Everything you need to know about a Kiribati Visa
As
per the visa policy of Kiribati, nationals of 72 countries can enter the nation
without a visa. This facility offers varying stay periods (ranging from 1 to 4
months) to travelers, depending on the nationality.
And luckily, the UK falls
under this list of visa-exempt countries. If you hold a valid British citizen
passport, you can stay in Kiribati without a visa for a maximum span of up to 6
months.
In
order to be granted entry into Kiribati, your primary and foremost requirement
is to have a valid British citizen passport. This travel document should hold a
validity of at least 6 months from your date of entry into Kiribati.
Additionally, it must also carry a minimum of 2 unused visa pages.
You
must also ensure that you carry a return/onward ticket and sufficient funds for
your stay. If all your documents are in order and the immigration officers at
the port of entry are convinced about your reasons for visit, you will be
granted entry into Kiribati.
Once
you enter the nation and wish to exceed the allowable stay period, you can
apply for an extension via the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Immigration in
Bairiki.
Each extension is given for an additional one-month period and can be
offered for up to a maximum of 3 additional months, as long as your passport
stays valid.
Note:
If you are a foreigner residing in the UK on a UK residence permit or a UK
visa, you might need to secure a Kiribati visa in advance through the Kiribati
Consulate in London.
A Kiribati visa is required for citizens of 161 countries.
So, contact the embassy in order to know if you require a visa and if yes,
understand the documentation requirements and the application process from the
respective officials. Below are the contact details:
Address:
Kiribati Consulate in London, The Great House Llanddewi Rhydderch Monmouthshire
NP7 9UY, London United Kingdom
Telephone:
(+44) 1873 840 375 / 152
Fax:
(+44) 1873 840 375
E-mail:
mravellwalsh@btopenworld.com
Additionally,
if you are intending to work in Kiribati, you have to obtain a visa in advance
through your employer in the nation.
UK Emergency Travel Documents
UK
Emergency Travel Documents are accepted by the immigration officials for entry,
airside transit and exit from Kiribati.
Yellow fever certificate requirements
The government of Kiribati has made it a necessity to submit a yellow fever vaccination certificate if a traveler arrives from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission.
Additional pointers
Kiribati does not have any British representation. So, if you need any consular assistance, you have to contact the British High Commission, Suva in Fiji.
You should also take out a comprehensive travel and medical insurance before you travel. If you are admitted to a medical facility while in the country, do not hesitate to contact your insurance agency instantly.
Medical evacuation may be required in most cases of serious illness.
Medical facilities are extremely poor in Tarawa. It is even difficult to get pharmaceuticals and prescription medicines.
Therefore, if you are suffering from any medical condition, you should carry your medicines with you.
Kiribati poses a risk of dengue fever. As reported by the Ministry of Health and Medical Services, there has been an increase of “dengue-like illness” outbreak (DLI) in South Tarawa.
Drug trafficking or being found in possession of drugs is considered a grave offence by the Kiribati penal code. If found guilty, you can face a heavy penalty and prison sentence.
Homosexual activities are considered illegal.
You need to follow strict rules when you import food, plants and animal products into Kiribati. You can get detailed information on restricted or prohibited imports from:
Biosecurity Services
SPC-Plant Protection Service
Private Mail Bag
Suva, Fiji Islands.
Tel: (679) 3370 733
Fax: (679) 3370 021
Email: pps@spc.int