- Kiribati is 33 atolls spread across more than 3 million square km of ocean in three island groups
- Tarawa has WWII battlefields; Kiritimati (Christmas Island) is famous for bonefishing and seabirds
- Flights are few, usually via Nadi, Brisbane or Honolulu
- Facilities are very basic, so this is a trip for adventurous travellers
- Airports
- Bonriki International (TRW) on Tarawa, Cassidy International (CXI) on Kiritimati
- Flight time
- about 28-34h from London to Tarawa, usually with two or three stops
- Best time to go
- April-October (drier, steady trade winds)
- Currency
- Australian dollar (AUD)
Kiribati (pronounced "Kiri-bass") is one of the most remote countries in the world: 33 low-lying atolls and one raised island scattered across the central Pacific in the Gilbert, Phoenix and Line groups. It spans four hemispheres and three time zones, and its Line Islands are the first inhabited place on Earth to see each new day. Life revolves around the lagoon, the maneaba (community meeting house) and the sea.
Very few tourists come, and those who do are usually fishermen, birdwatchers, WWII historians or country collectors. Cars drive on the left and plugs are the Australian type I. The Gilbert Islands, including Tarawa, are 11 hours ahead of the UK in summer and 12 in winter, while Kiritimati is 13 or 14 hours ahead. This is one of our Oceania guides covering where to go, when to visit, getting there and costs in 2026.
Entry requirements
British passport holders do not normally need a visa for a short tourist stay. A visitor permit is usually granted on arrival, typically for up to 30 days, if your passport is valid for at least six months and you hold an onward ticket and proof of funds. Medical facilities are very limited, so comprehensive travel insurance including evacuation is essential. Rules change, so check GOV.UK foreign travel advice before booking.
Where to go in Kiribati
South Tarawa
The capital area is a string of islets linked by causeways, home to about half the population. It is crowded and not especially pretty, but it is the place to see traditional maneabas, the parliament, local markets and the National Cultural Centre and Museum.
Betio and North Tarawa
Betio, at the western end, was the scene of the Battle of Tarawa in November 1943, one of the bloodiest battles of the Pacific War. Japanese gun emplacements, bunkers and memorials remain along the shore. North Tarawa, reached by boat or across the reef at low tide, is quieter and more traditional, with simple island stays.
Abaiang and the outer Gilberts
A short flight or boat ride from Tarawa, Abaiang has a peaceful lagoon, historic Catholic churches and basic guesthouses. Other outer atolls see almost no visitors and offer a glimpse of traditional life.
Kiritimati (Christmas Island)
The world's largest coral atoll by land area, in the Line Islands, is a world-renowned destination for fly-fishing for bonefish and giant trevally. It also has huge seabird colonies and was used for British and US nuclear tests in the 1950s and 1960s.
Best time to visit Kiribati
| Season | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Drier season (April-October) | Steady trade winds, less rain; the best overall time |
| Wetter season (November-March) | More rain and humidity, varying by year with El Niño and La Niña patterns |
Temperatures are hot year-round, around 26-32 °C. Kiribati lies near the equator and rarely sees tropical cyclones.
Bring Australian dollars in cash, as ATMs are scarce outside South Tarawa and cards are rarely accepted.
Getting to Kiribati from the UK
There are no direct flights, and services are infrequent. Fiji Airways flies to Tarawa from Nadi, and also links Nadi, Kiritimati and Honolulu, usually once a week. Nauru Airlines connects Tarawa with Brisbane via Nauru, and with Majuro and Pohnpei. Allow 28-34 hours or more from London, and check schedules before fixing dates, as flights may run only once or twice a week. Kiribati combines with Fiji, Tuvalu or Nauru.
Getting around
In South Tarawa, minibuses run constantly along the main road for a small fare, and taxis and hire cars are available. Air Kiribati runs domestic flights to outer islands, though schedules are irregular. Boats link Tarawa with nearby atolls such as Abaiang. On Kiritimati, transport is usually arranged by fishing lodges.
Money and costs
Kiribati uses the Australian dollar. Accommodation is limited and simple, often around AUD 100-200 a night on Tarawa. A realistic budget is about AUD 200-300 (about £100-150) per person per day, while fishing packages on Kiritimati are far more expensive. Tipping is not customary.
Frequently asked questions
How do you pronounce Kiribati?
"Kiri-bass". In the Gilbertese language, "ti" is pronounced like an "s", so the name is a local rendering of "Gilberts".
Is Kiribati worth visiting?
For travellers who love remote places, WWII history or fishing, yes. Do not expect resorts: accommodation and infrastructure are basic, and South Tarawa is densely populated.
Is Christmas Island in Kiribati the same as Australia's Christmas Island?
No. Kiritimati in Kiribati is in the central Pacific, while Australia's Christmas Island is in the Indian Ocean.
How long should I stay in Kiribati?
Usually as long as the flight schedule requires, often a week, since flights may run only once or twice a week.
Written by
Thomas Ski, mountains & expeditions editor
Thomas is happiest above the tree line or below the Antarctic Circle. He writes our ski, mountain and polar expedition guides.
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