The citizens of Fiji are declared as the happiest in the world. When asking a local if they’re happy, 9 out of 10 will say yes. It truly is no wonder as citizens of Fiji not only live in a modern country, they also inhabit some of the most beautiful islands in the world where the weather keeps them warm, and waters are clear and turquoise

Traveling info

All visitors traveling to Fiji are required to have a valid passport. Entry requirements vary depending on visitors nationality. Citizens of most countries may enter the country without the requirement of a visa whilst others must obtain the document in order to visit. (Full list in sources). Visitors who wish to drive in Fiji are required to have both their national driving permit and an international driving permit. IDP holders must beware that it cannot be used alone and must always be complemented by the original driving permit. Holders of driving permits issued in the English language do not require an IDP.

Traveling hazards

Traffic moves on the left in Fiji. While most roads in urban areas are paved, they are poorly maintained. Roads outside the city are usually not paved. In the city, be especially attentive when driving after dark. Outside of the city, it is best to avoid driving after dark except in emergency or exceptional circumstances. Insufficient lighting, stray animals, unwary pedestrians, and potholes make driving dangerous and particularly hazardous at night.

Environmental hazards

There are no dangerous land animals in Fiji. There are however numerous animals which are lethally dangerous to people in the waters of Fiji. There are 3 species of sea snakes in Fiji. The most dangerous of these are the white banded sea snake. Their venom is lethal and will kill if medical help is not sought after a bite. Saltwater crocodiles can be found in the brackish waters of Fiji. These giant reptiles are known for attacking people in the region. They are aggressive and not afraid of people. Saltwater crocodiles are known for venturing out onto land at night and attacking anything they come across. Saltwater crocodiles are also known to swim deep into the ocean meaning they can be found all around the islands at any time. There are numerous reports of shark attacks in Fiji. Many of them are unprovoked and happen mostly to divers.
There are numerous natural hazards occurring in Fiji such as floods and storms however cyclones are the most dangerous out of all of them. Once a cyclone hits the island it is devastating to the local infrastructure, urban areas and is responsible for claiming many lives.

Health hazards

There is no risk of yellow fever in Fiji. The government of Fiji requires proof of yellow fever vaccination only if you are arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever. There are other recommended vaccinations. These are the routine vaccines aka MMR vaccines, hepatitis A and B, typhoid and rabies vaccines. There is a risk of contracting Zika in Fiji. Some mosquitoes in Fiji are carriers of the virus. Unfortunately, there is no approved vaccination against this virus. There are alternative ways, however. Visitors should use mosquito repellents and install mosquito nets in the windows of their accommodation. Fiji’s health system in comparison with other Pacific island nations compares fairly well. However, in comparison with other Pacific Island Nations, Fiji faces problems of inadequate health financing and a distinct shortage of health workers. This, in turn, hampers Fiji’s primary health care efforts to provide access to health facilities to all Fiji citizens, especially to reach all its outlying islands. Overall Fiji has a well rounded and easily accessible healthcare service, except of course if you happen to be on an isolated island. As is true with any country in the world, there are some problems inherent in the system; however, most people are able to receive the care that they need when they need it. The only way to avoid the issues and concerns of any healthcare system in the world is through a quality international health insurance plan or Fiji expat health insurance plan.
In case of an emergency dial 911.

Crime

Crime is a continuing problem in Suva, and it can have a major impact on the work and life of the community. The majority of crime occurs in more densely populated urban areas. Although tourists do not appear to be disproportionate victims of criminal activity, foreigners tend to attract more attention than local citizens and are perceived to carry more money, leading to them being targeted in armed or unarmed robberies and assaults. These crimes occur with some frequency, primarily in certain areas of downtown Suva, around less guarded tourist hotels, and in remote regions of the country. The most common types of crimes are property crimes like robbery, burglary, petty theft. Street robberies and pickpocketing incidents, especially those targeting visitors in western towns popular with tourists, occur both day and night. Criminals typically work in pairs but have been known to operate in larger groups. These groups lack an organizational hierarchy or long-term vision and generally operate on an ad hoc basis. Most burglars prefer to avoid direct violence or confrontation. Because firearms are very limited and offenses involving firearms carry stiff penalties, other weapons — cane knives (similar to a machete), other sharp objects, or blunt instruments — are more likely to be used in the commission of crimes. It is common to see people carrying cane knives outside of the city, as they are a routinely used agricultural tool. However, many burglars do not hesitate to enter an occupied residence or business and have brandished weapons. In such cases, the burglaries appear to be planned and carried out by groups of 2-10 people. Criminal elements have been known to bend or break through security bars and, on occasion, solid wood doors. Violent crimes such as assault, armed robbery do occur but are generally less common than in many large, metropolitan cities in the U.S. Sexual assaults are also a concern, particularly for women traveling alone at night, and occur more frequently than one would expect given Fiji’s reputation as an “island paradise.” There is no risk of terrorism in Fiji.

Summary

Fiji is known to most as the island paradise and it surely does have many reasons to be called so. There are numerous beautiful beaches, sites, and turquoise waters. Tourists flock to the island by hundreds of thousands each year making it a tourist orientated country. Remember that planning your trip with Travset.com will give you the quickest information about nearest emergency services and will also help you purchase indispensable travel insurance for the trip of your lifetime. Please feel free to comment and share the experiences of your travels with Travset.com.

Sources

(Visa)
http://www.immigration.gov.fj/travel-requirements/fiji-visas
http://www.immigration.gov.fj/travel-requirements/visa-exempted-countries
(Vaccinations)
https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/fiji