- Nauru is a single raised coral island of about 21 square km, with a road you can drive around in under half an hour
- All visitors, including British travellers, need a visa arranged before travel
- Nauru Airlines flies from Brisbane, and from Nadi, Tarawa and other Pacific islands
- It is one of the least visited countries in the world, with very limited tourist facilities
- Airports
- Nauru International (INU)
- Flight time
- about 30-34h from London to Nauru, usually with two stops
- Best time to go
- March-October (drier, though rain is possible year-round)
- Currency
- Australian dollar (AUD)
Nauru is a tiny oval island in the central Pacific, just south of the equator, and the third-smallest country in the world by area. Phosphate mining made it briefly one of the richest nations per person in the 1970s and 1980s, but left most of the interior a jagged landscape of coral pinnacles. Today it is best known for its small population, its Australian-run offshore processing centre and the sheer novelty of visiting.
It is not a holiday destination in the usual sense: there are few hotels, no tours to speak of and little to do beyond exploring the island and meeting locals. Cars drive on the left, plugs are the Australian type I, and Nauru is 11 hours ahead of the UK in summer and 12 hours ahead in winter. This is one of our Oceania guides covering what to see, when to visit, getting there and costs in 2026.
Entry requirements
British passport holders need a visa before travelling to Nauru, and you cannot get one on arrival. Tourist visas are applied for through the Nauru immigration authorities, usually by email, with a copy of your passport, flight bookings and confirmed accommodation, and the process can take several weeks. Journalists face separate, stricter rules. Your passport should be valid for at least six months. Rules change, so check GOV.UK foreign travel advice before booking.
Where to go in Nauru
The coast road
A single road of about 19 km circles the island, lined with homes, small shops and stretches of rocky coastline with coral pinnacles. Cycling or driving around it is the main activity. Anibare Bay on the east coast is the most attractive beach, though strong currents make swimming risky, and there are boat harbours where you can swim more safely at high tide.
Command Ridge
The highest point on the island, at about 70 metres, has rusting Japanese WWII guns and a communications bunker, with views across the island and ocean. Nauru was occupied by Japan from 1942 to 1945.
Topside and Buada Lagoon
"Topside" is the mined-out interior plateau, an eerie landscape of grey limestone pinnacles, with old mining equipment and the phosphate cantilevers on the coast below. Buada Lagoon, a small, green freshwater lagoon surrounded by palms and gardens, is the island's prettiest inland spot.
Fishing and the reef
Deep-sea fishing for marlin, tuna and wahoo can sometimes be arranged with local boat owners, and snorkelling on the reef flats is possible in calm conditions.
Best time to visit Nauru
| Season | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Drier season (March-October) | Easterly trade winds, hot and sunny with less rain |
| Wetter season (November-February) | Westerly monsoon winds bring heavier rain; rainfall varies greatly from year to year |
Temperatures stay around 26-32 °C all year. Nauru is too close to the equator for tropical cyclones.
Confirm your accommodation before applying for your visa; there are only a couple of hotels and some guesthouses, and rooms are often booked by contractors and officials.
Getting to Nauru from the UK
There are no direct flights. Nauru Airlines, the national carrier, flies from Brisbane, usually a few times a week, taking about four and a half to five hours. It also connects Nauru with Nadi, Tarawa, Majuro and Pohnpei on less frequent services. Reach Brisbane from the UK via Asia or the Middle East, then allow at least one overnight stop. Plan around 30-34 hours in total. Nauru is easiest to add to a trip to Australia, or combine with Kiribati or the Marshall Islands.
Getting around
Hire a car or bicycle through your hotel, or flag down a lift; there is no proper public transport. Walking the whole coast road takes most of a day in the heat, so start early.
Money and costs
Nauru uses the Australian dollar. Hotels are limited and usually cost around AUD 150-250 a night. A realistic daily budget is AUD 200-300 (about £100-150) per person including accommodation, food and car hire. Bring cash, as ATMs and card acceptance are limited. Tipping is not customary.
Frequently asked questions
Can tourists visit Nauru?
Yes, but you must arrange a visa in advance, and it can take weeks. Very few tourists come, so expect curiosity and a warm welcome rather than a tourism industry.
How long do you need in Nauru?
One or two days is enough to see the whole island, but your stay will usually depend on the flight schedule.
Is Nauru safe?
It is generally safe, with low crime. Take care in the sun, on the roads and when swimming, as currents can be strong.
Can you swim in Nauru?
Yes, but with caution. The reef and currents can be dangerous, so swim in the boat harbours or at high tide in calm areas, and ask locals for advice.
Written by
Emma City breaks & deals editor
Emma plans city breaks the way other people plan the weekly shop: on a budget, with a spreadsheet and a backup plan. She covers city guides and deal-hunting.
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