Shop for cameras, watches, perfumes and other duty-free items, as well as a wide variety of local goods - pottery, tapa (bark) cloth, recordings of local music, coral, wood carvings, Fijian grass skirts and silver jewelry. Don’t buy turtle-shell or whalebone products: They will be confiscated by customs officials when you return home. Note as well that many duty-free prices may not be as low as those at discount stores at home.

Shopping Hours: Monday-Friday 8 am-5 pm and Saturday 8 am-1 pm

Suva

Suva, Fiji’s capital, is on the southeastern coast of the big island of Viti Levu. While Nadi, in the west of this island, is the tourism centre of the country, Suva is interesting as the country’s political and administrative centre, as well as its major port. Suva and its surrounds are home to half of Fiji’s urban population, and it is one of the South Pacific’s largest and most sophisticated cities, housing the University of the South Pacific, the fascinating Fiji Museum and many interesting colonial-era buildings. It’s a multicultural city with many mosques, temples, churches and cultural centres. The Roman Catholic Cathedral (1902) is one of the city’s most prominent landmarks.

The waterfront area is very interesting, and the Suva Municipal Market is a must-see for visitors for its exotic fruits and vegetables, kava, seafood, and spices. It has an exciting multicultural flavour, with vendors selling brightly coloured Indian sweets and savouries, and fruit drinks from glass tanks.

Mamanuca Group

The Mamanucas are a bunch of tiny islands just off the western coast of Viti Levu, and they are easily accessible by boat from Nadi, either as a day trip or to stay in one of the many flashy resorts or backpacker spots. The islands are popular with divers, snorkellers, surfers and people who just want to lay about on open stretches of white-sand beach. The lovely reefs and colourful fish make snorkelling around these islands a highlight for many travellers. Only a few of the islands, like Monu and Monuriki, have significant areas of native forest left. These places are home to many birds and reptiles.

Nadi

Fiji’s third-biggest town is set against a mountainous backdrop on the west coast of Viti Levu. The local economy of Nadi relies almost totally on tourism, and although it’s not the most attractive part of the country it is a good place to organise your travels around the Viti Levu island.

Nadi is also a good place to organise activities - anything from diving, golf, horse riding and rafting to joy-riding in a jet-boat or light plane. There is a plethora of tourist services from dirt-cheap accommodation and places to eat to luxury resorts like the Sheraton and the Regent. There’s a high proportion of Indo-Fijians in Nadi, mostly fourth-generation descendants of the indentured labourers brought to Fiji to work in the canefields.

The Sri Siva Subramaniya Swami Temple at the southern end of the main street is interesting and visitors are welcome (but asked not to have consumed either alcohol or non-vegetarian food that day). There’s a good market offering the usual eclectic mix of Melanesian, Chinese and Indian produce. The main strip is littered with restaurants and shops selling clothes, souvenirs and duty-free goods.

Nausori Highlands

Due east from Nadi, in the interior of the Viti Levu island, are the fantastic landscapes and remote villages of the Nausori Highlands. The village of Navala is perhaps the most picturesque in all Fiji. While most Fijian villages now have a preference for prefab concrete and corrugated iron, almost all of Navala’s homes and buildings are traditional bure arranged around avenues with a central promenade leading down to a river.

They don’t get too many visitors here, and it’s customary to ask to see the village chief, and then ask him if it’s OK to hang around and take some photos. Sunday is not a good time to come as it’s the day of worship and for spending time with the family. Bukuya village is further west and it, too, is a worthwhile excursion. There’s simple accommodation available in the villages, but as you will most likely find yourself a guest in someone’s home, the best of manners are required.

Sigatoka

Sigatoka is a small town on the southern coast of Viti Levu, 61km (38mi) south of Nadi and 127km (79mi) west of Suva on the banks of Fiji’s second-largest river. It’s principally a farming community, but acts also as a service town for the Coral Coast resorts. There’s a produce market, a large mosque and a few cheap places to stay and eat. The most striking thing about the town is the sight of the weird fantasy-style mansion on the hill behind the town. Sigatoka is a good base for exploring the the huge Sigatoka sand dunes nearby, the southern coast, and the Sigatoka Valley. The Sigatoka Valley is a highly fertile strip containing almost 200 cultural and archaeological sites, including the Tavuni Hill Fort, a series of defensive earth works built by the Tongan cheif Maile Latemai in the 18th century. The valley is also home to some of Fiji’s best potters.

