Travel Facts
US State Dept Travel Advisory
The US Department of State currently recommends US citizens exercise normal precautions in Kiribati. Consult its website via the link below for updates to travel advisories and statements on safety, security, local laws, and special circumstances in this country.
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories.html
Passport/Visa Requirements
US citizens should make sure their passport will not expire for at least 6 months after they enter the country even if they do not intend to stay that long. They should also make sure they have at least 1 blank page in their passport for any entry stamp that will be required. A visa is not required as long as the stay is less than 30 days.
US Embassy/Consulate
US does not have an embassy in Kiribati; the US Ambassador to Fiji is accredited to Kiribati; +(679) 331-4466; EMER: +(679) 772-8049; US Embassy Suva, Fiji, Kiribati, Nauru, Tonga, Tuvalu, 158 Princes Rd, Tamavua, Suva, Fiji Islands
LGBTQIA+ Travelers
Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, and asexual (LGBTQIA+) travelers can face unique challenges when traveling abroad. Laws and attitudes in some countries may affect safety and ease of travel. Legal protections vary from country to country. Many countries do not legally recognize same-sex marriage. Approximately seventy countries consider consensual same-sex sexual relations a crime, sometimes carrying severe punishment.
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/before-you-go/travelers-with-special-considerations/lgbtqi.html
Telephone Code
686
Local Emergency Phone
994
Vaccinations
The CDC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Kiribati: hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, rabies, meningitis, polio, measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis), chickenpox, shingles, pneumonia, COVID-19 and influenza
http://www.who.int/
Climate
Tropical; marine, hot and humid, moderated by trade winds
Currency (Code)
Australian dollars (AUD)
Electricity/Voltage/Plug Type(s)
240 V / 50 Hz / plug types(s): I
Major Languages
I-Kiribati, English
Major Religions
Roman Catholic 57.3%, Kiribati Uniting Church 31.3%, Mormon 5.3%, Baha'i 2.1%, Seventh Day Adventist 1.9%
Time Difference
UTC+12 (17 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time); note: Kiribati has three time zones: the Gilbert Islands group at UTC+12, the Phoenix Islands at UTC+13, and the Line Islands at UTC+14
Potable Water
Opt for bottled water
International Driving Permit
Suggested; if a longer stay is in your plans, you will need to get a Kiribati driving license.
Road Driving Side
Left
Tourist Destinations
Christmas Island (Kiritimati); Tarawa Atoll (includes Betio Island)
Major Sports
Soccer
Cultural Practices
Community meetings under the maneaba (traditional meeting house) to socialize and feast (a botaki), respect of elderly people, guest hospitality and importance of family remain important facets in the culture of Kiribati.
Tipping Guidelines
Tipping is not customary, but a visitor's generosity will be much appreciated. A 10% service tax is added to all hotel bills.
Souvenirs
Hand-smocked tops; beaded, sea shell, or wood jewelry; Pandanus leaf, coconut, or sea shell items; Gilbertese canoe and house models, shark-tooth items
Traditional Cuisine
Palusami - wrapped bundles of taro leaves with a coconut-and-onion filling; sometimes also made with chicken or fish
Please visit the following links to find further information about your desired destination.
World Health Organization (WHO) - To learn what vaccines and health precautions to take while visiting your destination.
US State Dept Travel Information - Overall information about foreign travel for US citizens.
To obtain an international driving permit (IDP). Only two organizations in the US issue IDPs:
American Automobile Association (AAA) and American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA)
How to get help in an emergency?
Contact the nearest US embassy or consulate, or call one of these numbers:
from the US or Canada - 1-888-407-4747 or from Overseas - +1 202-501-4444
Page last updated: Wednesday, September 27, 2023
