Free export

• No information available

Prohibited

• Illegal drugs
• Guns, explosives and ammunition
• Knives and deadly weapons
• Plant and plant products – unless permission has been obtained
• Animal and animal products – unless permission has been obtained
• Vaccines and viruses
• Counterfeit money and goods
• Pornographic material

Restricted

• Human remains and Valuable cultural artefacts over 30 years old cannot legally be taken away from the country. Other items banned from leaving the country include traditional tools and fighting swords, dancing ornaments and suits of armour.

Basic health information for travelers to Kiribate

• A yellow fever vaccination is required from all travellers coming from an infected region. Travellers from other countries are strongly advised to consider obtaining vaccination against the disease prior to entering the country.

• Tap and other local water sources should be considered contaminated and thoroughly boiled before being drunk. Travellers are advised to stick to bottled water whenever possible throughout their stay inside the country. Milk and dairy products might be unpasteurised and should be avoided for safety reasons. All meat, fish and vegetables should be well cooked and served boiling hot whilst fruit should be peeled prior to consumption.
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Water based diseases including Hepatitis A and Typhoid have been recorded inside the country and travellers are strongly advised to check all local water for signs of infection and to avoid swimming in the South Tarawa Lagoon due to the risk of infection.

• Tuberculosis and Diphtheria are both present inside the country and travellers should obtain the necessary vaccination for protection against these diseases prior to beginning their journey.

• There have been serious outbreaks of Dengue Fever throughout Kiribati and all foreign visitors to the region are strongly urged to obtain large sums of insect repellent and close clothing for protection. If infected, travellers should seek out immediate medical assistance before symptoms develop.

• Hepatitis B is also present in this country and all travellers should exercise great caution when dealing with bloody needles or if engaging in sexual activity. Sunburn and dehydration are serious dangers in this country and travellers should obtain plenty of bottled water and sunscreen for protection against the often intense heat.

• The overall standard of medical facilities is efficient but quite limited in this country. The Tungaru Central Hospital in the capital Tarawa provides most major medical services with smaller clinics available on the smaller islands. Travellers with pre existing medical conditions are strongly advised to bring any required medicines with them which could be expensive or impossible to obtain in this country. Doctors may demand instant payments for any assistance required and travel and health insurance should be obtained prior to beginning any journey into the country. An emergency airlift to a nearby country may be required in the event of a serious accident or illness.

Basic security information for travelers to Kiribate

• Although minor, incidents of petty theft have been reported and travellers should keep their passport and other valuables in a safe and secure location for the duration of their visit. Women in particular are also advised to avoid travelling alone throughout the country after dark and all visitors should avoid any obvious displays of wealth or outrageous behaviour which could serve to attract unwanted attention.

• Travellers to Kiribati are advised to avoid any large protests or demonstrations which could potentially turn violent and to stay updated as to the countries current social and political situation prior to entering the country.

• UK travellers can drive freely throughout the country on a clean driving licence. The road conditions are considered poor throughout the country and drivers should exercise considerable caution at all times to prevent any chance of an accident.

• Tropical cyclones are common in Kiribati from the beginning of November until the end of April and can cause serious damage to people and property. All foreign visitors to the region during this period are urged to check the local news channels for any predicted storms and should plan the rest of their visit accordingly. Occasional periods of drought can lead to water restrictions throughout the country and travellers are advised to stock up on bottled water in the event of long periods of intense sunshine and heat.

• Foreigners swimming in the sea around Kiribati should exercise extreme caution at all times thanks to the sometimes unpredictable nature of the surrounding tides which can often result in serious injuries and accidents occurring.

• All forms of drug related offences such has trafficking and selling will be treated harshly by the local authorities and will likely lead to lengthy prison sentences.

• Homosexual behaviour and public nudity are illegal in this country and all foreign visitors to the region should remember to dress conservatively when visiting the countries beaches.

For further assistance please contact the Kiribati Customs authorities directly. They will provide the latest information about customs regulations and export-import procedures.

Kiribati Customs contact information

Address:
P O Box 503,
Kiribati
Telephone: +68626750
Website: http://customs.gov.ki/


For additional information about travel restrictions, security warnings, political updates, and basic travel guidelines, please contact the nearest Kiribati Embassy.

List of Kiribati Embassies all over the world: http://kiribati.visahq.co.uk/embassy/United-Kingdom/