Nauru

Recommended Vaccinations For Nauru

For Most Travellers

Hepatitis B Vaccine

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

Hepatitis A Vaccine

There is a risk of exposure to hepatitis A in 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 is recommended for travellers involved in outdoor activities (e.g., adventure travellers, and cavers) who may have direct contact with rabid dogs, bats, and other mammals. Those with occupational risks (such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals, researchers) and long-term travellers and expatriates are at higher risk and should be vaccinated.

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 Nauru

There are no recommendations for Nauru at this time.

Diseases To Be Aware of for Nauru

For Most Travellers

Hepatitis A

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

Hepatitis B

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

Dengue Fever

Dengue fever may occur in this country.

For Some Travellers

Chikungunya Fever

There is a risk of acquiring Chikungunya 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.

Measles

There is a risk of acquiring Measles in this country.

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.

Typhoid Fever

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

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.

Safety & Security in Nauru

Personal Safety

Nauru has a low crime rate and ranks among the safest small island nations in the Pacific. Petty crimes like pickpocketing and purse snatching can occur, though violent crime remains rare. The small population of around 10,000 people means most locals know each other, making anonymity difficult and deterring criminal activity. Because the island is so small, there are few isolated areas where crime could go unnoticed. You should still secure your belongings, especially passports and travel documents, as you would anywhere else. Drug-related crime is an emerging concern for local law enforcement, though it remains at low levels. The tight-knit community structure means that lawbreakers have little room to operate undetected. Tourist infrastructure is extremely limited, so you need to plan adequately and remain self-sufficient. Emergency medical evacuation to Australia may be necessary for serious injuries or illnesses, as the Republic of Nauru Hospital provides only basic care. Stray dogs are common and can carry diseases like rabies and leptospirosis, so avoid contact with them and consider carrying a stick when walking.

Extreme Violence

Nauru experiences minimal violent crime. There were no reports of government-related arbitrary or unlawful killings, extrajudicial actions, or disappearances in recent years. The country has no history of terrorism, though attacks cannot be entirely ruled out. Organized crime networks and mafia-style groups are unlikely to operate on the island due to its small size, limited infrastructure, and isolated geography. Arms trafficking has no evidence of existence, with imports of firearms, explosives, and weapons prohibited. No privately owned legal or illegal firearms are present in the country. The death penalty was abolished in 2016, and no executions occurred between independence in 1968 and abolition. Domestic violence and gender-based violence remain serious concerns, with police receiving frequent complaints. Many cases of rape and sexual abuse go unreported, though police generally investigate reported cases and courts prosecute them. Rape carries a maximum penalty of 25 years imprisonment. Drug crime is emerging as a concern for law enforcement agencies, with recent cases involving seizure of proceeds. However, drug-related incidents remain at low levels compared to other Pacific nations. Physical attacks, hate crimes, and harsh rhetoric are rare regardless of background. The small population and communal nature of society mean disputes are often resolved informally through family or community reconciliation.

Political Unrest

Nauru maintains relative political stability. The country operates as a democratic republic with parliamentary processes, and the small population of around 10,000 maintains close relationships with elected officials. International observers have deemed recent parliamentary elections generally free and fair, though allegations of vote buying and constituency hopping have surfaced. Political rivalries created instability before 2013, but recent governments have served fuller terms. A no-confidence vote in October 2023 resulted in a change of leadership. The most significant political unrest in recent years involved the Nauru 19, a group of defendants charged with offenses including serious assault, rioting, and disturbing the legislature following a 2015 anti-government protest outside parliament. The protest drew hundreds of people responding to the suspension of five opposition MPs. Members of the Nauru 19 faced a prolonged trial with alleged government interference, with some ultimately sentenced to prison terms by December 2019. All were released by April 2020. The government cut ties with the High Court of Australia in March 2018, removing the final avenue of appeal for some defendants. Protests related to asylum seekers housed at the Australian processing center have been repressed in some instances. Civil unrest and protests are typically peaceful when they occur, though you should monitor local news and avoid demonstrations or large gatherings. Corruption remains an ongoing challenge, with bribery allegations involving politicians and foreign businesses, particularly related to the Australian refugee processing center and phosphate exports.

Areas To Avoid

Nauru has no specific high-risk areas that require avoidance. The island is only 21 square kilometers, making it one of the smallest countries in the world. The small size and tight-knit population mean there are few isolated areas where safety concerns would be elevated. The area around Menen Hotel in Ibwenape is noted as safe both day and night with practically zero crime. Most settlements are connected by the main ring road that circles the island. The interior features mined-out phosphate lands known as Topside, which is barren and inhospitable but not dangerous from a crime perspective. The shoreline around much of the island is hazardous for swimming due to the absence of an outer barrier reef, which allows large waves and strong undercurrents to directly impact the coast. Sharp corals and rocks leave little safe space for swimming or water sports at most locations. Anibare Harbour is an artificial protected area popular with locals for swimming because it lacks sharp corals and stones. Beaches lack lifeguard supervision, and tidal changes can create powerful currents and riptides. Rescue services may not meet international standards. The Australian-run Regional Processing Centre exists on the island but is not accessible to tourists. There are no urban danger zones or neighborhoods known for elevated crime rates. As with anywhere, you should remain aware of your surroundings and avoid walking alone in poorly lit areas after dark.