Living in Fiji
Information for British citizens moving to or living in Fiji, including guidance on residency, healthcare and driving.
This guide sets out essential information for British citizens moving to or living in Fiji. Read about how the British High Commission Suva can help.
This information is provided as a guide only. You should get definitive information from the Fijian government authorities. The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) is not liable for any inaccuracies in this information.
Support for British Nationals Abroad: a guide sets out how British nationals can stay safe abroad and how the FCDO can help if you do get into difficulty.
Read general guidance on moving or retiring abroad.
To stay up to date: follow the British High Commission Suva on Facebook and Twitter.
Before you go
See our travel advice for Fiji for up-to-date information on entry requirements, local laws and customs, safety and emergencies.
Visas and residency
Check the entry requirements for Fiji in our travel advice.
Visas are not needed for visits of up to 4 months. You must have an onward or return ticket and a valid visa for the next country you’re travelling to. If you’re visiting Fiji on business you will be granted a stay for 14 days on arrival.
If you plan to stay for longer than 4 months, you will need to apply for a visa from the Fiji High Commission in London.
Passports and travel
You can apply for or renew your British passport from Fiji and get an emergency travel document (sometimes called an emergency passport).
Check the Fiji travel advice for passport validity requirements.
Healthcare in Fiji
Fiji and the UK do not have a reciprocal healthcare agreement. You should buy comprehensive travel and medical insurance before you enter the country.
Visit the Health section of our travel advice for detailed advice on medical services, vaccinations, and health risk in Fiji.
The availability of medical care varies across Viti Levu and Vanua Levu and may not meet the standards of care in the UK. Although adequate in some areas, medical care is limited in more remote areas. Treatment can be very expensive.
UK Travel insurance providers will not generally cover your healthcare costs if you live overseas.
Medicine
If you are on a prescription for any medication you should ensure you have a supply of it, or are able to obtain it when in Fiji. Certain medicines may not be available in Fiji (including major brands readily available in the UK), and you may be prohibited from taking them into the country. You should consult your GP before travelling to Fiji to find out about any alternative medication.
Read the guidance if you need to travel with medicines.
Working in Fiji
If you want to work in Fiji you will need to apply for a work visa. See Fiji immigration for details on how to apply.
Studying in Fiji
If you plan to study in Fiji, you must meet all visa requirements before you travel. See details from Immigration Fiji on student visa applications.
Tax
You should get professional advice on paying tax in Fiji.
See: tax if you leave the UK to live abroad or tax on your UK income if you live abroad.
Benefits
Find out which UK benefits you might be able to get while you’re abroad and how to claim them.
Many income-related benefits such as Pension Credit and Housing Benefit cannot be paid if you’re abroad for more than 4 weeks.
Pensions
See: UK State Pension or new UK State Pension.
Contact the International Pension Centre for further information.
Life certificate for UK State Pensions
If you get a ‘life certificate’ from the UK Pension Service, you need to respond as soon as possible – your payments may be suspended if you don’t.
Accommodation and buying property
If you intend on purchasing land or property in Fiji you should first seek independent legal advice. See buying a property abroad.
Driving in Fiji
See driving abroad and Road Travel section on our Travel Advice.
See converting your licence in Fiji.
If you’re asked for a letter authenticating, certifying or validating your UK driver’s licence, you should contact your UK issuing office (e.g. the DVLA).
Voting
British nationals living abroad must register to vote before you can vote in UK elections or referendums. See how you are able to vote from abroad.
Birth, deaths, marriage and civil partnerships
Birth
If your child is born in Fiji you should register the birth with the local authorities. You can then register with the UK authorities and apply for a UK birth certificate.
If your child has British nationality, you do not need to register the birth with the UK authorities to apply for a British passport.
Deaths
If someone dies in Fiji read our guidance on what to do if someone dies abroad.
- bereavement guidance for Fiji
- English-speaking Funeral Directors in Fiji
Marriage and civil partnership
See guidance on getting married abroad or a civil partnership.
Pets
If you moving to Fiji with your pet, read the guidance and ensure you comply with the regulations. Contact your vet to get the travel documents your pet needs.
Emergencies
Emergency contact numbers:
- police: 917
- ambulance/fire: 910/911
- electricity faults: 913
If you have been the victim of a rape or sexual assault in Fiji, See our guidance on support abroad.
If you’re the victim of a crime, have been arrested, or are affected by a crisis, contact the British High Commission Suva.
Read guidance on international parental child abduction if your child may be at risk of this.
Returning to the UK
Read the guidance on returning to the UK permanently which includes information on bringing family members, tax and access to services.
Disclaimer
This information is provided as a general guide and is based upon information provided to the embassy by the relevant local authorities and may be subject to change at any time with little or no notice. The FCDO and the British High Commission will not be liable for any inaccuracies in this information. British nationals wishing to obtain any further information must contact the relevant local authority.
Last updated 28 March 2023 + show all updates
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Updated and reviewed guidance in full.
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Coronavirus section added with a link to guidance on vaccines.
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The latest updates for British nationals residing in Fiji.
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First published.