Fiji Emergency Guide
Essential safety information, emergency contacts, and crisis management for travelers
Critical Information for Your Safety
While Fiji maintains excellent safety standards for tourists, understanding emergency procedures and having essential contacts readily available provides peace of mind during your visit. This guide covers emergency services, medical facilities, embassy information, and safety protocols specific to the Fijian environment.
Save emergency numbers in your phone before arrival. Medical evacuation from remote islands can exceed US$50,000, making comprehensive travel insurance coverage essential for all visitors.
Primary Emergency Numbers
Fiji uses 911 as the primary emergency number for police, fire, and ambulance services. All calls connect to trained dispatchers who can coordinate appropriate emergency response across the islands.
Important Coverage Information
Mobile phone coverage remains limited on outer islands and in remote coastal areas. Always inform accommodation staff or tour operators of your travel plans when venturing to less populated regions. In areas without cellular signal, marine VHF radio channel 16 (156.8 MHz) is monitored for emergencies.
Government Emergency Services
Police Services
Police Emergency (24/7)
Phone: 911 or +679 331 1222
Use for: Immediate danger, crimes in progress, serious incidents
Tourist Police (Nadi)
Phone: +679 331 9999
Services: English-speaking officers specialized in visitor assistance
Fire and Rescue Services
Fire Emergency (24/7)
Phone: 911 or +679 331 2877
Services: Fire response, building emergencies, hazardous materials
Maritime Rescue
Phone: 915 or +679 331 3033
Services: Sea rescue, boat emergencies, missing vessels coordination
Immigration Department
Phone: +679 331 2622
Services: Visa issues, lost passport assistance
Medical Facilities and Hospitals
Fiji maintains both public and private medical facilities. Public hospitals provide free emergency care to all visitors, while private facilities offer faster service with English-speaking staff and direct insurance billing options.
Public Hospital System
Colonial War Memorial (CWM) Hospital
Emergency Phone: 911 or +679 331 3444
Location: Waimanu Rd, Suva
Hours: 24/7 Emergency Department
Facilities: Main referral hospital with full surgical capabilities, intensive care unit, trauma center
Largest and best-equipped public hospital in Fiji
Lautoka Hospital
Emergency Phone: 911 or +679 666 0399
Location: Tavewa Ave, Lautoka
Hours: 24/7 Emergency Department
Facilities: Western division regional hospital with surgical services and maternity care
Closest major hospital to Nadi and Denarau resort areas
Nadi Hospital
Emergency Phone: 911 or +679 670 1128
Location: Hospital Rd, Nadi
Hours: 24/7 Basic emergency care
Facilities: Emergency department, basic surgical services, outpatient clinic
Serious cases typically transferred to Lautoka Hospital
Labasa Hospital
Emergency Phone: 911 or +679 881 1444
Location: Nabouwalu Rd, Labasa, Vanua Levu
Hours: 24/7 Emergency Department
Facilities: Northern division hospital with surgical capabilities
Primary hospital for northern Fiji islands
Private Medical Facilities
Private clinics offer shorter wait times, English-speaking medical staff, and direct billing arrangements with international travel insurance providers.
Suva Private Hospital
Phone: +679 330 3404
Location: 120 Amy St, Suva
Hours: 24/7 Emergency care
Payment: Credit cards, insurance direct billing
Cost: FJ$100-300 consultation
Namaka Medical Centre
Phone: +679 672 2218
Location: Namaka, near Nadi Airport
Hours: Mon-Sat 8am-8pm, Sun 9am-1pm
Services: English-speaking doctors, tourist-focused
Cost: FJ$80-150 consultation
Denarau Medical Centre
Phone: +679 675 0455
Location: Port Denarau Shopping Centre
Hours: Daily 8am-8pm
Services: Resort area, multilingual staff
Cost: FJ$120-200 consultation
Wellcare Medical Clinic
Phone: +679 330 2999
Location: 91 Gordon St, Suva
Hours: Mon-Fri 8am-5pm, Sat 8am-1pm
Services: General practice, vaccinations
Cost: FJ$60-100 consultation
Pharmacy Services
Suva Pharmacy (24/7)
Phone: +679 331 2877
CWM Hospital location
Nadi Pharmacy
Phone: +679 670 0168
Main St, 8am-8pm daily
Lautoka Pharmacy
Phone: +679 666 4686
Vitogo Parade, 8am-6pm
Medical Evacuation Services
Fiji Airways Medical Evacuation
Phone: +679 672 0888
Cost: FJ$10,000-30,000 domestic, US$30,000-70,000 international
Pacific Helicopters
Phone: +679 672 3777
Services: Island evacuation, FJ$5,000-15,000
Ensure travel insurance includes medical evacuation coverage — costs are extremely high without insurance protection.
