Though Fiji seems like an extremely remote destination floating like a jewel in the South Pacific, it is fairly easy to reach. In fact, it has a national carrier (Fiji Airways) and also receives direct flights from a long list of major, international destinations on a daily basis. It is ten hours by air from the western coast of North America, and the same from such major Asian cities as Hong Kong, Seoul and Singapore. Australians have a four-hour flight, and Hawaiians reach it in five hours by air.
Almost all flights arrive at the Nadi International Airport on Viti Levu, described as the main gateway for the entire country. The Suva airport does accept some international flights, but the majority arrives in Nadi. There are also the smaller, domestic airports for island to island flights, but none of them accept the larger international jets.
You can also arrive via sea, with Customs requiring a 48-hour notice prior to arrival as well as the Ports Authority requiring the same. The Department of Immigration, Health and Biosecurity must also be notified ahead of arrival. Failure to do so means the risk of fines and delays in entering the harbor. You can avoid any hassles where this is concerned by booking passage on a ferry or other commercial vessel that can handle these arrangements. In fact, there are experts who say that the many experienced yacht and super yacht agents available can provide an optimal method for entering by sea.
Entry requirements, in terms of visas, are very liberal, with citizens from dozens of countries being granted four-month visas upon arrival (without any need for getting a visa in advance). The list of countries that receive such simple entry include most EU nations, the U.S., most Central and South American countries, and more. A visit to the Fijian immigration website can let you know if you require a visa in advance of arrival.
Traveling Between Islands
Once you have cleared customs (regardless of your method of arrival) it is much easier to travel from island to island. You need only arrange your fare, and just as your main arrival could be by land or sea, there are ample options for traversing the islands in both ways, as well. Ferry services from Suva to Levuka are quite common, with the trip taking just under five hours. In fact, it is recommended that anyone intending to hop between the islands choose this route as it is stunning and extremely relaxing.
Most departures are from Port Denarau in the Nadi area. This is because Nadi is the transportation hub, and it is why the port even has a lounge for some travelers opting to use the sea route between islands.
If you would rather save time by using air services to visit other islands, it is well advised that you arrange airfare before you arrive in Fiji simply because there are so many options and you do not want to find flights unavailable when you wish to travel. You can also book private helicopter flights for shorter distances, with most airplane or copter flights lasting from 15 to 70 minutes at the most.
Keep in mind that you should also confirm any outbound flights to ensure no changes or updates are made prior to departure.
Getting to Fiji is a very simple process, and you have multiple options. Upon arrival, whether by air or sea, you may arrange for your accommodation provider to send transportation, or you can enjoy the many public or private transportation services. Driving can be a challenge because of the unusual conditions of the roads, so as you find getting into Fiji is easy, make sure that you have also arranged to get around easily!