Land Activities

Adventure sports: The mangrove-lined tidal corridors can be explored on jet-boating trips, which depart every 15 minutes from Port Denauru, 7km (4 miles) from Nadi Town. Bamboo rafting (referred to locally as a ‘bilibili’ ride) is available along the streams and rivers.

Hiking: Fiji’s network of marked nature trails can be explored either individually or on organised guided walks. Activities such as birdwatching (as for example in the Colo-i-Suva Forest Park), ecotourism (studying the local fauna and flora) and swimming at the waterfalls are often combined with hiking tours. Visitors are reminded to respect local customs when passing through villages (see Social Conventions in the Social Profile section). The Lavena Coastal Walk starts at Lavena and follows the southeastern coastline of Taveuni, ending at the Wainabau Waterfalls; the Vidawa Forest Walk is a guided trip through the Bouma Forest Park. Marked trails (including wooden walkways and bridges) also exist in the Kula Eco Park, an area of coastal rainforest rich in wildlife (including fruit bats, parrots and marine turtles).

Water Activities

Scuba-diving and Snorkelling

On Viti Levu, the best dive sites are found on the Coral Coast and Pacific Harbour (both on the western side), where the well-known Beqa Lagoon, the crater of an extinct volcano that measures 16km (10 miles) across, is often frequented by groups. About 12km (7 miles) off the Viti Levu coast, Vatulele is known for its red prawns, regarded as sacred by local people. Northwest of Viti Levu, divers may head to the Yasawa and Mamanuca island groups; to the south lies Kadavua, where the Astrolabe, Namalata, Solo and Tavuki reefs are located. Vanua Levua and Taveuni are particularly good for land-based diving, and ecologically-minded operators have buoyed dozens of sites to prevent damage from anchors.

The best sites around these islands include the Somosomo Straits (home to the Great White Wall, one of Fiji’s most famous dive sites) and the Rainbow Reef (where over 20 dive sites can be found). Live-aboard dive tours are available to the more remote islands, such as Ngau, which has no resorts and where the local chief has to grant permission to dive in the waters. Many hotels and resorts also offer opportunities to go sailing, windsurfing, waterskiing, canoeing, kayaking, parasailing, and game fishing.

Surfing

Surfing is a popular activity and surfers have a seemingly endless choice of locations to choose from. The famous ‘Cloud Breaker’ (6-metre wave) was found offshore at Tavarua, attracting surfers from around the world. Fiji’s waves typically break on coral reefs. Most of the well-known spots are on or near Viti Levu and can often only be reached by boat. Tavarua Island is another favourite surfing spot. There are several surf camps, notably on Beqa and Yanuca islands. Visitors should note that there are dangerous rip tides along the reefs, and should take appropriate precautions.

INTERNATIONAL AIR SERVICES TO FIJI

Nadi International Airport is the gateway to Fiji and the biggest airport facility in the region. Nadi Airport (NAN) provides daily services for a range of airlines including Air Pacific, QANTAS, Air New Zealand, Royal Tongan Airlines, Polynesian, Air Caledonie, Air Vanuatu, Solomon Airlines, Air Nauru, Sunflower Airlines, Air Fiji. The airport is a 15-minute drive to town.

Nausori Airport (SUV) in Suva is Fiji’s second International Airport. Situated 30 minutes’ drive from Suva City, this facility is used by Boeing 737 services from Auckland and Sydney and domestic carriers servicing the Fiji Islands.

Domestic Air Services

Domestic Airports are situated throughout the Fiji Islands providing visitors with convenient access to the whole of Fiji.

INTERNATIONAL DEPARTURE TAX

A Departure tax of F$20 is applicable for all travelers departing the country on International flights. This tax is payable at the airport prior to immigration processing.

Visitor permits good for stays of up to 4 months are issued upon arrival to citizens of the United States; all Commonwealth countries; most European, South American, and South Pacific island nations; and Mexico, Japan, Israel, Pakistan, South Korea, Thailand, Tunisia, and Turkey. You must have a passport valid for 3 months beyond your visit, onward or return airline tickets, and enough money or proof of finances to support you during your stay.

