# What Ottawa Travellers Need to Know About the Latest Fiji Travel Advisory
Planning a tropical escape to Fiji from Ottawa? Before you book that flight or pack your bags, there’s important information you need to know. The Government of Canada updated its travel advisory for Fiji on March 16, 2026, maintaining a **Level 1 risk classification — Take Normal Security Precautions**. While this is the lowest advisory level, understanding what risks exist and how to prepare properly will help ensure your South Pacific getaway remains safe and healthy.
## Understanding the Current Advisory
Level 1 means Fiji is considered relatively safe for Canadian travellers, but you should still exercise the same caution you would at home. The recent update was editorial in nature, keeping the risk assessment unchanged. This doesn’t mean you can let your guard down entirely—being informed about local conditions is essential for any international trip.
## Safety Concerns You Should Know About
Petty theft remains the most common issue affecting tourists in Fiji. Pickpocketing and bag snatching happen regularly in downtown Suva and Nadi, particularly at popular lookout points, waterfalls, hotel lobbies, and outdoor restaurants. More concerning is the occasional violent crime, including armed robberies and assaults, especially in downtown Suva, Denarau Island, and Colo-I-Suva Forest Park.
A serious health risk has emerged recently: several foreigners in southern Fiji have suffered methanol-adulterated alcohol poisoning. This life-threatening condition requires immediate medical attention and serves as a reminder that health and safety go hand-in-hand when travelling abroad.
Financial fraud is another concern, with credit card skimming and ATM fraud occurring at various locations throughout the islands.
## How Ottawa Travellers Should Prepare
Beyond the standard security precautions—securing valuables, avoiding walking after dark, and being cautious with alcohol—your pre-departure health preparation is equally critical. Many Ottawa residents focus solely on booking accommodations and activities, but overlook essential travel health measures.
Start by scheduling a travel health consultation at least six weeks before departure. Depending on your itinerary and activities, you may need vaccinations for hepatitis A and B, typhoid, or routine boosters. A travel health physician can also advise on malaria risk (present in some Fijian areas), prescribe preventive medications, and help you assemble a proper medical kit tailored to your destination.
Don’t forget travel insurance with comprehensive medical coverage—healthcare abroad can be expensive, and evacuation from remote islands even more so.
Travelling to Fiji? Before you go, speak with one of our ISTM-certified travel health physicians – virtually, 7 days a week. A pre-travel consultation covers vaccines, medications, and destination-specific health risks. Book your virtual consultation at Orleans Travel Clinic Pharmacy.