TRAVEL HEALTH GUIDE
Everything you need to stay healthy in paradise — from Nadi and Suva to the Yasawa and Mamanuca islands. About 15,000 Canadians visit Fiji each year.
Last updated 2025-02-05. General information — advice for your particular trip comes from our pharmacist, in person.
Hepatitis A is transmitted through contaminated food and water. Essential for all travellers to Fiji, even those staying at resorts. Local food markets and village visits carry higher risk. The vaccine provides long-lasting protection with a booster dose.
Typhoid vaccination is recommended for travellers who will be eating outside of major resorts, visiting local villages, or trying street food. Risk is lower than in South and Southeast Asia but still present, particularly in rural areas and smaller islands.
Hepatitis B is spread through blood and bodily fluids. Fiji has moderate hepatitis B prevalence. Recommended if you may need medical or dental care, get tattoos or piercings, have intimate contact, or plan an extended stay.
Ensure your routine vaccinations are up to date before travelling. Tetanus-diphtheria-pertussis (Tdap) and measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) are particularly important. Fiji has experienced measles outbreaks in recent years. A tetanus booster is recommended for active travellers.
Dengue is endemic in Fiji with periodic outbreaks, particularly during the wet season (November–April). Transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes that bite during the day. There is no vaccine or specific treatment — prevention through mosquito bite avoidance is key. Symptoms include high fever, severe headache, and joint pain.
Zika virus has been reported in Fiji. Transmitted by the same Aedes mosquitoes as dengue. Zika poses a serious risk to pregnant women and those planning pregnancy, as it can cause birth defects. Pregnant travellers should consult their healthcare provider before visiting. Use mosquito protection diligently.
Leptospirosis is present in Fiji, especially after heavy rainfall and flooding. The bacteria is found in freshwater contaminated by animal urine. Avoid wading or swimming in floodwaters, rivers, or streams. Risk increases during the wet season. Symptoms include fever, muscle pain, and jaundice.
Fiji's tropical location means intense UV radiation year-round. Sunburn can occur quickly, even on cloudy days. Use SPF 50+ broad-spectrum sunscreen and reapply frequently, especially after swimming. Wear hats and UV-protective clothing. Stay hydrated and watch for signs of heat exhaustion.
Fiji's coral reefs and waters contain potential hazards including sea urchins, lionfish, stonefish, jellyfish, and sharp coral. Wear reef shoes when walking on reefs or rocky areas. Do not touch unfamiliar marine life. Coral cuts can become infected easily in tropical environments — clean and treat any cuts promptly.
Fiji is malaria-free. There is no risk of malaria transmission in any part of Fiji, and antimalarial medication is not needed. However, other mosquito-borne diseases such as dengue fever and Zika virus are present, so mosquito bite prevention is still important.
No antimalarial medication is required for travel to Fiji. Focus on mosquito bite prevention for dengue and Zika protection using DEET-based repellent and protective clothing, especially during daytime hours.
Even resort travellers should get Hepatitis A vaccination, as the virus can be present in food and water anywhere in Fiji. Ensure your routine vaccinations (Tdap, MMR) are up to date. Typhoid and Hepatitis B are recommended if you plan to eat outside the resort, visit villages, or engage in adventurous activities.
No. Fiji is completely malaria-free, so antimalarial medication is not needed. However, other mosquito-borne diseases like dengue fever and Zika virus are present in Fiji, so mosquito bite prevention is still important. Use DEET-based insect repellent during the day, particularly during the wet season.
Dengue is a real concern in Fiji, with periodic outbreaks especially during the wet season (November–April). There is no vaccine widely available for travellers and no specific treatment. Prevention through mosquito bite avoidance is essential. If you develop high fever, severe headache, or muscle/joint pain, seek medical attention and avoid aspirin or ibuprofen.
Yes. Fiji's beautiful coral reefs harbour several hazards including sea urchins, lionfish, stonefish, and various jellyfish species. Always wear reef shoes when walking on reefs or entering the water from rocky shores. Do not touch or stand on coral. Coral cuts can become seriously infected in tropical climates. Carry antiseptic cream in your travel kit.
Tap water in Suva and Nadi is generally treated and considered safe, but bottled water is recommended for travellers to be safe. On outer islands and in rural areas, always drink bottled or boiled water. Avoid ice in drinks unless you're certain it's made from purified water. Resort water is typically safe.
Visit a travel health clinic at least 2-4 weeks before departure. Hepatitis A vaccine ideally needs 2-4 weeks to reach full effectiveness. If you also need Typhoid or Hepatitis B vaccines, earlier is better. Your pharmacist can advise on the optimal timing based on your specific itinerary and health history.
