UK TRAVEL WARNING: FijiPUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENT1 December 2006 Fiji
SUMMARY- We advise against all but essential travel to Fiji because of increasing tensions between the Government of Fiji and the Republic of Fiji Military Forces. The Fiji Military Commander has issued a number of ultimatums demanding that the Government resign, and has announced that military action will be taken if his demands are not met by 4 December 2006. There is now a strong possibility of a military coup taking place in Fiji. The security situation could deteriorate at short notice. The British High Commission in Fiji is monitoring events closely.
- If you are in Fiji, you should exercise caution. We strongly advise you to ensure that you are comfortable with, and regularly review your own and your family's security arrangements. The British High Commission in Suva has offered voluntary departure to its non-essential staff and dependants. Political tensions could lead to civil disorder. You should avoid all military or political rallies and large gatherings of people and keep yourself informed of developments.
- Penalties for possession of any amount of marijuana carry a mandatory prison sentence.
- 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.
- The main type of incident for which British nationals require consular assistance in Fiji involves the theft of money and passports. The majority of consular cases occur on the main island of Viti Levu. Robberies, thefts and assaults have occurred against foreigners in Fiji. You should take appropriate precautions.
- Tropical cyclones are common in Fiji from the beginning of November until the end of April. Please see: Hurricanes.
- We strongly recommend that you obtain comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling. You should check any exclusions, and that your policy covers you for the activities you want to undertake.
SAFETY AND SECURITYTerrorism The threat from terrorism 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. Please read "Security and General Tips" and "Risk of Terrorism when Travelling Overseas" pages on the FCO website for further information and advice. Since the terrorist attacks in the US on 11 September 2001, security at Nadi International Airport has been tightened. You should contact your tour operator or carrier about check-in times, especially if you are flying to the US, which have been extended to three/four hours. Crime Robberies, thefts and assaults have occurred against foreigners in Fiji, particularly at night, with most of the incidents occurring in urban areas. Crime statistics for the first five months of 2006 show that there has been a large increase in burglaries in Fiji. There has also been an increase in robberies and violent home invasions carried out by large gangs. Whilst the majority of visitors enjoy a trouble-free visit, you should take personal security measures such as: - Store your valuables in a hotel safe where available. Take particular care to safeguard your passport and credit/ATM cards.
- Do not carry large amounts of cash with you or openly wear expensive items of clothing or jewellery.
- Take care when withdrawing money from ATMs, as the incidence of thefts at these outlets is reportedly on the increase.
- When taking a taxi, use one from a reputable firm, preferably booked by phone or arranged by your hotel and avoid travelling alone in the centre of Suva or Nadi late at night.
- Women travelling on their own should exercise caution to help ensure their personal security.
Political Situation We advise against all but essential travel to Fiji because of increasing tensions in the relationship between the Government of Fiji and the Republic of Fiji Military Forces. The Fiji Military Commander has issued a number of ultimatums demanding that the Government resign. On 31 October, the Government of Fiji failed to remove the Fiji Military Commander from his post and all military personnel were called up to report to bases. On 1 November, the Prime Minister made it clear he would not resign. On 21 November, the Commander announced that military action would be taken if his demands were not met by 4 December 2006. On 25 November all military reservists were recalled and there is now a strong possibility of a military coup taking place in Fiji. On 29 November and 1 December 2006, the Military conducted night time exercises. . The security situation could deteriorate at short notice. The British High Commission in Fiji is monitoring events closely. If you are in Fiji, you should exercise caution. We strongly advise you to ensure that you are comfortable with, and regularly review your own and your family's se4curity arrangements. The British High Commission in Suva has offered voluntary departure to its non-essential staff and dependants. You should ensure that you avoid all military or political rallies and large gatherings of people and keep yourself informed of developments. Sea/River Safety You should note there are dangerous rip tides along the reefs and river estuaries. You are advised to wear the appropriate safety equipment before going out to the reefs or engaging in water sports and take local advice on safety at all times when engaging in adventure sports. There have been shark attacks in some waters. Road Safety If you plan to hire a car, you should note that traffic discipline can be poor. Night-time driving, particularly on the road between Nadi and Suva, is considered to be particularly hazardous, as animals wander or sleep on the road and accidents are frequent. Some organisations forbid their staff from using the road after dark. The national maximum speed limit is 50 mph (80 kmph) but this is often ignored and road deaths are increasing (from 41 in the first eight months of 2005 to 60 during the same period in 2006), mostly as a result of reckless driving. When using taxis, it is advisable to use one with a yellow registration plate, which