Kiribati

Safety and security

Emergency phone numbers

Local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crimes and providing emergency services.

• Dial 992 for police.
• Dial 992 for ambulance.

Crime

Small, unstructured crime networks operate in Kiribati. They focus on illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing, human trafficking, and minor drug smuggling.

Forced labor

Trafficking networks force people into labor or sexual exploitation, often aboard foreign fishing vessels operating off the Kiribati coast.

Theft and property crime  

In busy areas of South Tarawa, Kiribati, small networks may steal luggage and valuables.

• Property crimes, including burglary and petty theft, are common.

Safety tips

• Avoid walking alone at night, especially in Betio or along the beach in South Tarawa.
• Secure your valuables. Use lockboxes for passports and valuables.
• Stay aware of surroundings. Alcohol-related petty crime is more common on weekends.

Scams

Follow the Department of State guidelines to protect yourself from scams.

If you are a victim of a scam, learn how the FBI can help.  

Internet romance scams are common in Kiribati. Be careful of anyone asking for money, especially those who start a "romantic" relationship online or claim local authorities want money. Scams often begin through online posts, emails, or letters. Scammers pretend to be U.S. citizens in need of help.

Common scams include:

• Investment scams
• Fake charities
• Money transfers
• Government grant scams
• Outstanding debt scams
• Lotteries
• Phone scams
• Threat and extortion scams

If using dating apps or websites in Kiribati: 

• Criminals may use dating apps to target potential victims for robbery or assault.
• Let your friends and family know where you are.  Consider sharing your location on your phone. 
• Meet in a popular public place.
• Tell your family or friends all the details about the person you are meeting and how you met them (which app).
• Arrange a video call before agreeing to meet in person. 
• Avoid locations where you can be isolated, like hotel rooms, private apartments or houses.
• Never leave food or drinks unattended at a bar or restaurant.
• Observe the preparation of your food or drink order when possible.
• Refuse offers of food or drinks from strangers.
• Have a communication plan with friends or family. Send updates to them on an agreed schedule.

Victims of crime

Local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crimes. You may report crimes to the local police by dialing 188 or 190.

Review our information for Victims of Crime.  

The U.S. embassy or consulate can:

• Replace a stolen or lost passport.
• Help you find medical care. 
• Tell you how to report a crime to the police. Kiribati Police Service non-emergency telephone numbers: 686-751-26188, 75126190, 74026187 and email contact is [email protected]
• Contact relatives or friends with your written consent.
• Provide general information regarding the criminal justice system. 
• Provide a list of local attorneys. We do not endorse or recommend any specific attorneys.
• Provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States or limited medical support in cases of need.
• Provide information on victim’s compensation programs in the United States. 
  
• Help you find accommodation and options to travel home.  

Sexual assault and domestic violence

U.S. citizen victims of sexual assault are encouraged to contact the U.S. embassy and local law enforcement for assistance.

U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence are encouraged to contact the U.S. embassy and local law enforcement for assistance.

Technology use abroad

Mobile devices are vulnerable to compromise, theft, and damage anywhere in the world. Follow these safe practices:

• Update all software (operating system and apps) before leaving the United States.
• Use reputable, U.S.-based VPN or VoIP applications. 
• Don’t connect to public Wi-Fi networks.

Drones

Drones are allowed in Kiribati. However, you must follow safety regulations. Check with Civil Aviation Authority of Kiribati (CAAK) by dialing +686-7305-5574 or +686-7304-4824.

Satellite phones

Satellite phones are legal and commonly used in Kiribati, primarily for emergencies, maritime safety, and communication in remote outer islands where infrastructure is limited.

• Make sure your device follows local laws. The Ministry of Information, Communications, and Transport (MICT) manages national telecommunications.
• For more information, dial +686-7402-6003 and email [email protected] or [email protected] or [email protected]

GPS

• Using GPS in Kiribati is reliable for positioning, but you must rely on offline maps. 

Tourism safety

The tourism industry is not well regulated:

• Safety inspections for equipment and facilities are rare.
• Dangerous areas and activities are not always marked with signs.
• Staff may not be trained or certified.
• If you get injured, you will likely need to travel to a major city for appropriate medical care.
• U.S. citizens are encouraged to have medical evacuation insurance.
• Review our information on Travel Insurance.

Adventure travel

Adventure tourism in Kiribati draws travelers seeking world-class bone fishing, scuba diving, and World War II historical sites. Expect limited modern conveniences.  

• Review the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) tips for Adventure Travel.

