Safety and Security

Petty crime

Crime in Kiribati is low but petty crime can occur.

We advise you to take basic precautions while travelling to Kiribati:

• Don’t carry your credit card, travel tickets and money together - leave spare cash and valuables in a safe place.
• Don’t carry your passport unless absolutely necessary and leave a copy of your passport (and travel and insurance documents) with family or friends at home.
• Avoid showing large sums of money in public and don’t use ATMs after dark, especially if you are alone. Check no one has followed you after conducting your business.
• Keep a close eye on your personal belongings and hold on to them in public places.
• Avoid dark and unlit streets and stairways, arrange to be picked up or dropped off as close to your hotel or apartment entrance as possible.

Road Travel

An International Driving Permit may be required for car rental. Residents should obtain a Kiribati driving licence.

Road travel in Kiribati can be dangerous. Roads are often poorly maintained and unlit.

Inter-island travel

Some restrictions remain on inter-island travel, particularly on COVID-19 free islands where availability of quarantine centres is a factor.

Airports

There are two international airports in Kiribati - Bonriki International Airport located at Bonriki on South Tarawa of the Gilberts Islands Group; and Cassidy International Airport located at Cassidy on Kiritimati Island of the Line Islands Group.

Telephone and Internet

The country code for Kiribati is 686. Internet service is available in Kiribati, mainly on Tarawa and Kiritimati Island. On the outer islands, internet access is limited. On Kiribati and some outer islands, the 2G and 4G network work.

Swimming

Do not swim in the lagoon in south Tarawa as it is highly polluted.

Take great care when swimming in the sea around Kiribati, as there are very strong rip tides along coast and reef areas.

Visitors should wear safety equipment at all times during boating trips. Squalls can occur at very short notice.

Weather

The wet season runs from November to April, during which strong winds and sea swells can occur. As Kiribati is close to the equator, it does not usually experience tropical cyclones.

You should monitor regional and international weather updates from the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO), the Fiji Meteorological Service website, and local newspapers.

Kiribati is subject to periodic spells of drought. These can be severe, and water restrictions may be put in place.

Travelers Who Require Accessibility Assistance

Accessibility of buildings, and communications and information for persons with disabilities is not mandated. There are no special accommodations for persons with disabilities.

Local Laws and Customs

Law and Crime

Remember, the local laws apply to you as a visitor and it is your responsibility to follow them. Be sensitive to local customs, traditions and practices as your behaviour may be seen as improper, hostile or may even be illegal.

LGBTQI+ Travellers  

Kiribati law criminalizes same-sex relations. If you are convicted, you could face imprisonment, though enforcement of the law is rare.

Currency

The Australian dollar is the currency used in Kiribati. Major currencies can be exchanged at the ANZ Bank, and some hotels and shops. The ANZ bank is the only commercial bank in Kiribati. Be prepared to pay cash for hotel bills and all other services, as credit card services are not available except for in the capital South Tarawa (only where EFTPOS and ATM are available).

General

Local laws forbid nudity and revealing swimming costumes. Kiribati operates a strict quarantine regime for the import of food, plants and animal (including fish) products. Some local handicrafts (including straw products and shells) may be subject to strict Australian or New Zealand import regulations. You should get a phyto-sanitary certificate in Kiribati, but items may nevertheless be confiscated.

It is recommendable to read the ‘Golden Rules for your stay’ advice on the Kiribati Travel website.

Language

The main language is I-Kiribati – however English has been taught over many years and is widely understood.

Health

Check with your doctor well in advance of travelling to see if you need any vaccinations for this country. We advise you to take out comprehensive travel insurance before you travel with provision for medical evacuation.

Medical facilities at the general hospital in Tarawa are modest. Elsewhere, clinics are generally staffed by nurse practitioners. Pharmaceuticals and prescription medicines are generally not available. You should bring any medicines you need for existing medical conditions with you. For more serious or complicated problems medical evacuation may be required.

You should boil all drinking water or drink bottled water while in Kiribati.  Avoid eating local shellfish or lagoon fish on Tarawa.

Dengue fever occurs in Kiribati. Travellers are advised to use insect repellent, wear protective clothing, and stay in lodgings where there are mosquito screens on windows and doors.

There have been reports of visitors being bitten by stray dogs. Be vigilant, particularly on the beach. If you are approached by a dog, do not run. Reaching down as if to pick up something off the ground can be enough to scare dogs away. If you are bitten seek medical attention immediately.

Additional Information

Entry requirements (visa/passport)

Irish passport holders must meet the following requirements for entry to Kiribati:

1. Have an onward (or return) ticket to a country you have a valid visa or permit to enter, or sufficient funds to purchase them;
2. Possess a passport valid for a minimum of six months after the intended date of departure from Kiribati. Passport cards cannot be used.;
3. Have sufficient funds for self-support

If you’re travelling to work in Kiribati, you should get a visa in advance by arrangement with your employer. Please visit the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Immigration website for further information on visas.