| Travel Advisories There are no travel advisories for Australia, New Zealand or Fiji at this time. Country Information Fiji - Country Information as provided by the U.S. Department of State April 27, 2009 Fiji is a South Pacific island nation consisting of over 350 islands and islets, of which approximately 100 are inhabited. The capital is Suva. On December 5, 2006, in the fourth coup since 1987, the Commander of Fiji’s military force deposed the lawfully elected government of Fiji. There is currently an unelected interim government in place established by the military. The interim government abrogated the constitution and enacted Public Emergency Regulations on April 10, 2009, after the Court of Appeal declared the interim government illegal. The interim government also devalued the currency by 20% on April 15, 2009. Tourist facilities are available. The Fiji Visitors Bureau, which has a wide range of information of interest to travelers, can be contacted via the Fiji Visitors Bureau’s web site. Read the Department of State Background Notes on Fiji for additional information. SAFETY AND SECURITY: Under Public Emergency Regulations currently in place, some basic rights have been limited, including freedom of speech and freedom of assembly. The independence of Fiji’s law enforcement and judicial systems is compromised, putting into question protections ordinarily afforded by the rule of law. The Department of State continues to warn U.S. citizens to carefully consider the risks of travel to the Republic of Fiji at this time. While Fiji’s country situation appears calm on the surface, political, economic, and security uncertainties continue. It is possible that the security situation, especially in Suva, could deteriorate rapidly. American citizens in Fiji should remain vigilant, particularly in public places and near military activities in the greater Suva area, and should avoid demonstrations and large crowds. Even demonstrations intended to be peaceful could turn confrontational and escalate into violence unexpectedly.
Australia - Country Information as provided by the U.S. Department of State
April 2, 2009 Australia is a highly developed stable democracy with a federal-state system. Tourist facilities are widely available. Read the State Department Background Notes on Australia for additional information. SAFETY AND SECURITY: Australia has instituted an alert system for possible terrorist attacks. The threat levels range from “low” to “high.” The Australian Attorney General's Office web site has up-to-date information regarding the current assessment of the terrorism threat. American citizens are reminded to maintain a high level of vigilance and to take appropriate steps to increase their security awareness. Travelers may also contact the Australian National Security Hotline at 61-1-800-123-400. New Zealand - Country Information as provided by the U.S. Department of State April 16, 2009 New Zealand is a highly developed, stable parliamentary democracy, which recognizes the British monarch as sovereign. It has a modern economy, and tourist facilities are widely available. The New Zealand Tourist Board web site has a wide range of information of interest to travelers. Read the Department of State Background Notes on New Zealand for additional information. SAFETY AND SECURITY: U.S. citizens in New Zealand should review their personal security practices, be alert to any unusual activity around their homes or businesses, and report any significant incidents to local police. |