Nauru travel guide
About Nauru
If you’re travelling to Nauru, chances are you’re on business, ticking off every country in the world or visiting out of sheer curiosity – for this Pacific island is hardly your archetypal holiday destination.
Although ringed by a beautiful coral reef, the island's interior has been ravaged by decades of phosphate mining, extracted to supply Australia with fertiliser. The sea is also subject to strong currents and rocky pinnacles jut up immediately offshore, meaning swimming and diving are limited.
Tourism has never featured highly on Nauru's agenda, but there are a couple of dilapidated hotels and a handful of attractions: remnants of the Japanese WWII occupation, small beaches, a Chinatown of sorts and the lunar-like landscape of the mined centre. Buada Lagoon is worth checking out too, but swimming here isn’t recommended. You can also organise a deep-sea fishing charter and try your hand at hooking yellowfin tuna, marlin and wahoo.
Nauru’s main road stretches 19km (12 miles) round the country, so it doesn’t take long to see everything, and the climate is stiflingly hot and humid, so flopping under a palm tree is about as much as you can usually manage anyway.
This tiny island republic has gone from being one of the world’s richest nations (in terms of per capita income) to a country on the edge of economic ruin. When the phosphate began to run out, the economy took a downward turn. Consequently, Nauru has been forced to look to other means to keep the country afloat, most recently housing a controversial detention centre for Australia-bound asylum seekers in return for Australian aid.
Nauru’s airline runs a regular service from Brisbane, locals are as upbeat as they can be about the future, and signs of vegetation are beginning to appear inland, but the chances of increasing numbers of intrepid travellers visiting look slim.
Key facts
21 sq km (8 sq miles).
10,263 (UN estimate 2016).
454.3 per sq km.
There is no capital. Government offices are in Yaren district.
Republic.
President David Adeang since 2023.
Travel Advice
Before you travel
No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide. You may also find it helpful to:
- see general advice for women travellers
- read our guide on disability and travel abroad
- see general advice for LGBT+ travellers
- read about safety for solo and independent travel
- see advice on volunteering and adventure travel abroad
Travel insurance
If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.
About FCDO travel advice
The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) provides advice about risks of travel to help you make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice.
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This information is for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK. It is based on the UK government’s understanding of Nauru’s current rules for the most common types of travel.
The authorities in Nauru set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact Nauru’s Honorary Consul in the UK:
Email: nauru@weald.co.uk
Passport validity requirements
To enter Nauru, your passport must have an ‘expiry date’ at least 3 months after the date you arrive.
Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.
You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.
Visa requirements
You must have a visa to visit Nauru.
Applying for a visa
For details on how to apply, see the Nauru government’s visa requirements.
Vaccine requirements
For details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see TravelHealthPro’s Nauru guide.
Customs rules
There are strict rules about goods you can take into or out of Nauru. You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.
There are controls on taking plants or animals into Nauru.
Terrorism
There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times.
UK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe abroad and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad.
Terrorism in Nauru
Although there is no recent history of terrorism in Nauru, attacks cannot be ruled out.
Laws and cultural differences
Illegal drugs and prison sentences
Do not get involved with illegal drugs of any kind. There are severe penalties including custodial sentences for drug offences.
LGBT+ travellers
Same-sex relationships are legal, but Nauru society is conservative and same-sex partners showing affection in public may cause offence. Read more advice for LGBT+ travellers.
Money
There is only one ATM on the island – at the Menen Hotel – and it is often out of cash. Credit cards are not accepted. Take enough Australian dollars in cash to cover your trip.
Transport risks
Road travel
If you are planning to drive in Nauru, see information on driving abroad.
Check licence requirements with your rental car firm.
Extreme weather and natural disasters
Find out what you can do to prepare for and respond to extreme weather and natural hazards.
Tropical cyclones
During the rainy season from November to May, there’s a risk of strong winds, sea swells and tropical cyclones. Monitor regional and international weather updates from the World Meteorological Organization and the Fiji Meteorological Service and check local newspapers and radio.
Drought
Nauru suffers from periods of severe drought. The authorities may impose water restrictions during these periods.
Before you travel check that:
- your destination can provide the healthcare you may need
- you have appropriate travel insurance for local treatment or unexpected medical evacuation
This is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant.
Emergency medical number
Call 111 and ask for an ambulance.
Contact your insurance company quickly if you’re referred to a medical facility for treatment.
Vaccine recommendations and health risks
At least 8 weeks before your trip:
- check the latest vaccine recommendations for Nauru
- see where to get vaccines and whether you have to pay on the NHS travel vaccinations page
See what health risks you’ll face in Nauru, including:
- typhoid
- insect and tick bites
Visitors have been bitten by stray dogs. To reduce the risk:
- stay alert, particularly on the beach
- do not run if you’re approached by a dog
Seek medical attention immediately if you’re bitten by a dog.
Medication
The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or bought in the UK can be different in other countries.
Supplies of basic and prescription medicines are limited on Nauru, so bring enough to last your whole trip. If you bring prescription drugs with you to Nauru, make sure they’re in the original packaging and bring your UK prescription.
Read best practice when travelling with medicines on TravelHealthPro.
Healthcare in Nauru
Medical facilities in Nauru are very basic. You may need medical evacuation to Australia by air ambulance.
Travel and mental health
Read FCDO guidance on travel and mental health. There is also mental health guidance on TravelHealthPro.
The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) cannot provide tailored advice for individual trips. Read this travel advice and carry out your own research before deciding whether to travel.
Emergency services in Nauru
Ambulance: 111
Fire: 112
Police: 110
Contact your travel provider and insurer
Contact your travel provider and your insurer if you are involved in a serious incident or emergency abroad. They will tell you if they can help and what you need to do.
Refunds and changes to travel
For refunds or changes to travel, contact your travel provider. You may also be able to make a claim through insurance. However, insurers usually require you to talk to your travel provider first.
Find out more about changing or cancelling travel plans, including:
- where to get advice if you are in a dispute with a provider
- how to access previous versions of travel advice to support a claim
Support from FCDO
FCDO has guidance on staying safe and what to do if you need help or support abroad, including:
- being arrested or imprisoned in Nauru
- getting help if you’re a victim of crime
- what to do if you’re in hospital
- if you’re affected by a crisis, such as a terrorist attack
Contacting FCDO
Help abroad
See how to get help from the UK government abroad including in an emergency.
Help in the UK
You can call FCDO in London if you need urgent help because something has happened to a friend or relative abroad.
Telephone: 020 7008 5000 (24 hours)
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