Kiribati: Discover the Hidden Paradise of the Pacific Ocean
Known to many under British rule as the Gilbert Islands, Kiribati (pronounced Kiribas) seems to be a tiny nation in the central tropical Pacific Ocean, but its 33 atolls, mostly surrounding turquoise lagoons and barely rising above the surrounding ocean, span a whopping 1.4 million square miles (3.5 million sq km). First sighted by British and American ships in the late 18th and early 19th-centuries, the main chain of islands was named the Gilbert Islands in 1820 after a British captain who crossed the archipelago en route to China in 1788.
Only two thirds of the islands are actually inhabited and, interestingly, uninhabited Caroline Island was the first place in the world to usher in the millennium, giving Kiribati much needed publicity and a helping hand onto the world’s stage. The increased number of tourists in the past decade is proof of this.
Kiribati’s islands offer a multitude of fascinating and exquisite tourist attractions. Christmas Island, located in the southern part of the Line Islands, is a bird-watcher’s paradise and is an important breeding habitat for the seabirds that flock there to swoon over the surface tropical fish, squid and tuna. Common sightings include the Wedge-tailed, Christmas, and Audubon’s Shearwaters, as well as the Masked, Brown, and Red-footed Boobies. What’s more, the clear turquoise waters teem with the unique biodiversity found off the shores of the Kiribati islands, considered to be one of the few genuinely unspoiled and largely unexplored underwater sanctuaries remaining in the world.
Tourists come here to sunbathe on one of the countless sandy white beaches, sip on an exotic cocktail and watch other beach goers partake in volleyball, surfing, kayaking and jet skiing, but there is also so much more to Kiribati. Those who visit this small and interesting country simply love what it has to offer.
Key Facts
- Language:
- The official language is I-Kiribati, but English is widely understood.
- Passport/Visa:
All foreign passengers to Kiribati must hold proof of return or onward tickets (or sufficient funds to purchase them), and proof of sufficient funds to cover their expenses while in the country. Generally, visa-exempt visitors are granted an initial stay of 30 days. An extension of stay is possible, provided that it does not exceed four months in any calendar year. It is highly recommended that travellers’ passports have at least six months’ validity remaining after the intended date of departure from their travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.
- Currency:
- Electricity:
- Electrical current is 240 volts, 50Hz. Three-pin power outlets are standard.
Health Notes when travelling to Kiribati
Kiribati offers limited health facilities and any serious injury or illness is likely to require evacuation by air. Comprehensive health and travel insurance is therefore recommended. Vaccinations are recommended for typhoid, dengue fever, hepatitis A and hepatitis B.
Customs in Kiribati
Travellers to Kiribati will encounter a strange mix of informality and rigidity in terms of social mores and customs. Generally, Kiribati boasts a relatively classless society, where people are known by their first names, and talk freely and good-humouredly with one another. However, despite this general conviviality, there are certain codes of behaviour that are strictly observed. In all aspects of social life, modesty and humility are considered desirable traits. So, direct eye contact is not often made, women are expected to dress conservatively, and aggressive or confrontational behaviour is heavily frowned upon. Travellers to Kiribati should note that the top of one’s head is considered a sacred, deeply personal area. Under no circumstances should visitors touch someone on the top of their head (unless invited to do so), and if they are walking past someone who is lying down, visitors should give them a wide berth to ensure that they don’t cause offence.
Duty Free in Kiribati
Visitors to Kiribati may import the following goods duty-free: 200 cigarettes or 225g of tobocco and an mount of perfume reasonable for personal use. Those 21 and older may bring one litre of spirits and one litre of wine.
Passport/Visa Note
All foreign passengers to Kiribati must hold proof of return or onward tickets (or sufficient funds to purchase them), and proof of sufficient funds to cover their expenses while in the country. Generally, visa-exempt visitors are granted an initial stay of 30 days. An extension of stay is possible, provided that it does not exceed four months in any calendar year. It is highly recommended that travellers’ passports have at least six months’ validity remaining after the intended date of departure from their travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.
Entry Requirements
- Entry requirements for Americans:
US citizens must have a passport that is valid for six months beyond arrival in Kiribati. A visa is not required for stays of a maximum of up to 120 days within a calendar year.
- Entry requirements for Canadians:
Canadian citizens must have a passport that is valid for six months beyond arrival in Kiribati. A visa is not required for stays of a maximum of up to 120 days within a calendar year.
- Entry requirements for UK nationals:
British citizens must have a passport that is valid for six months beyond arrival in Kiribati. A visa is not required for holders of British passports endorsed British Citizen or British National (Overseas) for a maximum of 120 days within a calendar year. Nationals with other endorsements in their passports should confirm requirements prior to travel.
- Entry requirements for Australians:
Australian citizens must have a passport that is valid for six months beyond arrival in Kiribati. A visa is not required for stays of a maximum of up to 120 days within a calendar year.
- Entry requirements for Irish nationals:
Irish citizens must have a passport that is valid for six months beyond arrival in Kiribati. A visa is not required for stays of a maximum of up to 120 days within a calendar year.
- Entry requirements for New Zealanders:
New Zealand citizens must have a passport that is valid for six months beyond arrival in Kiribati. A visa is not required for stays of a maximum of up to 120 days within a calendar year.
- Entry requirements for South Africans:
South African citizens must have a passport that is valid for six months beyond arrival in Kiribati. A visa is required.
Public Holidays Around the World
Planning your year? Knowing public holidays in different countries can help you plan trips, schedule events, or understand global schedules. Below, find a comprehensive list of public holidays sorted by country.
