MANY visitors to Fiji will be greeted with the word bula.
And while the word can mean many things in the local lingo such as hello, welcome, cheers or good health, Tourism Fiji says bula is guaranteed to be delivered and received with the warmest smiles.
“More than anything, Fijians like to be happy and they want visitors to be happy too. Smiling is second nature to our people and their warmth and friendliness is infectious,” it said.
For those abroad planning to visit one or all of Fiji’s 333 islands, here are a couple of things to take into consideration when planning that holiday in Fiji.
Tourism Fiji
Entry requirements:
* Entry — valid passport for about six months beyond the intended period of stay and a ticket for return or onward travel;
* Entry visas are granted on arrival for a stay of four months or less for nationals of Commonwealth countries;
* Nationals of other countries require pre-arranged visas, which can be applied for at the nearest Fiji embassy in their respective countries;
* Visas maybe extended for about six months on application to the Department of Immigration in Suva, Lautoka or Nadi;
* It is necessary to have an onward or return ticket and sufficient funds; and
* Those wishing to stay more than six months should consult the Department of Immigration.
Customs at international airports:
* Fiji Customs operates a dual channel system — the red and green channels for expeditious clearance of air travellers;
* If you have any prohibited or restricted goods, or dutiable goods exceeding your duty/VAT free concessions, you should seek Customs clearance at the red channel;
* If you do not have any prohibited, restricted or commercial goods or dutiable goods exceeding your duty/VAT concessions, you should proceed through the green channel and note that baggage may be examined by Customs whether you take the red or green channels. If this occurs, you will be required to open and repack your baggage.
Biosecurity Authority of Fiji:
* The importation of vegetable matter, seeds or any animal product is prohibited without the relevant import permits from the Ministry of Industry — agriculture, fisheries, timber and sugar;
* A permit is also required for the importation of cats, dogs and other live animals;
* Biosecurity officers are stationed at the international airports in Nadi and Nausori and the ports of entry for vessels;
* Fiji is a signatory to the Convention on International Trade of Endangered Species of Wild Flora and Fauna (CITES); and
* Tourists are required to obtain an export permit and CITES from the Ministry of Environment to enable them to take aquatic products out of the country such as coral of any species, turtle shells of any species, shell of any species of giant clams and whales tooth.
Health:
* Fiji is free from malaria, yellow fever and major tropical diseases that are endemic to most tropical countries;
* Fresh water reticulated in Suva, Lautoka, Nadi and other major towns has been treated and is safe to drink from the tap;
* The same 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.
Time Zones:
* When it is 9am in Fiji, it is 9pm in London, England previous day, 10pm Frankfurt, Germany previous day, 4pm New York previous day, 1pm Los Angeles previous day, 6am Tokyo same day, 9am Auckland same day, 7am Sydney same day.
Language:
* Fiji is an English-speaking country although the two major races — iTaukei and Fijians of Indian decent — speak in their vernacular. Hotel staff members are fluent in English.
Climate:
* Fiji enjoys an ideal South Sea tropical climate. It is the perfect holiday destination especially for those trying to escape the severe northern hemisphere winters;
* Maximum summer temperatures average 31 degrees Celsius and the mean minimum is 22 degrees Celsius;
* Fiji has a climate ideally suited for the outdoors, the beach and surf, for light cotton dresses, barbecues and water sports.
Attire:
* Visitors to Fiji should bring light tropical wardrobe. Bathing suits, shorts, T-shirts and sulus (pareau, lavalava or sarong) are a must for both men and women;
* Visitors are asked to be careful not to offend local sensibilities. Wearing bikinis and ultra-brief, swimming costumes is fine at the resort but not when visiting villages or shopping in town;
* At such times, it is easy to take a sulu to use as a wrap-around so no offence is caused;
* Both men and women should be careful to respect local feelings.
