Kiribati visas
Whether you need a visa to enter Kiribati depends on your nationality and the purpose and length of your visit: nationals of exempt countries can enter for short stays without a visa, while others must obtain a visa before or on arrival, and anyone coming to work, study, invest or settle needs the relevant visa or permit. Entry and stay are governed by the Immigration Act 2019 and the Immigration Regulations/Procedure 2020. All visas and permits are issued by the Immigration Division of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Immigration in Bairiki, Tarawa.
I-Kiribati visa categories
Explore visa categories by the purpose of your trip.
- Visitor & short-stay visasShort stays in Kiribati — tourism, visiting family or friends, business visits and transit, plus any visa-free or e-visa options.3 visas
- Work visasComing to Kiribati to work — the employment and skilled-worker routes and the permits they require.1 visa
- Study visasStudying in Kiribati — student visas and permits for accepted students.1 visa
- Family visasJoining or sponsoring a partner, child or other relative in Kiribati.1 visa
- Business & investor visasInvesting, doing business or coming to Kiribati as a highly skilled individual.1 visa
- Residence & citizenshipLiving in Kiribati long term — residence routes and, where available, the path to citizenship.2 visas
I-Kiribati visa application at a glance
From start to finish in five simple steps.
- 01Choose the right visa
- 02Check eligibility & documents
- 03Apply online
- 04Provide biometrics
- 05Wait for a decision
Kiribati — key facts
- Visa authority
- Immigration Division, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Immigration
- Application
- Online (in most cases)
- Biometrics
- Usually required
- Currency
- Australian dollar (AUD)
- Time zone
- UTC+12 (Gilbert Islands Time); Kiribati also spans UTC+13 and UTC+14
Official sources
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to the official government sources.
Verified against official sources · last reviewed 2026-08-21. Information only — not legal advice.