Oceania
Kiribati
Remote coral atolls straddling the equator: Tarawa's WWII battle sites and Kiritimati's bonefishing and seabirds. Very few visitors, basic facilities, a polluted Tarawa lagoon, mostly cash and costly, infrequent flights.
- US travel advisoryLevel 1Exercise normal precautionsDetails
- Visa120 of 198passports can visit visa-freeDetails
- CurrencyAUDUS$1 ≈ A$1.44Details
- Price level65%of US prices (World Bank PPP)
- English2/5Limited
- PlugsType I240 V, 50 HzDetails
- Emergency999Police 992 · Ambulance 994 · Fire 993 · All emergencies 999
- Tap waterNo, drink bottledDrink only boiled or bottled water and avoid ice; water is scarce during droughts.Details
- LGBTQ+CriminalizedConservative and church-going; same-sex couples should avoid public affection.Details
- DrivingOn the leftDrive with your home licence; carry an IDP if it isn't in English. Minibuses are often dangerously overloaded.
When to visit Kiribati
Hot year-round on the equator. April–October is usually calmer; November–April brings westerly winds, swells and flooding.
Good to know
Entry
- Many nationalities can visit visa-free; you need a return or onward ticket and enough funds.
- Your passport needs 6 months' validity and 2 blank pages.
- A departure tax of A$20 is paid at the airport.
Laws visitors break by accident
- Always carry ID; a printed passport copy is usually accepted
- Public nudity and revealing swimwear are banned
- Drug offences bring heavy prison sentences
Etiquette
- Ask before entering a maneaba (meeting house) and sit on the floor
- Cover shoulders and knees; swim in shorts and a T-shirt
- Bring a small gift when visiting a village
Tipping
Not expected.
Sources
- US State Department travel advisory
- Kiribati Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Immigration
- Kiribati National Tourism Office
- UK FCDO travel advice: Kiribati
- World Bank open data
Country facts are researched by SoloSquare; advisory levels, crime, health and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.