Security Brief for Fiji prepared on: Jul 12, 2021 7:55:29 PM UTC

Security Assessment Rating Security Rating for 2 - Low Fiji:

Sub-Ratings 1 2 3 4 5 Crime 2 Overall Rating: Security Services 3 2 Civil Unrest 2

Low Terrorism 1 Kidnapping 1 Geopolitical 3

Security Overview : Overview of Fiji Conflict, terrorism and unrest do no pose a significant threat to foreign nationals in Fiji. Levels of criminal activity in the country are generally low but incidents of assault and burglary do occur and petty theft is relatively common. Popular tourist areas, including downtown Suva, are at increased risk from criminal activity.

Related Advice: Increasing your personal security while traveling. Related Advice: Personal security while walking.

No Current Security Alerts

Other Alerts & Advisories Critical Alerts

Entry/Exit: Fiji continues most restrictions amid high COVID-19 activity as of July 3. Tighter controls in and around Suva. Incident: COVID-19 restrictions Location(s): Nationwide (map) Time Frame: Indefinite Impact: Business and transport disruptions, increased security

Summary Authorities have marginally reduced nationwide and localized controls despite elevated COVID-19 activity. As of July 3, the tightest restrictions are in place for the designated containment zone in Suva, Nausori, and Lami, where a curfew is in place 18:00-04:00; remaining Viti-Levu continues to enforce a 20:00-04:00 curfew. Transport remains limited in the area. Some nonessential businesses are allowed to reopen in the area if they apply for government approval and enforce social distancing measures. Gyms throughout the island of Viti Levu remain closed, and restaurants are only allowed to provide carryout services.

Nationwide business and gathering controls are in place. A nationwide 23:00-04:00 curfew remains in effect for all areas except containment zones. Public venues must ensure social distancing limits. Employers must ensure that employees and customers wear appropriate protective equipment, including facemasks, check temperature checks before entry, and consistently enforce 2-meter (6.5-foot) distancing. Workers must also download the government's careFiji mobile application to attend work. Companies must also post a quick response (QR) code at the entrance of all facilities and require patrons to check-in. Employers must provide equipment and smartphones for employees, if necessary, and provide health authorities information on absentee workers. Officials could issue a fine of up to FJD 10,000 and/or five years imprisonment for people violating the measures.

Officials continue to restrict travel between Viti Levu and other islands. The government allows residents from Vanua Levu and outlying islands to travel to Viti Levu for medical purposes or relocation with the Ministry of Transport's permission. Short-term travel between the islands remains banned. The Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji (MSAF) has suspended all nonessential outbound maritime passenger transport from Viti Levu. Inter-island cargo services continue; captains of vessels must register with MSAF and only offload cargo in designated areas. Cargo truck drivers may also continue to operate inter-island deliveries but must always remain in their vehicles while on Vanua Levu and outlying islands. After completing deliveries, drivers must return to a designated location to await return ferries.

Travel Restrictions The government has suspended all international commercial flights though some charter flights for repatriation, emergency medical purposes may be authorized. Foreign nationals cannot enter Fiji unless they first receive explicit authorization from Fijian immigration officials. Authorities require permitted passengers to undergo a reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) COVID-19 test within 72 hours of departure. Arrivals from abroad must quarantine for 14 days, download the careFIJI app, and undergo COVID-19 testing after arrival and on day 12 of quarantine. The government also requires passengers who are not repatriating to pay for quarantine and health monitoring costs, with various exceptions. While charges for quarantine can vary, authorities indicate the average expense is FJD 2,200, and health-related expenses are FJD 690. The government has called on Fijian nationals to suspend outbound travel. Cruise ships remain banned from docking.

Advice Follow all official instructions. Abide by national health and safety measures. Reconfirm all travel arrangements. Liaise with trusted contacts for further updates and guidance. Maintain contact with your diplomatic representation. Ensure contingency plans account for further disruptive measures or extensions of current restrictions. Reconsider and reconfirm nonemergency health appointments. Plan for queues and delays at available shopping centers.

