Fiji customs rules & duty-free allowances
Fiji enforces some of the world's strictest biosecurity laws. All food, plants, wooden items, and animal products must be declared on arrival. Undeclared biosecurity items can result in an on-the-spot fine of FJD 400 or prosecution with fines up to FJD 400,000 (approx. USD 180,000).
Duty-free allowances
Prohibited — banned from import
- Illicit drugs and narcotics
- Firearms, ammunition, and explosives without a permit
- Fresh fruit, vegetables, meat, and dairy products
- Pornographic material
- Counterfeit goods
- Endangered species products (e.g., ivory, turtle shells)
Restricted — allowed with a permit or declaration
- Medications containing codeine or other controlled substances (permit required from Ministry of Health)
- Plants, seeds, and wooden items (must be declared and inspected)
- Drones (require approval from the Civil Aviation Authority of Fiji)
- Satellite phones (require a permit from the Telecommunications Authority)
- Animals and animal products (import permit required)
Arriving: red vs green channel
After collecting your luggage, you will pass through Customs. There is a Red Channel for goods to declare and a Green Channel for nothing to declare. You must complete a Customs Declaration Form (CDF) regardless of channel. If you have nothing to declare, proceed through the Green Channel.
Bringing medication
Personal medications for up to 3 months are allowed without a prescription. For controlled drugs (e.g., strong painkillers, ADHD meds), carry a doctor's prescription and a letter explaining the condition. Some common Western medications like codeine-containing painkillers require a permit from the Ministry of Health.
Food, plants & animal products
All food, plants, seeds, wooden items, and animal products must be declared. Banned items include fresh fruit, vegetables, meat, and dairy products. Biosecurity officers may inspect and confiscate undeclared items, with fines up to FJD 400,000 (approx. USD 180,000).
Rules worth knowing
Kava Restrictions
Kava (yaqona) is a traditional Fijian drink. Bringing kava into Fiji is restricted to 2 kg per person, and it must be declared. Commercial quantities require a permit from the Ministry of Agriculture.
Currency Declaration
If you carry FJD 20,000 or more (or equivalent in foreign currency), you must declare it on the Customs Declaration Form. Failure to declare can lead to seizure and fines.