Kiribati 2020 Crime & Safety Report

This is an annual report produced in conjunction with the Regional Security Office at the U.S. Embassy in Suva, Fiji, which oversees security for U.S. government interests in Kiribati. OSAC encourages travelers to use this report to gain baseline knowledge of security conditions in Kiribati. For more in-depth information, review OSAC’s Kiribati country page for original OSAC reporting, consular messages, and contact information, some of which may be available only to private-sector representatives with an OSAC password.

Travel Advisory

The current U.S. Department of State Travel Advisory at the date of this report’s publication assesses Kiribati at Level 1, indicating travelers should exercise normal precautions. Review OSAC’s report, Understanding the Consular Travel Advisory System.

Overall Crime and Safety Situation

Crime Threats

The U.S. Department of State has assessed Tarawa as being a LOW-threat location for crime directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests. Despite the minimal risk, crime can have an impact on the work and life of the community. Review their security practices to mitigate the risk of petty theft. Review OSAC’s report, All That You Should Leave Behind.

Sexual assault remains an issue. There are cultural taboos on reporting rape and domestic abuse. Police attitudes encourage reconciliation rather than prosecution.

Cybersecurity Issues

Kiribati has made several key advances in its cybersecurity roadmap. Kiribati participated in the inaugural Pacific Cyber Security Operational Network (PaCSON) event in 2018 funded by the Australian government to enhance cyber resilience in the region. In November 2018, Kiribati announced it was beginning the process of drafting its first cybersecurity framework set to finish prior to the arrival of the new submarine cable system in late 2019 for high-speed internet connectivity. However, there is no indication that Kiribati has yet completed this framework. Use normal security precautions when using electronic devices. Review OSAC’s reports, Cybersecurity Basics, Best Practices for Maximizing Security on Public Wi-Fi, Traveling with Mobile Devices: Trends & Best Practices, and Satellite Phones: Critical or Contraband?

Transportation-Safety Situation

Road Safety and Road Conditions

With the assistance of the international community, Kiribati completed a road rehabilitation project in 2018 to upgrade the main road spanning the entire Gilbert Island network. This road is the only major paved road on Tarawa, and had previously been subject to frequent flooding, potholes, and various bumps that seriously affected safety and travel times. While authorities updated the roadway with a new drainage system, rainy weather may still impact certain areas, causing severe flooding. Kiribati 2020 Crime & Safety Report

Traffic moves on the left side of the road in Kiribati. While satisfactory in some areas, roads in urban Tarawa and Christmas Island (Kirimati) generally need repair. Much of the major island atolls, including North Tarawa, are actually closely connected islets. Unsealed roads in North Tarawa and on outer islands mostly lack bridges, making transit between islets possible only during low tide.

Road safety is a major concern, with a growing incidence of road accidents due to increased traffic, the age and condition of vehicles, and dangerous driving. Many local residents use small motorbikes and mopeds for transport; be aware of these smaller vehicles sharing the road. Driving under the influence of alcohol is illegal in Kiribati, but drinking and driving is commonplace, especially on the weekends. Since visibility is poor, with no streetlights, avoid driving long distances at night, particularly outside of Betio.

Traffic proceeds at a relatively slow speed, reducing in places to 20 km/h or less because of road damage. Mobile phone use is illegal while driving. Drivers and passengers must use seat belts.

Car rentals are available for the Gilbert Islands and Christmas Island. Driving is legal with a valid domestic license or an international driver’s license for up to two weeks. After the two-week period, drivers must acquire a Kiribati license.

Review OSAC’s reports, Road Safety Abroad, Driving Overseas: Best Practices, and Evasive Driving Techniques; and read the State Department’s webpage on driving and road safety abroad.

Public Transportation Conditions

There are no taxis in Kiribati. A private minibus service travels on the Gilbert Islands as well as Christmas Island. While they usually frequent airports, passengers must hail a preferred minibus. A rental car will cost approximately A$60 a day; book before arrival.

While Kiribati is an island nation dependent on maritime transportation, vessel conditions and inspection regimens can be less than ideal. Exercise caution while using ferries, as there have been several high-profile ferry accidents. In 2009, an I-Kiribati ferry was involved in a fatal accident while trying to rescue a crewmember. In 2018, another fatal accident, possibly caused by cargo overload, occurred after a ferry departed from Nonouti bound for Betio. Be aware of boat and ferry exits, and life jacket placement. Travel schedules and timetables can vary from advertised, with cancellations not uncommon. Build liberal extra timing into other- and outer-island transport.