Diving Emergencies and Hyperbaric Treatment
Fiji offers world-class diving experiences, but decompression sickness and diving injuries require immediate specialized medical attention. Understanding emergency protocols before diving is essential.
Diving Emergency Hotline
DAN (Divers Alert Network) Asia-Pacific
+679 672 1777
Availability: 24/7 emergency response
Call immediately if experiencing:
- • Severe headache after diving
- • Difficulty breathing or chest pain
- • Paralysis or numbness
- • Confusion or unconsciousness
- • Joint or muscle pain
Hyperbaric Chamber Treatment
Suva Hyperbaric Chamber
Phone: +679 331 3444 (CWM Hospital)
Location: CWM Hospital, Suva
Cost: FJ$2,000-5,000 per treatment session
Insurance Recommendations:
- • DAN membership includes evacuation coverage
- • Verify dive insurance covers chamber treatment
- • Confirm policy includes medical transport
- • Keep insurance card accessible while diving
Embassy and Consulate Emergency Contacts
International embassies and high commissions provide emergency assistance to their citizens including passport replacement, emergency funds transfer, arrest assistance, and evacuation coordination during crises.
United States Embassy
Emergency (24/7): +679 331 4466
Email: [email protected]
Address: 158 Princes Rd, Tamavua, Suva
Hours: Mon-Fri 8am-5pm (24/7 emergency line)
Services: Passport replacement, emergency loans, arrest assistance, welfare checks
Australian High Commission
Emergency (24/7): +679 338 2211
Email: [email protected]
Address: 37 Princes Rd, Tamavua, Suva
Hours: Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm
Canberra Backup: +61 2 6261 3305
British High Commission
Emergency (24/7): +679 322 9100
Email: [email protected]
Address: 47 Gladstone Rd, Suva
Hours: Mon-Thu 8am-4:30pm, Fri 8am-1pm
Also provides consular services for Canadian citizens
New Zealand High Commission
Emergency (24/7): +679 331 1422
Email: [email protected]
Address: Reserve Bank Building, Pratt St, Suva
Hours: Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm
Wellington Backup: +64 4 439 8000
Canadian Consular Services
Phone (via UK): +679 322 9100
Email: [email protected]
Services: Through British High Commission
Ottawa Emergency: +1 613 996 8885
European Union Contacts
German Consul: +679 330 1355
French Consul: +679 331 2233
Italian Consul: Via Australian HC
EU citizens may seek assistance from any EU member state embassy
Natural Disaster Preparedness
Cyclone Season: November through April
Fiji experiences tropical cyclones during the wet season months. Category 3 through 5 cyclones can produce severe damage, extensive flooding, and significant infrastructure disruption. Stay informed through official weather services, follow evacuation orders promptly, and maintain emergency supplies. Most resorts feature cyclone-rated construction and established emergency protocols.
Official Weather and Emergency Services
Fiji Meteorological Service
Phone: +679 331 2877 (24/7)
Website: www.met.gov.fj
Official cyclone warnings and forecasts
National Disaster Management Office
Phone: +679 331 1699
Emergency coordination and evacuation orders
Radio Fiji / FBC Emergency Broadcasts
Frequencies: FM 89.0, 93.4, 96.4, AM 774
English, Fijian, and Hindi broadcasts
Emergency Preparedness Supplies
Assemble if cyclone warning issued:
- • Water: 3-5 liters per person daily (minimum 3-day supply)
- • Non-perishable food items (canned goods, crackers, energy bars)
- • Prescription medications and first aid supplies
- • Important documents in waterproof container (passport, insurance, contacts)
- • Cash reserves (FJ$500-1,000 as ATMs may be inoperative)
- • Fully charged electronics, power banks, flashlight with batteries
- • Battery-powered radio for emergency broadcasts
- •Warm and waterproof clothing layers
- • Basic hygiene items (toilet paper, soap, hand sanitizer)
- •Basic tools (multi-tool knife, duct tape, rope)
Cyclone Category Classification
Category 1-2 (Weak)
Wind speeds: 63-118 km/h
Response: Stay indoors, secure loose items
Category 3-4 (Severe)
Wind speeds: 119-200 km/h
Response: Evacuate if ordered, expect serious damage
Category 5 (Extreme)
Wind speeds: 200+ km/h
Response: EVACUATE IMMEDIATELY, life-threatening
Emergency Response Procedures
Understanding appropriate response procedures before emergencies occur enables quick, effective action during crisis situations.
