How to get there
(Last updated April 2010)
Fiji's islands are located next to the international dateline in the middle of the South Pacific Ocean. Local Time is GMT +12. Depending on your origin of travel there are several international gateways to Fiji:
From Australia/New Zealand
Most eastern cities have direct flights to Nadi, the main international airport for Fiji. Flight times are between 3 and 5 hours. Flights are offered by Qantas, Pacific Blue and Air Pacific.
The cheapest fares are usually from Brisbane or Sydney, however in many cases the convenience of direct connections is the main criteria on selecting suitable flights.
There are also direct flights from Auckland and Christchurch in New Zealand.
From North America
Air Pacific's direct flights from Los Angeles to Nadi are the main connection for travellers from North America. Flights arrive usually early in the morning in Nadi (2 calendar days after a late-night departure in LAX due to the crossing of the international dateline). This allows same day connections to most outlying islands. Returning flights depart Nadi in the late evening and arrive Los Angeles in the early afternoon on the same day (before they left Nadi!).
From Asia
Nadi has direct flights to and from Hong Kong (Cathay Pacific) or Seoul (Korean Air).
From Europe
Fiji is almost equidistant from Europe for travel via the USA or Asia/Australia.
Cathay Pacific's direct flight from Hong Kong to Nadi is very well connected with flights from Europe. Air New Zealand offers regular flights from Europe to Nadi via Los Angeles.
Airfares
As part of your travel plan we will happily assist you in finding the most suitable flight connections to your dive destination. In many cases we can issue the tickets on your behalf.
Air taxes are subject to strong fluctuations and can change daily or until your flight ticket has been purchased. Taxes generally include local airport/security fees, departure taxes, ground handling fees and fuel surcharges.
Should the most convenient route involve instant purchase airfares we can still issue them with your authorisation. All airfares issued by us will attract a small service fee and might be slightly more expensive then the cheapest offers online.
In general, airfares available for purchase online depend on day of departure and time of travel. Those instant purchase airfares require full payment at time of booking. If you choose to arrange your own flights online, we won?t be able to provide any services for seat reservations, schedule or itinerary changes.
Baggage
Most airlines have restricted the amount of luggage to be checked in free of charge.
For most carriers operating between the US and Fiji, the 2 piece system still applies. You are allowed to check in 2 pieces at 23kg (50lbs) per piece.
Coming from Australia, Air Pacific is very strict in enforcing a 23kg (50lbs) checked baggage allowance and can charge excess baggage fees for dive gear.
With Pacific Blue you can purchase a baggage allowance of 23kg (50lbs) with your ticket purchase for international flights to Nadi. Recently, Pacific Blue has withdrawn any additional sports baggage allowance with immediate effect. Excess baggage charges will apply once the purchased baggage allowance has been exceeded.
For domestic air travel in Fiji, divers coming from the US will be allowed to check in their 2 pieces at 23kg (50lbs) per piece. For all passengers connecting from other international gateways are entitled to check in 20kg (44lbs) per person.
If you need to connect within Australia to join your Air Pacific or Pacific Blue flights, a strict baggage limit of 20-23kg (44-50lbs) applies with all domestic carriers.
Airlines are strictly enforcing their checked baggage limit and can charge excess baggage fees for additional checked pieces and dive gear.
Regulations can vary from airline to airline and with each tariff booked. Please let us know your specific requirements so we can advise you of the options at time of booking.
Airports
Nadi (pronounced: Nandi) Airport is your entry into Fiji. The domestic and international terminals are within walking distance. It has some coffee shops and basic duty free shopping. An ATM machine is available. The airport is 10-20 minutes away from transit hotels and Nadi town.
Visa & passport requirements
Fiji welcomes visitors and to facilitate easy entry, everything has been done to make the process as pleasant as possible. A valid passport for at least six months beyond the intended period of stay and a ticket for return or onward travel is required. Entry visas are granted on arrival for a stay of up to 4 months for nationals of most countries.
NOTE: As visa requirements can change at any time, we recommend you confirm visa requirements prior to your departure.
Links to more information
