Travel Essentials

Travel Essentials
Vital Information For Visiting The Fiji Islands

Here’s your essential modules to help you prepare for Fiji!  This information has been put together with over a decade experience, guiding thousands of students to the Fiji Islands. Follow these sections step by step, and you’ll have everything covered well in advance!

Module Content
Criminal Background Check

How to apply for a Criminal Background Check – DBS or equivalent

To participate in a Think Pacific  program, all participants are required to provide us with a criminal background check before starting a Think Pacific program. The background check requirement is a key part of Think Pacific’s Responsible Volunteer Travel Policy and Child Protection Policy.

A background check is important to determine whether any serious criminal offence has been recorded against your name. The check must have been issued within 12-months of your program start date and is required to be presented in English. If your background check cannot be issued in English, the original must be accompanied by an English translation complete by a professional translation service or notary public.

Below is some guidance on criminal background check providers for a number of nationalities. Please be aware that each provider will have different requirements for what is to be supplied as part of the background check, prices and anticipated turnaround times.

While Think Pacific has tried to make sure that each provider will provide you with a quality service, we do not take responsibility for the quality or completeness of the report provided and this information is given in good faith.

For nationalities not listed below, please contact your local police station for advice or contact your Think Pacific Program Coordinator.

Received Your background Check Already?

Once you have completed your Criminal Background Check, please complete this online form and upload the certificate.

Got a question about back ground checks? Please email info@thinkpacific.com

Vaccinations

What vaccinations will I need to travel to Fiji?

Specific vaccination requirements for travellers to Bali, Indonesia, can change over time and can depend on various factors, including your country of origin, the length of your stay, and your recent travel history. Therefore, it’s crucial to consult with a healthcare professional or check the latest recommendations from trusted sources, such as your country’s health department or the World Health Organization (WHO), before travelling to Fiji.

Additionally, check with relevant authorities and review any travel advisories or requirements related to COVID-19, which may include testing and vaccination requirements for entry into the Fiji Islands.

Other Essential Vaccinations..

  • Recommended vaccines for Bali are: Hepatitis A and Typhoid

Please see the following Travel Health link from the Travel Health Pro for further information

  • Please book to see a doctor or visit your local health centre to book your vaccines.
  • In the UK they can also be arranged at Boots or Superdrug.
  • We advise you to leave plenty of time for arranging vaccines, ideally 8-10 weeks before departure.

Do you need a covid vaccination to travel to Fiji?

According to British government travel advice in January 2024, all COVID-19-related entry restrictions have been lifted. Proof of vaccination is no longer required for entry into Fiji. We advise you to keep up to date with travel advice from the FCO or relevant travel advice from your country. 

Visa

Please check if you are ‘visa exempt’

  • No visa is required for Fiji for students from over 100 countries including UK, Ireland, USA, Canada, Australia and China
  • Here is the full list of countries which are ‘visa exempt’. Check that you hold a passport from one of these countries
  • If your country is on the above list you can enter Fiji as a TOURIST. You can stay for up to 4 months and there is no cost for this.

Important!

  • IMPORTANT! If you hold a passport from a country not on the visa exempt list, please email info@thinkpacific.com to advise. We will support you to apply for a visa with Fiji Immigration. Additional process and costs will be applicable.

Tourist Status

Think Pacific expeditions are categorized as TOURISM by the Fijian Immigration Department. By joining an expediton, your visit is protected under UK Travel Regulations and Tour Operator Public Liability Insurance and with Think Pacific Limited (UK) assigned as your Tour Organizer.

  • When you land into Fiji you will be asked to complete an arrivals card
  • For your ‘Address in Fiji’ State ‘SMUGGLERS COVE RESORT’ (this is a key resort on our itinerary)
  • For your ‘Occupation’. Please write ‘STUDENT’
  • For your ‘Reason for visiting Fiji’. Please select ‘HOLIDAY’
  • Please note – You are not classed as undertaking ‘paid employment’ or ‘working’ in Fiji. If you advise this, you could be denied entry.

