Fiji

General Information
	Area: 18,333 sq km (7078 sq miles). Population: 775,077 (1996). Population Density: 42.2 per sq km. Capital: Suva. Population: 77,366 (1996). Geography: Fiji is located in the South Pacific, 3000km (1875 miles) east of Australia and approximately 1930km (1200 miles) south of the Equator. It comprises 322 islands, 105 of which are uninhabited (some are little more than rugged limestone islets or tiny coral atolls). The three largest are Viti Levu (Great Fiji), Vanua Levu (Great Land of the People), both of which are extinct volcanoes rising abruptly from the sea, and Taveuni. There are thousands of streams and small rivers in Fiji, the largest being the Rewa River on Viti Levu, which is navigable for 128km (80 miles). Mount Victoria, also on Viti Levu, is the country's highest peak, at 1322m (4430ft). Government: Republic since 1987. Head of State: President Ratu Josefa Ilolio since 2000. The President is appointed for a five-year term by the Great Council of Chiefs (Bosu Levu Vakaturaga), a traditional body with roughly 70 members consisting of every hereditary Fijian chief (or ratu). Head of Government: Prime Minister Laisenia Qarase since 2000. Language: The official language is English, which is also taught in schools. The main other languages are Fijian and Hindustani. Chinese and Urdu are also heard in the markets. Religion: Methodist and Hindu with Roman Catholic and Muslim minorities. A strictly fundamentalist Methodist version of Christianity is enshrined in, and informs, the Fijian Constitution. Time: GMT + 12. Electricity: 240 volts AC, 50Hz. Larger hotels also have 110-volt razor sockets. Communications: Telephone: IDD is available. Country code: 679. Outgoing code: 05. International calls can be made from hotels via an operator, or from the Fiji International Telecommunications (FINTEL) office on Victoria Parade in Suva. Mobile telephone: GSM 900. Roaming agreements in operation. Network provider is Vodafone Fiji (website: www.vodafone.com.fj). Fax: The FINTEL office in Suva also offers fax services. Major hotels have facilities. Internet/E-mail: ISPs include Fiji Online, a subsidiary of Telecom Fiji (website: www.fijionline.com) and fiji.net (website: www.fiji.net). There are cybercafés in Suva, Nadi and Lautoka. Telegram: Facilities are available at major hotels in Suva and at the FINTEL office on Victoria Parade. Post: Airmail to USA and Europe takes up to ten days. Post office hours: Mon-Fri 0800-1630; Sat 0800-1300. Press: The main English-language daily is the Fiji Times, which claims to be 'the first newspaper published in the world today' - a reference to Suva's position just to the west of the International Date Line; the other main English language paper is the Daily Post. Fiji Calling is the bi-annual tourist newspaper, which may be of interest to visitors.
Travel
	AIR: The national airline is Air Pacific (FJ), which operates to the Pacific Island nations as well as to New Zealand, Australia and the USA. Other airlines serving Fiji include Air New Zealand, Korean, Polynesian Airlines and Qantas. Approximate flight times: From Nadi to Los Angeles is 9 hours 30 minutes, to Sydney is 3 hours 45 minutes, to London is 27 hours 45 minutes (plus connection/stopover time). International airports: Nadi (NAN) is 8km (5 miles) north of Nadi town on Viti Levu island. A bus to the city operates 0700-1830 (journey time - 20 mintues). Airport facilities include a 24-hour, 7-day bank (ANZ); an inbound duty-free shop; 24-hour bar; restaurant; left luggage office (24-hour); tourist information; post office (Mon-Fri 0800-1530) and car hire (Avis, Budget, Central, Hertz and Roxy). Suva (SUV) is actually at Nausori, 21km (13 miles) from Suva. Nadi is where most international flights arrive, while Suva is the internal hub. Buses and taxis are available at both airports. Departure tax: F$20. Children under 12 years of age are exempt. AIR PASSES: The Polypass (offered by Polynesian Airlines) allows the holder to fly between the Southern Pacific destinations of American Samoa, Samoa and Tonga; Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney in Australia; and Auckland, Christchurch and Wellington in New Zealand. The pass is valid for 1 year. Once a reservation has been made and travel begun, all travel must be completed within a maximum of 45 days. Tickets will be issued against the Polypass by any Polynesian Airlines office (a valid passport is also required). The Visit the South Pacific Pass is valid for a number of airlines operating in the South Pacific, including Air Caledonie, Air Marshall Islands, Air Nauru, Air Niugingi, Air Pacific, Air Vanuatu, Polynesian Airlines, Qantas, Royal Tongan Airlines and Solomon Airlines. Offering reductions of up to 50 per cent on normal airfares, this sector-based pass allows for flexible island-hopping between the destinations of American Samoa, Cook Islands, Fiji, Nauru, New Caledonia, Samoa, Tahiti, Tonga, Vanuatu and the more remote Melanesian and Micronesian islands, together with major cities in Australia (Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane) and New Zealand (Wellington). The journey must be started outside the South Pacific and only one stopover in Australia is allowed. A minimum of two coupons must be bought before departure (a maximum of eight coupons can be purchased en route). For details and conditions, contact the South Pacific Tourism Organization. SEA: The international ports are Suva and Lautoka (Viti Levu). Passenger lines serving Fiji include Crystal, Cunard, Peter Deilmann, Princess Cruises, Seabourn and Society. Royal Interocean is a cargo line which also carries passengers. There are regular sailings to Tuvalu, Kiribati, Samoa and Nauru.