Alert begins: 07/03/2021 Informational Alerts

Health: COVID-19 activity continues across several Western Pacific countries and territories as of June 24. Maintain basic health precautions. Incident: COVID-19 transmission Location(s): Western Pacific (map) Period: May-June 2021 Transmission: Respiratory (coughing, sneezing, speaking)

Summary Several countries and territories continue to report COVID-19 transmission as of June 24. The following countries and territories have identified confirmed COVID-19 May 27-June 24. Countries are classified by risk of transmission according to the incidence rate over the past four weeks:

Very high risk of transmission

Malaysia

High risk of transmission

Fiji Philippines Cambodia Guam

Moderate risk of transmission

Japan French Polynesia

Low risk of transmission Taiwan South Korea Papua New Guinea Singapore Brunei Darussalam Laos Australia Vietnam New Caledonia New Zealand Hong Kong SAR Samoa Macau SAR Solomon Islands Mainland China

Background and Analysis COVID-19 is a viral respiratory disease caused by infection with the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Human-to-human transmission does occur, primarily through respiratory droplets from infected individuals or contact with contaminated surfaces or objects. Symptoms occur 1-14 days following exposure (average of 3-7 days). These symptoms typically include fever, fatigue, and dry cough; less common symptoms include headache, diarrhea, loss of taste or smell, reddening of the eyes, skin rash, or discoloration of the fingers or toes. Symptoms may worsen to difficulty breathing, pneumonia, and organ failure - especially in those with underlying, chronic medical conditions. Some infected individuals display no symptoms. Multiple variants of COVID-19 have been identified globally, some of which spread more easily between people. COVID-19 vaccines are being distributed to frontline workers and the elderly in some countries, while other vaccines are in varying stages of development and clinical trials; more data is required to determine the efficacy of vaccines against COVID-19 variants.

Older individuals and people of any age with chronic medical conditions or compromised immunity should consider postponing nonessential travel, including domestic travel, and take special precautions to avoid becoming ill, especially where sustained community transmission of COVID-19 is ongoing. All individuals should monitor their health and limit interactions with others for 14 days after returning from travel.

Advice Emphasize basic health precautions, especially frequent handwashing with soap and water, or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are unavailable. Practice good coughing/sneezing etiquette (i.e., covering coughs and sneezes with a disposable tissue, maintaining distance from others, and washing hands). There is no evidence that the influenza vaccine, antibiotics, or antiviral medications will prevent this disease, highlighting the importance of diligent basic health precautions.

Resources WHO coronavirus knowledge base WHO: Public health considerations while resuming international travel US CDC: Guidance for Businesses and Workplaces US CDC: Preventing COVID-19 Spread in Communities Mental Health Considerations during COVID-19 Outbreak US CDC: Manage Anxiety and Stress New England Journal of Medicine: COVID-19 FAQs

Alert begins: 06/25/2021

Security Intelligence

SECURITY

Armed Conflict: Armed Conflict - Fiji Fiji does not have any territorial disputes with its neighbors, although diplomatic tensions with Australia and New Zealand do occasionally flare up. Relations with Samoa are also strained due to Samoa's acceptance of Australia and New Zealand in the Pacific Islands Forum. However, interstate conflict is extremely unlikely.

Civil Unrest: The threat of civil unrest in Fiji is low

Protests occasionally occur in Suva and other major urban centers, typically in the vicinity of government offices and along thoroughfares, although the frequency is low. Triggers for previous unrest have included unpopular government policies, a perceived crackdown on opposition figures, socio-economic issues and environmental concerns. Recent demonstrations have generally been small-scale and peaceful.

Industrial action over various labor-related grievances also occurs, although the frequency is even lower than that of demonstrations. Several stoppages have been staged by workers in the tourism and sugar industries. The relationship between Fiji's indigenous and Indo-Fijian communities can also trigger unrest. While it is unlikely that ethnic tensions will lead to protests or riots, the military may be deployed at times of heightened tensions.

Contacts and Communication: Emergency numbers and embassy contacts in Fiji Emergency contact numbers for Fiji

Familiarize yourself with the location and contact details of other foreign embassies in case your country's embassy closes due to an emergency or some other unexpected circumstances. Another embassy can often provide assistance in such cases.

POLICE 917 FIRE 911 AMBULANCE 911 Contact information for select embassies in Fiji:

If you are calling from outside Fiji, dial +679 first.

Australia - High Commission China - Embassy

37 Princes Rd. (Tamavua) 183 Queen Elizabeth Drive Suva Nasese Phone: +679 338.2211 Suva Fax: +679 338.2065 Phone: +679 330.0215 http://fiji.embassy.gov.au/suva Fax: +679 330.0950 http://fj.chineseembassy.org/eng/ India - High Commission Japan - Embassy

LICI Building, 7th floor Dominion House, 2nd floor Butt St. Thompson St. Suva Suva Phone: +679 330.1125 Phone: +679 330.4633 Fax: +679 330.1032 Fax: +679 330.2984 www.indianhighcommissionfiji.org/ www.fj.emb-japan.go.jp United Kingdom - High Commission United States - Embassy

47 Gladstone Rd. 158 Princes Rd. Suva Suva Phone: +679 322.9100 Phone: +679 331.4466 Fax: +679 322.9132 Fax: +679 330.8685 www.gov.uk/government/world/fiji http://suva.usembassy.gov

Crime: Crime generally poses a moderate threat in Fiji

Most crime in Fiji is related to petty theft, particularly pick-pocketing and bag-snatching. These incidents are mainly concentrated in urban centers and tourist destinations, including downtown Suva and western resorts. Burglary and home invasions occur in and around low-income settlements. Criminals, who usually operate in groups, can break into residences even if they are occupied.