Citizens of all other countries must apply for visas in advance from the Fiji embassies or consulates. In the United States, contact the Embassy of Fiji, 2233 Wisconsin Ave., Suite 240, NW, Washington, D.C. 20007 (tel. 202/337-8320; fax 202/337-1996; www.fijiembassy.org. Other Fiji embassies or high commissions are in Ottawa, Canada; Canberra, Australia; Wellington, New Zealand; London, England; Brussels, Belgium; Tokyo, Japan; Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea; Hong Kong, China; and Tel-Aviv, Israel. Check your local phone book.

Persons wishing to remain longer than 4 months must apply for extensions from the Immigration Department, whose primary offices are at the Nadi International Airport terminal and in the Labour Department building on Victoria Parade in downtown Suva

Vaccinations are not required unless you have been in a yellow fever or cholera area shortly before arriving in Fiji.

Customs allowances are 500 cigarettes; 2 liters of liquor, beer, or wine; and F$400 (US$240) worth of other goods in addition to personal belongings. Pornography is prohibited. Firearms and nonprescription narcotic drugs are strictly prohibited and subject to heavy fines and jail terms. Pets will be quarantined. Any fresh fruits and vegetables must be declared and are subject to inspection and fumigation.

Suva is the capital of Fiji. It is located on the southeast coast of the island of Viti Levu, in the division of Central Fiji, which it is also the capital of. Suva became the capital of Fiji in 1877 when the geography of former main Kaivalagi (European) settlement at Levuka on the island of Ovalau proved too restrictive. At the 1996 census, the last to date, the city of Suva had a population of 77,366 [1]. Including independent suburbs, the population of the Greater Suva urban area was 167,975 at the same census.

Physical characteristics

Suva is the commercial and political centre of Fiji, and the largest city in the South Pacific outside of Australia and New Zealand. It is Fiji’s main port city and was the host of the 2003 South Pacific Games.

Although Suva is on a peninsula, and almost surrounded by sea, the nearest beach is 40 kilometers (25 mi) away at Pacific Harbour, and the nearby coast is lined by mangroves. A significant part of the city centre, including the old Parliament Buildings, is built on reclaimed mangrove swamp. Suva is noted for its considerable rainfall. Although it is not as wet as Pohnpei, the capital of the Federated States of Micronesia, it has a markedly higher rainfall than Nadi and the western side of Viti Levu, which is known to Suva citizens as “the burning west”.

Landmarks

Fiji’s tallest building, Suva Central, has been recently completed and stands 24.6 meters (81 ft) taller than the Reserve Bank of Fiji Building. Suva Central is currently the tallest building in the Pacific Islands region, is located near the old Morris Hedstrom store. Another well-known landmark is the Suva City Library, built in 1909 and financed by the Scottish-American steel tycoon Andrew Carnegie.

The government buildings complex occupies what was once the bed of a swampy creek. This was drained in 1935 and over five kilometers of reinforced concrete pilings were rooted in the creek bed to support the massive buildings that were to be erected. After the foundation stone was laid in 1937, the building was completed in 1939; a new wing was completed in 1967. Parliament, however, was moved to a new complex on Ratu Sukuna Road in 1992.

Government House was formerly the residence of Fiji’s colonial Governors and, following independence in 1970, Governors-General. It is now the official residence of Fiji’s President. Originally erected in 1882, it had to be rebuilt in 1928, following its destruction by lightning in 1921.

The Suva campus of the University of the South Pacific (USP) occupies what was once a New Zealand seaplane base. It is the largest of the many USP campuses dotted throughout the South Pacific.

The Fiji Museum, located in the Thurston Gardens, was founded in 1904 and originally occupied the old town hall, but moved to its present location in 1954. The museum houses the most extensive collection of Fijian artifacts in the world, and is also a research and educational institution, specializing in archeology, the preservation of Fiji’s oral tradition, and the publication of material on Fiji’s language and culture.

Suva has about 78 parks. These include the new Takashi Suzuki Garden and the Thurston Gardens. Opened in 1913, the Thurston Gardens are replete with flora from throughout the South Pacific. Apted Park, at Suva Point, is a well-known spot for viewing sunrise and sunset.

Demographics of Suva

Suva is a multiracial and multicultural city. Indigenous Fijians and Indo-Fijians, the two principal ethnic groups of Fiji, comprise the bulk of Suva’s population, but the city is also home to the majority of Fiji’s ethnic minority populations, which include Caucasians and Chinese, among others. The majority of expatriates working in Fiji are also based in Suva. The most widely spoken language is English, but Fijian, Hindustani, and other Indian languages are also spoken by their respective communities.

