The Pacific Islands are among the closest international destinations for Australian travellers, ranging from popular resort destinations like Fiji and the Cook Islands to more adventurous destinations like Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands. Health risks vary dramatically across the region. Fiji and the Cook Islands have relatively low infectious disease risk and reasonable healthcare in tourist areas, while Papua New Guinea has some of the highest malaria rates in the world outside Sub-Saharan Africa and very limited medical infrastructure. Dengue outbreaks occur periodically across most Pacific Island nations.
Most travellers to Pacific Islands should consider the following vaccines:
Malaria risk in the Pacific is concentrated in Papua New Guinea, the Solomon Islands, and Vanuatu. Papua New Guinea has widespread, year-round malaria transmission with both Plasmodium falciparum (the most dangerous form) and Plasmodium vivax present across most of the country below 1,800 metres. The Solomon Islands also has significant transmission. Vanuatu has lower but still present risk, mainly in the northern islands. Fiji, Samoa, Tonga, the Cook Islands, and New Caledonia are malaria-free. Antimalarial prophylaxis is essential for travel to PNG and the Solomon Islands.
Click any destination for detailed vaccination requirements
Fiji does not require any specific vaccinations for entry from Australia. However, Hepatitis A and Typhoid vaccinations are recommended as a sensible precaution. Hepatitis B is recommended for longer stays. Ensure your routine vaccinations are up to date, particularly measles. Fiji is malaria-free, so antimalarial prophylaxis is not needed. Dengue fever occurs in Fiji, but there is no vaccine available in Australia — rely on mosquito bite prevention.
Papua New Guinea requires thorough pre-travel health preparation. Recommended vaccinations include Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Typhoid, and Rabies (for extended or rural travel). Japanese Encephalitis vaccine is not routinely required. Antimalarial prophylaxis is essential for all travellers. Ensure routine vaccinations are current, including measles, diphtheria, tetanus, and polio. TB risk is elevated — discuss a baseline TB test with your doctor if you plan an extended stay.
No. Fiji is malaria-free and antimalarial prophylaxis is not required. The main mosquito-borne disease risk in Fiji is dengue fever, which occurs in periodic outbreaks. Zika and chikungunya have also been reported. Prevention relies on mosquito bite avoidance — use DEET-based repellent, wear long clothing at dawn and dusk, and use mosquito nets if your accommodation is not screened or air-conditioned.
Yes, absolutely. PNG has widespread, year-round malaria transmission, including the dangerous Plasmodium falciparum strain. Antimalarial prophylaxis is essential for all travellers to PNG regardless of the duration of stay. Common options include atovaquone-proguanil (Malarone), doxycycline, or mefloquine. Discuss the best option with your travel health professional, as each has different side effect profiles and dosing schedules.
For lower-risk destinations like Fiji and the Cook Islands, expect $100–$300 for Hepatitis A, Typhoid, and any routine vaccine boosters. For Papua New Guinea or the Solomon Islands, costs increase significantly: $400–$900 including Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Typhoid, Rabies (3 doses), plus antimalarial medication ($30–$120 depending on the drug and trip duration). GP consultation fees apply on top. Most travel vaccines are not covered by Medicare.
The Pacific region experiences periodic dengue outbreaks, particularly in Fiji, Samoa, Tonga, and Vanuatu. Measles outbreaks have occurred in Samoa (a devastating outbreak in 2019) and other Pacific nations with lower vaccination coverage. Leptospirosis cases increase during the wet season and after flooding. Check the Smartraveller website and WHO Disease Outbreak News for current alerts before departure. Your travel health clinic will have the latest information.
Generally no, with some exceptions. In Fiji's major resorts and hotels, filtered water is usually provided, but tap water should not be drunk elsewhere. In Papua New Guinea, the Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, Samoa, and Tonga, always drink bottled or treated water. The Cook Islands has safe tap water in Rarotonga. New Caledonia (as a French territory) generally has safe tap water in Nouméa. When in doubt, stick to sealed bottled water.
Medical facilities vary widely. Fiji has the best healthcare in the region, with hospitals in Suva and Nadi capable of handling many conditions, though not to Australian standards. Papua New Guinea has very limited medical facilities, particularly outside Port Moresby. The Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, Samoa, and Tonga have basic hospitals but limited specialist care. Serious conditions typically require medical evacuation to Australia or New Zealand. Travel insurance with emergency evacuation cover is essential for all Pacific Island travel.
Last updated: April 2026