Whilst the use of violence is relatively rare, perpetrators may resort to force if resisted or confronted. The risk of assault or armed robbery is elevated at night near nightclubs and restaurants as well as on beaches that are not frequented by tourists. Sexual assaults have also been reported, particularly in western tourist areas.

Organized crime is present, although it rarely affects tourists. The isolated location of Fiji and the dispersed nature of its many islands mean that it is used as a transhipment point for smuggling narcotics and weapons from Latin America to Asia.

Geopolitical: Geopolitical - Fiji Fiji has largely returned to relative political stability following the holding of elections in 2014 which ended eight years of military rule. However, issues of corruption continue to plague the government and rule of law remains weak. The country has implemented several measures to promote transparency and clean governance but corruption remains widespread in the public sector.

Kidnapping/Hostage Situation: The threat of kidnapping in Fiji is minimal

Kidnapping

The threat of kidnapping in Fiji is minimal; kidnappers are slightly more likely to target locals. The most common types of abduction in Fiji relate to personal or criminal disputes. Victims are usually released unharmed and relatively quickly.

Related Advice: Increasing your chances of survival in a kidnapping/hostage situation Related Advice: Avoiding and surviving kidnapping situations.

Security Services: Security services in Fiji are generally adequate (risk is moderate).

Security Services

The capabilities and responsiveness of security services in Fiji are generally adequate (risk is moderate). Although Fiji has a number of different security forces, the tourist police is likely to be the most relevant for foreign nationals, while local staff and expatriates typically interact with divisional police and traffic police. Police officers are typically able to speak English, and some may speak French. Corruption and human rights concerns exist, including bribery, impunity, and arbitrary arrest. In Fiji, foreign nationals should always contact their diplomatic mission in addition to police, especially if corruption is encountered.

Terrorism: The overall threat of terrorism in Fiji is minimal There are no known terrorist groups operating in Fiji, nor have there been reported attacks by extremists in the country. However, a quantity of ammunition was discovered near Lautoka in January 2017, prompting the opposition party to call for a military counter-terrorism unit. Police officials have suggested the possibility that a larger network that may be transporting weapons through Fiji. The participation of the Fijian security forces in international efforts against the global threat of terrorism has led to attacks on the country but the issue may increase the overall threat from terrorism. Fiji has several counterterrorism measures that are considered adequate in response to the prevailing low threat level.

Overview of Fiji

Fiji is a developing Polynesian country located in the South Pacific Ocean. The country has experienced improved stability since its return to democracy in 2014, although the opposition continues to voice occasional complaints about the government allegedly using various security apparatuses to crack down on dissent. Crime is generally not a major risk for foreign travelers provided precautions are taken. However, incidents of petty theft, as well as sexual and physical assaults, have been reported. Businesses operating in the country can also face challenges from corruption and weak rule of law.

Due to its position in the Pacific Ring of Fire, Fiji is vulnerable to storm systems and earthquakes throughout the year. A lack of funds to fully implement its disaster preparedness and recovery programs increases the likely impact of natural disasters on human populations, infrastructure and the country's economy. Weather, Currency Exchange

FIJI WEATHER CURRENCY EXCHANGE

Suva: CURRENCY 1 Euro 1 Fiji 1 US Jul 13 Jul 14 Jul 15 Jul 16 Jul 17 NAMES = Dollar = Dollar = Euro 1.0000 0.4057 0.8423 High: 82° High: 82° High: 76° High: 78° High: 80° Fiji Dollar 2.4650 1.0000 2.0763 F (27° C) F (27° C) F (24° C) F (25° C) F (26° C) US Dollar 1.1872 0.4816 1.0000 Low: 73° F Low: 73° F Low: 72° F Low: 72° F Low: 73° F (22° C) (22° C) (22° C) (22° C) (22° C)

Disclaimer Travel information in this document and in the included links is provided by Crisis24 and/or its parents and subsidiaries ("WA"). While WA constantly monitors the changing world situation and strives for accuracy and timeliness, this information is provided to you on an "as is" basis, and your use of this information is at your own risk. © 2021, Crisis24 and/or its parents and subsidiaries.