Suva Entry Requirements

Visa, immigration, and customs information

Suva, the capital of Fiji, welcomes international travelers through Nausori International Airport (SUV) and serves as a major gateway to the South Pacific. Fiji maintains a relatively accessible visa policy for tourists, with many nationalities eligible for visa-free entry upon arrival. The immigration process in Suva is generally straightforward, though travelers should be prepared with proper documentation and proof of onward travel. Upon arrival at Nausori International Airport or when entering Fiji through Suva's seaport, visitors will proceed through immigration and customs checkpoints. Immigration officers will verify your passport validity, entry eligibility, and purpose of visit. Most tourists receive a visitor permit valid for up to 4 months, though the initial granted period may be shorter depending on your travel plans. It's essential to have proof of sufficient funds, accommodation details, and a return or onward ticket. Fiji's biosecurity and customs regulations are strictly enforced to protect the island nation's unique ecosystem and agricultural industries. All arriving passengers must complete customs declaration forms and may be subject to baggage screening. The country has zero tolerance for undeclared restricted items, particularly agricultural products, food items, and biological materials. Understanding these requirements before arrival will ensure a smooth entry experience into Suva and the broader Fiji islands.

Visa Requirements

Entry permissions vary by nationality. Find your category below.

Fiji offers visa-free entry to citizens of most developed nations for tourism purposes. Visitors are granted a visitor permit on arrival, with the duration varying based on nationality and travel circumstances. All travelers must hold a passport valid for at least 6 months beyond their intended stay.

Visa-Free Entry (4 Months)

Up to 4 months (120 days)

Citizens of these countries can enter Fiji without a visa and may receive a visitor permit for up to 4 months

Includes

The initial permit granted may be for a shorter period (often 30-90 days) depending on your stated travel plans. Extensions can be requested through the Department of Immigration. You must have proof of onward/return travel and sufficient funds for your stay.

Visa-Free Entry (Shorter Duration)

Typically 30-90 days

Some nationalities receive shorter visa-free periods

Includes

Brazil Chile Argentina Mexico South Africa Israel United Arab Emirates Most Commonwealth countries

The exact duration varies by nationality. Extensions are possible through the Department of Immigration before your initial permit expires.

Visa Required

Varies based on visa type approved

Nationals not eligible for visa-free entry must obtain a visa before traveling to Fiji

How to Apply: Apply at the nearest Fiji diplomatic mission or through the Fiji Department of Immigration online portal. Processing typically takes 5-15 business days. Applications require passport copies, photographs, travel itinerary, proof of funds, and accommodation details.

This includes nationals of countries such as China, India, Russia, Philippines, and many African nations. Transit passengers not leaving the airport generally do not require a visa for stays under 24 hours.

Arrival Process

The entry process at Nausori International Airport (Suva) or through Suva's seaport follows standard international procedures. During your flight or voyage, you'll receive immigration and customs declaration cards to complete before arrival. Have all required documents readily accessible.

Immigration Checkpoint

Present your passport, completed arrival card, and proof of onward travel to the immigration officer. They will verify your eligibility, stamp your passport, and grant you a visitor permit specifying your allowed duration of stay.

Baggage Claim

Collect your checked luggage from the carousel. Report any missing or damaged baggage to airline representatives immediately.

Biosecurity and Quarantine

All arriving passengers pass through biosecurity screening. Declare any food items, plant materials, animal products, or outdoor equipment. Sniffer dogs and X-ray machines are commonly used. Undeclared items may result in heavy fines.

Customs Declaration

Present your completed customs declaration form. If you have goods to declare or exceed duty-free allowances, proceed to the red channel. Otherwise, use the green channel. Random inspections are common.

Exit to Arrivals

Once cleared, proceed to the arrivals area where you can access transportation, currency exchange, and tourist information services.

Documents to Have Ready

Valid Passport

Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date from Fiji. Must have at least one blank page for entry stamp.

Return or Onward Ticket

Proof of departure from Fiji is mandatory. This can be a return flight ticket, onward flight to another destination, or cruise ship documentation.

Proof of Accommodation

Hotel booking confirmation, resort reservation, or letter of invitation from Fiji resident. Immigration may request this to verify your travel plans.

Proof of Sufficient Funds

Evidence you can support yourself financially during your stay (bank statements, credit cards, cash). The requirement is approximately FJD 100-150 per day.

Completed Arrival Card

Immigration card distributed on flight or available at airport. Include accurate information about your accommodation and contact details.

Customs Declaration Form

Declare all items required by law, including amounts of currency over FJD 10,000, commercial goods, and restricted items.

