Fiji tourist visa and visitor permit

The Ministry of Immigration publishes a list of visa-exempted countries, grouped by region. Visitors from those countries are given a visitor permit on immigration clearance and do not apply in advance, unless they are coming for medical treatment or are yacht owners or crew, who must obtain their permits before arriving. The list also notes that exempt travellers still need the relevant permit if the purpose of travel is not a visit.

A visitor permit is issued for holidays: sightseeing, sporting and recreational activities, visiting relatives or friends who are Fiji citizens, attending conferences or meetings, transiting to another country and joining a vessel as crew. The period issued may range from several days up to a maximum of four months. A visitor permit cannot be used to look for work or to work, and the ministry's FAQ states that you cannot study while visiting.

Carry a passport valid for more than six months from the date of travel, a return or onward ticket (entry on a one-way ticket is not accepted), accommodation details, evidence of sufficient funds and the completed arrival card. Visa holders also carry the visa approval letter, and a visa does not guarantee entry: travellers remain subject to clearance at the border.

Nationals of countries not on the exempt list need a pre-entry visa lodged online through IMMI HUB under Part 3, section 7 of the Immigration Act 2003 and regulations 3 to 6 of the Immigration Regulations 2007. A single-entry visa is valid for three months for one journey and costs FJD 93; a multiple-entry visa is valid for 12 months, with each stay limited to four months, and costs FJD 185. Visas generally take 14 working days from payment, and the outcome is sent by email through the portal.

For a holiday the checklist asks for a certified passport copy, two recent photos, a hotel booking or a local sponsor letter with the sponsor's ID, the itinerary or ticket, proof of funds such as a recent bank statement, any onward visa, and consent letters where a spouse or minor travels alone.

Under section 26 of the Immigration Act 2003, a visitor in Fiji on a valid visitor permit may apply on IMMI HUB, before it expires, for an extension of up to two months; no further extension is granted after that. Holiday visitors, people visiting friends or relatives, fishing or cargo crew, yachties, medical visitors and their companions, visitors who declared investment on arrival and students on a 30-day visitor permit may apply. Holders of a business visitors permit, holders of other permits and overstayers may not.

The checklist asks for a locally certified photo taken within three months and passport bio page (passport valid at least six months), a request letter, proof of funds, proof of accommodation, the sponsor's ID if a relative or friend sponsors you, a confirmed return ticket dated within two months of the current permit's expiry (reservations are not accepted), the arrival stamp, parental consent for an unaccompanied minor and a medical certificate if the reason is medical. The base fee is FJD 93; after approval, present the passport at the nearest Immigration office for stamping. Extension holders may not take up business, employment, religious vocation, research or study.

An overstay is a breach of immigration law. Overstayers become prohibited immigrants under Part 4, section 13(2)(a) of the Immigration Act 2003 and cannot apply for visas or permits until the status is uplifted; the fee table lists FJ$185.00 for an uplift of prohibited immigrant status. Apply for the extension before your permit expires, and ensure your documents and permit are valid when you depart.