Published: August 13, 2025
This report is intended to supplement the U.S. Department of State Kiribati Travel Advisory and Kiribati Country Information Page.
Embassy & Consulate Contact Information
The nearest U.S. Embassy is located in Fiji.
U.S. Embassy Suva
158 Princes Rd, Tamavua, Suva, Fiji
Tel: +679 331-4466
After-Hours Emergency: +679 772-8049. Hours of Operation: 0800-2000, Monday- Friday.
OSAC Country Chapters
There is no OSAC Country Chapter in Kiribati. Interested private-sector security managers should contact OSAC's Asia team with any questions.
Kiribati Travel Advisory
The current U.S. Department of State Travel Advisory at the date of this report’s publication assesses that travelers should exercise normal precautions in Kiribati.
Crime
Although Kiribati does not have official ratings for crime from the U.S. Department of State, travelers should consider the criminal environment lower than in Suva, which the U.S. Department of State has assessed as being a HIGH-threat location for crime directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests.
The U.S. Department of State has not included a Crime “C” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for Kiribati.
The crime emergency line in Kiribati is 992.
The crime rate in Kiribati is low; however, you should still not be complacent regarding your personal safety or protecting your valuables.
Criminal networks are mostly involved in human trafficking, as well as illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing. The networks, however, are not necessarily structured. Official crime statistics are unavailable past 2011.
Kiribati is generally a safe place to travel. However, it may be risky to be outside after dark in Beito or along the beach in South Tarawa, especially for solo female travelers. Virtually all problems are caused by excessive alcohol, not career criminals.
Kidnapping Threat
The U.S. Department of State has not included a Kidnapping “K” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for Kiribati.
There is minimal risk from kidnapping in Kiribati.
Terrorism
Although Kiribati does not have official ratings for terrorism from the U.S. Department of State, travelers should consider the environment similar to Suva, which the U.S. Department of State has assessed as being a LOW-threat location for terrorism directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests.
The U.S. Department of State has not included a Terrorism “T” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for Kiribati.
There is no history of indigenous or transnational terrorism in Kiribati.
Political Violence and Civil Unrest
Although Kiribati does not have official ratings for political violence from the U.S. Department of State, travelers should consider the environment similar Suva, which the U.S. Department of State has assessed as being a LOW-threat location for political violence directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests.
The U.S. Department of State has not included a Civil Unrest “U” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for Kiribati. Civil unrest can develop quickly without prior notice, often interrupting logistics and services. Avoid demonstration activity, as even those planned to remain peaceful have the potential to turn violent.
Elections/Political Stability
Kiribati is a multiparty democracy that holds regular elections with a peaceful transfer of power between competing parties.
Protests & Demonstrations
There has not been an incident of civil unrest since a small riot erupted in 2004. Demonstrations are peaceful. Kiribati students have demonstrated against the threats of climate change and rising sea levels.
Anti-U.S./Anti-Western Sentiment
Anti-U.S. sentiment remains exceptionally low.
Law Enforcement
The Police and Prisons Service, under the Ministry of Justice, maintains internal security. The country has no military force. Civilian authorities maintain effective control over police. The government took credible steps to identify and punish officials who may have committed human rights abuses.
Police Response
The ability of local police to assist victims of crime is limited due to a lack of response vehicles, radios, and other essential equipment, especially on outlying islands.
Travelers with Special Considerations
For specific traveler concerns in Kiribati, review the local laws and circumstances on the Department of State’s Country Information Page.
Rule of Law, Arbitrary Detention, Official Harassment, Corruption, & Transparency
The U.S. Department of State has not included a Risk of Wrongful Detention “D” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for Kiribati.
The judicial system is modeled on English common law, and the courts are independent in practice. The chief justice is appointed by the president on the advice of the cabinet and the Public Service Commission.
The law provides criminal penalties for corruption by officials, but the government does not implement the law effectively. There were reports of corruption by public officials.
The law prohibits arbitrary arrest and detention and provides for the right of any person to challenge the lawfulness of his or her arrest or detention in court. The government generally observed these requirements.
Cybersecurity
Kiribati has made several key advances in its cybersecurity roadmap. Kiribati participated in the inaugural Pacific Cyber Security Operational Network (PaCSON) event in 2018 funded by the Australian government to enhance cyber resilience in the region. In 2018, Kiribati announced it was beginning the process of drafting its first cybersecurity framework set to finish prior to the arrival of the new submarine cable system in late 2019 for high-speed internet connectivity. Kiribati published a National Cybersecurity Strategy in 2020. Use normal security precautions when using electronic devices.
Import/Export Restrictions
Kiribati’s customs authorities strictly prohibit the importation of firearms, ammunition, explosives, counterfeit money and goods, knives, and indecent publications or pornography. Strict quarantine laws govern the import of any part of plants, fruits, or vegetables, as well as soil, animals, and animal products. Visitors may not export human remains, artifacts that are 30 or more years old, traditional fighting swords, traditional tools, dancing ornaments, or suits of armor.
For more information, please contact the Consulate of the Republic of Kiribati in Honolulu at (808) 834-7603 or via e-mail.
A country-specific listing of items/goods prohibited from being exported to the country or that are otherwise restricted is available from the U.S. International Trade Agency website.
Additional resources and reports can be found in the OSAC Traveler Toolkit.