2022-Tourism-Visa-Arrivals-Information-1-1Download

Check your passport validity

  • Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended period of stay in Fiji. If not, you will not be allowed to travel.
  • Please check the expiry date of your passport and ensure you have plenty of validity to cover this.
  • Ensure that you apply for new passports as early as possible
  • Make this one of your first jobs on your ‘to do list’

Check any Transit Visas

It is essential that you ensure you have a correct visa for any country that you will travel to on route to Fiji. Most UK students will travel to Fiji via the USA (Los Angeles or San Fransisco).

If you are traveling to Fiji via the USA please ensure you complete an ESTA visa form

Please click the link below for more information:

https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/

(NB: An ESTA is not applicable for all nationalities, please ensure to conduct your own research to ensure you acquire the correct transit visa for your situation).

If you are travelling via any other country on route to Fiji or after Fiji, please check the local visa rules and also COVID requirements for entry

Travel Insurance

Don’t Leave Home Without It!

Travel insurance should be at the top your ‘to do list’. It’s also vital you read and understand your policy. For your own safety Think Pacific will not allow you to join our project without providing us with proof that you have personal travel insurance cover. We require you to provide your insurance details when you submit your pre-departure form.

Check If You Are Entitled To University Insurance…

If you are joining Think Pacific as part of a university project (or if you are receiving a bursary from your university) then you may receive travel insurance from your university. Please check with your university directly to check if this may apply by contacting your study abroad team.

Booking Your Own Travel Insurance…

If you are purchasing your own insurance, here are some tips

  • Please check the policy carefully – read and understand any policy in detail before purchasing
  • Ensure you are covered for working and volunteering abroad
  • We recommend that insurance covers for COVID related medical expenses curtailment or cancelation.
  • Ensure you understand what the claims process would be.

Our Travel Insurance Partner – World Nomads

World Nomad’s ‘Employer Plan’ is popular travel insurance provider and package with our participants.

Please note that any links are provided in good faith. Please check that you read and understand any policy and that you are confident that you are entirely happy that any insurance policy meets your needs.

World Nomads provides travel insurance for travelers in over 100 countries. As an affiliate, we receive a fee when you get a quote from World Nomads using this link. We do not represent World Nomads. This is information only and not a recommendation to buy travel insurance.

Consider Medical Costs In Fiji..

  • All participants must pay for medical services and medication as required in Fiji. You will also be required to cover any fee incurred as a result of your medical treatment, this includes transportations costs for you and Think Pacific staff to support you at the hospital.
  • These costs would then be claimed back from your insurance company afterwards.
  • It is therefore advisable to have access to funds such as a credit or debit card in the unlikely event that you should require to receive any treatment and to cover any associated travel or accommodation costs.
  • Think Pacific staff are on hand 24 hours a day to assist and support you in any case of illness but any costs associated with any illness or treatment in Fiji must be paid by you at the time in Fiji.
  • Keep all receipts and invoices for potential reimbursement through your travel insurance. Keep records of all medical bills, receipts, and documentation related to your treatment. You can later submit a claim to your insurance provider for reimbursement.
Flight Advice & Arrival Information

How to book my flights?

Think Pacific projects do not include return flights, you must arrange your own air travel. But, we give you plenty of advice and can connect you with with our flight partner, KILROY.

We advise all participants request a quote from KILROY by requesting a quote here. Jess from the KILROY team will follow up to provide you with bespoke travel advice and a flight itinerary quote.

For students who are flying to Bali, we recommend looking at the Qatar Airways Student Club because you could receive 15% of your flight price, plus other benefits.

We also advise cost comparing flights with search engines such as SkyScanner or Google Flights etc.

  • There are direct flights to Fiji from Australia, USA, New Zealand, Canada, Asia and South America.
  • For those travelling from UK and Europe, common routes are via USA or Singapore and Sydney
  • Please ensure to check all visa and covid requirements for any destinations you will pass through and make sure you understand these rules before booking your flights.

