Welcome to Christmas Island

Unique Facts

• The total land area of Christmas Island is 52 square miles. This small Australian territory in the Indian Ocean is closest to Indonesia (to the north and east), Australia (to the south) and the Cocos (Keeling) Islands (to the west).
• It is estimated that Christmas Island was formed about 60 millions years ago when an underground mountain rose 16,404 feet from the ocean floor.
• There are millions more red crabs than people living on Christmas Island – approximately 45 million of these little creatures live here. Each year, they migrate in droves from the center of the island to the beaches to breed.
• Not surprisingly, Christmas Island was named after its discovery in 1643 on Christmas Day, when a British East India Company ship arrived there.
• About 1,600 people live on the island in a variety of settlement areas in the north: Flying Fish Cove (Kampong), Settlement, Silver City, Poon Saan and Drumsite.

Language

Christmas Island’s official language is English.

When To Go

The best time to go to Christmas Island is April through November, although truly any time of year has its benefits. The temperatures here are similar year-round, approximately 80 degrees F in the day and 73 F at night.

Airports

Christmas Island International Airport

Passport Validity

Passport must be valid at time of entry.

Visa Required By US Citizen?

Yes

Vaccinations

The CDC recommends the following vaccines for most travelers when visiting Christmas Island: Hepatitis A and Typhoid. Depending on where you are traveling, you may also need Hepatitis B and Yellow Fever vaccines.

Electrical Outlets

Power plugs and sockets: type I. Standard voltage: 230V. Frequency: 50Hz.

Currency

Official local currency: Australian Dollar

Getting Around

The best way to explore Christmas Island is by renting a car and driving yourself. Road closures are common during the red crab migration. Check with the Christmas Island Visitor Centre for the latest conditions.

Taxi service is available on weekend evenings, except Mondays, and after midday on the weekends.

Driver’s License

A valid US driver’s license is required.

US Embassy Info

U.S. Consulate General Sydney
MLC Centre
Level 10
19-29 Martin Place
Sydney, NSW 2000
Australia
Telephone: +(61) (2) 9373-9200
Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(61) (2) 4422-2201
Fax: +(61) (2) 9373-9184
SydneyACS@state.gov

Local Visitor Info

Christmas Island Visitor Centre
1 Gaze Rd.
Christmas Island 6798
Christmas Island
Tel: +61 8 9164 8382

Local Emergency Phone Numbers

Ambulance, Police, Fire: 0000

Safety and Security

The crime rate is low on Christmas Island. Most locals leave their houses and cars unlocked. There are no poisonous or dangerous animals or insects. Be cautious of large waves and coastal waters during the monsoon season (October to February).