Kiribati is a remote country in the heart of the Pacific Ocean, where you can escape civilization, see pristine nature and experience true silence. Find out how to get there, what to see and why this corner of the planet is called the "edge of the world"

In the middle of the vast Pacific Ocean, halfway between Hawaii and Australia, dozens of tiny islands are scattered around the country of Kiribati. It is one of the smallest and most scattered countries in the world – its territory covers an area comparable to a small country in Europe, but stretches for more than 4,000 kilometers of ocean.

For many travelers, Kiribati is a symbol of the “end of the world”. Crowds of tourists do not fly here, they do not go here by chance. But those who do reach these shores discover a completely different dimension of travel – where the main luxury is silence, nature and the sincerity of local people.

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What does Kiribati consist of?

Kiribati consists of three archipelagos – Gilbert, Phoenix and Line. Each of them has its own special atmosphere.

- The Gilbert Islands are the heart of the country, home to the capital, South Tarawa. Administrative life, schools, hospitals and the only university are concentrated here.

- The Phoenix Islands are almost uninhabited, and most of them are part of a marine reserve, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

- The Line Islands, including the famous Kiritimati (Christmas Island), attract divers and birdwatchers.

Kiribati's nature is striking in its simplicity and originality: white sand, coconut palms, turquoise water and lagoons that seem painted. But behind the beauty lies a fragile balance - the country has been struggling with the consequences of climate change for several decades. Due to rising sea levels, some islands are gradually disappearing, so visiting Kiribati today is like seeing a piece of the world that may disappear tomorrow.

How many people live in Kiribati?

Kiribati has a population of about 120,000, almost all of whom are of the i-Kiribati people. Their culture is closely linked to the sea. Fishing, sailing boats, singing to the sound of drums and dancing around the fire are not a theatrical performance for tourists, but everyday life.

The locals are friendly and calm, they even have their own philosophy “te Mauri, te Raoi ao te Tabomoa”, which translates as “health, peace and prosperity”. They believe that harmony with nature is more important than material things. Therefore, it is not surprising that guests from developed countries often say: “In Kiribati I first understood what true silence is”.

How to get to Kiribati?

The road to Kiribati is a real adventure. There are no direct flights from Europe, so most travelers fly via:

- Fiji (Nadi) – from here there are regular flights to Tarawa and Kiritimati;

- Honolulu (Hawaii) – another popular route for those traveling from the USA;

- or via Australia and New Zealand, where you can find convenient connections.

Kiribati’s main international airport is Bonriki International Airport in Tarawa. Domestic flights are operated by small planes that fly between the islands, but the schedule often changes due to the weather. Traveling here requires patience, but it is this “remoteness” that makes the destination unique.

Where to stay in Kiribati?

There are no five-star resorts in Kiribati. Accommodation is mostly small guesthouses, eco-lodges or family hotels with basic amenities. The most popular are Mary’s Motel, Utirerei Hotel and Tabon Te Keekee Eco Lodge.

The internet is slow, the electricity is intermittent, but that's what creates the feeling of being completely disconnected from civilization. A breakfast of mango and coconut milk, a walk along the shore, swimming among the corals - and the day passes unnoticed.

What to see and do in Kiribati?

- Diving and snorkeling

The coral reefs of Kiribati are some of the least explored in the world. They have preserved their natural state due to their remoteness from civilization. Particularly popular places are the lagoons of the Abemama and Kiritimati atolls.

- Fishing

Kiritimati is known as one of the best places in the world for fly-fishing. Fishermen come here to catch bonefish or giant trevally.

- Cultural festivals

July is the National Day of Kiribati - with dancing, boat races and festive parades. This is a great opportunity to see traditional culture.

- Traveling between islands

Local boats ply between the atolls, allowing you to feel the spirit of true seafaring.

- Birdwatching

Canton Island and the Phoenix Archipelago are a birdwatcher's paradise. Millions of seabirds nest here, including red-footed frigatebirds.

When is the best time to travel to Kiribati?

The best time to travel is from May to October. During this period, the weather is dry, the sea is calm, and the temperature is around +30°C. During the rainy season, from November to April, there are tropical storms, but nature looks especially bright - the greenery is rich, the air is clear.

Useful information for tourists planning a trip to Kiribati

Visa and entry

Most travelers need a visa to visit Kiribati. It can be obtained in advance at the country's consulates or diplomatic missions, which are usually located in Fiji, Australia or New Zealand.

Citizens of some Pacific countries and the United Kingdom can travel visa-free for short periods.

Before traveling, it is worth checking the current requirements on the official website of the Kiribati government or on the Visit World portal.

Currency

The official currency is the Australian dollar (AUD). ATMs and currency exchange offices are only available in the capital, South Tarawa, so tourists are advised to have cash, especially if planning a trip to other islands.

Language

The official languages ​​are English and Gilbertese (Kiribati). English is spoken in most hotels and government institutions, but in small villages it is better to have a translator or a minimal dictionary.

Health and safety

Kiribati is considered a safe country with a friendly population and a low crime rate. At the same time, it should be borne in mind that the medical infrastructure here is limited. The main hospital is in Tarawa, but for complex cases, patients are sent to Fiji.

Therefore, medical insurance is mandatory. It is also worth having a basic first aid kit, insect repellent and sunscreen.

Transport

Small planes and boats ply between the islands. The schedule changes frequently, so it’s worth allowing plenty of time. Inside the atolls, people travel by bicycle, moped or on foot – distances are short and roads are narrow.

Internet and communications

Mobile internet and Wi-Fi are only available in large settlements. The speed is not high, but this is enough for messages and basic navigation. For many tourists, this is a great opportunity to completely disconnect from digital noise.

Electricity

Voltage – 240 V, Australian-style sockets (type I). In some remote areas, electricity is intermittent or only works in the evening, so a power bank will not be superfluous.

Etiquette and culture

Local residents are very respectful of traditions. It is recommended to dress modestly, especially when visiting villages or churches. It is better to agree on photographing people – residents usually do not mind, but they like it when tourists ask permission.

The world is rapidly losing places where nature speaks louder than man. Kiribati is one of them. Here you can see what life looks like without haste: children play on the shore, men repair boats, and women weave mats from palm leaves.

This is a country where the sun rises first in the world - the date line passes through Kiribati. Every dawn here is a new beginning.

For some, Kiribati is exotic, for others - a challenge. But for those who seek authenticity, this place can become a point where the world seems to stop.

Planning to visit a new country, but don’t know where to start preparing?

Use the “Travel Guide” from Visit World — it’s your personal assistant in planning your trip. What’s included in the guide:

- Step-by-step instructions for applying for a tourist visa: from filling out the application form to going through an interview.

- Information on visa fees and application processing times.

- Sample photo for a tourist visa.

- Rules for filling out the application form.

- Life hacks and tips for visiting the country.

- A complete list of documents required for a tourist visa.

With Visit World, preparing for your trip becomes simple, fast and stress-free!

Reminder! Christmas is a magical winter holiday that attracts with twinkling lights, decorated trees, festive food and traditions. There is no more festive place to spend this family holiday than Christmas markets. We have already told you about the 10 best Christmas markets in Europe that are worth visiting in the winter of 2025/2026.

Photo – Freepik

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