Oceania
Is Kiribati safe?
L1Exercise normal precautions
Is Kiribati safe?
Crime is low, though drunkenness and theft occur on South Tarawa. The real issues are pollution, poor sanitation, stray dogs, strong currents and very limited healthcare.
Key facts
- US travel advisory: Level 1: Exercise normal precautions, updated 2024-12-01.
- Homicide rate: 7.1 per 100,000 people (2012, UNODC via World Bank).
- Road deaths: 1.9 per 100,000 people a year (2019, WHO).
- Emergency numbers: Police 992 · Ambulance 994 · Fire 993 · All emergencies 999.
- Solo women: Generally safe; dress modestly and avoid drinking groups and walking alone at night on South Tarawa.
Risks, scams and laws
Main risks
- Polluted South Tarawa lagoon: don't swim or eat lagoon fish
- Strong rip currents along reefs
- Stray dog bites
- Drought, king tides and coastal flooding
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
Quick answers
Is Kiribati safe for tourists?
Crime is low, though drunkenness and theft occur on South Tarawa. The real issues are pollution, poor sanitation, stray dogs, strong currents and very limited healthcare.
Is Kiribati safe for solo female travelers?
Generally safe; dress modestly and avoid drinking groups and walking alone at night on South Tarawa.
What is the emergency number in Kiribati?
Police 992 · Ambulance 994 · Fire 993 · All emergencies 999.
Sources
- World Bank: intentional homicides
- 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
Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.