Fiji
Location: Oceania
Visas & Permits
Visas & Work Permits
Most passport holders can enter visa-free. Crews coming in for short projects, such as commercials and travel documentaries, can just tick the film/cinema box on the arrival card at the port of entry.
Crews coming in to work on television series and feature films will need short term work permits. In these cases, usually a Single Entry Visa (SEV) is issued and then an application is made for the short-term work permit.
Please contact a local embassy, consulate or representative for more information. Alternatively, there are specialist companies that provide visa and immigration support to the media industry, and may be able to assist.
Film Location Permits
Visiting productions are required to have a Fiji Film Permit, which is a single permit that is valid for the entirety of the shoot. The Fiji Film Permit will already be registered with immigration officials upon arrival.
Island-wide permits for public locations are possible. Permits not requiring exclusive use of property are quick and easy to obtain. Fiji is a very film friendly country, so most public locations are free.
Allow at least seven days to permit locations that require street closures, buildings or other exclusive use of public space. Allow at least 14 days to permit aerial shoots or filming in national parks.
Customs
For productions looking to bring in film equipment, Fiji is not an ATA carnet country.
Fiji has some standard grip, lighting and camera equipment available locally. Fiji doesn’t charge a duty on production crews bringing in their own equipment.
When to Film
When to Film
Fiji offers year-round long sunny shoot days.
November to April is the summer wet season, which can be humid and very hot. During this time, the water is at its warmest and the sea is calm. May to October is the winter dry season, and is a good time to film for the best underwater visibility and largest surf breaks. The in-between periods of April to May and October to November are the best months to film for pleasant tropical island conditions.
In Fiji, Christianity is the largest religion but there is also a large Hindu community.
Public Holidays
Public holidays may affect timing, availability and costs. See here for public holiday dates in Fiji.
Costs & VAT
In Fiji, locations and talent costs are inexpensive. However, the film infrastructure is still relatively undeveloped. Therefore, some key crew and equipment may need to be brought in from abroad, which will add to the cost of filming.
Travel to remote islands can also add considerably to the cost of shooting. Fortunately most paradise island scenery can be found on the main island.
The standard VAT rate in Fiji, at the time of writing, is set at 15%.
Treaty Documents
At the time of writing, the UK does not have a trade agreement with this country. However, up-to-date information about UK trade agreements can be found on the GOV.UK website.