Military coup rules out Fiji for travellers

A military coup is underway in Fiji, ruling out the country as a holiday destination for travellers for the time being.

The coup follows warnings from the British government last month that holidaymakers should avoid all but essential travel to the Pacific island due to increasing tensions between government and military leaders.

The Foreign Office reports the military has seized police weapons and set up a series of checkpoints yesterday in the Greater Suva area, and there are media reports the prime minister's residence was cordoned off by the military today.

However, it has been noted traffic continues to flow freely and the international airport at Nadi is operating normally with flights both in and out unaffected.

Though the coup has been peaceful so far, British travellers are warned against all but essential travel to Fiji.

"If you are in Fiji, you should register with the British High Commission. You should also avoid all military or political rallies and large gatherings of people and keep yourself informed of developments," the Foreign Office said.

For the latest information see www.fco.gov.uk