Custom and immigration controls the movement of people and goods from one country to another. In other words, some airports refer to it as “border control” or “passport control” too.
Fiji Revenue and Customs Service provides two services to passengers when they arrive at international airports. First is immigration (primary line) and second is customs clearance (secondary line).
Before you arrive at the Nausori Airport, you get a Fiji passenger arrival card. This is given by the immigration department or airline/shipping agent. You have to complete both sides of the arrival card and print it. Make sure to tick “yes” in the customs section when you bring prohibited or restricted goods. Here’s a reference for the arrival card form: https://www.baf.com.fj/wp- content/uploads/2015/12/Download-Arrival-Card.pdf
Just like all other International Airports, the passenger gets the option of seeking clearance through the Green Channel or Red Channel depending upon the goods’ nature.
More details about the normal passenger's allowance are available at this link: https://frcs.org.fj/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/HS-2022-with-2024-2025-Budget-Amendments.pd f under the concession Code 218 of pages 813 to 814.
Don’t forget to bring the purchase receipt of commercial and shopped goods in the duty-free shop where the actual value of the goods is calculated.
Every traveler into Fiji has to declare the possessed currency if they carry more than $10000 in Fijian currency value. In addition, you have to finish the Border currency reporting form as provided by the officer.
For immigration clearance, you have to present essential traveling documents along with the Fiji Immigration arrival card.
After completing the primary line, you have to move to the baggage clearance area to get your baggage.
The total quantity of duty-free goods bought or possessed by you after arrival will be under normal passenger allowance. Apart from normal allowance, the rest of the dutiable goods should fall under normal duty.
During baggage examination area crossing, passengers need to show the arrival card to the Proper officer where they have mentioned all the declarations. Border enforcement agencies can check the baggage or person.
Make sure to keep the prescription as provided by the physician because it works as proof that you are using medicines under the doctor’s direction.
Under the biosecurity laws of Fiji, every visitor has to declare all goods including plants and animal products to the Biosecurity officer at the border. These goods can carry weeds, pests, and diseases that can harm the flora and fauna of Fiji. Many plants and animal-based products are restricted until you present a valid Fiji MASLR Quarantine Import Permit.
You can dispose of them voluntarily if you haven’t declared yet on the arrival card. If the airport authority found you breaching the Biosecurity law, a spot fine of $FJD400 or prosecution along with a fine of $ FJD20,000 and sometimes six months imprisonment is there too.
Passengers of 17 years or more years of age are allowed to bring the following goods into Fiji, duty and VAT-free only when not made for selling purposes:
There are certain prohibited and restricted items one has to be aware of. More details of them are available under the "Prohibited Imports and Exports" Regulations 1986.
Fiji has restrictions on the import of vegetables, seeds, or any other animal product. You have to take permission from the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Forests for this.
Passengers can carry dutiable goods other than tobacco and alcohol not more than a value of FJ$400.
Import of firearms is under restriction and regulated according to the import permit of Fiji police. You have to declare these things to the Customs Officer after arrival. However, certain items like flick knives, knuckle-dusters, etc. are strictly prohibited. Unless and until they are accompanied as per the approved documentation, you can’t bring them to Fiji.
Never carry the following drugs to Fiji:
For more information about the restricted drugs, read the Illicit Drugs Control Act 2004 of Fiji. In case you find out someone keeping imported drugs or smuggling act, report to customsevasion@frcs.org.fj.
In Fiji, taking certain utensils is also prohibited. For instance, cannabis utensils and opium pipes are strictly banned here.
Radio transmitters and telecommunication equipment come under restricted import so avoid keeping this with you.
Laws regulating the import of domestic pets into Fiji are managed by the Biosecurity Authority of Fiji. Get in touch with them for more details.
Fiji follows the Endangered and Protected Species Act 2022 to implement CITES which ensures its nationwide execution.
Goods not qualifying for allowance will always be subjected to customs duty. The rate is fixed according to the Customs Tariff Act.
The duty rates depend on the type and amount of good and VAT is same for all at 12.5%. Its base to calculate can be figured out by adding goods value+fiscal duty payable. Coming to the tax, visitors have to pay for departure tax as mentioned in the air ticket.
If a passenger is unable to clear the duty amount, the goods will be taken for a limited time frame. After the time frame crosses as mentioned under section 29 and section 63 of the Customs Act, the goods will be disposed of by the chief executive officer. Don’t forget to pay the duty rate in Fijian currency.
Always keep your documents ready including the passport, visa, and other forms to enable easy immigration and customs checks.
Be prepared with the knowledge of the duty-free allowances as there are certain items that you can’t carry in or out of the country.
To avoid fines, make sure you truthfully declare restricted and dutiable items.
