People travelling into and out of Fiji can expect closer scrutiny of the amount of money they carry as border control agencies take steps to combat money laundering and counter terrorist financing.

Fiji Islands Revenue and Customs Authority CEO Jitoko Tikolevu confirms that effective from January 1st, 2008 people will have to declare at the ports of entry and departure if they are carrying currency or negotiable bearer instruments of $10,000 or more or its equivalent in foreign currency.

Tikolevu said the declaration requirement bring Fiji in line with International Financial Task Force Recommendations relating to money laundering and terrorist financing.

He said people who are detected arriving into or leaving Fiji with funds suspected to be proceeds of crime face seizure of funds and prosecution.

This is targeted at strengthening Fiji's borders and customs border staff is currently undergoing a workshop to prepare for these new border currency reporting requirements.