Institutions

Suva is host to more international and regional intergovernmental agencies and NGOs than any other Pacific Island capital, to the considerable chagrin of some other capitals (the staff of these agencies have considerable spending power).

The TRAFFIC Oceania South Pacific Programme, funded by the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office, is located in Suva, in the offices of the WWF South Pacific Programme. The programme assists in the implementation of CITES, but also strengthens collaboration with the World Wildlife Fund.

The Fiji School of Medicine, which is now classed as a regional agency and a member of the Council of Regional Organisations in the Pacific, and the main campus of the University of the South Pacific are in Suva.

Suva also hosts the Secretariat of the Pacific Community (SPC), Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat and the South Pacific Applied Geoscience Commission.

Municipal government

Suva has municipal status and is governed by a Lord Mayor and a 20-member city council, which is controlled by the Soqosoqo Duavata ni Lewenivanua following elections on 12 November 2005. The current Lord Mayor is Ratu Peni Volavola.

History

In return for a promise to pay off debts owed to the United States by the Bauan chieftain, Seru Epenisa Cakobau, the Australian-based Polynesia Company was granted 5000 km² of land, 575 km² of it near what was then the village of Suva, in 1868. The original intention was to develop a cotton farming industry, but the land and climate proved unsuitable.

Following the annexation of the Fiji Islands by the United Kingdom in 1874, the colonial authorities decided to move the capital to Suva from Levuka in 1877. The transfer was made official in 1882. Colonel F.E. Pratt of the Royal Engineers was appointed Surveyor-General in 1875 and designed the new capital, assisted by W. Stephens and Colonel R.W. Stewart.

Following the promulgation of the Municipal Constitution Ordinance of 1909, Suva acquired municipal status in 1910. The town initially comprised one square mile; these boundaries remained intact until 1952 when the Muanikau and Samabula wards were annexed, expanding its territory to 13 square kilometers.

In October that year, Suva was proclaimed a City - Fiji’s first. Tamavua was subsequently annexed; the most recent extension of the city boundaries has been to incorporate the Cunningham area to the north of the city. Urban sprawl has resulted in a number of suburbs that remain outside of the city limits; together with the city itself, they form a metropolitan area known as the Greater Suva Area.

Entry will be denied to persons Who have been deported or removed from another country.

Passports
Passport valid for at least six months beyond intended period of stay required by all except nationals of Fiji when holding a Certificate of Identity including a photograph of the bearer. Holders of the certificate must obtain approval from the Fiji Immigration Department before arrival.

Visas
Required by all except the following who are issued a visitor’s permit valid for one month (extendable to four months) on arrival:
(a) nationals of countries shown in the chart above, except 1. nationals of Lithuania who do need a visa;
(b) 2. nationals of Commonwealth countries (except nationals of Cameroon, Mozambique, Namibia and Sri Lanka who do need a visa);
(c) nationals of Argentina, Brazil, Bulgaria, Chile, Colombia, Iceland, Indonesia, Israel, Kenya, Korea (Rep), Liechtenstein, Marshall Islands, Mexico, Micronesia (Federated States), Moldova, Monaco, Norway, Paraguay, Peru, The Philippines, Romania, Russian Federation, Switzerland, Taiwan (China), Thailand, Tunisia, Turkey, Ukraine, Uruguay, Venezuela, Vatican City and Zimbabwe;
(d) transit passengers continuing their journey to a third country within three hours, provided holding valid onward or return documentation and not leaving the airport.

Note
All visitors must hold onward or return tickets and sufficient funds to cover stay.

Types of visa and cost
Single-entry: US$77 Multiple-entry: US$137

Validity
Visas are valid for stays of up to three months, but can be extended on application to: Immigration Dept, Level 3, Suvavou House, Victoria Parade, Suva (street address); or PO Box 2224, Government Buildings, Suva, Fiji (postal address) (tel: 331 2622).

Application to Consular section of High Commission or Embassy; see Passport/Visa Information.

Application requirements
(a) Valid passport. (b) Completed application form. (c) Three passport-size photos. (d) Onward/return air ticket. (e) Copy of travel ticket/itinerary. (f) Fee payable by banker’s draft, bank cheque or by cash (if application is made in person). (g) Police clearance report (proof of no criminal record) from local police station (must be in English). (h) Sufficient funds for duration of stay.

