Australia & Oceania

Nauru

Quick facts

  • Full name: Republic of Nauru
  • Capital: Yaren
  • Largest city: Meneng
  • Official language: Nauruan / English
  • Area: 21 km2
  • Population: 11,200 (2018)
  • Currency: Australian Dollar (AUD) 1 (AUD) = 100 cent
  • Foreign tourists: 2 hundred (2016)
  • Travel risks and hazards: Petty crime.

Nauru despite its tiny size holds several records. It is the least visited country on earth despite the fact that the Queen of England had been there and it holds the record for the most obese nation on earth. It is also the smallest island nation with just 30 km of roads.

Traveling info

All visitors traveling to Nauru are required to have a valid passport. Entry requirements vary depending on visitors nationality. Citizens of some nations enjoy visa-free entry whilst others are required to have a valid visa. Visitors who wish to drive in Nauru may do so using their national driving permit. An international driving permit is recommended as it will aid visitors in dealing with local driving authorities as well as renting a vehicle.

Traveling hazards

Traffic moves on the left in Nauru. The main road circling the island is paved, but the remaining roads are unpaved. There is no organized roadside assistance, although there are a number of mechanics and car repair facilities on the island. Animals and pedestrians walking in the road make night driving hazardous. There is very little information as to driving in Nauru just as there is very little of roads in the country with the road circling the island is just 30 km long.

Environmental hazards

Like most Pacific islands, Nauru lacks any dangerous animals on land. In fact, there are no land mammals at all. Most life consists of avians. There are no recorded shark attacks off the coast of Nauru however such incidents cannot be ruled out. Some may have gone unreported.
Nauru experiences few natural hazards however cyclones which occur seasonally are deadly and can cause serious damage to the island.

Health hazards

There is no risk of yellow fever in Nauru. The government of Nauru requires proof of yellow fever vaccination only if you are arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever. There are other vaccinations which are recommended. These are the routine vaccines aka MMR vaccines, hepatitis A and B, typhoid and rabies vaccines. Both the Nauru Phosphate Corporation Hospital and the Nauru General Hospital are capable of providing routine day to day medical care, however, the infrastructure and care provided by both hospitals are far below international standards. Medical facilities are not adequate to support serious incidents and air evacuation to Australia is necessary for patients suffering from severe medical issues. Most doctors and hospitals within Nauru will expect payment upfront and in cash, regardless of whether you have travel health insurance. Due to the limited amount of high quality healthcare available in Nauru, and the necessity of overseas transport to Australia in the event of a serious illness or accident, it is highly advised that all expatriates and travelers in Nauru purchase some form of comprehensive international health insurance which provides an emergency evacuation benefit, prior to arrival in the country.
In case of an emergency dial 111.

Crime

There is little crime in Nauru however there are also few statistics providing legitimate information. As the least visited country in the world, there are few tourist testimonies to rely upon however ordinary precautions should be taken. Visitors should stay careful in areas of the congregation such as markets, tourist spots or malls. Although there are few reports, caution is advised particularly after dusk. Visitors should avoid wandering alone at night especially in secluded areas. Violent crime is very rare in the islands and there have been no reports from any expats about suffering from such activity. There is no risk of terrorism in Nauru. Narcotics are illegal and punishable however local authorities are lax in enforcing the law.

Summary

As the least visited country in the world, visitors who travel to Nauru may experience it for what it truly is. 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.nauruairlines.com.au/before-you-fly/visa-requirements/
(Vaccinations)
https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/nauru