Aviation/Airport Conditions

Bonriki International Airport (TRW) is the major airport in Kiribati, with the majority of flights coming from Fiji. There have been no reports of items stolen from checked baggage. Passengers should maintain awareness of their belongings at all times, use Transportation Security Administration (TSA) approved locks, and retrieve checked bags as soon as possible. Review OSAC’s report, Security In Transit: Airplanes, Public Transport, and Overnights.

Kiribati 2020 Crime & Safety Report

Terrorism Threat

The U.S. Department of State has assessed Tarawa as being a LOW-threat location for terrorism directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests.

Political, Economic, Religious, and Ethnic Violence

The U.S. Department of State has assessed Tarawa as being a LOW-threat location for political violence directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests. There has not been an incident of civil unrest since a small riot erupted in 2004. Review OSAC’s report, Surviving a Protest.

Post-specific Concerns

Environmental Hazards

Kiribati is a low-lying island nation subject to many natural disasters, including cyclones, earthquakes, floods, tsunamis, and landslides. Rising ocean levels threaten Kiribati with regular flooding damage. Although the probability of a major earthquake or tsunami occurring during a particular trip is remote, small earthquakes occur regularly due to its proximity to the Pacific Plate boundary.

The South Pacific cyclone season runs between November and April. However, storms may occur all year. Cyclone activity frequently causes flooding along the coastline, often creating potholes and causing disruption to the infrastructure and essential services. Public services (e.g. water, electricity, transportation) are unlikely to be available for a significant period following a powerful cyclone.

Critical Infrastructure

Many buildings in Kiribati do not have fire alarms or fire suppression equipment in close proximity or at all. Fire alarms at tourist hotels are sporadic with some evacuation plans in place. Review OSAC’s report, Fire Safety Abroad.

Economic Concerns

Kiribati is not a member of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), the WTO, or any organization protecting intellectual property rights. As a result, the frequency of pirated items has not declined and stores may sell pirated copies of movies, television shows, music, counterfeit clothing, jewelry, and other luxury goods.

Personal Identity Concerns

Kiribati is a religious and conservative country; women typically dress more modestly, especially in beach settings. Women are socially subordinate to men, and domestic violence is common. Review the State Department’s webpage on security for female travelers.

Kiribati 2020 Crime & Safety Report

Consensual sexual conduct between men is illegal, with a maximum penalty of five to 14 years of imprisonment depending on the nature of the offense, but there have been no reports of prosecutions under these provisions for many years. No law specifically prohibits discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity in housing, employment, nationality laws, or access to government services such as health care. There were no reports of investigations into violence and abuse against persons based on sexual orientation or gender identity, but social stigma and the inaccessibility of government services may prevent reporting of incidents of discrimination or violence based on sexual orientation or gender identity. Review the State Department’s webpage on security for LGBTI+ travelers.

Accessibility of buildings, and communications and information for persons with disabilities is not mandated. There are no special accommodations for persons with disabilities. Public infrastructure and essential services does not meet the needs of persons with disabilities. Review the State Department’s webpage on security for travelers with disabilities.

Religious groups with memberships equal to or greater than 2% of the population must register with the government. Arorae and Tamana, two islands in the southern part of the country uphold a “one-church- only” policy due to a stated deference to the first Protestant missionaries that visited the islands in the 1800s. On these islands, residents of other religious groups worship in their own homes. Villagers discourage religious groups outside the Kiribati Uniting Church from proselytizing or holding meetings, but permit missionaries to visit if they first request permission from local leaders.

Kiribati is an ethnically homogenous country. Ethnic I-Kiribati comprise more than 96% of the population. There have been no reports of internal ethnic conflict. Non-native visitors will stand out as foreign, but report little if any bias or criminal targeting based on ethnicity.

Drug-related Crimes

There are reports of drug-related crimes in the form of transnational organized crime passing through Kiribati waters. The lack of funding, vehicles, and labor has affected Kiribati’s ability to thwart organized crime in the area.

Kidnapping Threat

There is minimal risk from kidnapping in Tarawa. Review OSAC’s report, Kidnapping: The Basics

Other Issues

Review OSAC’s report, Picture This: Dos and Don’ts for Photography.

