Travel Vaccines and Advice for Kiribati
Kiribati is a collection of 33 islands with the largest raised coral atoll in the world. It is a country with a rich and peculiar history and a fantastic variety of water activities.
Kiribati is in the central Pacific Ocean about 4,000 kilometres southwest of Hawaii.
On This Page:
Do I Need Vaccines for Kiribati?
Do I Need a Visa to Travel to Kiribati?
What is the Climate Like in Kiribati?
How Safe is Kiribati?
Explore the Waters and Islands of Kiribati
What Should I Pack for Kiribati?
Embassy of the United Kingdom in Kiribati
Do I Need Vaccines for Kiribati?
Yes, some vaccines are recommended or required for Kiribati. The National Travel Health Network and Centre and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Kiribati: COVID-19, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, yellow fever, rabies and tetanus.
See the bullets below to learn more about some of these key immunisations:
- COVID-19 –
Airborne –
Recommended for all travellers - Hepatitis A –
Food & Water –
Recommended for most travellers to the region, especially if unvaccinated. - Hepatitis B –
Blood & Body Fluids –
Recommended for travellers to most regions. - Tetanus –
Wounds or Breaks in Skin –
Recommended for travelers to most regions, especially if not previously vaccinated. - Typhoid –
Food & Water –
Jab lasts 3 years. Oral vaccine lasts 5 years, must be able to swallow pills. Oral doses must be kept in refrigerator. - Yellow Fever –
Mosquito –
Required if travelling from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. - Rabies –
Saliva of Infected Animals –
Moderate risk country. Vaccine recommended for long-stay travellers and those who may come in contact with animals.
See the tables below for more information:
Recommended Travel Vaccinations for Kiribati |
||
VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
---|---|---|
COVID-19 | Airborne | Recommended for all travellers |
Hepatitis A | Food & Water | Recommended for most travellers to the region, especially if unvaccinated. |
Hepatitis B | Blood & Body Fluids | Accelerated schedule available |
Tetanus | Wounds or Breaks in Skin | Recommended for travelers to most regions, especially if not previously vaccinated. |
Typhoid | Food & Water | Jab lasts 3 years. Oral vaccine lasts 5 years, must be able to swallow pills. Oral doses must be kept in refrigerator. |
Yellow Fever | Mosquito | Required if travelling from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. |
Rabies | Saliva of Infected Animals | Moderate risk country. Vaccine recommended for long-stay travellers and those who may come in contact with animals. |
Mosquito-borne disease is present on the islands. Dengue can be found in some areas. Protect yourself through use of repellents and netting.
See our vaccinations page to learn more about these infections and vaccines. Ready to protect yourself? Book your travel health appointment today by calling or schedule online now.
Do I Need a Visa to Travel to Kiribati?
Kiribati does not require a visa for a stay of one month or less. Passports must be valid for at least six months. Proof of onward travel and sufficient funds may be required at entry. Proof of yellow fever vaccination may be required if you are travelling from a region where yellow fever is present.
A departure tax of AU$20 is applied to all individuals leaving Kiribati.
Kiribati Entry Requirements |
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Do I Need A… | For My Trip to Kiribati? | |
---|---|---|
Passport | ||
Tourist Visa | ||
Business Visa | ||
Vaccinations |
Sources: Embassy of Kiribati and GOV.UK
What is the Climate Like in Kiribati?
The climate in Kiribati is tropical with wet and dry seasons, though they vary by location.
In the west (Tarawa), the dry season is from June to October, with October being the driest month. The wet season is from November to April.
In the east (Kiritimati), the wet period is from January to June, with the dry season being from July to December.
The air temperature is connected to the temperature of the surrounding waters. Temperatures change very little between seasons with heat and humidity being rather constant. That said, rainfall varies each year because of El Nino and La Nina.
How Safe is Kiribati?
Kiribati is a relatively safe destination. Like most other holiday spots, keep watch of your belongings and avoid scams.
Do not drink water unless it is bottled or sterilized. You should also cook vegetables and peel fruit before eating them.
Though Kiribati is in an area of high seismic activity, the government has limited ability to notify of natural disasters. Remember to go to higher ground in the event of such an emergency.
Motoring in Kiribati can be dangerous. Drinking and motoring is common in Kiribati, especially on weekends. Be very aware of your surroundings and take extra caution. After heavy rain and high tides some road areas can be flooded.
Explore the Waters and Islands of Kiribati
Kiribati is a fantastic destination for travellers interested in water activities. Some of the most popular activities include:
- Fishing – Kiribati is well suited for serious anglers. There are bonefish, trevally and blue fin in the waters. Kiritimati Island is recommended for fishing with its hard sand flats perfect for fly fishing.
- Surfing – Many islands have ample opportunities for surfing. Some breaks off of Kiritimati, Tarawa and the Gilberts should only be for experienced surfers. Fanning Island is the best out of the three for surf with consistent swell nearly all the year.
- Diving/Snorkeling – Diving and snorkeling adventures are available through accredited dive masters. Ensure you are using an approved provider to avoid any potential mishaps.
What Should I Pack for Kiribati?
Think ahead on what to pack by looking through these suggestions:
- Proper Clothing – Kiribati can often be hot and humid due to its tropical climate and wet season. Be sure to pack for the time of year and the activities you wish to do. Consider items such as sun cream, water-protective gear, and bathing suits.
- Insect Repellents – With dengue fever in Kiribati, repellents are a must.
- Copies of Travel Documents – In case of lost luggage or theft, having copies of documents is a must.
Embassy of the United Kingdom in Kiribati
If you are in Kiribati and have an emergency (for example, been attacked, arrested or someone has died) contact the nearest consular services. Contact the embassy before arrival if you have additional questions on entry requirements, safety concerns or are in need of assistance.
While there is no consulate or embassy in Kiribati, it is served by the British embassy in Fiji:
British High Commission Suva
47 Gladstone Road
Suva
Fiji
Telephone: +679 3229 100
Emergency Phone: +679 3304746
Contact Form: Click Here
Ready to start your next journey? Ring us up at or book online now!