Tips for Smooth Entry

Have all documents organized and easily accessible before reaching immigration - this includes passport, arrival card, accommodation details, and return ticket confirmation (printed or on phone with sufficient battery).

Be honest and consistent in your responses to immigration questions. Discrepancies can lead to additional questioning or entry denial.

Declare all questionable items at customs and biosecurity. Fines for undeclared restricted items start at FJD 400 and can be much higher. When in doubt, declare.

Keep your passport and entry stamp information safe. Note the date your visitor permit expires - overstaying can result in fines, detention, and future entry bans.

Exchange some currency before leaving the airport or withdraw from ATMs in the arrivals area, as not all transportation options accept credit cards.

If arriving on a cruise ship, follow crew instructions carefully. Shore passes are issued differently than air arrivals, and you must return to the ship before departure.

Take a photo of your passport information page and entry stamp, and email it to yourself as backup documentation.

Customs & Duty-Free

Fiji Customs and Biosecurity Authority enforces strict regulations to protect the nation's agriculture, environment, and economy. All travelers must complete a customs declaration form truthfully. Fiji operates a red/green channel system - use the red channel if you have items to declare or exceed duty-free allowances.

Alcohol

2.25 liters of spirits or liqueur, OR 4.5 liters of wine or beer, OR a combination not exceeding 4.5 liters total

Only for travelers 18 years and older. Alcohol must be for personal use, not for sale or commercial purposes.

Tobacco

200 cigarettes OR 200 grams of tobacco OR 200 grams of cigars, OR a proportionate combination

Only for travelers 18 years and older. Must be for personal consumption only.

Currency

FJD 10,000 or foreign currency equivalent

Amounts exceeding FJD 10,000 (or equivalent) must be declared on arrival and departure. No limit on how much you can bring, but declaration is mandatory.

Gifts/Goods

Personal effects and goods up to FJD 1,000 total value

This includes gifts, new items, and purchases. Goods exceeding this value are subject to duty. Used personal items for your own use are generally exempt.

Perfume

250ml of perfume or eau de toilette

For personal use only.

Prohibited Items

Illegal drugs and narcotics - Fiji has severe penalties including lengthy prison sentences
Firearms, weapons, ammunition, and explosives - without prior permit from Fiji Police
Pornographic materials and publications
Counterfeit or pirated goods
Fresh fruits and vegetables - strict biosecurity risk
Meat and meat products - including dried, canned, or processed (with rare exceptions)
Dairy products - including milk, cheese, and eggs
Live plants, seeds, and plant materials - without import permit
Soil and items contaminated with soil
Live animals, birds, and insects - without quarantine clearance
Endangered species products - ivory, turtle shell, certain corals
Drones - require special permits from Civil Aviation Authority of Fiji

Restricted Items

Medications - Bring prescription medications in original packaging with doctor's letter. Quantities should be reasonable for personal use during your stay. Some medications legal elsewhere may be controlled in Fiji.
Camping and outdoor equipment - Must be clean and free of soil, seeds, and plant material. Declare all hiking boots, tents, fishing gear, and sporting equipment for inspection.
Wooden items and handicrafts - May require fumigation or treatment. Declare all wooden souvenirs, carvings, and furniture.
Honey and bee products - Require import permits due to biosecurity concerns.
Pet food - Most commercial pet foods are restricted. Check with Biosecurity Authority of Fiji before bringing.
Traditional medicines and herbal products - May be restricted depending on ingredients. Declare for inspection.
Commercial goods and samples - Require commercial import documentation and may incur duties.
Professional equipment - Video cameras, laptops, and professional gear may need to be declared and shown on departure to avoid duty assumptions.

Health Requirements

Fiji does not currently require proof of vaccination for most travelers, with the important exception of yellow fever certification for at-risk arrivals. However, health requirements can change, particularly in response to disease outbreaks. Check current requirements 4-6 weeks before travel.

Required Vaccinations

Yellow Fever - Required ONLY if arriving from or transiting through a yellow fever endemic country. You must present a valid International Certificate of Vaccination (yellow card). This applies to travelers coming from parts of South America and sub-Saharan Africa.

Recommended Vaccinations

Routine vaccinations - Ensure you're up-to-date on standard vaccines including MMR, DPT, chickenpox, polio, and yearly flu shot
Hepatitis A - Recommended for all travelers as it can be contracted through contaminated food or water
Hepatitis B - Recommended for most travelers, especially if you might have contact with blood or body fluids, get medical treatment, or engage in sexual activity
Typhoid - Recommended for most travelers, especially those visiting smaller cities, villages, or rural areas
COVID-19 - Check current Fiji government requirements as policies continue to evolve

Health Insurance

While not mandatory for entry, comprehensive travel health insurance is strongly recommended. Fiji's medical facilities in Suva are adequate for routine care, but serious conditions may require medical evacuation to Australia or New Zealand, which can cost tens of thousands of dollars. Ensure your policy covers medical evacuation, hospitalization, and repatriation. Some activities like scuba diving may require additional coverage.

