+ 11 h / + 10 h during our summer time

Suva

English and Fiji

• 240 volts
• Travel adapter required for plug type I

Banks

9.30 am - 4.00 pm (Mon - Thu)
9.30 am - 3.00 pm (Fri)

Shops

8.00 am - 5.00 pm (Mon - Fri)
8.00 am - 3.00 pm (Sat)

Many shops regularly offer late-night shopping or Sunday opening.

• 1 January - New Year's Day
• Good Friday – date varies (April)
• Easter Monday – date varies (April)
• Girmit Day – Monday closest to 14 May
• Ratu Sir Lala Sukuna Day – last Monday/Friday in May
• Prophet Mohammed's Birthday – Monday during Rabi' al-Awwal (Mawlid al-Nabi, date varies)
• Constitution Day – 7 September
• Fiji Day – 10 October
• Diwali – date varies
• Christmas Day – 25 December
• Boxing Day – 26 December

The following documents are required to enter Fiji:

• A Swiss passport that is valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry.
• No visa is required for stays of up to 4 months.
• A return or onward ticket and proof of sufficient financial means are required.

• Minors: Check with the local authorities regarding entry formalities for minors.

As of: October 2024

Fiji has a tropical climate, with warm temperatures and plenty of sunshine throughout the year:

• Viti Levu (main island, Suva, Nadi): the main island has a tropical climate with hot, humid summers (25–31°C) and milder winters (19–26°C). The rainy season lasts from November to April and brings heavy but brief showers, helping to create the lush tropical landscapes. During the dry season from May to October, the weather is pleasantly warm and ideal for beach visits.
• Vanua Levu (Savusavu): the climate on Fiji’s second-largest island is similar, with hot summers (24–30°C) and milder winters (18–25°C). Because of its more remote location, Vanua Levu is often less rainy than the main island, making it a popular destination for water sports and exploring nature.
• Yasawa and Mamanuca Islands: these western island groups are known for their particularly sunny and dry climate. Hot temperatures (26–32°C) and relatively low rainfall make them a popular year-round destination for beach holidays and diving.

Best time to travel to Fiji: the best time to visit is from May to October, when temperatures are milder and humidity is lower – ideal for beach holidays and outdoor activities. From November to April, the rainy season can occasionally bring cyclones, but also lush, vibrant landscapes.

• Using a mobile phone in Fiji may incur roaming charges. Travellers are advised to check the applicable roaming fees before departure and, where necessary, purchase a suitable roaming package to reduce costs.
• Free Wi-Fi is available in cafés, hotels, restaurants and at the airport.
• To reduce roaming charges, it is advisable to purchase either a tourist SIM card or an eSIM in Fiji, offering affordable mobile internet and local calls.

• Sri Siva Subramaniya Temple – The largest Hindu temple in the South Pacific, located in Nadi, impresses visitors with its colourful architecture and cultural significance.

• Sabeto Hot Springs and Mud Pool – Hot springs near Nadi where visitors can relax in natural mud baths and enjoy their beneficial properties.

• Garden of the Sleeping Giant – A lush garden known for its extensive orchid collection and tropical plants, just a short drive from Nadi.

• Bouma National Heritage Park (Taveuni) – A paradise for nature lovers, known for its hiking trails, waterfalls and the lush tropical vegetation of Taveuni, the “Garden Island”.

• Sawa-i-Lau Caves (Yasawa Islands) – Impressive limestone caves that visitors can explore through an underground tunnel leading to a hidden, atmospheric pool.

• Coral Coast – A coastal region on the southern coast of Viti Levu, known for its coral reefs, beaches and excellent diving and snorkelling spots.

Fijian cuisine is a delicious blend of fresh ingredients, traditional recipes and influences from India, China and the Pacific Islands. From local markets to upmarket restaurants, visitors can discover a wide range of authentic flavours.

• Coconut and fresh fish: Fiji is famous for dishes made with coconut milk and fresh fish. The national dish, Kokoda, consists of raw fish marinated in lime juice and served with creamy coconut milk and fresh herbs – a true highlight of island cuisine.
• Lovo: A traditional Lovo meal is prepared in an earth oven. Meat, fish and root vegetables are wrapped and cooked beneath hot stones, giving them a distinctive smoky flavour. It is a must-try for anyone wanting to experience authentic Fijian cuisine.
• Curries and Roti: Fiji’s Indian community has had a strong influence on the local cuisine. Delicious curries with chicken, lamb or vegetables.

• Greetings: a friendly “Bula” is the traditional greeting and means “hello”. A handshake is also common, while a slight nod shows additional respect, particularly in rural areas.

• Saying please and thank you: politeness is important. “Vinaka” means “thank you”, while “Kerekere” means “please” – two words that are always appreciated in Fiji.

• Clothing: shoulders and knees should be covered when visiting villages and religious sites. Swimwear is appropriate at the beach, but more modest clothing is recommended elsewhere.

