Explore Fiji: Your Ultimate Guide From Visas To Accommodation In The Archipelago

Explore Fiji: An archipelago of more than 300 islands, is a paradise for thalassophiles with its stunning white sand beaches, crystal-clear water, and rich marine life.

Fiji is a paradise with brilliant marine life and several water activities like scuba diving, jet skis, hiking, Hobie cats, and zip-lining.

Source : Getty

Did you know that more than 18,000 km from India, crossing all of the southwest Pacific, there is a paradise perfect for your year-round vacation with enough people speaking Hindi and living the Indian way of life? Away from the crowded and hustle life, Fiji is an archipelago of more than 300 islands with some stunning beaches, postcard-perfect landscapes, and flourishing forests.

Fiji is a heaven on earth for thalassophytes due to its stunning white sand beaches, crystal clear water and rich marine life. If you are ready to go the extra mile to quench your thirst for the aquatic world, rugged mountains and delicious food, then you must pack your bags without delay.

Fiji is an archipelago of more than 300 islands attracting tourists from around the globe. (Image Source: Getty)

 

Visa Process And Requirements

If you are encouraged enough to explore Fiji and are thinking about your visa procedure, then worry not. As tourism is the major source of income and most of the countries are on the visa-exempted list, including India, you do not have to go through the time-consuming, complex visa process. Under the visa-exempted list, you will be liable for visa-free entry.

Types of Visa

Fiji offers different types of permits depending on the purpose and length of your visit:

• Work
• Invest
• Study
• Reside with the principal applicant
• Reside as a yachter
• Reside in Fiji with assured income
• Reside in Fiji for medical purposes

 Remember each permit has different conditions and requirements to fulfill.

Tourist Permit

A tourist permit comes under the category of a visitor permit and does not require any prior process. You can get your tourist permit directly from the immigration window of the airport. It will allow you to be in Fiji for up to 4 months, although it is extendable for 2 more months. The visitor permit is a simple 2–3-hour process, depending on the queue at the immigration center.

Documents Required

Keep these documents handy to get your visitor permit smoothly:  

• A valid passport (for at least 6 months)
• Your return ticket
• Your accommodation details
• Proof of funds to support your trip
• Immigration arrival card

Points to be Noted

• Travel insurance is not mandatory but recommended by the Republic of Fiji. 
• You will have to pay around 3,500 INR to extend your visa.
  
  

Travel Logistics

Fiji is a year-round destination accessible only by sea and air with air travel being the most common, fastest, and affordable way. However, you have to gear up as currently there is no direct flight from India to Fiji and you have to reach Hong Kong, Tokyo, or Singapur first. The journey may take at least 23 to 40 hours costing between 60,000 to more than 1 lakh and the serenity you will find there is well worth it. Nadi International Airport in the main city Nadi handles most international flights.

By any chance, if you are planning to go by sea, be cautious, as again there is no direct cruise or yacht from India. You can find them from China, Australia, or New Zealand which will take weeks to reach and may cost you 3-4 lakhs. Also, do not forget to cross-check the stop of your cruise company as Fiji has strict rules for international bodies and there are a few designated ports for international cruises.

When it comes to exploring the islands within the country, Fiji has smooth transportation well connected by road, air, and sea. While public transport like buses can be convenient and affordable, travelling via chartered flights and water taxis can cost a bit. There are several domestic airports on the different islands for your smooth island hopping. Getting around in Fiji by road is an adventurous journey in itself taking you from rainforests on one side and some breathtaking views of the sea on the other side. You can rent cars and scooters, opt for private taxis, and other plenty of other options to roam around.

Fiji is known for its luxurious resorts and hotels where you can have your once-in-a-lifetime experiences. You will find Fijians incredibly kind as you will be welcomed with bands, songs, and gifts at the villages. You can find 5-star resorts costing lakhs for a day to dorms in a few hotels and hostels as an affordable option. You can also go for homestays and community stays to save money. 