Entry
	Passport Visa Return Ticket Required Australian  Yes  No  Yes British  Yes  No  Yes Canadian  Yes  No  Yes Japanese  Yes  No  Yes Other EU  Yes  No  Yes USA  Yes  No  Yes
	Restricted entry: Entry will be denied to persons who have been deported or removed from another country. PASSPORTS: Passport valid for at least 6 months beyond intended period of stay required by all except holders of 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 visitors permit on arrival valid for 1 month (extendable to 6 months): (a) nationals of countries shown in the chart above; (b) nationals of Commonwealth countries (except nationals of Cameroon, Mozambique, Namibia, St Kitts & Nevis and Sri Lanka who do need visas); (c) nationals of Argentina, Brazil, Bulgaria, Chile, Colombia, Estonia, Hungary, Iceland, Indonesia, Israel, Korea (Rep. of), Latvia, Liechtenstein, Marshall Islands, Mexico, Micronesia (Federated States of), Moldova, Monaco, Nigeria, Norway, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Romania, Russian Federation, Slovenia, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand, Tunisia, Turkey, Ukraine, Uruguay Venezuela and Yugoslavia. Notes: (a) All visitors must hold onward or return tickets and sufficient funds to cover stay. (b) Transit visas are not required for travellers continuing their journey to a third country within 3 hours, provided holding valid onward or return documentation and not leaving the airport. Additional Visa Information: http://www.bulafiji.com/
Scuba Diving
	Water Temp Year round water temperatures range from about 76 F in winter to 84 in mid summer (January/February). Visibility Visibility is greatest during Fiji's winter months, June to October. Clarity soars to well over 100' around most islands. In summer, plankton blooms can reduce visibility to 60' on occasion. Diving 330 islands in Fiji. Where should I dive? Take your pick, because anywhere you go in the islands, great dives abound. Fiji is varied, colorful and offers the full spectrum of divesites. Wall dives? yep. Canyons and pinnacles? Yep. Colorful coral gardens? You got it. What about marine life? Large critters such as sharks, rays and turtles are a common sight. Photo buffs will enjoy the lionfish, anemones with their resident clownfish, ble ribbon eels and a host of others. Soft coral are all around with clouds of anthias standing guard as if to protect these natural wonders. Dive operators throughout the islands are first class. Excellent boats and equipment are available, while safety and comfort are a priority.
Misc. Info.
	CUSTOMS REGULATIONS: Fiji's customs authorities may enforce strict regulations concerning temporary importation into Fiji of items such as alcohol and tobacco products. It is advisable to contact the Embassy of Fiji for specific information regarding customs requirements. Pets arriving directly from the U.S. require a 3-month quarantine. This requirement applies to pets arriving on yachts as well. SAFETY/SECURITY: Terrain in the Fiji islands can be hazardous. Please consult with local guides and/or your place of lodging before undertaking a trek. Americans are also advised to hike with a companion and not to stray from marked or well-worn paths. CRIME INFORMATION: Travelers should protect their valuables and be aware that theft from hotel rooms and purse-snatching in the cities are the most common crimes against tourists. Americans not familiar with their environs should make inquiries of hotel staff for any areas to avoid at night. MEDICAL FACILITIES: Health care facilities in Fiji are barely adequate for routine medical problems. Two major hospitals, the Lautoka Hospital in the city of Lautoka, and the Colonial War Memorial Hospital in Suva, the capital, provide emergency and outpatient services. Other hospitals and clinics provide only a limited range of health services. Medical emergencies may be referred to Australia, New Zealand or the United States. Serious medical problems requiring hospitalization and/or medical evacuation to the United States or elsewhere can cost thousands of dollars or more. Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health services. MEDICAL INSURANCE: U.S medical insurance is not always valid outside the United States. U.S. Medicare and Medicaid programs do not provide payment for medical services outside the United States. Uninsured travelers who require medical care overseas may face extreme difficulties. Please check with your own insurance company to confirm whether your policy applies overseas, including provisions for medical evacuation. Please ascertain whether payment will be made to the overseas hospital of doctor or whether you will be reimbursed later for expenses that you incur. Some insurance policies also include coverage for psychiatric treatment and for disposition of remains in the event of death. TRAFFIC SAFETY AND ROAD CONDITIONS: While in a foreign country, U.S. citizens may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in the United States. The information below concerning Fiji is provided for general reference only, and may not be totally accurate in a particular location or circumstance: Safety of Public Transportation: Poor Urban Road Conditions/Maintenance: Very Poor Rural Road Conditions/Maintenance: Very Poor Availability of Roadside Assistance: Not Available Traffic moves on the left in Fiji. While most roads in urban areas are paved, roads outside the city frequently are not. Stray animals, unwary pedestrians, and potholes make driving dangerous and particularly hazardous at night. For specific information concerning operation and rental of motor vehicles in Fiji, please contact the Fiji Visitors Bureau at http://www.bulafiji.com.

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