Fishing and diving

Kiritimati (Christmas Island) is well known worldwide for bone fishing. The Phoenix Islands Protected Area is a UNESCO-listed marine site, popular for scuba diving.

Kiribati has no hyperbaric chambers.  The nearest chambers are in Australia, New Zealand, and Hawaii.

• Divers should consider insurance that covers both decompression treatment and medical evacuation to another country if needed.

WWII History

• The Betio area in South Tarawa features sunken ships, bunkers, and coastal defense guns left over from Pacific War battles. You can tour these sites.

Safety risks

• Health and sanitation: Poor sanitation leads to high risks of diseases like dengue fever, hepatitis A, and severe diarrhea. Lagoon swimming is generally unsafe due to high pollution levels in South Tarawa. Tap water is not safe to drink.
• Medical facilities: Healthcare is extremely limited; hospitals only manage basic procedures. Emergency medical evacuation is required for serious injuries. Comprehensive travel insurance is recommended.
• Environmental hazards: Strong rip tides and currents are common in coastal reef areas. The nation is vulnerable to flooding, sea spray, and severe droughts.
• Transportation issues: Road conditions are generally poor, particularly on outer islands, and often flood during high tides. Poor lighting and frequent dangerous driving, especially on weekends, contribute to traffic accidents.
• Stray dogs: Beware of aggressive stray dogs, particularly at night.

Local laws and customs

Criminal penalties

U.S. citizens must follow local laws. Modest dress is advised; cultural sensitivities should be respected, particularly during visits to village areas.

• If you break local laws, even by mistake, you could be deported, arrested, or imprisoned.
  
• Travelers who accidentally break local laws have been detained. Sometimes, this can be for a long time. They may also face criminal charges and even be convicted of a crime.
• You may be prosecuted in the United States for crimes committed abroad regardless of the local law. Review the information provided by the U.S. Department of Justice about crimes against minors abroad.
• Before you start a business or a profession in Kiribati seek information from the local authorities about what permits or licenses are required.

Arrest notification

• If you are arrested or detained, ask officials to notify the U.S. embassy or consulate immediately.

Detention conditions

Kiribati does not operate dedicated immigration detention centers. Foreigners detained for immigration offenses are generally held in a local motel, hotel, or guesthouse at their own expense.

• Detainees in Kiribati often can’t get their prescribed or over the counter medications.
• Detainees may also be unable to obtain emergency and routine medical care.

Counterfeit and pirated goods

Counterfeit and pirated goods are common in many destinations.

• They may be illegal according to local laws. 
• Counterfeit and pirated goods may pose significant risks to consumer health and safety. 
• You may be subject to fines or have to surrender counterfeit and pirated goods to authorities if you bring them back to the United States.

Kiribati authorities strongly advise against the purchase and transport of counterfeit or pirated goods. These items are subject to confiscation at the border. If you purchase these items, you may violate both local and international laws.

Learn more about U.S. restrictions on counterfeit and pirated goods:

• U.S. Customs and Border Protection
• U.S. Department of Justice
  
• Visit the Ministry of Tourism, Commerce, Industry and Cooperatives or the official WIPO Country Profile for Kiribati.

Faith-based travelers

Faith based travel includes pilgrimages, service projects, and mission work. Prepare for your travel using these resources: 

• Faith-Based Travel
• Volunteering Abroad
• International Religious Freedom Reports

Gay and lesbian travelers

• Consensual same-sex sexual conduct is illegal. It has a maximum penalty of 5 to 14 years of imprisonment, depending on the nature of the offense.
• Review our information for Gay and Lesbian Travelers.

Travelers with accessibility needs

Kiribati law prohibits discrimination against people with physical, sensory, psychosocial, intellectual or mental disabilities. The law is not enforced.

• Traveling to Kiribati with disabilities or special accessibility needs requires significant preparation, as infrastructure is limited and largely undeveloped for mobility, visual, or hearing impairments. There is no general legal mandate for accessible public infrastructure, communications, or information.
• Buildings, communication, and transport often lack dedicated accessible features like ramps or elevators.
• Wheelchair accessibility is generally poor. Navigating the mainly sandy and uneven terrain can be difficult.
• There are no specialized accommodations, and accessible public transport is not typically available.
• Family and community support are basic to Kiribati culture. People with disabilities have historically faced marginalization.
• Review our information on Accessibility Needs.

Students

• Review our information on Studying Abroad.

Women travelers 

• Review our information for Women Travelers.
• Review our information for Victims of Crime.

