Fiji Travel Advice

Please find attached a copy of New Zealand's revised travel advice for Fiji.

The risk level is unchanged.

New information has been added about today's reinstatement of the public emergency regulations. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade will continue to monitor the security implications of this move for New Zealanders either living in or visiting Fiji.

Media inquiries about today's events in Fiji should be directed to Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters, through his press secretary James Funnell - 021-838372.

Travel advice can be found on www.safetravel.govt.nz

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Fiji Travel Advisory
Consular Division
Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade
WELLINGTON, NEW ZEALAND

FIJI

Revised on 6 September 2007.

There is some risk to your security in Fiji and we advise caution.

Following the 5 December 2006 military coup d’état the security situation in Fiji remains uncertain. An Interim Government is in place, led by Commodore Bainimarama, RFMF Commander, as Prime Minister. The military also maintains effective control of a number of government departments and statutory authorities. There are indications of a deterioration in respect for the rule of law. Military intervention in Police matters has affected the interests of New Zealanders in some instances.

On 6 September 2007, the Interim Government reinstated the Public Emergency Regulations that it had earlier lifted in May. Public gatherings of more than five people are prohibited under these regulations. Currently, Fiji is calm but a rapid deterioration to the situation, including the potential for civil disorder and violence, cannot be ruled out. The New Zealand High Commission in Suva remains open for business, despite the expulsion of New Zealand’s High Commissioner to Fiji in June by the Interim Government, and is monitoring the situation closely.

Police vehicle checkpoints remain in place in urban areas, particularly at night. New Zealand citizens in Fiji should be security conscious at all times, avoiding demonstrations, large gatherings and areas of military activity. Public sector strikes and industrial action took place in late July affecting some public services.

There are indications that crime levels are increasing in Fiji. Robbery, theft and incidents of assault have been reported by locals and tourists alike, with most occurring at night and in urban areas. New Zealanders are advised to take particular care with cash and credit cards, especially when using Automatic Teller Machines (ATMs).

We recommend New Zealanders in Fiji or planning to visit monitor the media and this website, ensure they have appropriate insurance cover and make sure their travel documents are easily accessible.

New Zealanders travelling or resident in Fiji are strongly encouraged to record/update their details online at www.safetravel.govt.nz

New Zealand High Commission, Fiji

Contact details are:

Street address: Reserve Bank of Fiji Building, Pratt St, Suva, Fiji
Postal address: PO Box 1378, Suva, Fiji
Telephone: +679 331 1422 Fax: +679 330 0842
Email: nzhc[at]connect.com.fj
Office hours: Mon – Fri 0830 – 1630 hrs

ENDS

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