• Dining etiquette: food is often shared, and it is polite to wait until everyone has been served before starting to eat. Traditionally, food is eaten with the right hand, and thanks are given after the meal.

• Smoking: smoking is prohibited in public spaces and religious sites. Always ask for permission before smoking.

• Tipping: tipping is not widespread, but in tourist areas a tip of 5–10% is appreciated for good service.
• When visiting a village in Fiji, it is customary to bring a “Sevusevu” as a gift and present it to the village chief, either directly or through your host, as a sign of respect.

• Tap water: tap water in Fiji is generally not suitable for drinking. Bottled or filtered water is recommended to reduce health risks. Travellers should also make sure they have access to safe drinking water in hotels and restaurants.

• Vaccinations: no mandatory vaccinations are required to enter Fiji. Before travelling, standard vaccinations should be checked and updated if necessary. Vaccination against hepatitis A is recommended. For longer stays or particular exposure, vaccination against dengue fever, hepatitis B and typhoid is also recommended.
• Fiji occasionally experiences outbreaks of mosquito-borne diseases such as dengue fever and Zika virus. Travellers should therefore use insect repellent consistently and, particularly in rural areas, wear long clothing to help protect against mosquito bites.

• Medical care in Fiji is relatively good in larger cities such as Suva and Nadi, but can be limited in rural areas and on smaller islands. Public hospitals do not always meet Western standards and often lack modern equipment and medicines. Private clinics generally offer better care, but are more expensive. 
• Travel health insurance that also covers repatriation is strongly recommended, as serious illness or accidents may require medical evacuation to New Zealand or Australia.
• It is advisable to bring a well-stocked travel medical kit, as not all medicines are readily available. Prescription medicines for personal use may be imported, but a medical certificate is required.

• Before and during your trip, keep informed about the current situation through the media and remain in contact with your tour operator.
• Fiji is generally considered a safe travel destination, particularly in tourist areas such as Nadi, Denarau and island resorts. Petty crime, such as pickpocketing, can nevertheless occur, especially in busy areas or during large events. Travellers are advised to keep valuables secure and avoid walking alone at night in isolated areas.

• Further information on the current security situation is available on the website of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA).

As of: October 2024

• Traffic drives on the left!

• An International Driving Permit is mandatory. However, it is only valid when presented together with your national driving licence.

• The minimum age for car hire varies from 21 to 25, depending on the company.

• Blood alcohol limit: 0.08 ‰.

Public transport in Fiji is a simple and affordable way to explore the islands.

• Buses: Regular bus services connect urban and rural areas, particularly in cities such as Suva and Nadi. There are standard local buses as well as air-conditioned express buses for longer journeys.
• Minibuses: A faster alternative to buses, often with more flexible departure times. Safety standards can vary.
• Taxis: Widely available in towns and cities. It is advisable to agree on the fare before the journey, as not all taxis are fitted with meters.
• Ferries: Ferries are the main means of transport between the islands. Water taxis offer a faster but more expensive alternative.
• Car hire: For greater flexibility on longer journeys, hiring a car is recommended for exploring Fiji’s scenery comfortably.
• Apps: For buses and ferries, Google Maps and Moovit provide reliable information on timetables and routes. Taxis can be booked via apps such as Uber or local providers such as Fiji Cabs. The eTransport card is also a convenient way to use public bus services without cash.

There are no direct flights from Switzerland to Fiji. Travellers generally connect via major hubs such as Singapore, Sydney or Hong Kong to reach this tropical island destination.

The main airports in Fiji are:

• Nadi International Airport (NAN), Nadi – Fiji’s largest and most important international airport, handling the majority of international flights. It is the main gateway for travellers arriving from Australia, New Zealand, the United States and Asia.
• Nausori International Airport (SUV), Suva – This airport mainly serves domestic flights as well as some regional connections to other South Pacific islands.

The national airline Fiji Airways offers direct connections to major international destinations such as Australia, New Zealand, the United States and Singapore. International airlines such as Qantas, Emirates and Air New Zealand also operate regular services to Fiji, offering convenient travel options for visitors from around the world.

05 41 (omit the initial zero of the Swiss area code)

• General emergency number: 911

Level 12, 10 Customhouse Quay
Wellington 6011
New Zealand
Tel.: +64 4 472 15 93
Email: wellington@eda.admin.ch

• All food as well as plant and animal products must be declared on the Incoming Passenger Card. Undeclared items may result in substantial fines. 
• Possession, import and export of drugs are strictly punished in Fiji and may result in severe penalties.
• Strong sun exposure in Fiji poses significant health risks. The tropical climate, which may be unfamiliar to European travellers, increases the risk of sunburn and heatstroke. Particular care is therefore advised.
• When swimming or snorkelling, reef shoes or water shoes should always be worn to help prevent injuries from coral and sea urchins.
• Get used to “Fiji Time” – embrace the relaxed pace and easy-going attitude of the Fijian people as part of your holiday experience.