Medical Emergency
- 1. Call 911 immediately for ambulance dispatch
- 2. Remain calm and assess the situation (breathing, bleeding, consciousness)
- 3. Provide first aid if trained (CPR, pressure on wounds, recovery position)
- 4. Give dispatcher precise location with landmarks
- 5. Contact embassy if situation is serious
- 6. Notify travel insurance provider promptly
- 7. Retain all medical receipts for insurance claims
- 8. For diving injuries: Contact DAN immediately at +679 672 1777
Crime or Theft
- 1. Ensure personal safety first (leave area if necessary)
- 2. Call 911 if immediate danger exists or crime in progress
- 3. Visit nearest police station to file formal report
- 4. Obtain police report reference number and officer information
- 5. If cards stolen: Contact banks immediately via 24/7 fraud lines
- 6. If passport stolen: Contact embassy same day for emergency travel document
- 7. Notify accommodation management
- 8. Submit insurance claim with police report documentation
Natural Disaster
- 1. Follow official evacuation orders immediately (NDMO: +679 331 1699)
- 2. Contact your embassy and register your location
- 3. Monitor Radio Fiji (AM 774) for official updates
- 4. If flooding: Move to higher ground immediately, avoid floodwaters
- 5. If cyclone: Stay indoors away from windows in interior room
- 6. Avoid damaged buildings and downed power lines
- 7. Wait for official "all-clear" announcement before resuming activities
- 8. Document damage with photographs for insurance purposes
Essential Safety Guidelines
Personal Security
- ▸ Avoid walking alone after dark in urban areas (Suva, Nadi town centers)
- ▸ Secure valuables using hotel safes rather than leaving on beaches
- ▸ Maintain awareness in crowded locations (markets, bus stations, festivals)
- ▸ Use only licensed taxis or hotel-arranged transportation
- ▸ Keep cash and jewelry discreet in public spaces
- ▸ Trust your instincts and remove yourself from uncomfortable situations
Ocean Safety
- ▸ Strong ocean currents present hazards; swim only at patrolled beaches
- ▸ Coral cuts heal slowly; wear reef shoes when snorkeling or wading
- ▸ Jellyfish season (November-April) includes potentially dangerous box jellyfish
- ▸ Avoid touching marine life; stonefish, cone snails, and lionfish are venomous
- ▸ If caught in riptide: swim parallel to shore rather than fighting current
- ▸ Never dive alone; verify all equipment before each dive
Health Precautions
- ▸ Consume only bottled or filtered water; refillable stations available
- ▸ Dengue fever risk exists; use DEET 30-50% and cover skin dawn to dusk
- ▸ Apply SPF 50+ reef-safe sunscreen frequently, reapply every two hours
- ▸ Prevent heat exhaustion by drinking 3+ liters water daily and resting in shade
- ▸ Choose hot, freshly cooked food; avoid raw salads from street vendors
- ▸ Pack anti-diarrheal medication and oral rehydration salts
Essential Digital Resources and Preparation
Recommended Mobile Applications
- • Emergency SOS: Built-in feature for iPhone and Android devices (automatically calls 911 with location)
- • Google Maps Offline: Download complete Fiji maps before travel
- • Red Cross First Aid: Free comprehensive emergency response guidance
- • Fiji Met Service: Real-time cyclone warnings and weather updates
- • GeoSure: Location-based real-time safety ratings
- • TravelSmart: Embassy registration and travel safety alerts
Critical Documents to Maintain
Keep both digital and physical copies:
- • Passport photo page and visa documentation
- • Emergency contact numbers (saved in phone and written list)
- • Travel insurance policy number with 24/7 assistance hotline
- • Medical conditions, allergies, blood type (documented in English)
- • Prescription medication list with generic names
- • Bank and credit card international fraud hotlines
- • Accommodation addresses and contact information
- • Scanned copies of all documents stored in secure cloud storage