Welcome to Kiribati

Far out in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, find Kiribati, a natural paradise for anglers, birdwatchers and divers. Make the arduous trek to get here and you’ll be rewarded with incredible deep-sea fishing for marlin, sailfish, wahoo, barracuda and more.

The saltwater flats are even more popular for fly-fishing. Birdwatchers, stay on the lookout for seabirds, boobies, petrels, Pacific long-tailed cuckoo and the endemic Christmas Island warbler. And, finally, dive below the surface of the aquamarine waters to world-class wrecks and colorful reefs, full of fish, sharks and rays.

Unique Facts

• Approximately half of Kiribati’s land area comprises the world’s largest coral atoll, Kiritimati.
• There’s only one nation in the world that sits in all four hemispheres – and it’s Kiribati!
• Kiribati is the furthest country ahead of Greenwich meantime. It’s the first place in the world to ring in the New Year.
• Kiribati is considered one of the world’s best birdwatching destinations. There are approximately 75 bird species here, including the endemic Bokikokiko.
• Starting in 1957, the British military conducted nuclear tests for six years on Christmas Island. Parts of the island were sealed off from humans for decades.

Language

Kiribati’s official languages are Kiribati and English.

When To Go

The best time to go to Kiribati is May to November, with September and November being the least rainy period of the year.

Airports

Bonriki International Airport

Passport Validity

Passport must be valid for six months beyond arrival date.

Visa Required By US Citizen?

None for stays of under 30 days

Vaccinations

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

Electrical Outlets

Power plugs and sockets: type I. Standard voltage: 240V. Frequency: 50Hz.

Currency

Official local currency: Kiribati Dollar/Australian Dollar

Getting Around

Be aware that road conditions vary between satisfactory and poor. After heavy rains and high tides, some roadways may be flooded. There are no streetlights. Avoid driving long distances after dark.

Public transportation options include shared minivans/charter taxis.

Driver’s License

An international driving permit is required.

US Embassy Info

U.S. Embassy Suva, Fiji, Kiribati, Nauru, Tonga, Tuvalu
158 Princes Rd, Tamavua
Suva, Fiji Islands
Telephone: +(679) 331-4466
Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(679) 772-8049
Fax: +(679) 330-2267
SuvaACS@state.gov

Local Visitor Info

Kiribati National Tourism Office
Betio Island, Kiribati
Tel: +686 26003

Local Emergency Phone Numbers

Police: 192, 188
Ambulance: 994
Fire: 193

Safety and Security

The crime rate is low in Kiribati. Take standard safety precautions and do not leave belongings unattended.