denotes recent compliance with Land Transport Authority (LTA) regulations. You should be aware that not all minibuses currently operating in Fiji are licensed by the LTA. As with taxis, those with yellow number plates have been approved by the LTA. Unlicensed minibuses will probably not be insured. LOCAL LAWS AND CUSTOMSPossession of any amount of marijuana carries a mandatory three-month prison sentence. Prisons in Fiji have very poor facilities. If you overstay, you may face detention followed by deportation at your own expense. You may be invited to participate in the local ceremony of drinking kava. You should be aware of the British Medicine Controls Agency advice on the effects that this can have on the consumer's health: http://www.mca.gov.uk. Fijians are by nature modest people. Topless bathing and nudity in public is forbidden. Gay and lesbian travellers should note that Fijian attitudes towards homosexuality are complex. The issue is currently subject to church and public debate and there have been aggressive outbursts against homosexuality. Whilst the 1997 Constitution provides for sexual freedom and equality, primary legislation still exists which prohibits homosexual acts, even in private. The maximum sentence for such offences is five years. In the outer islands, there is a lack of communication facilities generally, and coverage by the mobile phone network is patchy. This may lead to you becoming uncontactable by family and friends. ENTRY REQUIREMENTSVisas are not required for British nationals visiting for periods up to four weeks. You are required to retain a portion of your arrival card for presentation to Immigration on departure. All passports must be valid for a minimum period of six months upon arrival. Those entering Fiji by boat are subject to the same visa requirements as those travelling to Fiji by plane. Yachts can only enter through Suva, Lautoka, Savusavu and Levuka. No meat or dairy products may be brought into Fiji from Europe due to foot and mouth disease controls. If you have come from areas affected by the disease, you may be subject to some delay on arrival. Single parents or other adults travelling alone with children should be aware that some countries require documentary evidence of parental responsibility before allowing lone parents to enter the country or, in some cases, before permitting the children to leave the country. In the case of Fiji, no such documentation is required for visitors. But it is required for those applying for work and/or residency permits. In such cases, you should contact Fijian representation in the UK. HEALTHYou should take out comprehensive medical and travel insurance covering all eventualities, including cover for medical evacuation by air ambulance, before you travel, particularly if you plan to engage in adventure sports. You should check any exclusions, and that your policy covers you for the activities you want to undertake. Medical facilities are generally adequate for uncomplicated treatment. For more serious or complicated problems, medical evacuation to Australia or New Zealand may be required. There has been an increase in diarrhoeal illness in the Suva and other parts of Fiji. You are advised to take precautions with food and drink. An outbreak of measles in early 2006 has resulted in 70 confirmed cases. The majority of these cases have been in Sigatoka and Rakiraki. The Fijian Health Ministry is conducting a vaccination campaign around the country and has advised that children between the ages of 12 months and six years are most at risk. Outbreaks of mumps have also been reported during 2006 in Suva, Sigatoka, and Labasa. On 1 September 2006, the Fiji Authorities issued a warning following a typhoid outbreak in the Northern Division (including Vanua Levu) where 113 cases have been treated so far in 2006, (there were 127 for the whole of 2005). Typhoid has also been reported in other parts of Fiji, predominantly in the island of Koro, and in the districts of Lami, Naitasiri, Rewa, Tailevu, Nadera, Nasinu, Vatuwaqa and Suva on the main island. Fiji's Senior Medical Officer has described the principal causes of the outbreak as overcrowded homes, groundwater sources of water, pit toilets and poor practice of simple and safe hygiene. The dengue fever season runs from November to April. However, cases of dengue fever have also been outside of the normal season. There is no preventative medication and in some cases dengue can be fatal. Dengue is carried by mosquitoes, and you should take elementary precautions particularly during daylight hours when the dengue-carrying mosquitoes are active. An outbreak of dengue fever was last reported in March 2004 on the island of Vanua Levu. Leptospirosis, a water-borne disease transmitted through the urine of certain animals, is also prevalent in certain parts of Fiji, and kills a number of people each year. You are advised not to walk barefooted near open waterways used by farm animals and to drink bottled water in rural areas. You should seek medical advice before travelling and ensure that all appropriate vaccinations are up to date. NATURAL DISASTERSOn 3 May 2006, an earthquake measuring 8.0 on the Richter scale was recorded 95 miles off the coast of Tonga. Tsunami alerts were put in place for Tonga, Fiji, New Zealand, Samoa and Hawaii. The cyclone season in Fiji normally runs from November to April. You should monitor local and international weather updates from the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO). You can also access National Hurricane Centre for updates. Please also see Hurricanes for more detailed information about what to do if you are caught up in a cyclone. The islands are affected occasionally but there is a warning system in operation. Most hotels are well equipped for these occasions. Flash floods resulting in landslides and road blockages are not uncommon. Fiji is in an earthquake zone and suffers from tremors time to time. | 