Human rights

• Review the Department of State’s Human Rights Report for your destination prior to traveling.

Health

Health resources

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Kiribati Traveler Information provides destination specific information on prevalent diseases and vaccination recommendations.
• CDC Medical Tourism information
• World Health Organization
• Medicine and Health
• Travel Insurance

Emergency phone numbers

• Dial 195 or 194 for ambulance services. 
• Dial +686-750-21097, or 686-750-21068 for the Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS). 

Ambulance services

Ambulance services are available only in primary population centers such as South Tarawa and Kiritimati Island. Locals often rely on taxis if ambulances are delayed.

• Specialized sea ambulances transfer patients between islands and to hospitals.  
• Ambulances are not staffed with trained paramedics. They often have little or no medical equipment. 
• Injured or very ill travelers may find it faster to take a taxi or private vehicle to the nearest major hospital rather than wait for an ambulance.

Medical payments and insurance

Make sure you know if your health insurance plan covers any medical expenses coverage abroad.  Most U.S. plans do not.

• The U.S. government does not pay medical bills.
• U.S. Medicare and Medicaid do not cover expenses or bills abroad.
• Most hospitals and doctors abroad do not accept U.S. health insurance.
• Medical care is not free in Kiribati. If you require medical attention, you will incur expenses, even if you are treated in a public healthcare facility.
• Lack of payment may bar future travel to Kiribati.
• Most care providers overseas only accept cash payments.
• Credit card payment is not always available.
• Most hospitals and medical professionals require cash payment.
• Public hospitals and the only private clinic often need payment up front or proof of good insurance before providing treatment or admitting a patient. 
• Make sure you know if your health insurance plan provides coverage abroad or reimbursement of payments. The CDC provides more information on types of insurance.
• We strongly recommend supplemental insurance to cover medical evacuation.
• If you purchase supplemental insurance, you are responsible for seeking reimbursement from the insurance provider. Follow their instructions for filing claims.

Vaccinations

Stay up to date with the vaccines recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

• CDC Travelers’ Health
• World Health Organization Travel Advice

Healthcare facilities

• Health facilities are inadequate throughout Kiribati. It may be harder to find any health care in rural areas.
• Healthcare is extremely limited; hospitals only manage basic procedures. Emergency medical evacuation is required for serious injuries. Comprehensive travel insurance is recommended.
• Public medical clinics lack basic resources and supplies. 
• Hospitals and doctors require payment upfront prior to service or admission.
• Medical staff may speak little or no English.
• Patients must cover all costs for transfer to or between hospitals.
• Psychological and psychiatric services are limited, even in larger cities.
• Hospital-based care is only available through government institutions.
• Kiribati has no funeral homes with embalming or cremation services.

Prescription medications

Always carry your prescription medication in original packaging, along with your doctor’s prescription.

• Dial +686-750-21097 or 686-750-21068 to contact the Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS) and ensure your medication is legal in Kiribati.
• You can access prescription medication in Kiribati through government-run hospitals and healthcare centers. There are limited private retail pharmacy options.
• The main medical facility, Tungaru Central Hospital, manages the central medical stores for the nation.
• Counterfeit medication is common and may not work, have the wrong strength, or have dangerous ingredients. You should buy medication with the help of a medical professional and from trusted places.
• Kiribati strictly prohibits the importation of illegal, counterfeit, and unregistered drugs. Controlled substances – such as opioids, some sedatives, and psychotropics – are heavily restricted.
• Kiribati does not recognize any medical cannabis prescriptions. All forms of cannabis—including CBD— are illegal.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have rules for bringing medication back into the United States.  If you buy medications abroad, the medications must meet CBP’s and the FDA’s requirements to bring them back legally.

The medications must also be for personal use and approved for use in the United States.

For more information:

• U.S. Customs and Border Protection
• Food and Drug Administration

Non-traditional medicine

• We strongly recommend against participating in non-traditional medicine in Kiribati. Make sure you have access to licensed emergency medical facilities in such cases.

Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) and surrogacy

• ART or surrogacy is an uncommon practice in Kiribati at this time. U.S. citizens considering ART or surrogacy in Kiribati should seek the advice of a reputable attorney and reach out to the U.S. Embassy in Suva.

