Kiribati is perhaps one of the most isolated islands on Earth. There is only a single airline flying to the island of Kiritimati and from there, visitors will have to rely on air pacific which leaves Kiritimati only once a week. The islands, however, are famous for many things among which are incredible scuba diving sites, fly fishing or incredible avian life.

Travelling info

All visitors traveling to Kiribati are required to have a valid passport. Citizens of 72 countries can enter Kiribati without the requirement of a visa for a period ranging from 30 to 120 days depending on visitors nationality. Citizens of the remaining countries must obtain a visa in order to visit Kiribati. Visitors who wish to drive in the Kiribati islands must have both their national driving permit and an international driving permit. An international driving permit cannot be used alone and must always be complemented by the original driving permit.

Travelling hazards

Traffic moves on the left side of the road in Kiribati. Roads in urban Tarawa and Christmas Island, while satisfactory in some areas, are generally in need of repair. After heavy rains, some road sections experience temporary flooding. Vehicle traffic proceeds at a relatively slow rate. Drinking and driving is a common practice, especially on the weekends. Since visibility is poor with no streetlights, drivers should be especially careful when driving at night.

Environmental hazards

The islands of Kiribati lack any dangerous land animals. In fact, there are a few land animals at all. Most animal life consists of birds. There have been dangers lurking in the waters of Kiribati however. There are several records of shark attacks taking place off Kiribati shores.
The scattered island of the Republic of Kiribati is most vulnerable to storm surges. Tsunamis are also an extreme danger.

Health hazards

There is no risk of yellow fever in Kiribati. The government of Kiribati requires proof of yellow fever vaccination only if you are arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever. There are other vaccines which are recommended for a safe stay. These are the routine vaccines aka MMR vaccines, hepatitis A and B, typhoid and rabies vaccines. Kiribati has a lack of hospital facilities, trained doctors and nurses. Kiribati has approximately 85 health centers and clinics on the Outer Islands and a referral hospital and clinics on South Tarawa. The facilities that do exist are often basic. Many clinics are staffed by foreign doctors such as Cuban doctors with the Kiribati Government paying for salaries and accommodation. Most health services are free but some such as dental, x-ray and laboratory services are charged. This free healthcare system enables poor families to access basic health services. The South Tarawa hospital only provides a limited set of services. Serious cases are referred to overseas. Due to high referral costs, overseas treatment is rationed by a committee of doctors and only those with a good prognosis are sent overseas.
In case of an emergency dial 194 or 195.

Crime

Although the crime rate in Kiribati is low, visitors should not be complacent regarding their personal safety or protecting valuables. Most commonly reported crimes to involve pickpocketing, bag snatching and theft of unattended goods is most common. Violence usually occurs in the evenings. Most attackers are intoxicated. Alcohol is a serious problem as it is one of the most popular activities on the island. People often overuse and become aggressive. There is no risk of terrorism in Kiribati.

Summary

The remoteness of Kiribati makes it very difficult for tourists to get there. It is particularly difficult as flights between the islands also happen sporadically and most do not have websites. Tourists have to depend on tour organizers. Remember that planning your trip with Travset.com will give you the quickest information about nearest emergency services and will also help you purchase indispensable travel insurance for the trip of your lifetime. Please feel free to comment and share the experiences of your travels with Travset.com.

Sources

(Visa)
https://www.worldtravelguide.net/guides/oceania/kiribati/passport-visa/
(Vaccinations)
https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/kiribati