Leaving Fiji: Departure Tips & Checklist

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Nadi Airport Check-In Departure Process

You need to arrive at Nadi International Airport for your departure flight around two hours before your scheduled departure time.

Departure Airport Transfers

There are a number of ways to travel back to Nadi Airport from your accommodation. Taxis, airport transfer companies, your accommodation’s own transfer service, and even the local buses are all valid options. For more ways to get to the airport, check out All Fiji Airport Transfer Options: Buses, Helicopters & More.

While rare, helicopter and domestic flight transfers can be cancelled in unfavourable weather conditions, so consider returning to Nadi at least the day before.

Check-In for International Departures

Taxis and airport transfers will drop you off right outside of the International Departures Hall. If you’re connecting from a domestic flight, simply cross the zebra crossing and you’re outside the Departures Hall.

If you have purchased any items eligible for the Tourist VAT Refund Scheme, see the Customs TVRS counter before checking in your luggage – see Fiji Tipping & Tax Guide for Travellers to learn more.

Check-in for your departure flight will be the same process as your arrival check-in to Fiji; finding your airline’s allocated check-in counter and providing the check-in staff with your passport and booking reference/e-ticket for your departure flight. Some airlines, like Fiji Airways, Qantas and Air New Zealand, have electronic check-in counters available (however, we’ve never seen them operating).

For the best seats on Fiji Airways, check in early, especially for busy Australia and New Zealand flights. Flights to Dallas, Cairns and Vancouver tend to be less crowded. We recommend arriving at the airport with plenty of time to spare for a smoother travel experience.

You do not need to declare any personal items you are leaving Fiji with unless you carry firearms, Fijian artefacts or FJ$5,000+ or in any currency or negotiable instruments – see the Fiji Revenue and Customs Service website for more details.

There may be certain items, like food, that you can’t take past the borders of the country you are arriving in (such as New Zealand and Australia), so be sure to research the biosecurity measures of your destination/home country. These items, however, you don’t need to declare in Fiji.

You will check-in any larger luggage you may have, and then you will be given a boarding pass and asked to go through airport security.

Airport Security

Airport security is located at the far end of the hall (right when facing the departure check-in counters). Before you go to security, consider exchanging any Fijian Dollars that you have left at one of the banks or currency exchange bureaus (you have more options in the Arrivals Hall, which is accessible from outside the building), as this will be your last chance in Fiji.

At security, you will need to put your bags and items like laptops into separate trays to go through X-ray machines. There are certain items you can’t take through airport security, such as sharp objects, sporting goods, matches or lighters, and liquids, aerosols, gels or pastes that are not in 100 ml (3.4 oz) containers.

You will also walk through a metal detector to check for any restricted items on your person. Then, collect your bags and move to the Immigration Area.

Immigration

There is one more procedure before entering the Departure Lounge: Immigration. Just like when you arrived, queue up, then approach an Immigration counter when asked to do so. The Immigration Officer will check your passport and boarding pass. Then, you’ll move upstairs into the Departure Lounge.

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Nadi Airport Departure Lounge

The Departure Lounge at Nadi International Airport has seating in the centre of the lounge with a small selection of eateries, retail and duty-free stores surrounding it. There are bathrooms and a water bottle refill station. Learn more about the shops and services of the Departure Lounge in our guide, What are the Airports in Fiji: Where Can You Fly to in Fiji?

Admittedly, the Departure Lounge is very compact and can feel crowded, especially when multiple departures are scheduled in quick succession. There are more seating areas in the gates behind the duty-free stores, should things get hectic in the central seating area.

When your flight is nearly ready to board, there will be an announcement about which Gate the flight will board from.

Once your flight is ready to board, you will need to show your passport and boarding pass to staff before boarding the plane.

Nadi VIP Lounges

Nadi Airport’s VIP lounges are located on the ground floor of the Departures Lounge. Access is gained after passing through the Immigration clearance.

The Fiji Airways Premier Lounge features a 200-seat quiet zone with individual seating, group seating, and booths. There is a media room, toilets, showers, towels, hair dryers, and premium Pure Fiji shower products. It’s also wheelchair accessible. For families, the Lailai Land kids’ play centre is supervised by a qualified nanny, and children’s meals are available upon request. Business travellers will appreciate the WiFi, business centre, and printing facilities. The culinary offerings include a chef-inspired menu, buffet stations, barista coffee, and a full bar. There’s also a Fiji bean cart and a dining area with tables and chairs.

Another option is the Air New Zealand Lounge. Its focal point is a café with a self-service buffet and beverage station. Those seeking relaxation can retreat to the quiet zone. The lounge also provides WiFi, access to multiple power points, and a kids’ zone for younger travellers. Learn more about the VIP Lounges in The Complete Guide to Nadi Airport.

For the process for disabled passengers, see Accessibility in Fiji: Disabled & Wheelchair Access Guide.

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Leaving Fiji By Sailing Yacht

For those visiting Fiji via sailing yacht, you must clear out via one of Fiji’s ports of entry/exit: Port Denarau Marina, Lautoka, Vuda Marina, Suva, Savusavu, Levuka or
Rotuma. You must inform Customs and Immigration at least 24 hours before departure. You will need your inbound clearance papers, crew details, the details of your vessel and your next port of call. You must then leave Fiji within 24 hours.

For more information about leaving Fiji via sailing yacht, see our Sailing Guide to Fiji: Tips for Yachting in Fiji.