Kiribati’s customs authorities strictly prohibit the importation of firearms, ammunition, explosives, counterfeit money and goods, knives, and indecent publications or pornography. Strict quarantine laws govern the import of any part of plants, fruits, or vegetables, as well as soil, animals, and animal products. Visitors may not export human remains, artifacts that are 30 or more years old, traditional fighting swords, traditional tools, dancing ornaments, or suits of armor. Read the State Department’s webpage on customs and import restrictions for information on what you cannot take into or out of other countries. Kiribati 2020 Crime & Safety Report

Tarawa was the site of a major WWII battle that resulted in large amounts of unexploded ordnance (UXO), particularly in the Betio and South Tarawa areas. While international cleanup efforts have increased since 2013, exercise caution while walking across beaches where military materiel – especially metal in the sand – may still be present.

Police Response

The police emergency line in Kiribati is 992. Report crimes to the local police by dialing 999. The ability of local police to assist victims of crime is limited due to a lack of response vehicles, radios, and other essential equipment, especially on outlying islands. Remain calm and polite when interacting with the police to avoid misunderstandings. For administrative calls to the police post on Tarawa, +686 26187.

The Police and Prisons Service, under the Ministry of Justice, maintains internal security. The country has no military force.

Carry a copy of your passport on your person, as police often ask for identification of all parties involved in any type of incident.

Police generally treat arrested or otherwise detained foreigners well. U.S. citizens in police detention should request to speak with a U.S. Embassy representative in Fiji. Be aware that the assistance the Embassy can provide is limited to making sure U.S. citizens are treated similarly to local detainees, and providing them with a list of local attorneys.

Medical Emergencies

The medical emergency line in Kiribati is 994. Health care throughout Kiribati, including Tarawa, is substandard. Health care facilities in Kiribati are only adequate for routine medical care. Tungaru Central Hospital, located in South Tarawa, is the central referral hospital in Kiribati. Kiribati has two other referral hospitals: one in Betio, Kiritimati Island (for the Line and Phoenix Island Groups); and one at Tabiteuea North (for the southern Gilbert Islands). Kirbati has 75 rural health clinics that offer basic primary care, and 30 health centers that offer additional services such as dental care, ambulance services, basic medication, and maternal services. Emergency response is limited due to the space between islands, infrequent flights and ferries, and road conditions outside of the main road in Tarawa. Both the Kiritimati hospital and Tungaru Central Hospital in South Tarawa are capable of medical evacuations (medevac) to Fiji. For a list of available medical facilities and evacuation providers, refer to the Embassy’s Medical Assistance page.

Carry adequate supplies of any needed prescription medicines, along with copies of prescriptions, the generic name of the drugs, and a supply of preferred over-the-counter medications. Review OSAC’s report, Traveling with Medication.

Kiribati does not currently have any private health services and no funeral homes with embalming or cremation services.

Kiribati 2020 Crime & Safety Report

Kiribati is near the equator; annual temperature ranges from 77°F/25°C-93°F/33°C. Take precautions against sunburn, which is a serious hazard. Dehydration is also a potential problem for visitors. Regard all water as a potential health risk; use only bottled water. Review OSAC’s report, I’m Drinking What in My Water?

Hepatitis is prevalent. Travelers should have tetanus immunization; the island is full of stray pigs and dogs. The following communicable diseases are prevalent: Tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS, Leprosy, Diarrheal diseases, Dysentery, Giardia, Typhoid, Parasitic infection, Fungal Infection, and Conjunctivitis.

While Kiribati affords its citizens with free healthcare, international visitors must pay for services. Doctors and hospitals expect immediate cash payment for health services. Persons with medical emergencies may require medevac to Guam, Australia, or the U.S., likely costing thousands of dollars, and considered only if the patient has adequate insurance or pays up front. In some cases, a medical evacuation to Australia or New Zealand can require a medical visa. The U.S. Department of State strongly recommends purchasing international health insurance before traveling internationally. Note that you usually must purchase medevac insurance separately from other policies. Review the State Department's webpage on insurance overseas.

The CDC offers additional information on vaccines and health guidance for Kiribati.

Review OSAC’s reports, The Healthy Way, Shaken: The Don’ts of Alcohol Abroad, and Health 101: How to Prepare for Travel.

OSAC Country Council Information

There is no OSAC Country Council in Kiribati. Interested private-sector security managers should contact OSAC’s Asia Pacific team with any questions.

U.S. Embassy Contact Information

U.S. Embassy Suva: 158 Princes Rd, Tamavua, Suva, Fiji Telephone: +679 331-4466 Emergency: +679 772-8049 Website: https://fj.usembassy.gov/

Helpful Information

Before you travel, consider the following resources:

• OSAC Risk Matrix • OSAC Travelers Toolkit • State Department Traveler’s Checklist • Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)