Water quality and food safety

• In all areas, tap water is not safe to drink.
• In some locations, tap water is not available every day.
• Bottled water and beverages are generally safe. Use major brands and ensure the seal is intact.
• Many restaurants and hotels serve tap water unless bottled water is specifically requested. Many bars and restaurants utilize large 20-liter bottles or filtration systems to provide safe drinking water.
• You may want to request no ice in your drinks since it may be made using tap water.
• Eating uncooked vegetables and fruits can make you sick.
• Make water safe by filtering, boiling, disinfecting, or distilling.
• Impure water can cause diseases like typhoid, cholera, hepatitis, and dysentery.

Air quality

Air pollution can be a significant problem in many destinations abroad.

• For information about common air pollutants, check the CDC’s Air Quality page.
• For information about the U.S. Air Quality Index and health guidance, check out the EPA’s AirNow.
• For general health information, visit the Medicine and Health page.

Transportation

Road conditions and safety

• Traffic moves on the left side of the road in Kiribati.
• Roads in urban Tarawa and Christmas Island generally need repair.
• Paved roads are concentrated in South Tarawa and Kiritimati, while unsealed roads are spread across the other outer islands.
• Unsealed roads in North Tarawa and outer islands are mostly unconnected by bridges. This makes transit between islets possible only during low tide.
• Potholes, coastal flooding, and poor drainage affect major networks like the One Main Road in South Tarawa. This often slows vehicle traffic or requires drivers to maneuver around damaged sections.
• Many residents use small motorbikes and mopeds for transport. Be aware that these smaller vehicles share the road.
• After heavy rains and high tides, some road sections temporarily flood. Traffic moves slowly when this happens.
• It is common to see drivers under the influence, especially on the weekends. Speeding, and a general disregard for traffic laws, are also common risks.
• Visibility is poor with no streetlights. Driving long distances at night is not recommended, particularly outside of Betio.

Traffic laws

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is required for foreign drivers in Kiribati. Always carry your valid US license, IDP, and passport.

• Foreign licenses and IDPs are generally accepted for short-term stays, typically up to 2 weeks. After 2 weeks, you must get a local Kiribati license.
• Road damage has reduced traffic speeds to 20 km/h or less in some areas. Driving conditions become especially hazardous after rain.
• Driving under the influence of alcohol is illegal in Kiribati. Mobile phone use while driving is illegal.
• Drivers and passengers are required to wear seat belts.

Taxis and ride-shares

• There are no metered taxi services in Kiribati. Transportation in South Tarawa and Kiritimati (Christmas Island) depends on private minibuses and rental vehicles.

Public and commercial transportation

• There is no formal public transportation in Kiribati.
• Review our information on Driving and Transportation Safety Abroad. 

Aviation safety oversight

• The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has not assessed Kiribati’s Civil Aviation Authority for compliance with international standards for aviation safety because there is no direct commercial air service to the United States by Kiribati-registered carriers. FAA's website includes more information on its assessment program.

Maritime travel

Mariners and passengers planning travel to Kiribati should check the following:

• U.S. Maritime Advisories
• U.S. Maritime Alerts
• Maritime Safety Office Navigational Warnings 
• U.S. Coast Guard Maritime Commons

Security risks and terrorism

The U.S. Coast Guard determined Kiribati ports do not have effective anti-terrorism measures.  Vessels that arrive in U.S. ports from Kiribati ports must meet additional U.S. Coast Guard conditions of entry as described in the current Port Security Advisory, International Port Security Program - Port Security Advisory. Mariners and passengers in Kiribati ports should be careful and use stronger security measures.

The U.S. Coast Guard has concerns about the security practices in the ports of Kiribati. Mariners and passengers in Kiribati ports should be careful and use stronger security measures.

Weather and natural disasters

Weather conditions

Flooding and storms

During El Niño years, the region receives well above-average rainfall, which can cause flooding and dangerous storms.

Drought

During La Niña years, Kiribati often experiences long dry spells and severe droughts that can seriously reduce the fresh water supply.

Coastal flooding

Kiribati sits at or near sea level across all its islands. It is highly vulnerable to rising seas, high tides, and waves. These threats are increasing over time.

U.S. citizens living abroad

Living abroad resources

If you live outside the United States for a long time, you or your family may experience various life events, wish to exercise U.S. citizenship rights, or need to meet U.S. legal obligations while abroad.

• Learn how to prepare for voting in U.S. elections, the birth of a child, or getting married.
• Ensure you have a plan for healthcare and medical insurance abroad.
• Even abroad, you still have certain obligations such as paying your U.S. taxes or registering for military selective service.
• Review information on federal benefits, such as Social Security and Veterans Affairs benefits.

Embassies and consulates