Local Laws

Criminal Penalties:   You are subject to local laws. If you violate local laws, even unknowingly, you may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned.  It is illegal to take pictures of certain buildings. Driving under the influence could land you immediately in jail.

Furthermore, some laws are also prosecutable in the United States, regardless of local law.  For examples, see our website on crimes against minors abroad and the Department of Justice website.

Arrest Notification:   If you are arrested or detained, ask police or prison officials to notify the U.S. Embassy immediately. See our webpage for further information.

Customs:  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 are not allowed to 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.

Currency:  The Australian dollar is the legal currency in Kiribati. Traveler’s checks and all major currencies are accepted by banks and may also be exchanged for local currency at some local hotels.  Visa and MasterCard are accepted at most hotels.

Natural Disasters:  Kiribati is located in an area of high seismic activity.  Undersea earthquakes in the South Pacific region can also generate destructive tsunamis.  The Government of Kiribati has only limited capability for notifying residents and visitors in the event of a tsunami.  If you notice seismic activity and/or unusual tidal activity, you should take immediate precautions, such as seeking higher ground or refuge on an upper floor in a sturdy building, Strong winds are common, especially during the cyclone season from November to April.  General information about natural disaster preparedness is available from the U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

Faith-Based Travelers:  See the Department of State’s International Religious Freedom Report.

LGBTI Travelers:  Consensual same-sex sexual conduct between men is illegal, with a maximum penalty of five to 14 years’ imprisonment, depending on the nature of the offense; however, the U.S. Embassy is no aware of any reports of prosecutions directed at gay, bisexual, or transgender persons under these provisions for sexual activity between consenting adults.  Likewise, the U.S. Embassy is not aware of any reports of societal discrimination or violence based on sexual orientation or gender identity.  For more detailed information about LGBT rights in Kiribati, you may review the State Department’s annual Country Reports on Human Rights Practices.   See our LGBTI Travel Information page and section 6 of the Department of State's Human Rights report for further details.

Persons with Mobility Issues.  Accessibility of buildings,and communications and information for persons with disabilities is not mandated. There are no special accommodations for persons with disabilities.

Students:  See our Students Abroad page and FBI travel tips.

Women Travelers:  Spousal abuse and other forms of domestic violence against women are common in Kiribati.  See our travel tips for Women Travelers.