Kiribati

Recommended Vaccinations For Kiribati

For Most Travellers

Hepatitis A Vaccine

There is a risk of exposure to hepatitis A in this country, therefore, the vaccination is recommended.

Hepatitis B Vaccine

There is a risk of infection with hepatitis B for this country, therefore, the vaccination is recommended.

For Some Travellers

Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) Vaccine

BCG vaccine is recommended for those at increased risk from coming in close contact with infected persons or for unvaccinated, children under 16 years of age, who are going to live in the country for more than 3 months.

Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) Vaccine

A dose of Measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine is recommended for infants aged 6 to 11 months.

Rabies Vaccine

Vaccination against rabies could be considered for those whose activities or employment may bring them into direct contact with bats or wild animals (i.e. adventure travellers, veterinarians, wildlife professionals, researchers, etc.).

Typhoid Fever Vaccine

There is a risk of exposure to typhoid fever in this country through consumption of unsafe food and water. Since exposure to unsafe sources is variable within this country, the vaccination against typhoid fever is generally recommended, especially when visiting smaller cities, rural areas, or staying with friends and family.

Recommended Medications For Kiribati

There are no recommendations for Kiribati at this time.

Diseases To Be Aware of for Kiribati

For Most Travellers

Hepatitis A

There is a risk of exposure to hepatitis A virus in this country through contaminated food or water.

Dengue Fever

There is a risk of dengue fever in this country.

Hepatitis B

There is a risk for acquiring hepatitis B in this country.

For Some Travellers

Zika Fever

Zika fever may occur in Kiribati.

Measles

There is a risk of acquiring Measles in this country.

Hanta Virus

There is a risk of acquiring Hantavirus in this country through the consumption of food and water contaminated by an infected rodent or through rodent bites.

Chikungunya Fever

There is a risk of acquiring Chikungunya in this country.

Rabies

The risk of acquiring Rabies is low. However, it may be present in bats, but has not been reported in domestic animals in this country. Those with occupational risks (such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals, researchers) may be at risk.

Typhoid Fever

Unvaccinated people can become infected through contaminated food and water in Kiribati, especially when visiting smaller cities, villages, or rural areas where water and food may not be safe.

Tuberculosis

Travellers to this country are at risk for tuberculosis if visiting sick friends or family, working in the healthcare field, or having close prolonged contact with a sick person.

Safety & Security in Kiribati

Personal Safety

Kiribati has a low overall crime rate, but petty crime like theft and pickpocketing happens, particularly in crowded areas and South Tarawa. Walking at night, especially in Betio and downtown Tarawa, increases risk of random attacks and arguments from intoxicated people. Alcoholism is widespread, and drinking is common on weekends and holidays, leading to rowdy and sometimes violent behavior. Bus drivers and workers sometimes operate while drunk. Tarawa beaches and populated areas can see alcohol-related disturbances. Stray dogs pose a risk and have bitten visitors. Many people carry machetes as everyday tools. South Tarawa is densely populated with over half the country’s population, creating social pressures. Unexploded ordnance from World War II remains on some Tarawa beaches. Organized crime in territorial waters relates mainly to illegal fishing and drug trafficking. Serious violent crime against visitors is extremely rare. The country rates at Level 1 (Exercise Normal Precautions) from the U.S. Department of State.

Extreme Violence

Violent crime against visitors is extremely rare in Kiribati. Terrorism has no recent history, though attacks cannot be ruled out. The country has no military force and depends on Australia and New Zealand for defense assistance. Drug possession and trafficking carry serious penalties, potentially resulting in lengthy imprisonment. The detention system lacks resources, with prisoners sometimes leaving overnight to visit families. Police have established units to counter organized crime, but law enforcement resources are limited, particularly for maritime threats. Human trafficking exists domestically, primarily affecting men and children in forced labor (fishing, construction, street vending) and women and children in sexual exploitation. Organized crime in territorial waters involves illegal fishing and some drug-related activity. Corruption exists within the justice system, though levels are not extreme. The country has legislation to combat terrorism and transnational organized crime, enacted in 2005 and amended in 2008, though threats remain minimal.

Political Unrest

Kiribati is generally politically stable with peaceful transfers of power between competing groups. The 2020 legislative and presidential elections were considered free and fair. However, a constitutional crisis began in 2022 when the government suspended High Court justices, including Chief Justice Bill Hastings and Judge David Lambourne, over misconduct allegations. This left Kiribati without judges above magistrate level and created severe court case backlogs. The Attorney General was appointed Acting Chief Justice, raising concerns about judicial independence and separation of powers. The crisis remained unresolved through 2024, with the UN expressing concern. Elections in August 2024 took place amid allegations of Chinese financial influence on government-aligned candidates and concerns about resource disparities between ruling party and opposition candidates. Political parties function more like informal coalitions without official platforms. No violent protests or significant civil unrest has occurred in recent years. Political demonstrations are rare, though travelers should avoid any gatherings. The country maintains a generally stable democratic system despite challenges to judicial independence.

Areas To Avoid

There are no specific high-risk areas that travelers must avoid in Kiribati, but certain locations require caution. Walking alone at night should be avoided, particularly in Betio and downtown areas of South Tarawa, where alcohol-related violence and random attacks can occur. South Tarawa beaches are also risky after dark. The lagoon in South Tarawa is heavily polluted and unsafe for swimming. Some Tarawa beaches, particularly in Betio and South Tarawa areas, may contain unexploded ordnance from World War II. Remote outer islands have limited emergency services, medical facilities, and communication infrastructure. Isolated areas generally pose risks due to lack of assistance rather than crime. Strong ocean currents and rip tides along coast and reef areas make swimming dangerous. Squalls can develop quickly, creating hazards for boating. Internet and mobile phone services are unavailable or unreliable on many outer islands. King tides regularly flood parts of South Tarawa, sometimes cutting off road access to Bonriki Airport. The country is vulnerable to cyclones from November to April, droughts, and climate-related flooding.