Health & Safety
Health
Fiji is a health-wise uncomplicated travel destination. No mandatory vaccinations for entry from Europe. Recommended:
- Refresh standard vaccinations: Tetanus, diphtheria, polio, hepatitis A
- Hepatitis B: Recommended for longer stays
- Typhoid: For travel off the beaten tourist paths
Malaria: There is no malaria in Fiji. Dengue fever is also rare but can occur sporadically during the rainy season. Mosquito protection (repellent with DEET, long clothing in the evening) is still advisable.
Sun Protection
The tropical sun in Fiji is brutally intense — the UV index regularly reaches values of 12+ (extreme). Sunscreen SPF 50+ is mandatory, even on cloudy days. Especially on the water (boat, snorkeling, kayaking), you can get sunburned in minutes. Use reef-friendly sunscreen — conventional sunscreens damage the corals.
Medical Care
In Suva and Nadi, there are hospitals and doctors. On the small islands: only first aid stations in the resorts. A foreign travel health insurance with repatriation is highly recommended — in case of emergency, you must be evacuated to Australia or New Zealand. Bring enough medication, as pharmacies on the islands are scarce.
Safety
Fiji is a safe travel destination. The crime rate against tourists is low. Basic precautions:
| Risk | Rating | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Crime | Low | In Suva, caution in certain neighborhoods at night |
| Natural hazards | Medium | Cyclones (Nov–Apr), tsunamis (extremely rare) |
| Sea | Medium | Currents, coral cuts, sea urchins |
| Road traffic | Medium | Left-hand traffic, potholes, roaming animals |
Emergency call: 917 (police), 911 (fire/ambulance)
Achtung
Coral cuts are the most common injury in Fiji. Wear water shoes or reef shoes when snorkeling and wading in shallow lagoons. Coral cuts become infected quickly in the tropics — clean immediately with clean water, disinfect, and monitor. Bring antibiotic ointment!
