The Department of State advises U.S. citizens to defer travel to Fiji until
the current situation improves and urges Americans in Fiji to exercise
caution. American citizens in the vicinity of the parliament building, where
sporadic gunfire has been reported, should review their personal security
measures and consider moving to a safer location until the crisis is
resolved. A nation-wide state of emergency is in effect.
On May 19 armed gunmen seized control of Fiji's parliament and took the
Prime Minister and other parliamentarians hostage. This was followed by
significant unrest in Suva and its environs, including rioting, looting and
arson. Incidents of arson and looting also occurred May 20 in Rakiraki, in
the western part of Fiji's main island. There are no reports of disturbances
directly related to the attempted coup in the outlying islands of Fiji.
Police and the armed forces have made efforts to restore order in the
streets and a Suva area curfew has been extended nation-wide. Although Suva
is currently calm, American citizens are urged to remain indoors, to stay
tuned to local radio stations for updates on the situation, and to strictly
abide by any curfews. There are no reports of American citizens injured as a
result of the unrest, nor are there any indications that Americans or other
foreigners have been targeted in the violence.
International and domestic telephone services have been disrupted, as have
other communications that rely on telephone lines. Nadi International
Airport, on the opposite side of the island from the capital, and the main
thoroughfare leading to that airport remain open. The U.S. Embassy
recommends that Americans departing from the international airport at Nadi
confirm reservations in advance and allow additional time for check-in and
departure formalities. Nausori airport in Suva also remains open for
domestic flights, but most international flights have been re-routed through
Nadi International Airport.
The U.S. Embassy has temporarily curtailed public services during normal
operating hours. However, American citizens in Fiji with emergencies or
requiring updated security information may contact the Embassy at telephone
(679) 314-466.
For further general information on travel to Fiji, consult the Department's
latest Consular Information Sheet for Fiji, available on the Internet at
http://travel.state.gov.
This replaces the Public Announcement of May 20, 2000 to provide updated
information on the security situation around the parliament building, the
curfew and the situation at the airports. This Public Announcement expires
on June 7, 2000.
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Department of State travel information and publications are available at
Internet address: http://travel.state.gov. U.S. travelers may hear recorded
information by calling the Department of State in Washington, D.C. at
202-647-5225 from their touchtone telephone, or receive information by
automated telefax by dialing 202-647-3000 from their fax machine.
Consular Information Sheets and Travel Warnings
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