Health Tips for Travellers in Fiji

Getting sick while travelling can be a real pain – especially if it means spending time indoors or missing out on all the fun you had planned.   Follow these practical tips to keep your energy up for all your Fiji adventures.

COVID-19

Fiji practices strict, controlled border quarantine procedures and have begun vaccinations to protect our people and visitors.  In addition to this, the Fiji tourism industry have signed up to the Care Fiji Commitment; a two-way commitment to implement world-class health and safety standards across the industry.

TROPICAL DISEASES & VACCINATIONS 

• Fiji is FREE from most major tropical diseases like Malaria and Yellow Fever so keep your regular vaccinations (tetanus, Hepatitis, Measles etc) up to date. Consult with your medical practitioner or travel advisory before you fly.

• Occasionally Fiji does have a dengue season which is spread by Aedes aegypti mosquitoes.  The best advice to avoid getting dengue is to carry mosquito repellent with you always and apply often!

• Bad weather can cause flooding and water-borne diseases to spike.  But you should be fine if you drink boiled or bottled water and avoid swimming in rivers where there are lots of animal activity.

SAFE DRINKING WATER

• Tap water in large urban centres like Suva and Nadi is treated and is generally safe drink but can become contaminated after a storm.  Water quality also suffers further away from urban centres where it’s better to drink boiled or bottled water.

• Bottled water in the islands can be expensive. Before you travel to a remote area, stock up on extra bottles of water at a supermarket to take with you.

SUNBURN & HEATSTROKE
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• It gets hot outdoors even on an overcast day. If you’re headed out, grab a hat and some water to help you stay cool and hydrated.

• Everyone loves a golden holiday glow, but severe sunburn or heatstroke can ruin your fun.  Protect yourself by applying sunscreen often.  Even better if you can opt for ones that don’t contain reef-harming chemicals like oxybenzone and octinoxate.

CUTS, STINGS & BITES

• Fiji doesn’t have any venomous land animals, but the humid tropical weather can cause cuts and bites to become infected.  Always keep wounds clean, treated and covered.

• Coral reefs have lots of jagged edges and tiny animals that can sting or bite so it’s helpful to know which marine animals to avoid. If you get a sting or coral cut while swimming, clean it with iodine and apply an antiseptic cream regularly.

• Carry a small medical kit with essentials. Most major towns have pharmacies (chemists) but your options dwindle on islands and in remote areas.  Don’t forget to pack prescription medications – it’s better to be safe than sorry!

MAJOR HOSPITALS & MEDICAL CENTRES 

For any emergency or enquiry, you have about health, it’s best to consult the hotel or resort you are staying at first.  They’d have the best local knowledge and advice for the region you are staying in.  In lieu of that, the number for major hospitals or clinics are listed below.