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Official name: Republic of Kiribati
Capital city: South Tarawa
Languages spoken: Gilbertese (I-Kiribati), English
Population: Around 125,000
Currency: Australian dollar (AUD), Kiribati dollar (KID)
Time zone: GMT+12 to +14
Driving side: Left
Climate: Hot and humid year-round, with a wet season from November to April and drier conditions the rest of the year
Kiribati is a remote island nation spread across the central Pacific Ocean, consisting of 33 atolls and reef islands scattered over an area the size of India. Its isolation makes it one of the least visited countries in the world, yet those who do go find palm-lined beaches, traditional culture, and a slower pace of life. Rising sea levels pose a serious long-term challenge, and facilities for visitors remain basic compared to other Pacific destinations.
The islands of Kiribati are grouped into the Gilbert, Phoenix, and Line Islands. They straddle the equator and the International Date Line, meaning parts of the country are among the first places on Earth to see the new day. The terrain is low-lying, with no point higher than a few metres above sea level, leaving the islands vulnerable to storm surges and climate change.
Most international arrivals fly into Bonriki International Airport on South Tarawa, with connections from Fiji and occasionally Australia. Inter-island travel is limited to small domestic flights and irregular boat services. Roads on Tarawa are paved but often congested, while the outer islands rely on dirt tracks. Visitors should be prepared for limited infrastructure and long travel times.
Most visitors, including UK nationals, can enter Kiribati visa-free for stays of up to 30 days, though extensions are possible from the Ministry of Immigration in Tarawa. The British High Commission in Fiji covers consular issues for Kiribati, as the UK has no embassy there.
Kiribati uses both the Kiribati dollar (KID) and the Australian dollar (AUD), with the latter being more widely circulated. Banking services are minimal, and ATMs are limited to South Tarawa. Credit cards are rarely accepted, so travellers should carry sufficient cash in AUD for their stay.
Healthcare is very limited, with basic clinics on most islands and a central hospital in South Tarawa. Serious cases usually require evacuation to Fiji or Australia, making comprehensive travel insurance essential. Dengue fever and other mosquito-borne illnesses are present, and tap water is not safe to drink. Stick to bottled or boiled water and take sensible precautions against bites.
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