Kiribati Safety Guide
Health, security, and travel safety information
Emergency Numbers
Save these numbers before your trip.
Healthcare
What to know about medical care in Kiribati.
Healthcare System
Kiribati has a basic public healthcare system with the main hospital (Tungaru Central Hospital) located in South Tarawa. Outer islands have health centers or dispensaries staffed by nurses or health assistants, with very limited facilities and supplies. Medical infrastructure is extremely basic by international standards.
Hospitals
Tungaru Central Hospital in South Tarawa is the only hospital in Kiribati. It has basic facilities but limited specialist services, medical equipment, and medications. Private clinics are virtually non-existent. Travelers should expect very basic care and plan for medical evacuation for any serious condition.
Pharmacies
Pharmacies are extremely limited in Kiribati. The main pharmacy is at Tungaru Central Hospital in Tarawa, with very limited stock of medications. Many common medications may be unavailable. Travelers must bring all prescription medications and a comprehensive first aid kit, including basic antibiotics if prescribed by their doctor before travel.
Insurance
Comprehensive travel insurance with medical evacuation coverage is absolutely essential for travel to Kiribati. Medical evacuation can cost $50,000-100,000 USD and is necessary for serious medical issues. Ensure your policy covers remote Pacific island destinations and evacuation to Fiji, Australia, or New Zealand.
Healthcare Tips
- Bring a complete supply of all prescription medications plus extras in case of travel delays
- Pack a comprehensive first aid kit including antibiotics (if prescribed), anti-diarrheal medication, rehydration salts, pain relievers, antiseptic, bandages, and any medications you might need
- Ensure all routine vaccinations are up to date before travel; consult a travel medicine clinic 6-8 weeks before departure
- Drink only bottled or boiled water to prevent waterborne illnesses
- Verify your travel insurance includes medical evacuation coverage with minimum $100,000 USD coverage
- Bring copies of prescriptions and medical records in case evacuation is needed
- Consider bringing supplies like sunscreen, insect repellent, and basic medications as these may be unavailable or very expensive locally
Common Risks
Be aware of these potential issues.
Petty theft and opportunistic crime are uncommon but can occur, particularly in South Tarawa. Most I-Kiribati are honest and respectful, but items left unattended may occasionally go missing.
Strong ocean currents, sharp coral, and unpredictable seas pose significant risks. The lagoons and ocean can have dangerous currents, and medical help for injuries is very limited.
Kiribati's equatorial climate is hot and humid year-round with intense sun exposure. Heat-related illness is common among unprepared travelers.
Diarrheal diseases, typhoid, and other waterborne illnesses are common due to limited sanitation infrastructure. Tap water is not safe to drink.
Dengue fever occurs in Kiribati, and mosquitoes are prevalent. Zika virus has also been reported in the Pacific region.
Basic infrastructure, unreliable electricity and water supply, limited internet and phone connectivity, and minimal tourist services can create challenges.
Scams to Avoid
Watch out for these common tourist scams.
Some vendors or transport providers may charge tourists higher prices than locals, particularly for boat transport between islands or for accommodation without posted rates.
Individuals may offer guide services but lack knowledge or may take tourists to places expecting commissions from shops or restaurants.
With limited banking services and unreliable ATMs, informal money changers may offer poor rates or occasionally short-change tourists unfamiliar with Australian dollars.
Safety Tips
Practical advice to stay safe.
