Local Laws

Criminal Penalties:   You are subject to local laws. If you violate local laws, even unknowingly, you may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned. 

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

Respect any cultural sites with security warnings posted against photography.

If you are suspected of being involved in criminal activities, you will be taken in for questioning and asked for identification.

Penalties for possessing, using, or trafficking in illegal drugs in Fiji are severe, and convicted offenders can expect long jail sentences and heavy fines. 

If you are stopped and found to be driving under the influence of alcohol, you will be taken to the police station for further tests.  If the second test is affirmative, you will be detained in a prison cell to sober up, typically overnight, and you will be charged the following morning. 

If you do not have a permanent address in Fiji, the local police will keep you in custody and will arrange for a special court hearing with a Magistrate.  These hearings take place during regular work daysand not on weekends or holidays.  If you have a permanent residence in Fiji, you will be charged and may be released, and then you will be asked to attend court on a set date. 

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.

You should carry a copy of your U.S. passport at all times. If questioned by local authorities, you will need to show proof of identity and U.S. citizenship.

According to Fijian law, a person detained for criminal actions may be held for a maximum of 48 hours before being charged. Police authorities should contact the U.S. Embassy within 24 hours of your detention or arrest..

Water Sports: Many visitors to Fiji participate in water sports, including surfing, scuba diving, snorkeling, and operating jet-skis. Surfing on Fiji's numerous reef breaks can be highly dangerous.

If you scuba dive or snorkel while in Fiji, you should

• Check the references, licenses, and equipment of tour operators before agreeing to or paying for a tour.
  
  
• Rent equipment only from trustworthy operators and be sure to receive training before using the equipment. Some rental water sportsequipment may not be properly maintained or inspected.
  
  
• Know that local dive masters may not consider your skill level when they organize a trip. Deaths and serious accidents have occurred in the past because basic safety measures were not taken during diving and snorkeling trips.
  
  
• Remember that safety precautions and emergency responses may not meet U.S. standards.

Fiji has only one decompression chamber to provide medical assistance for dive-related injuries. The chamber is located in Suva, which is far from most resorts. Please note that the chamber is not always fully functioning.

Some travel insurance doesn’t cover “risky” outdoor activities. If planning on diving, it is recommended you look at the Divers Alert Network (DAN) website for diver’s insurance.

Trekking: Terrain in the Fiji islands can be hazardous. You should speak with local guides and/or hotel staff before starting a trek. It is best to hike with a companion and stay on trails that are clearly marked.

Customs: There are strict regulations and customs enforcement for importing and exporting items such as food products,  alcohol and tobacco products, and fire arms of any type in Fiji.  Bringing animals into Fiji is strictly controlled. Pets may be imported only from certain designated, rabies-free areas. If you want to bring a pet into Fiji, contact the Ministry of Agriculture in Suva approximately six months in advance to find out the details. Contact the Embassy of Fiji in Washington, DC, at (202) 466-8320 for specific information regarding customs requirements and see the Customs Information sheet for additional information.

Purchasing Real Estate: Purchasing real estate in Fiji can be risky. Be cautious before you enter into commitments to invest in property. You should gather reliable information and hire experienced Fijian legal counsel regarding any real estate investment. Fijian law and practices concerning real estate differ substantially from those in the United States.

Natural Disasters: Fiji is located in an area of high seismic activity. Although the probability of a major earthquake occurring during your trip is rare, earthquakes can and do occur. Undersea earthquakes in the South Pacific can generate destructive tsunamis. Some cities in Fiji have siren warning systems in place; tsunami warnings are also transmitted through local radio and television stations. Most coastal resorts and hotels have tsunami evacuation plans in place, and guests should carefully follow staff instructions in the event of a tsunami warning. 

Cyclones: The cyclone season is November through April. The Fiji Meteorological Service maintains a Tropical Cyclone Warning Center in Nadi serving the Southwest Pacific Region. General information regarding disaster preparedness is available by visiting the Bureau of Consular Affairs web site and the U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) home page.

Faith-Based Travelers:  See the Department of State’s International Religious Freedom Report.

LGBTI Travelers:  The new constitution provides that sexual orientation, gender, and gender identity and expression are prohibited grounds for discrimination; however, the right to equality and nondiscrimination may be limited for the purpose of adoption, marriage, devolution of property on death and pension, and excluding individuals from holding public office.

The crimes decree does not criminalize consensual same-sex sexual activity and recognizes male-on-male rape as a crime. 

Fiji law prohibits discrimination in employment based on sexual orientation; there are no laws specifically prohibiting discrimination against lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and intersex (LGBTI) persons in other areas. 

In general attitudes toward LGBTI individuals have become more accepting, especially among the young, and articles promoting tolerance are regularly found in the media.  For more detailed information about LGBTI rights in Fiji, you may review the State Department’s annual Country Reports on Human Rights Practices. 

See our LGBTI Travel Information page and section 6 of the Department of State's Human Rights report for further details.

Persons with Mobility Issues. All persons are considered equal under the 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.