Arrival at Nadi International Airport, Fiji: A Step-by-Step Guide

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Step 1: Complete the Fiji Passenger Arrival Card

The first part of the Nadi International Airport arrival process is completing the Passenger Arrival Card. Although you can do this once you arrive at the airport, we recommend doing it on your flight to Fiji.

The form is a narrow, horizontal, double-sided card. Each individual arriving at Nadi International Airport must have a completed Fiji Passenger Arrival Card, even children. These forms must also be completed in English.

Hold onto your Passenger Arrival Card, as you will need to show it at Immigration and Biosecurity when you arrive at Nadi International Airport.

For a complete guide to the Passenger Arrival Card, including what it looks like and what details it calls for, check out our guide, Fiji Passenger Arrival Card: What You Need to Know.

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Step 2: Immigration and Passport Control

Upon landing at Nadi International Airport, you’ll see the mountains of the “Sleeping Giant” in the distance, feel the balmy island breeze, and be likely to be welcomed by serenaders as you enter the Immigration and Passport Control area. There are bathroom facilities to use, and you’ll notice amnesty bins to dispose of any “risk items” that may not pass through Biosecurity – more on that later. For now, queue up to see an Immigration Officer. If you’re not a citizen of Fiji, go to the desk under the “International Passport Holders” sign.

Immigration Desk

At the Immigration Desk, hand over your passport, Passenger Arrival Card, and evidence relating to your visa, if applicable. Note that you may also be asked for any documents concerning current entry requirements – see What Documents Do I Need to Travel to Fiji? for updates.

Make sure your passport is up-to-date, which we detail how up-to-date in our Fiji Tourist Visa Guide. Providing you meet all of the entry conditions and are either a passport holder of one of the 100+ countries or have your pre-arranged permit, you will be granted a Visitor Permit, which will be stamped into your passport.

The Immigration Officer may ask some questions regarding the answers you have given on the Arrival Card. The officer will then either tell you if any further action is required or simply return your passport and Arrival Card so you can move to the Baggage Claim area.

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Step 3: Pick Up Your Suitcase at the Baggage Claim

Walk down a short set of stairs to the Baggage Claim area, where there are various carousels to collect baggage. Flight numbers will be displayed on a screen in the middle of each carousel, so find the carousel with your flight number and collect your baggage.

The Baggage Claim area also has toilet facilities, currency exchange and a duty-free store. You can buy some duty-free goods before going through Biosecurity and Customs, but you must not exceed the duty-free allowance for Fiji – find out more in The Duty-Free Allowances for Fiji.

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Step 4: Declare Any “Declarable Items” at Customs and Biosecurity

After you have picked up your baggage, you will need to queue up for Customs and Biosecurity. A Customs and Biosecurity Officer will look at your Passenger Arrival Card and may ask you questions regarding your answers. This is also your last opportunity to verbally declare any “declarable items” that you may have in your possession or any of your baggage. You will also be given the opportunity to dispose of items that are likely to be considered “risk items” that you won’t be able to bring into Fiji, most commonly fresh food. There are amnesty bins for this.

Not sure what you’re supposed to declare? Check out What to Declare When Arriving in Fiji.

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Step 5: Baggage is Scanned in Biosecurity X-rays

You will be asked to place all of your baggage, including purses, laptop bags, suitcases – everything – onto a conveyor belt, which takes your luggage into an X-ray for Biosecurity Officers to check your bags. If your bags are clear of any “risk items”, you will be free to take your bags and move into the Arrivals Area.

What Happens if a Risk Item is Found in Your Baggage

If a prohibited item is found that you have declared, then you have the option to either get the item treated at your expense, re-exported to the country of origin under Biosecurity supervision at your expense or destroyed.

If an undeclared risk item is found, whether restricted, prohibited or just considered a declarable item, you may receive an instant FJ$400 fine for not declaring it.

For more information on this entire Biosecurity process, see Arrival Advice: Biosecurity & Customs in Fiji.

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Step 6: Enter the Arrivals Area

This is it! You have officially entered Fiji! At the Arrivals Area, there are a few stores, travel agents, currency exchanges, toilet facilities and a cafe.

You can pick up a SIM card from the phone network stores. Notably, these airport stores are the only place where you can pick up a tourist SIM card – see The Best SIM Card in Fiji for Travellers.

There are also a few travel agent offices where you can book transport, tours and activities. Information on these facilities and more can be found in The Complete Guide to Nadi Airport.

Airport Transfers

If you have booked an airport transfer, your driver will await your arrival with a sign/placard with your name (or their company name) on it. Check out all of your transfer options in the 15 Best Airport Transfers in Fiji.

Taxis

There are more airport transfer options, including taxis, which you will find outside of the Arrivals Area. Learn more about taking a taxi from the airport in How Much Does a Fiji Airport Taxi Cost?

Car Rentals

Rental companies will either have an office in the Arrivals Area, or a representative may be waiting just outside the Arrivals Area holding a sign with your name or the car rental company’s name on it. You’ll go through the car inspection process with a representative before hitting the road. Learn more in our guide, What You Need to Hire a Car in Fiji.

Domestic Flights

If you’re catching a connecting chartered flight to your island resort or a scheduled domestic flight to the outer islands, make your way to the Domestic Terminal of Nadi Airport. This is just a short walk from the International Arrivals Area, keeping the airport building on your right. Learn more about domestic flights in Domestic Flights in Fiji: Your Guide to Interisland Flights.

Buses

Express buses, travelling through Nadi and along the Coral Coast and Pacific Harbour through to Suva, depart from outside the International Departures Hall, which is a short walk from the International Arrivals Hall, keeping the airport building on your right. Local buses to Nadi and Lautoka pick up passengers from the Queens Road roadside, just outside the Nadi Airport entrance. For more details, check out The Cheapest Airport Transfers in Fiji.

For more airport transfer options, such as those provided directly through your resort, check out ALL Fiji Airport Transfer Options: Buses, Helicopters & More.

Now, transition into “Fiji time” and enjoy your holiday! Need stuff to do? Check out the 101 Best Things to Do in Fiji: The Ultimate List.