Kiribati

Kiribati visa guide: exemptions, visitor, work, student and investment visas

4 visa types
checked 25 October 2026

How visas for Kiribati work

Entry to Kiribati is governed by the Kiribati Immigration Act 2019 and the immigration procedures made under it. Visas are handled by the Immigration Division of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Immigration in Bairiki, Tarawa, which publishes separate application forms for visitor, work, student, investment, transit and group visas.

Under the Immigration Entry and Visa Exemption Order 2023, in force since 1 September 2023, citizens of the listed countries need no visa and no transit visa, provided they travel on an ICAO-standard passport valid for at least six months on the day they leave Kiribati. The exemption allows a stay of no more than 90 days in any 12-month period. The list covers Pacific Island countries, Australia, New Zealand, the European Union states, the United Kingdom, the United States and many Asian, African and Latin American countries.

Nationals of countries not on the 2023 list need a visa before travelling. Applications are made on paper forms and sent to the Immigration Division with the fee; the Ministry asks applicants to contact its visa officer for current fees and payment details and to wait for official confirmation before finalising travel.

Which visa do I need?

Exempt nationality, short visit: no visa, up to 90 days in 12 months.

Tourism, family visit, business visit or a limited event: visitor visa.

Job offer, specific project, religious work or consular domestic staff: work visa.

Course longer than three months: student visa.

Investment approved under the Foreign Investment Act 2018: investment visa.

Visa types for Kiribati

Visits and short stays

Tourist visa Visitor visa (tourist, business visitor, limited purpose)
Travellers who are not visa-exempt apply for a visitor visa before going to Kiribati.
Maximum stay: Visa-exempt: 90 days in any 12 months; visa holders: as granted

Business and self-employment

Investor visa Investment visa
The investment visa is open only to applicants who already hold an approved Foreign Investment Certificate from the Investment Promotion Division, issued under the Foreign Investment Act 2018; without it the application cannot proceed.
Maximum stay: 4 years in total on investment visas

Study and training

Student visa
A student visa is needed for a course longer than three months in total.
Validity: For the paid academic year; shorter courses up to one month after the paid period

Work

Work visa Work visa (essential skills, specific purpose, religious worker, consular domestic staff)
Foreigners coming to work in Kiribati apply on the work visa form, which covers four classes: essential skills, specific purpose or event, religious worker and domestic worker of consulate staff.
Validity: Essential skills: 1 year, further visas up to 3 years in total; multiple journey visas up to 5 years

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a visa for Kiribati?

Only if your nationality is not on the list annexed to the Immigration Entry and Visa Exemption Order 2023. Listed nationals stay up to 90 days in any 12 months without a visa; everyone else applies to the Immigration Division for a visitor visa before travelling.

How long can visa-exempt visitors stay?

No more than 90 days in any 12-month period, with a passport valid for at least six months on the day of departure from Kiribati.

How much does a Kiribati visa cost?

The Ministry does not publish the fee on its forms; applicants are told to contact the visa officer for fee and payment details before applying.

How do I contact Kiribati Immigration?

The Immigration Office in Bairiki, Tarawa can be reached on 75021342 or 75021368, and visa enquiries go to visaofficer@mfa.gov.ki.