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.
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You can go to jail in Fiji for possession of any quantity of illegal drugs.
Jail for possession of any quantity.
§ Australian DFAT Smartraveller — FijiCannabis
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. The UK FCDO separately warns that possession of any amount of marijuana carries a 3-month prison sentence.
§ Fiji Ministry of Health & Medical Services — Illicit Drugs Control Act 2004 (Act No. 9 of 2004), s.5 and Schedule 1Customs & Cash
Currency over FJD 10,000 (or the US-dollar equivalent) must be declared when entering or leaving Fiji.
§ US State Dept — FijiImports & 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 — FijiDriving
Driving while intoxicated is illegal in Fiji, using a mobile phone while driving is illegal, and traffic moves on the left.
§ US State Dept — FijiLGBTQ+ 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 — FijiPublic 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 — Fiji