Note
Applicants must make their own arrangements for collection/return of passport.

Working days required
Seven to 21.

Temporary residence
Enquiries should be directed to the High Commission or Embassy of Fiji.

Passport/Visa Information
Fiji High Commision in the UK
34 Hyde Park Gate, London SW7 5DN, UK
Tel: (020) 7584 3661.
Website: www.fijihighcommission.org.uk
Opening hours: Mon-Thurs 0930-1300, 1400-1700, Fri 0930-1300, 1400-1600; Mon-Fri 0930-1230 (consular section).

Embassy of the Republic of Fiji in the USA
Suite 240, 2233 Wisconsin Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20007, USA
Tel: (202) 337 8320.
Website: www.fijiembassy.org

Travel Advice
Penalties for possession of any amount of marijuana carry a mandatory prison sentence.
There has been an increase in robbery, theft and assault. Travelers should take appropriate precautions.
The threat from terrorism in Fiji is low, but you should be aware of the global risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks, which could be against civilian targets, including places frequented by foreigners.
This advice is based on information provided by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in the UK. It is correct at time of publishing. As the situation can change rapidly, visitors are advised to contact the following organizations for the latest travel advice:

British Foreign and Commonwealth Office
Tel: (0845) 850 2829.
Website: www.fco.gov.uk

US Department of State
Website: http://travel.state.gov/travel

1
A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required from travelers over one year of age arriving within 10 days of leaving infected areas.

2
Following WHO guidelines issued in 1973, a cholera vaccination certificate is not a condition of entry to Fiji. However, cholera is a serious risk in this country and precautions are essential. Up-to-date advice should be sought before deciding whether these precautions should include vaccination, as medical opinion is divided over its effectiveness.

3
Vaccination against typhoid and polio is advised.

Food and drink
Mains water is normally heavily chlorinated and, whilst relatively safe, may cause mild abdominal upsets. Bottled water is available and is advised for the first few weeks of the stay. Milk is pasteurized and dairy products are safe for consumption. Local meat, poultry, seafood, fruit and vegetables are generally considered safe to eat.

Other risks
Diarrhoeal diseases are common. Hepatitis A occurs. Hepatitis B is endemic. Dengue fever may occur. Mosquitoes may transmit dengue fever and pandemic outbreaks occur. Personal protective measures are important. Marine hazards include corals jellyfish, sharks, sea urchins and sea snakes. Only bathe in marked and patrolled beaches.

Health care
The main hospitals are located in Ba, Labasa, Lautoka, Levuka, Savusavu, Sigatoka, Suva and Taveuni, with clinics and medical representations elsewhere throughout the islands. Medical insurance is recommended. There is a private hospital in Suva that provides western style medical care and maintains the Fiji Decompression Chamber for the benefit of scuba divers. Medical emergencies may be referred to Australia, New Zealand or the USA. Doctors and hospitals expect immediate cash payment for health services.

International cuisine is available, but the local cooking is Fijian and Indian. Table service is normal, although some establishments offer buffet-style food at lunchtime. Hotels often serve meals to non-residents. Bars and cocktail lounges have table and/or counter service. Only licensed restaurants, clubs and hotel bars can serve alcohol.

National specialties:

- Kakoda (a marinated local fish steamed in coconut cream and lime).

- Rourou (a taro leaf dish).

- Kassaua (tapioca, often boiled, baked or grated and cooked in coconut cream
with sugar and mashed bananas).

- Duruka (an unusual asparagus-like vegetable in season during April and May).

- Breadfruit.

- lovo (feast of meat, fish, vegetables and fruit cooked in covered pits).

National drinks:

- A wide range of drinks is available including the traditional kava. Traditionally, the drink was prepared by virgins, who chewed the root into a soft pulpy mass before adding water. It is made from the root of the pepper plant and the yaqona drinking ceremony is still important in the Fijian tradition, although it has also become a social drink.

- Carlton (a local beer brewed in Suva).

- Fiji Bitter (brewed in Lautoka).

- Meridan Moselle and Suvanna Moselle (local wines).

- Booth’s Gin, Bounty Fiji Golden Rum, Cossack Vodka and Old Club Whisky (produced by South Pacific Distilleries).

Tipping: Give small tips only for special services.