Which airport should I fly to?

  • The main airport to fly into is Nadi (prounouned ‘Nand-ee’) airport.
  • Nadi is the starting point for all Think Pacific programs.

When should I arrive into Fiji?

  • You must arrive in Nadi, Fiji by 8am on the Project Start Date. Most International flights arrive early in the morning. Our staff will be at the airport to meet you at 8am outside the the arrivals terminal.
  • Where possible, we advise you land into Fiji 1-2 days before your project start date.

Advice for arriving early – Smugglers Cove Resort

  • Many (if not all) of the team choose to arrive a day or more early.
  • If arriving early, we recommend booking Smugglers Cove Resort  You can book directly with the resort or on sites such as Booking.com
  • Smugglers Cove resort is located just 10 minutes from the airport, right on beach.
  • Smugglers Cove can arrange a bus transfer to meet you, whcih you can arrange at the time of booking. Or you can easily take a taxi (located directly outside the airport) for the short transfer across.
  • Think Pacific staff stay at Smugglers Cove resort on the evening before project starts. There’s an informal ‘meet and greet’ with Think Pacific staff at 6pm the evening before your project is due to begin for everyone arriving early.

Additional Resorts in Nadi

Smugglers Cove is the recommended resort to stay at if you arrive early. However, If this is fully booked, please find some other options below. All of these resorts/ hotels are located next door, or within a very short walking distance of Smugglers Cove. Therefore, you will have the opportunity to be able to walk across to Smugglers Cove.restaurant to meet our leaders at 6pm on the evening before your project starts for a meet and greet.

(Please note, we have provided a booking link next to each hotel for your convenience. This is given in good faith and is not an endorsement to use these sites. For many resorts, you can book through a range of websites such as expedia, tripadvisor, hostelworld or Air B&B).

You can of course choose a different hotel located within Nadi the night before your project. However, please ensure to email info@thinkpacific.com to advise us in advance, so we are aware.

In all cases of arriving into Fiji early, please be at Smugglers Cove Resort, 13 Wasawasa Rd, Nadi, Fiji for 8am on the morning of your project start date. This may involve arranging a taxi from your hotel if you stay elsewhere in Nadi.

When should I depart Fiji?

  • You can leave on the final day of your project, at any time of day
  • We finish the project at a resort in Nadi so we can transfer you to the airport at anytime from early morning onwards (we would advise taking an evening flight, where possible, simply to enjoy an extra day by the beach)
  • For those staying longer, the maximum stay is usually 4 months.

Ensure to check for Transit Visas!

  • Ensure you get the correct visa for any country you will be travelling to on route to Fiji
  • For example, for travel via the USA you must have completed an ESTA well before departure: https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov

Important tips….

  • You must ensure you check all COVID vaccination and testing requirements for all travel destinations, even if you are simply changing planes
  • You must have 6 months validity on your passport from your departure date from Fiji to be allowed to travel.
  • You must have all correct transit visas
Booking Your Flights with KILROY

How to book travel with our flight partner, KILROY?

We’ve partnered with KILROY to help you book your flights.

KILROY are travel company for students and young people specialising in backpacking, round-the-world travel, gap years, volunteering, and adventure travel.

We advise all Think Pacific participants to contact Jessica (pictured) via this link to request a quote for your flights and any additional arrangements such as hotels and trips outside of your Think Pacific project.

Jessica is based in Bristol has many years of experience in the travel industry, handling group trips, group airfare, and individual travel. She can also arrange group airfare if you’re travelling with many people.

Spending Money

As Inclusive As Possible…

We try to ensure our projects are inclusive as possible, including transport, resorts, accommodation, excursions, activities and meals throughout your time in Fiji. However, there are a few things you will need to buy locally in Fiji. Below we list some common items and approximate budgets…

Currency…

  • The currency in Fiji is the Fiji Dollar.
  • It is not necessary to take Fijian dollars with you as you can withdraw money easily within Fiji using cash machines in the towns, resorts and at the airport.

