aviation expert at the Griffith Institute for Tourism, said this appeared to seal Air Vanuatu's collapse.

"This problem has been brought about by the fact that its only [international] aircraft has been grounded," he said.

The airline's Boeing 737, with 170 seats, may have been too large for its routes, given tourism demand had not fully recovered after the pandemic.

"It was flying into Brisbane, Sydney and Auckland as well as into Noumea," Mr Wastnage said.

"So it was flying around the place and trying to feed its hub in Port Vila."

Airlines in the Pacific have a hard time remaining profitable at the best of times, even without a pandemic-related tourism downturn.

The region has small populations, vast distances to cover, and high costs for fuel and maintenance.

The aircraft used on domestic routes were also too small to service many of the longer routes between Pacific nations, Denis Tolkach, an associate professor of tourism at James Cook University, said.

"Their range is about 1,500 kilometres," he said.

"To go from Fiji to the Cook Islands is over 2,000 kilometres.

"The islands are dispersed. Even flying from one side of Kiribati to another, it's a long distance. So it is expensive. It puts expenses on the fuel.

"And here the aviation [industry] is open to external vulnerabilities, like changes in fuel prices."

He said another vulnerability was access to spare parts — a factor in Air Vanuatu's demise.

"Some of the airlines that have folded in previous years, the final nail in the coffin was that there was a maintenance issue and they couldn't fix the aircraft," he said.

Fiji Airways' story offers solutions

More than 1,000 kilometres away from Port Vila, Fiji is telling a different story about its national carrier.

Earlier this month, Fiji Airways announced a profit of $FJD131.81 million ($88 million) for 2023 — the highest in its history.

Chief executive Andre Viljoen said the airline was the first in the region to resume flights after COVID-19 border closures, returning to the skies in December 2021 and capitalising on pent-up demand for travel from Australia, the United States and New Zealand.

"Today, we are seeing the benefits of all these actions," he said.

But others see additional reasons for the airline's success.

Mr Wastnage said Fiji's tourism industry was more developed than Vanuatu's.

"[It] means that you can get a lot of people in there, staying at a lot of hotels," he said.

Ashok Poduval, the president of the Aviation Industry Association New Zealand and chief executive at Massey University's School of Aviation,  said one key to the airline's success was it had modernised its fleet of aircraft.

"They have a very modern fleet … they've enhanced passenger comfort, they've also established that they're safe and reliable," he said.

"By and large, if you look at their on-time performance, it's very good."

Fiji Airways had also packaged flights with local tourism experiences and established partnerships with other airlines, he said.

"These are some of the things that other airlines could model themselves on," Mr Poduval said.

"It's perhaps easier said than done because initially it does mean investment and it does mean funds and that's not easy to provide."

Fiji Airways is also 46 per cent owned by Qantas.

This model could be an option for Air Vanuatu if a foreign airline was interested in investing in a reborn version of the national carrier.

But in some cases the model has not led to success.

Virgin Samoa was 49 per cent owned by Virgin Australia but closed after passenger demand didn't create the revenue expected.

Dr Tolkach said New Caledonia's airline, Air Calin, might be a better example for a future version of Air Vanuatu to follow.

The airline has purchased new, more fuel-efficient aircraft, which has helped it build a reputation for reliability.

"They stick to a few routes that are very important for them with their four aircraft," Dr Tolkach said.

"And then they rely on partnerships to provide connections elsewhere. And that model works."

A Pacific dream

A long-lived dream in the region is to operate a pan-Pacific airline — something that could help build scale and connect the region.

UNSW aviation expert Andrew Charlton said to help create this, the region's small airlines could create code share or partnership arrangements.

This would mean coordinating their schedules more.

"They're going to have to optimise services to low-volume routes," Mr Charlton said.

"One of the things they can do is help each other by providing replacement flights or maintenance or replacement aircraft.

"And also they can look at how they handle their costs at airports and maybe they start reciprocating — you know, 'We'll handle you here and you handle us there.'"

But the potential solution of a single, regional airline raises its own issues.

It would have to balance the different interests of Pacific Island nations across the region.

"Who maintains operational control over managing the fleet, the routes they do, all the strategies for pricing, the customer service strategies?" Mr Poduval said.

"And what will be their branding?"

Pacific Island nations would have to relinquish the national identity attached to their carriers.

Mr Charlton said another option for Vanuatu — which is still serviced by other international airlines — was to go without a national carrier providing international services. Its government could instead invest money in developing tourism infrastructure.

"If the tourism infrastructure is sufficiently attractive, that will help get over the fact you don't have a carrier," he said.

But the idea of giving up a national carrier may be unattractive to Pacific Island countries, which are separated by a vast ocean and reliant on imports.

National carriers play a vital role inside their archipelagos too, carrying people and freight between centres and outer islands.

After Air Vanuatu's liquidator grounded flights to allow safety checks, it removed the main corridor of movement between Port Vila and other islands.

Gaëlle Roussel, the owner of a resort on Vanuatu's Espiritu Santo island, is one of the people affected.

But she said operators at the popular tourist destination were still seeing some glimmers of hope.

"As we all work hard to maintain the beauty of our properties and the island, we've also received a lot of messages of people hoping to visit Santo and Vanuatu once the situation with Air Vanuatu hopefully settles," she said.

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