There is no time when you can get over the beauty of Fiji yet a 6 to 7-day trip can be your bag of memories which may cost you from 1 lakh to 3 lakhs depending on your way of exploring. Just be aware of frauds as some can charge you extra by taking advantage of your unfamiliarity, so research the charges before you embark on the different water activities, food, and private taxis to not get deceived.

The Fijian Dollar (FJD) is the official currency and as of now, 1 FJD is equal to almost 36 INR. Do not forget to exchange the currency out of the airport as you will need cash most of the time.

Best Time To Travel Fiji

Fiji is a tropical paradise where the usual temperature lies between 20 degrees to 30 degrees Celsius all year. Most tourists prefer to travel from June to September when it remains cooler, but if you are looking for comparatively cheap accommodations then May and October will be your ideal months. Fiji is usually a warm place, but the temperature remains stable most of the time. There is no bad time to visit Fiji as its golden beaches with perfect sunrises and sunsets, and lush green forests in the background, will never let you down.

Language

You will find most of the people multilingual here as Fiji has three official languages English, Fijian, and Hindi. English is the language for education and business purposes, and Fijian is the cultural language spoken by half of the population in their daily life. Fiji Hindi has the dialect of Bhojpuri and is common in most of the villages. When English and Fiji Hindi are so common, you must also learn a few Fijian words as well to add more fun to your journey, like "Bula" (hello), "Vinaka" (thank you), and "Yadra" (good morning).

Must Visit Places In Fiji

Fiji is a country full of energy and rustic charm. From numerous adventure activities to more than 300 islands you will have lots of things to explore in your itinerary. As you land at Nadi International Airport, you can start your journey from Nadi itself. Sri Siva Subramania temple is one of the major tourist attractions of Nadi built in Dravidian architecture. Fijian people have a great mixture of Indian culture and lifestyle in their daily life varying from temples to food. Plan a visit to the Garden of the Sleeping Giant, which is situated in the Sabeto Mountains of Nadi. 

Sri Siva Subramania temple is one of the major tourist attractions in Nadi (Image Source: Getty)

 

Visit Denarau Island, which gives you the chance to discover coral reefs and other marine life by snorkeling. The Mamanuca Islands are a volcanic archipelago near Denarau port where you can find some of the most pristine beaches with awe-inspiring sights. Take a stop at Malolo Island, Mana Island, and Beachcomber Island as well. Another alluring destination is Yasawa Island which will leave you amazed with its tranquillity and peace. There are multiple private islands where you can enjoy your leisure and privacy. 

To experience Fijian culture and traditions, plan a visit to Navala village located in Viti Levu, the largest island in Fiji. Navala is famous among tourists for its hospitality, unique customs and thatched buildings. Do not forget to participate in the Kava ceremony, a relaxing, earthy drink made from ground pepper root and served in most ceremonies to welcome guests or cultural fests.

Fiji has nature as its god-gift where you can find more than thousands of orchids, coral reefs, a variety of flowers, and other plants. You can enjoy wilderness not only above the land but also beneath the waves. 

Fiji is a mind-blowing place for water babies as brilliant marine life can be observed with multiple underwater activities including scuba diving, jet skis, hiking, Hobie cats, and zip-lining. If you are a shark lover, then Beqa Lagoon will be your favorite destination. Here you can find several shark species like tiger sharks and bull sharks. And if you are into waterfalls chasing then hike for several cascades like Biausevu, Savulelele, Tavoro, Vuadomo, and Wainuta. Bouma National Heritage Park is also a treasure of nature and wildlife with majestic biodiversity and waterfalls. For history lovers, Suva, the capital of Fiji, serves some oldest historical buildings, museums, and historical markets in the town. 

Visit Denarau Island to discover more marine life through snorkeling. (Image Source: Getty)

After all these activities and exploration you will need a refreshing retreat and a mud bath in the Sabeto Hot Springs in the Sabeto Mountains will be your lazy and rejuvenating gateway. 

After water bodies and a mud bath Fiji also serves delicious and authentic food that will trap your stomach and mind. Kokoda, Palusami, and Lovo are a few dishes with unique and traditional Fiji taste, and do not be shocked when you find some really good food there with Indian flavors and spices.