Kiribati

You must always be able to show an official form of ID such as your passport. The police will usually accept a printed copy.

Possession or trafficking of drugs is a serious offence in Kiribati, and prison sentences may be heavy.

You should respect local customs about dress, including swimming costumes. Local laws ban public nudity and revealing swimming costumes.

Same-sex sexual acts are illegal. If found guilty, the penalty could be up to 14 years imprisonment.   

Read more advice for LGBT+ travellers.

Internet and mobile phone services are available in some parts of Kiribati. Not all of the outer islands are connected. Services can be unreliable and expensive because of the country’s remote location.

Stray dogs have bitten visitors. Be cautious, particularly on the beach. If a dog approaches you, do not run. Reaching down as if to pick up something off the ground can be enough to scare dogs away. If a dog bites you, seek medical attention immediately.

Very few places accept credit cards in Kiribati. There are ATMs at branches of the Bank of Kiribati and ANZ in Betio, Bairiki and Bikenibeu on Tarawa atoll.

During the wet season, which normally runs from November to April, there can be strong winds and sea swells. Flooding and coastal inundation can cause disruption to essential services and infrastructure.

Monitor regional and international weather updates from the World Meteorological Organization, the Fiji Meteorological Service and local newspapers.

There can be severe droughts in Kiribati. The authorities may put water restrictions in place.