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Nauru
Country Specific Information
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August 28, 2009
COUNTRY DESCRIPTION: 
Nauru, a small single-island nation in the South Pacific, is located about 25 miles south of the equator. It is a constitutional
republic with a parliamentary system of government. Tourist facilities are available on a limited basis. Yaren, the capital,
has an international airport. Read the Department of State’s Background Notes on Nauru for additional information.
REGISTRATION: U.S. citizens living or traveling in Nauru are encouraged to register with the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate at the Department of State’s travel registration page in order to obtain updated information on local travel and security. U.S. citizens without internet access may register directly with the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.
Registration is important; it allows the State Department to assist U.S. citizens in an emergency.
ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS:A passport, visa, onward/return ticket, and proof of hotel bookings (or sponsorship from a resident of Nauru) are required
for tourists. Tourist visas are issued for a maximum of thirty days. Travelers transiting with a valid ticket for an onward
destination do not require a visa, provided that the first connecting flight departs within three days of arrival in Nauru.
Business visitors must have a visa and a local sponsor. Nauru collects a departure tax that must be paid in cash and in Australian
dollars. For more information on entry/exit requirements, travelers may wish to contact Republic of Nauru Permanent Mission
to the United Nations in New York at 212-937-0074, or by fax at 212-937-0079. The address is: 800 Second Avenue, Suite 400A
New York, NY 10017. E-mail addresses are: nauru@onecommonwealth.org and/or Nauru@un.int.
The U.S. Department of State is unaware of any HIV/AIDS entry restrictions for visitors to or foreign residents of Nauru.
However, the Ministry of Health of Nauru is currently considering whether to put restrictions in place. Please inquire directly
with Republic of Nauru Permanent Mission to the United Nations in New York.
Information about dual nationality or the prevention of international child abduction can be found on our website. For further information about customs regulations, please read our Customs Information page.
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THREATES TO SAFETY AND SECURITY: For the latest security information, U.S. citizens traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department of State's
Bureau of Consular Affairs' website, which contains current the Travel Warnings and Travel Alerts as well as the Worldwide Caution.
Up-to-date information on safety and security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free within the U.S. and Canada, or by calling a regular toll line, 1-202-501-4444, from other countries. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
The Department of State urges American citizens to take responsibility for their own personal security while traveling overseas.
For general information about appropriate measures travelers can take to protect themselves in an overseas environment, see
the Department of State’s extensive tips and advice on traveling safely abroad.
CRIME: Nauru has a low crime rate. However, visitors should not be complacent regarding personal safety or the protection of valuables.
In many countries around the world, counterfeit and pirated goods are widely available. Transactions involving such products
may be illegal under local law. In addition,bringing them back to the United States may result in forfeitures and/or fines.
VICTIMS OF CRIME: If you are the victim of a crime abroad, you should contact the local police and the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate (see
end of this sheet or see the Department of State’s list of embassies and consulates). This includes the loss or theft of a U.S. passport. The embassy/consulate staff can, for example, help you find appropriate
medical care, contact family members or friends and explain how funds may be transferred. Although the investigation and
prosecution of the crime are solely the responsibility of local authorities, consular officers can help you to understand
the local criminal justice process and to find an attorney if needed.
Please see our information on victims of crime, including possible victim compensation programs in the United States.
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CRIMINAL PENALTIES: While in a foreign country, a U.S. citizen is subject to that country's laws and regulations, which sometimes differ significantly from those in the United States and may not afford the protections available to the individual under U.S. law. Penalties for breaking the law can be more severe than in the United States for similar offenses. Engaging in sexual conduct with children or using or disseminating child pornography in a foreign country is a crime, prosecutable in the United States.
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SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES: In Nauru, the Australian dollar is the legal currency. Travelers’ checks and all major currencies are accepted by banks
and may also be exchanged for local currency at some local hotels.
Nauru's customs authorities may enforce strict regulations concerning temporary importation into or export from Nauru of items
such as foodstuffs, animals, and pornographic materials. It is advisable to contact the Nauru Consulate General in Melbourne,
Australia, for specific information regarding customs requirements.
Please see our information on Customs Information.
U.S. citizens are encouraged to carry a copy of their U.S. passports with them at all times, so that, if questioned by local
officials, proof of identity and U.S. citizenship are readily available. If detained, U.S. citizens are encouraged to request
that a consular officer at the U.S. Embassy in Suva, Fiji be notified.
Medical Facilities and Health Information
Health care facilities in the Republic of Nauru are adequate for routine medical problems, but very limited in availability.
Emergency response capability is extremely limited. Serious medical conditions requiring hospitalization and/or medical evacuation
to the United States can cost thousands of dollars. Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health
services.
Information on vaccinations and other health precautions, such as safe food and water precautions and insect bite protection,
may be obtained from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) hotline for international travelers at 1-877-FYI-TRIP
(1-877-394-8747) or via the CDC website. For information about outbreaks of infectious diseases abroad, consult the infectious diseases section of the World Health Organization (WHO) website. The WHO website also contains additional health information for travelers, including detailed country-specific health information .
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MEDICAL INSURANCE: The Department of State strongly urges U.S. citizens to consult their medical insurance company prior to traveling abroad
to determine whether the policy applies overseas and whether it covers emergency expenses such as a medical evacuation. For
more information, please see our medical insurance overseas page .
Traffic Safety and Road Conditions
While in a foreign country, U.S. citizens may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in the United
States. The information below concerning Nauru is provided for general reference only, and may not be totally accurate in
a particular location or circumstance.
Traffic moves on the left in Nauru. The main road circling the island is paved, but the remaining roads are unpaved. There
is no organized roadside assistance, although there are a number of mechanics and car repair facilities on the island. Animals
and pedestrians walking in the road make night driving hazardous. For specific information concerning Nauru driving permits,
vehicle inspection, road tax and mandatory insurance, contact the Nauru Consulate General in Melbourne, Australia at telephone
(613) 9653-5709, fax (613) 9654-4738.
Please refer to our Road Safety page for more information.
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AVIATION SAFETY OVERSIGHT: The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has assessed the government of Nauru’s Civil Aviation Authority as not being
in compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards for oversight of Nauru’s air
carrier operations. Further information may be found on the FAA’s safety assessment page.
CHILDREN'S ISSUES: Please see our Office of Children’s Issues web pages on intercountry adoption and international parental child abduction.
EMBASSY LOCATION: Local embassy information is available below and at the Department of State’s list of embassies and consulates .
There is no U.S. embassy or diplomatic post in Nauru. The U.S. Embassy in Suva, Fiji, provides assistance for U.S. citizens
in Nauru. The U.S. Embassy in Fiji is located at 31 Loftus Street in Fiji’s capital city of Suva. The telephone number is
(679) 331-4-466; the fax number is (679) 330-2-267. Information may also be obtained by visiting the Embassy’s home page.
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This replaces the Country Specific Information for Nauru dated February 11, 2008, with no changes.
