Kiribati Visa
Do you need a visa to visit Kiribati? Find your nearest Kiribati Embassy.
Visit Embassy WebsiteAs of 2025, Kiribati grants visa-free access for up to one month to citizens of specified countries, subject to presentation of a valid passport, proof of onward travel, and financial means. Longer stays or travel for employment, education, or investment purposes require appropriate visa issuance in advance.
Recent changes also affect outbound travel for Kiribati citizens, including new Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) requirements for the UK and pending ETIAS rules for the EU. Travellers are advised to confirm all entry protocols and authorisation needs prior to travel. All visa applications must be submitted with complete supporting documents, and it is essential that a confirmed travel itinerary be arranged before applying.
Who Needs a Visa to Visit Kiribati?
All third-country nationals who are not from a visa-exempt country must obtain a visa before travelling to Kiribati. Visas are granted by Malian diplomatic missions or through arrangement with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Immigration in Bairiki. A visa will only be issued if all application requirements are met and documentation is complete.
For more information on visas to Kiribati, you can visit their Embassy page.
Visit Embassy WebsiteEntry into Kiribati
Visa-Free Entry (Short Stay)
You do not need a visa to enter Kiribati if you:
- Are a citizen of a visa-exempt country
- Possess a valid passport
- Hold a return or onward ticket
- Have sufficient financial resources for your stay
Upon arrival, you may be granted a visa-free stay of up to one month. This stay may be extended in one-month increments, for up to a total of three additional months, by submitting a formal request to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Immigration in Bairiki.
Visa for Work or Long-Term Stay
To work or remain in Kiribati for an extended period, you must obtain a valid work visa or permit before arrival. This process is initiated by your Kiribati-based employer and cannot be arranged after entry into the country.
Applicants must submit a completed work visa application form, provide recent passport-sized photographs, and present a valid passport. Additional requirements include a medical certificate, police clearance, and evidence of relevant qualifications and work experience. The employer is responsible for demonstrating that no suitable local candidate is available for the position. Work visa processing may take several weeks, so it is important to apply well in advance. Upon approval, you will receive the necessary documentation to present upon arrival in Kiribati.
Eligibility to Apply for a Kiribati Visa
To apply for a visa to Kiribati, travellers must meet the following eligibility criteria:
A passport valid for at least six (6) months beyond your intended stay
At least one blank visa page in the passport
Proof of onward or return travel (e.g., round-trip flight confirmation)
Supporting travel documents for onward destinations, if applicable
Additional supporting documents, such as an invitation letter or proof of financial resources, may be required depending on the visa type
Visa Processing Time
The standard visa processing time for a Visitor Visa to Kiribati ranges from:
- 2 to 21 business days, depending on the location of application and volume of requests
- Processing times may be longer for work or student visa categories
Applicants are advised to apply as early as possible prior to their travel date.
Appointment Waiting Times
Visa appointments may be required depending on your location and the embassy or consulate responsible for processing. Wait times vary based on consular workload and applicant circumstances.
- Travellers should allow sufficient time to secure an appointment before intended travel
Some consulates now support online appointment bookings
Who Can Visit Kiribati Without a Visa?
Nationals of the following countries may enter Kiribati visa-free for a stay of up to 120 days:
- All European Union Member States
- Australia, Canada, New Zealand, United Kingdom, United States of America
- Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Belize, Cook Islands, Dominica, Fiji
- Grenada, Jamaica, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, Seychelles, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Tuvalu, Vanuatu
- Japan, India, Singapore, Kenya, Lesotho, Malawi, Mauritius, Sierra Leone, Zambia, Zimbabwe
- Hong Kong, Macao, Cuba, Tahiti, Wallis and Futuna, New Caledonia, Micronesia, Nauru, Niue
All other nationalities must apply for a visa prior to entry.
For detailed information on specific parts of the general visa process, you can refer to the links below to find the answer to your query. If you are unable to find any particular information, please contact us via email.
| What is a Visa? |
| What kind of visa do I need? |
| Do I need more than one visa? |
| How long is a visa valid for? |
| When do I need my visa? |
| What if my visa is refused? |
Kiribati Visa Types
The Republic of Kiribati offers four primary visa types. The purpose of your travel will determine which category applies. It is the applicant’s responsibility to select the appropriate visa prior to entry:
- Visitor Visa
- For tourism, short personal visits, or business-related meetings without employment
- Valid for up to one month; extensions may be granted in-country
- Student Visa
- For individuals enrolled in academic institutions within Kiribati
- Requires admission confirmation from an accredited institution
- Work Visa
- For those employed or contracted to work in Kiribati
- Must be arranged through a sponsoring employer and approved in advance
- Investment Visa
- For investors or business owners establishing operations in Kiribati
Subject to investment documentation and compliance with business regulations
- For investors or business owners establishing operations in Kiribati
Each visa category may have additional documentation requirements and conditions for extension or renewal.
Travel Requirements for Kiribati Citizens (2025)
As of 2025, citizens of Kiribati have visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 123 countries and territories, according to VisaIndex.com.
New Entry Requirements for Kiribati Passport Holders:
The UK:
- As of January 8th 2025, travellers must apply for an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) prior to entering the UK for stays up to six months
- The ETA costs approximately USD $32.50
European Union (Schengen Area):
- The European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) will become mandatory in 2025
- Applies to all short-stay visits, even for previously visa-exempt travellers
Note: ETIAS and ETA systems are not visa applications, but mandatory electronic pre-screening authorisations for entry. Long-term stays, including study or work, still require formal visas. The Kiribati passport is currently ranked 43rd globally in terms of travel freedom (Henley Passport Index, 2025).
What to Do if Your Kiribati Visa Is Refused
If your visa application is denied:
- You will receive a standard refusal notification form from the relevant consulate or embassy outlining the reason(s) for the decision
- You have the right to contest the refusal by submitting an appeal, where permitted
- Appeals should address the reasons for refusal and include additional supporting evidence
- Reapplication is permitted but must follow the full process, including form resubmission and payment of the visa fee
There is no guarantee of visa approval. Final decisions are made solely by immigration authorities.
Actionable Instruction:
Travellers to Kiribati should apply for the appropriate visa at least four weeks before departure. Ensure all required documents are submitted in full. For visa-free travellers, confirm you have a valid passport, onward travel ticket, and proof of funds. For work or long-stay visas, apply through the relevant embassy and verify employer sponsorship in advance. Kiribati citizens travelling abroad must comply with new ETA and ETIAS rules in 2025.