About Fiji

🏝About Fiji

• 330+ islandsabout 110 permanently inhabited
• Suvacapital city, on Viti Levu
• FJDFijian dollar
• UTC+12Fiji Time

Geography

Fiji is an archipelago in the South Pacific, about 2,000 km north-northeast of New Zealand. It has more than 330 islands and over 500 islets. Most people live on the two largest islands, Viti Levu (home to Suva, Nadi and Lautoka) and Vanua Levu (Labasa and Savusavu). Popular island groups for visitors include the Mamanuca and Yasawa groups off Nadi. The highest point is Mount Tomanivi on Viti Levu.

History

People have lived in Fiji since at least the second millennium BC. Fiji became a British colony in 1874 through the Deed of Cession and gained independence on 10 October 1970; it became a republic in 1987. From 1879 to 1916 tens of thousands of indentured labourers were brought from India, and their descendants form a large part of today’s population. Fiji and Ireland established diplomatic relations on 19 March 2002; Irish missionaries had worked in Fiji since the early 1900s.

Culture

Fiji’s culture blends indigenous iTaukei traditions with Indo-Fijian, Rotuman, Chinese, European and wider Pacific influences. English, Fijian (iTaukei) and Hindi are all recognised languages; “Bula!” is the everyday greeting. Village life, the yaqona (kava) ceremony, masi (tapa) cloth and the meke dance remain central, and rugby sevens is a national passion — Fiji won the country’s first Olympic gold in the sport in 2016.

Government

Fiji is a parliamentary republic. The President is head of state and the Prime Minister leads the government; the current Constitution dates from 2013 and members of Parliament are elected at general elections (most recently in December 2022).

Sources: Wikipedia: Fiji (opens in a new tab); Fiji Ministry of Foreign Affairs (opens in a new tab); Tourism Fiji (opens in a new tab).

🛂Travel requirements

Rules at the time of writing for Irish passport holders (always re-check before you travel):

• Irish citizens do not need a visa for visits to Fiji of up to 4 months; Ireland is on Fiji’s visa-exempt list. A visitor permit is issued on arrival.
• Your passport should be valid for at least 6 months on entry, with a blank page. Irish passport cards cannot be used.
• Carry proof of an onward or return ticket, sufficient funds and accommodation/purpose of trip.
• A visitor permit cannot be used to work or look for work. It can be extended by up to two more months if you apply before it expires.
• Business visitors need a Business Visitors Permit.

🌱Volunteering in Fiji

Volunteering is a rewarding way to see Fiji through the eyes of local people. Opportunities range from marine conservation and environmental projects to community building and education programmes, and from a single afternoon beach clean-up to expeditions of several weeks in the outer islands.

• Choose organisations with a sustainable, ethical and responsible approach that work with local communities.
• Programme length, location and accommodation vary by organisation.
• Check which immigration permit applies to your activity — a standard visitor permit does not allow work.

☀Weather and climate

Fiji has a warm tropical marine climate all year. The warmer, wetter season runs from November to April, and the cooler, drier season from May to October, when temperatures average around 22 °C. Rain is heavier on the south-eastern sides of the large islands than in the north-west (around Nadi).

Cyclone season normally runs from November to April, though cyclones can occur at any time of year. If travelling then, follow the Fiji Meteorological Service and Irish DFA advice, and have travel insurance.

⛴Getting around

Most international visitors arrive at Nadi International Airport on Viti Levu, Fiji’s main gateway. Fiji Airways is Fiji’s main airline.

• By air: domestic flights connect the main islands through 15 public airports; Nausori Airport near Suva is the domestic hub.
• By sea: ferries such as the Yasawa Flyer run from Port Denarau (near Nadi) to the Yasawa Islands, and inter-island ferries link Viti Levu, Vanua Levu and other islands.
• By road: buses are the main public transport on the larger islands and are inexpensive; taxis are licensed by the Land Transport Authority and operate widely. If you plan to drive, the Irish DFA advises great care: roads can be poorly lit and driving at night between Nadi and Suva is considered dangerous.

💡Essential travel tips

• Time difference: Fiji is on UTC+12 — 12 hours ahead of Irish winter time and 11 hours ahead during Irish summer time.
• Money: the currency is the Fijian dollar (FJD). Cards are accepted in towns and resorts; carry cash for villages, markets and buses.
• Local customs: respect local sensitivities, especially when visiting rural villages. Topless bathing and public nudity are forbidden. Ask your host or tour operator about village etiquette before a visit.
• Greeting: “Bula” (hello) and “Vinaka” (thank you) go a long way.
• Travel insurance: the Irish DFA advises comprehensive travel insurance covering all your planned activities. Carry a photocopy of your passport.

⛑Health and safety

• The Irish DFA reports that dengue, Zika and typhoid occur in Fiji: protect yourself against mosquito bites and talk to a travel health professional about vaccines and medication.
• Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment, so make sure your insurance and funds are in place.
• Emergency numbers in Fiji: Police 917; Fire and Ambulance 911.
• Register your trip and read the latest safety and security advice from the Irish Department of Foreign Affairs. Ireland does not have an embassy or consulate in Fiji: consular help for Irish citizens comes from the Embassy of Ireland in Canberra, Australia (+61 2 6214 0000).