Fiji
The laws most likely to catch a visitor off guard. What is legal at home can be a serious crime here — each rule links to its official source.
Driving in the U.S. too?The free LawLert iPhone app alerts you when you cross into a U.S. state where a law you track differs. It doesn't cover other countries yet.Get the free appDrugs
You can go to jail in Fiji for possession of any quantity of illegal drugs.
Jail for possession of any quantity.
§ Australian DFAT Smartraveller — FijiVerified Jul 29, 2026
Cannabis
Cannabis is illegal in Fiji, and possessing any amount is a criminal offence — including for tourists. Fiji's Illicit Drugs Control Act 2004 lists cannabis (plant, resin, fruit, seed and oil) as an illicit drug, and unlawful possession carries a statutory maximum of a fine of up to FJ$1,000,000, life imprisonment, or both; the Act itself has no lighter tier for small amounts. Courts sentence small cannabis cases far below that maximum, but people are still arrested and convicted over a few grams. The Act has no recreational or medical cannabis scheme — its only exemption covers lawfully prescribed medication, up to a one-month supply, for people under medical treatment.
Unlawful possession, cultivation, supply or use of an illicit drug: fine not exceeding FJ$1,000,000 or imprisonment for life, or both (Illicit Drugs Control Act 2004, s.5). Same maximum for unlawful import or export (s.4); attempts carry up to FJ$500,000 or 14 years (s.9). The Act sets no reduced penalty for small amounts. Sentencing bands come from case law, not the Act — Supreme Court cannabis tariff (Kaitani v State [2024] FJSC 50): up to 1 kg normally non-custodial; 1–5 kg: 1–4 years; 5–10 kg: 4–8 years; 150 kg and above: life imprisonment. Two evidentiary rules make a charge easy to bring: anything found in premises, a craft, a vehicle or an animal under your control is presumed to be in your possession until you prove otherwise (s.32), and proof of lawful authority lies on the accused (s.4(2)). Where an officer suspects internal concealment you can be detained for internal examination for up to 10 days under a High Court order (s.17), and on conviction any property used in the offence is forfeited to the State (s.31).
§ Fiji Ministry of Health & Medical Services — Illicit Drugs Control Act 2004 (Act No. 9 of 2004), s.5 and Schedule 1Verified Aug 31, 2026
Customs & Cash
Currency over FJD 10,000 (or the US-dollar equivalent) must be declared when entering or leaving Fiji.
§ US State Dept — FijiVerified Jul 30, 2026
Imports & Customs
Strict customs and biosecurity rules apply to importing food, plant material, animals and agricultural products into Fiji — declare all such items on arrival.
§ Australian DFAT Smartraveller — FijiVerified Jul 29, 2026
Driving
Driving while intoxicated is illegal in Fiji, using a mobile phone while driving is illegal, and traffic moves on the left.
§ US State Dept — FijiVerified Jul 30, 2026
LGBTQ+ Safety
Same-sex relationships are legal in Fiji, but some locals hold conservative attitudes and open displays of affection could cause offence, particularly in rural areas.
§ Australian DFAT Smartraveller — FijiVerified Jul 29, 2026
Public Conduct
Outside tourist areas Fiji's dress code is conservative — dress respectfully in village areas — and you can be arrested for being drunk and disorderly, including at the airport or on a plane.
Arrest for drunk and disorderly conduct; fines and detention for property damage or assault.
§ Australian DFAT Smartraveller — FijiVerified Jul 29, 2026