Kiribati🇰🇮
Kiribati, a collection of 33 coral atolls straddling the equator in the Pacific Ocean, is known for its gorgeous white sandy beaches, crystal clear waters and rich marine life. Its only significant neighboring country is Tuvalu. Kiribati has a cultural richness evident in their music, dance, and handicrafts. Being the first country to see the dawn of a new day, Millennium Island in Kiribati offers an awe-inspiring view of sunrise. The country is also home to a significant battlefield from World War II, the Tarawa Atoll. The country's multicultural ethos and rich biodiversity make it an engaging destination for tourists.
⚠️Things you should avoid⚠️
- Avoid drinking tap water, to prevent waterborne diseases drink only bottled or boiled water.
- Avoid travelling at night in remote areas due to poor public transportation and road conditions.
- Avoid showing public affection if you are a queer couple, as the local population is not widely accepting of homosexuality.
- Avoid disrespectful behavior or attire in churches, as Kiribati strongly identifies with its Christian faith.
- Avoid not using sunscreen and UV protective gear, the equator sun is very strong.
- Do not neglect to apply a strong insect repellent, as mosquitoes in some parts of Kiribati carry dengue fever.
- Avoid disrespecting local customs and beliefs, the locals are religious and conservative.
- Avoid swimming alone in remote areas, always seek local advice on tides and currents.
- Do not go to remote or unfamiliar areas without the guidance of a local guide.
- Avoid consuming incautious freshwater fish and reef fish, as they may contain harmful toxins.
Overall
6
Crime 🔫
8
Kiribati is generally a safe country with comparatively low crime rates. However, there are occasional reports of petty theft and burglaries. South Tarawa sees the most crime in the country due to its relative population density. It's advised to take basic precautions and secure valuables.
Terrorism 💣
10
Kiribati has no known history of terrorist incidents or threats hence the high score. It's advisable to stay updated with news and travel advisories, although the risk is minimal.
War ⚔️
10
Kiribati has been at peace since the end of World War II, and there have been no recent conflicts or war. The only significant warfare experience was the Battle of Tarawa during World War II between the US and Japanese forces.
Natural Disasters 🌊
3
Kiribati is at risk from climate change, and rising sea levels pose a serious threat to the country's future. There are no earthquakes, volcanoes, or cyclones. However, it frequently experiences droughts and storms. A severe drought occurred in 1999 causing a state of emergency.
Medical Care 🏥
5
Medical facilities in Kiribati are adequate for routine treatments but emergency medical services are limited. Serious conditions may require evacuation to a country with advanced medical facilities. It's advisable to have travel health insurance with emergency repatriation.
Tap Water Quality 💧
4
Water quality in Kiribati is a significant issue due to a lack of proper sanitation facilities and fresh water sources. Visitors are advised to drink bottled or boiled water, as tap water is not potable.
Disease Burden 🤒
6
Common diseases in Kiribati include respiratory infections and gastrointestinal diseases. Dengue fever outbreaks occur from time to time. However, there has been no severe epidemics in recent times.
Corruption 💸
6
Corruption is relatively low in Kiribati compared to other countries in the region, yet it still exists in some public services but has not had a significant impact on the general population.
Safety for Women ♀️
7
While women in Kiribati enjoy relative safety and respect, cultural differences might be noticeable. Solo female travellers are advised to adhere to local customs and societal norms. It is always beneficial to stay in groups, especially during the night.
Safety for Queer People 👬
6
Kiribati does not recognize same-sex relationships, and societal acceptance is relatively low. Queer travellers should exercise discretion about their identity when in public.
Censorship 📺
6
Kiribati enjoys a certain level of press freedom, but government censorship can occasionally occur. In general, visitors should face no difficulty accessing internet content.
Public Transportation 🚌
3
Public transportation is limited in Kiribati and can be unpredictable. Most travel is done by private car, taxi, or boat. Roads conditions are often poor.
Other useful information
🔒 How safe is it?
Kiribati is generally a safe country, with low crime and war risks. The significant safety concerns are related to natural disasters, particularly climate change and associated risks like sea-level rise. Always stay updated with the latest news and respect local customs and regulations.
🏰 Embassies in this Country
Kiribati has no notable embassies due to its remote location. The closest embassies for English-speaking countries are located in Fiji, including the United States Embassy in Suva, the British High Commission, and the Australian High Commission.
💉 Recommended Vaccinations
Recommended vaccinations before travelling to Kiribati include routine vaccines like MMR (measles, mumps, rubella), diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis, varicella (chickenpox), polio, and yearly flu shot. Hepatitis A and typhoid vaccines are also suggested.
🐍 Dangerous Animals
While Kiribati has a rich marine life, beware of potential dangers like sharks and venomous snakes in the ocean. Always seek local advice before going for a swim or a dive.
🛂 Visa Requirements
Most countries do not require a visa to enter Kiribati for a stay of up to 30 days. However, a passport valid for at least 6 months is a prerequisite. Extensions for up to 4 months may be given.
💲 Currency
The currency used in Kiribati is the Australian Dollar (AUD). Credit cards are accepted in some places and the country's capital, Tarawa, has a few ATMs.
💳 Credit Card Acceptance
Credit card acceptance is limited in Kiribati and mostly confined to larger hotels in South Tarawa. Carrying sufficient cash is recommended when travelling outside of the capital.
🧑🏭 Is it possible to work and travel in this country?
Work and travel in Kiribati may be challenging due to limited employment opportunities- primarily in education, healthcare, and tourism. Technical roles related to climate change mitigation and adaptation may be available.
💵 Cost of Travel and Living
The cost of living in Kiribati is relatively high due to its remoteness and the need to import most goods. Budget travelers can expect to spend around 50 AUD per day, while a more luxurious experience would cost around 200 AUD per day.