Current Health Requirements: COVID-19 and other health requirements may change. Check the official Fiji government travel website and your country's travel advisory 2-3 weeks before departure and again 72 hours before travel. Some countries may have specific health protocols for returning citizens. Consider registering with your embassy upon arrival for health and safety updates.

Important Contacts

Essential resources for your trip.

Emergency Services

Police, Fire, Ambulance

Dial 911 for all emergencies in Fiji. From mobile phones, you can also dial 112 or 000.

Department of Immigration

Fiji Immigration - for visa extensions, permit questions, and official immigration matters

Main office located in Suva on Gladstone Road. Website: www.immigration.gov.fj. Phone: +679 331 2622

Biosecurity Authority of Fiji

For questions about prohibited/restricted items and import permits

Phone: +679 338 4111. Email: info@baf.com.fj

Your Embassy/Consulate

Contact your country's diplomatic mission in Fiji

Most embassies are located in Suva. Register with your embassy for travel alerts and emergency assistance. Check your government's travel advisory website before departure.

Tourist Information

Tourism Fiji

Visitor information centers at airport and in Suva city. Website: www.fiji.travel

Medical Emergency

Colonial War Memorial Hospital (Suva's main public hospital)

Emergency Department: +679 331 3444. Private clinics also available in Suva for non-emergency care.

Special Situations

Additional requirements for specific circumstances.

Traveling with Children

Children must have their own passport (included on parent's passport is not acceptable). If a child is traveling with only one parent or with someone other than parents, carry a notarized letter of consent from the non-accompanying parent(s) authorizing the travel. This should include contact information for the non-traveling parent(s). Divorced or separated parents should carry custody documents. Birth certificates may be requested to prove relationship. These requirements help prevent child abduction and are strictly enforced.

Traveling with Pets

Fiji has strict pet import regulations. Pets must have an import permit obtained in advance from the Biosecurity Authority of Fiji (BAF), which can take 6-8 weeks to process. Requirements include: microchipping, rabies vaccination (with titer test), treatments for parasites, health certificate issued within 7 days of travel, and often a quarantine period upon arrival. Cats and dogs from rabies-free countries may have reduced quarantine. Direct imports are only accepted from approved countries. Birds, reptiles, and other exotic pets face additional restrictions. Contact BAF well in advance: importpermits@baf.com.fj. Note that many airlines have limited pet acceptance to Fiji.

Extended Stays

If you wish to stay beyond your initial visitor permit, apply for an extension at the Department of Immigration in Suva before your current permit expires. Extensions are granted at the discretion of immigration officials. You'll need to provide: valid passport, proof of sufficient funds, evidence of accommodation, return ticket (may need to be updated), and payment of extension fees (approximately FJD 200-400 depending on duration). Extensions are typically granted in 1-3 month increments, up to a maximum total stay of 6 months in any 12-month period. For stays longer than 6 months, you may need to apply for a different visa category (work, student, residence). Overstaying your permit results in fines of FJD 10 per day, possible detention, deportation, and future entry bans.

Business Travelers

Business visitors conducting meetings, negotiations, or attending conferences can generally enter on a visitor permit if the stay is short-term and no paid work is performed in Fiji. However, if you will be working, receiving payment from a Fiji entity, or staying long-term for business, you need a business visa or work permit. Carry documentation of your business purpose, invitation letters from Fiji companies, and proof of ties to your home country. For work permits, your Fiji employer must sponsor your application before you arrive.

Cruise Ship Passengers

Cruise passengers arriving in Suva typically receive a shore pass valid for the duration of the ship's stay in port (usually 8-12 hours). You must carry your cruise ship ID card and passport. Immigration is often processed on board by Fiji officials. Follow your cruise line's instructions carefully. If you wish to stay in Fiji after your cruise departs (independent travel), you must arrange this in advance and go through standard immigration procedures with proof of onward travel from Fiji.

Yacht and Private Boat Arrivals

Suva is an official port of entry for private vessels. Upon arrival, the captain must immediately contact Fiji Customs and Immigration (VHF Channel 16) and fly the yellow quarantine flag. No one may leave the vessel until cleared by authorities. Required documentation includes: ship's registration, crew list, passenger list, last port clearance, customs declaration, and valid passports for all aboard. Biosecurity inspection is mandatory. Yachts must clear in at designated ports (Suva, Lautoka, Savusavu, or Levuka) before proceeding elsewhere in Fiji.