Withdrawing Money In Fiji

  • It is best just to simply bring a debit card and withdraw money in Fiji (you may wish to advise your bank that you will be in Fiji, so your card isn’t blocked)
  • We do not advise carrying large amounts of cash or pre-ordering money.
  • Prepaid charge cards, travellers’ cheques etc are not advised as they often don’t work in Fiji.
  • You can withdraw money as you land at Fiji’s international airports and cash machines are located in all towns and urban areas
  • Many resorts also accept card payments

Emergencies

  • We would advise having a spare debit or credit card, just in case of emergencies such as medical fees, or if your card is blocked/does not work for any reason

In total we advise approximately:

  • £200 – 300 GBP for all 1-month projects
  • £300 – 400 GBP for our study internship
  • £400 GBP for a 2‐3 month expedition

What You Will Need To Buy In Fiji…

  • We advise buying some Fijian clothes during your briefing (budget $100 – 150 FJD)
  • You may wish to spend extra on food, drinks, souvenirs, and any items of personal nature.

Buying Fijian Clothes…

You have the opportunity to buy traditional Fijian clothes during your briefing. Please budget (Prices are in Fiji Dollars)

  • Men’s Formal sulu – $40
  • Men’s Bula Shirt – $30
  • Fijian Dress – $45
  • Sulu – $15

Additional / Optional Activities…

  • Sim-Card and Telecards – More information included in the ‘Communication’ section below
  • You may have a chance to take part in optional activities at resorts before and after the project.
Code of Conduct

We are fully committed to responsible cultural exchange

Our code of conduct sets out the standard of behaviour that we expect from all Think Pacific participants. It has been created to enable you to achieve the most out of your time in Fiji in a safe manner. It also ensures that the communities we work with are treated with respect and consideration. By undertaking our expedition you will be representing not only Think Pacific, but also your country of origin throughout the entire time you are in Fiji. Any breach of this code of conduct may result in your expedition being terminated without compensation.

You must: 

  • Listen to and follow the advice and requests of your expedition leader team. Persistent misdemeanours shall be deemed misconduct
  • Demonstrate a commitment and interest in the project aims and development initiatives being undertaken. A repeated failure to attend project may be deemed misconduct.
  • Understand that Think Pacific has a zero tolerance policy towards the possession and use of illegal substances. If you are found in the possession of, or under the influence of such substances you will have your expedition terminated immediately and removed from the project village.
  • Understand that you are not permitted to drink alcohol in any Think Pacific project setting (this includes in the resorts at the start and the end of project) or Fijian village. You are also not permitted to drink alcohol in Suva if visiting for medical reasons during the project phase of your expedition.
  • Understand the different attitudes towards acts of affection and sexual relationships in Fiji and understand the negative effect that any perceived inappropriate relationships may have on individuals and the local community.
  • You are not permitted to enter into perceived inappropriate acts of affection or to enter sexual relations with any person within a Think Pacific project setting. When receiving guidance from the expedition leaders on inappropriate acts of affection, you must cease any such activities, otherwise this may be deemed gross misconduct and you may be removed from the expedition for your own safety, and the safety of other volunteers and the village community.
  • Never allow any person to enter or spend the night at your accommodation unless you have obtained the express permission from your expedition leader and your host family. Never spend the night at another household without first seeking permission from the expedition leader and host family also.
  • At all times remember that you are an important role model for Fijian children and that respectful and responsible behaviour is central to your volunteer role.
  • Understand that Think Pacific has a zero tolerance towards stealing and any persons found to be thieving from the Fijian community, or from their fellow team members will face serious disciplinary procedures.
  • Treat all people with dignity and respect. Specifically, you will never make comments of a derisory, sexist or racist nature to anyone during your time in Fiji.
  • Respect local attitudes, cultures and beliefs at all times. Specifically you must dress appropriately at all times and respect Sabbath in Fiji villages.
  • Never engage in political demonstrations or illegal activities.
  • Never take time out of your project in order to undertake personal in-country travel unless you have obtained the express permission from your expedition leader team.

