Fiji is a country which carefully guards itself against human, animal and vegetable pests and diseases. It is free of all the serious plant and animal pests and diseases and it wants to maintain this privileged state. The importation of vegetable matter, seeds, or any animal product is prohibited without the relevant import permits from the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forests.

A permit is required also for the importation of cats, dogs and other live animals. Such animals will require to be kept in quarantine isolation on arrival. The length of such isolation periods will depend on the country of origin of these animals. Quarantine officers are stationed at the international airports at Nadi and Nausori and the ports of entry for vessels.

Fiji is free from malaria, yellow fever and major tropical diseases that are endemic to most tropical countries. It has an effective medical system in place although local people still believe in the efficacy of age-old herbal remedies. Fresh water reticulated in Suva, Lautoka and the other major towns has been treated and is safe to drink from the tap. This also applies to hotels and resorts. Some resorts use artesian water for bathing, but provide drinking water separately. If this is the case, visitors will be advised.

Vaccinations

Yellow Fever and Cholera vaccinations are only required if coming from an infected area as designated by the World Health Organisation. Yellow Fever vaccination certificate is required for travellers over I year of age coming from an infected area.

Fiji is a signatory to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Flora and Fauna ( CITES ). Tourists are required to obtain an export permit and CITES certificate from the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forests to enable them to take the following aquatic products out of the country: coral of any species, turtle shells of any species, shell of any species of giant clams, whales tooth.

Further enquiries regarding the importation of animals or animal products can be made at the office of the Director of Animal Health and Production, GPO Box 15829, Suva. Telephone +679 3315322, Fax +679 3301368. Enquiries related to the imports of vegetable and plant matter are to be directed to the Principal Quarantine Officer, Private Mail Bag, Raiwaqa, Suva. Telephone +679 3312512 Fax +679 3305043.