Last updated: 23 Oct 2025
Kiribati
About
| The islands boast superb white sandy beaches and crystal-clear lagoon waters, but tourism to Kiribati is still very much in its infancy. The capital of Kiribati, Tarawa is fast becoming one of the most densely populated areas in the Pacific. There are excellent facilities for snorkelling and deep-sea fishing. It is also possible to charter boats for sailing across the Tarawa Lagoon. Game fishing on Christmas Island is also popular. |
|
| Capital: | Tarawa (TRW) |
| Currency: | Australian dollar (AUD) |
| Language: | I-Kiribati. English is understood in the main tourist areas. |
| Dialling code from SA: | + 686 |
| Time Zones: | UTC / GMT +12 to UTC / GMT +14 (10 to 12 hours ahead of South Africa) |
| Side of the Road: | Left. Visitors are required to obtain a Kiribati drivers licence for stays of more than two weeks. |
| Best Time to go: | April - October |
| Best For: | Island relaxation, Cultural exploration |
| Plugs: | 240 volts AC, 50Hz. Australian-style flat three-pin plugs are used. |
| Drinking Water: | All water should be regarded as being potentially contaminated. Milk is unpasteurised. |
| Health: | Medical facilities are equipped to handle minor injuries. It is advisable to carry basic medical supplies. Comprehensive health insurance is recommended and it should include emergency air evacuation coverage. If you require any medication on your travels it is best to bring it with you, in the original packaging, with a signed and dated letter from your doctor detailing exactly what it is and why you need it. |
| Customs: | It is customary to address people by their first name. Modesty and humility are the overriding social courtesies: swimwear should be reserved for the beach, conservative dress is expected and confrontational behaviour is not appreciated. Do not touch the top of a person’s head. |
| Local Offences / Laws: | Nudity and revealing swimwear are forbidden by law. |
| Travel Tips / Warnings: | Credit cards have limited acceptance. |
| Duty Free: | The following goods may be imported into Kiribati without incurring customs duty: • 200 cigarettes or 225g of tobacco or cigars • 1L of spirits and 1L of wine (only if aged 21 years and older) |
Issuing Authorities
Public Holidays 2025: Jan 1; Apr 18, 21; May 1; Jul 11-12; Aug 4; Dec 11, 25-26
Public Holidays 2026: Jan 1; Mar 8; Apr 3, 6; May 1; Jul 12; Aug 3; Dec 11, 25-26
Visa Requirements
South African passport holders do not require a visa for tourism purposes, for stays of up to 90 days.
Entry Requirements:
- Passport must be valid for 6 months after departure date from Kiribati
- Max stay of 90 days in any 12 month period.
Visa Enquiries:
Email: visaofficer@mfa.gov.ki
Web: kiribati.gov.ki/services/passport-and-visas
SA Representative
Representation accredited from Canberra, Australia
Travel Health
| Compulsory: | Yellow Fever (Dependant on Country of Origin/Stopover) |
| Recommended Travel Vaccines: | Hepatitis A & B, Tetanus, Polio |