Disciplinary Procedure… 

Think Pacific’s disciplinary procedure in as follows..

  1. Upon the first incident of unacceptable behaviour or a breach of the Code of Conduct, the expedition leader shall warn you verbally that your behaviour is unacceptable and shall explain to you the reasons for this unacceptability.
  2. If such behaviour or breach continues, the expedition leader shall provide you with a written warning stating that any recurrence may result in you being required to leave the project and if appropriate, leave Fiji, without reimbursement of your expedition fee.
  3. Upon a subsequent repeat of the unacceptable behaviour or upon a serious breach, the expedition leader may, at their sole discretion, require that you leave the project and if appropriate, Fiji, without reimbursement of your expedition fee.

In the event that the Disciplinary Procedure is invoked and you are required to leave your expedition then you agree to do so without causing fuss, disturbance or aggravation and at the time specified by the expedition leader.

If at any stage you feel that this procedure is being applied unfairly or without cause, you should raise this directly with the expedition leader and, if you feel the matter has not been resolved to your satisfaction, you may raise a complaint in accordance with our complaints procedure.

Complaints Procedure… 

If during your expedition, you wish to make a complaint, you should inform your Think Pacific expedition leader as soon as possible. We will investigate any claims and try to resolve them. If the matter cannot be resolved during the expedition then you must write a letter to Think Pacific’s UK office no later than one month after the end of your expedition. Think Pacific will only deal with complaints made by the person on the expedition, or for minors, his or her parent or legal guardian

If you have any questions regarding this policy, please email info@thinkpacific.com to arrange a time to chat to a member of the Think Pacific team.

Communication

Keeping In Contact With Home…

Mobile Phones..

  • There are Vodafone and Digicel masts in Fiji
  • Mobile / cell phone reception is available in all tourist areas and cities  This means it is very easy to connect with home once you arrive into Fiji.
  • Reception is more limited within the rural areas.
  • During the project, you may need to walk a short distance from the village to find the best reception but we find this is enough to make the occasional (for example weekly) call home.

Electricity & Internet

  • You can charge up electrical items in the village but often only now and again, using communal generators,.
  • This is enough to be able to keep a mobile phone charged for occasional calls home.
  • Fiji uses a 3 pin plug, similar to Australia, so you may need to bring an adapter
  • Expect to go off-line and have no internet connection whilst you’re in a Fijian village.

Purchasing A Phone or SIM Card in Fiji

  • Some overseas mobile/cell phone will work in Fiji (depending on your network, home country and contract). Please contact your network provider to check in advance of travelling.
  • If your phone is ‘unlocked’ (i.e you can insert any network sim card into it) then you should be able to buy a sim card in Fiji.
  • A Fijian mobile/cell phone and/ or sim card can also be bought on day one of your project from Nadi International Airport or local shops in Nadi.
  • Budget approximately £30 if you wish to purchase a mobile and Fijian sim card.
  • Telecards can also be bought on day one of the itinerary to make use of solar powered land line telephones in.

Laptops, Tablets & Electronics

  • We do not advise bring a computer, tablet or other electronic device unless you are undertaking our Study Internship Program, in which case a laptop is recommended to assist you to complete your action projects
  • There is limited electricity within rural communities
  • You will be too busy within the community and learning about Fiji to use a computer
  • Electronics can easily be damaged within rural communities or travelling in remote areas.

Top TP Tip.. Enjoy Going Offline!

  • Whilst we provide tips for you to stay connected. Our advice would be, don’t!
  • Take this chance to put away your phone and embrace life without internet. Forget about Facebook, WhatsApp and Instagram and contact home only once a week or so. You have 24/7 support and an entire team and community surrounding you each and every day.
  • Be present and mindful in Fiji and with your interactions in the community. You will settle much quicker, appreciate the experience better, overcome challenges easier, and leave more connected to Fiji.
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