General Safety
- Register with your embassy before travel; few countries have representation in Kiribati, so register with the nearest embassy (typically in Fiji)
- Share your detailed itinerary with family or friends, especially when traveling to outer islands
- Carry copies of important documents (passport, insurance, prescriptions) separately from originals
- Bring sufficient cash in Australian dollars; ATMs are unreliable and credit cards rarely accepted outside major hotels
- Learn basic Gilbertese phrases to show respect and facilitate communication
- Respect local customs and traditional authority structures in villages
Accommodation Safety
- Book accommodation in advance as options are very limited, especially on outer islands
- Verify that accommodation has mosquito nets and, if possible, fans or air conditioning
- Keep windows secured at night; use provided locks on doors
- Store valuables in hotel safes when available
- Verify water source; ask if tap water is safe or if bottled water is provided
Transportation Safety
- Inter-island travel is by boat or small aircraft; weather can cause significant delays
- Boats may not have safety equipment; bring your own life jacket if traveling extensively by boat
- Verify boat safety before departure; avoid overloaded vessels
- Roads in South Tarawa can be dangerous with minimal traffic rules enforcement; be extremely cautious
- Avoid traveling after dark when possible; roads and paths are poorly lit
- Bicycles and motorcycles are common transport but helmets are rarely used; proceed with caution
Food and Water Safety
- Never drink tap water; use bottled water for drinking and brushing teeth
- Avoid ice unless you're certain it's made from safe water
- Choose restaurants that appear clean and are busy with locals
- Be cautious with raw fish dishes unless you're confident in food handling practices
- Coconut water from fresh coconuts is generally safe and helps with hydration
- Bring water purification tablets as backup, especially for outer island travel
- Avoid food that has been sitting out in the heat
Cultural Sensitivity
- Dress modestly, covering shoulders and knees, especially in villages and when not at the beach
- Always ask permission before photographing people, particularly in traditional settings
- Remove shoes when entering homes and maneabas (traditional meeting houses)
- Sunday is sacred; avoid loud activities and swimming in some areas on Sundays
- Show respect to elders and traditional leaders; wait to be invited to sit in maneabas
- Accept offers of hospitality graciously; refusing can be seen as offensive
- Avoid public displays of affection; conservative values prevail
Communication
- Mobile phone coverage is limited to South Tarawa; outer islands often have no coverage
- Internet is very slow, expensive, and unreliable throughout Kiribati
- Download offline maps, guidebooks, and translation apps before arrival
- Bring a portable power bank as electricity is unreliable
- Consider purchasing a local SIM card for use in Tarawa
- Establish communication plans with accommodation providers before traveling to outer islands
Information for Specific Travelers
Safety considerations for different traveler groups.
Women Travelers
Kiribati is generally safe for women travelers, and solo female travelers visit without major issues. The I-Kiribati culture is respectful, and violent crime against women is rare. However, Kiribati is a conservative, traditional society with defined gender roles, and women travelers should be aware of cultural expectations. Some attention from local men is possible, but this is usually harmless curiosity rather than harassment.
- Dress modestly at all times, covering shoulders and knees; avoid tight or revealing clothing except at designated beach areas
- Be aware that women traditionally have specific roles in I-Kiribati society; you may receive curious questions about traveling alone
- Avoid walking alone after dark; arrange transportation through your accommodation
- Be cautious about accepting drinks from strangers or visiting bars alone
- Stay in established guesthouses or hotels rather than informal accommodation
- Firmly but politely decline unwanted attention; being direct is acceptable
- Consider joining group tours or activities to meet other travelers
- Swimming alone, even during the day, is not recommended for safety reasons (currents) rather than security concerns
- Be aware that some outer islands are more traditional; seek local advice about appropriate behavior
- Trust your instincts; if a situation feels uncomfortable, remove yourself politely
LGBTQ+ Travelers
Homosexuality is not illegal in Kiribati. However, there are no specific legal protections against discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity. Same-sex marriage is not recognized.
- Exercise discretion regarding sexual orientation and gender identity; public displays of affection between same-sex couples are not advisable
- Avoid discussing LGBTQ+ topics publicly as this may be met with discomfort or disapproval
- Be aware that conservative Christian values strongly influence social attitudes
- Book accommodation in advance and consider staying in more tourist-oriented establishments
- Understand that LGBTQ+-specific venues or communities do not exist in Kiribati
- Be prepared for questions about marital status and family; have polite, non-specific responses ready
- Connect with LGBTQ+ travel communities online before traveling for updated advice
- Focus on the cultural and natural attractions rather than expecting LGBTQ+-friendly social scenes
- Remember that heterosexual public displays of affection are also frowned upon in this conservative culture
Travel Insurance
Comprehensive travel insurance with medical evacuation coverage is absolutely critical for travel to Kiribati and should be considered non-negotiable. Medical facilities are extremely basic, and any serious illness or injury will require evacuation to Fiji, Australia, or New Zealand at costs ranging from $50,000-$100,000 USD. The remote location, limited infrastructure, unreliable transportation, and basic healthcare make adequate insurance essential for financial protection and potentially life-saving access to proper medical care.
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