Fiji - Pets

Bringing your Pet to Fiji

Temporary Suspension of Import Conditions for Cats and Dogs on Vessels

July 2024:  Bad news for yachts with pets on board headed for Fiji shared by Michell Shultz @ Travel Indigenous and confirmed by Noonsite with the Biosecurity Authority Fiji (BAF):

BAF is currently reviewing import conditions for cats and dogs on board vessels due to a rising number of non-compliance issues, BAF have temporarily suspended the importation and quarantine of cats and dogs via vessels. Importation can be only considered via air freight if all import requirements are in order before departing from exporting country and complete mandatory quarantine in post entry quarantine station.

In the Fiji context, it is uncertain that we can maintain an appropriate level of protection from the biosecurity risks if we allow pets to be imported onboard a vessel, quarantined onboard, and then released. In this regard, importation components of in any existing biosecurity notice is not valid until we have updated version of the biosecurity notice.

The temporary suspension is only applicable for pets being imported from vessels.  However you can still apply for the permit and bring your pet via air freight by fulfilling import requirements stated in the permit then complete seven days mandatory quarantine in BAF post entry quarantine station.

Previous Pet information:

Fiji is free of deadly diseases like rabies and foot & mouth (FMD).  However, the introduction of these diseases would have serious consequences for Fiji’s animal and human health which is why the Biosecurity Authority of Fiji (BAF) has strict biosecurity controls on the import of domesticated animals (dogs and cats) into Fiji.

Import Permits

Anyone who wants to bring a pet (dogs and cats) into Fiji must apply for an import permit with BAF. Application forms for the import permit can be accessed from the BAF website or via email: info@baf.com.fj or animalimports@baf.com.fj. Completed application forms can be emailed back to BAF or faxed on (679) 3305043.

There is a fee applicable to obtain an import permit and should be paid when lodging the application. It takes the BAF Animal Permits Team approximately five working days to process applications for import permits.

In general, no animals will be permitted to come ashore in Fiji and must remain on board the vessel at all times while in Fiji’s territorial waters.

Bonds

Yachts arriving in Fiji with live cats, dogs, pet birds etc. on board, must pay to have their animal inspected by biosecurity officers plus pay a bond as security against the "pet" coming ashore while in Fiji’s territorial waters. The bond payment is refundable upon departure from Fiji if bond conditions are not breached (i.e. you are not caught with your animal ashore).  You may also have to notify officials of your position and let them know of your plans and movements each week, if you have a bonded animal on board.

See Fees for details.

The bond must be paid in cash at the BioSecurity office, and in order to get a refund, you must apply a week before departure, in writing.

It is likely you will need to check in weekly with the biosecurity team, letting them know your position.

If you haulout while in Fiji, you will need to put your pet in quarantine for the duration.

Read this 2023 report from cruisers who crossed the Pacific with their Blue Heeler named Logan and their experience with various country's officials including Fiji.

• The Logisitics of Sailing with a Pet

Rabies Vaccinations:

Cats and dogs must be vaccinated against rabies not more than 12 and not less than 6 months before arriving in Fiji. One month after the rabies vaccination of the dog, it must be subjected to the Rabies Neutralization Antibody Tire Test (RNATT) with a positive result of no less than 0.5 IU per ml.

Other Diseases:

Pet birds (e.g. parrots, finches, canaries etc) on yachts must be free of Newcastle Disease without vaccination, must have been tested free of Newcastle Disease six (6) months prior to arrival in Fiji, must not have been in the waters of countries not free of Newcastle Disease without vaccination less than six (6) months prior to arrival in Fiji. Pet birds must be in locked cages at all times, and the animal must not be brought onshore at any time.

Vaccination certificates and laboratory tests results must be original and made available to Biosecurity Officers when Biosecurity Boarding Inspection are carried out at the First (1ST) Port of Entry.

For further information or clarification contact the Biosecurity Authority of Fiji on phone 3312512, fax 3305043 or email  to via email: info@baf.com.fj or animalimports@baf.com.fj. Inquiries can also be made in person at any of the BAF offices.

Station Offices - Biosecurity Authority of Fiji (BAF)

Vuda Marina
Ph : +679 893987

Port Denarau
Ph:  +679 9989327

Last updated:  July 2024