Nauru

U.S. Embassy, Suva
158 Princes Rd, Tamavua
Suva, Fiji Islands
Telephone: +(679) 331-4466
Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(679) 772-8049
Fax: +(679) 330-2267
Email: SuvaACS@state.gov

You must obtain your visa before you travel to Nauru; there is no visa issuance on arrival. To enter Nauru, you need:

• a valid passport with a minimum of three months validity
• a visa
• an onward/return ticket
• proof of hotel bookings (or sponsorship from a resident of Nauru)
• On January 31, the Government of Nauru issued a Health Travel Advisory that prohibits entry into Nauru by anyone who has traveled to mainland China in the previous 21 days.

For the latest information on entry/exit requirements, contact the Republic of Nauru Permanent Mission to the United Nations in New York at 212-937-0074 or by fax at 212-937-0079. The address is: 800 Second Avenue, Suite 400A New York, NY 10017.

The U.S. Department of State is unaware of any HIV/AIDS entry restrictions for visitors to or foreign residents of Nauru.

Find information on dual nationality, prevention of international child abduction and customs regulations on our websites.

Crime: Nauru has a low crime rate. However, visitors should not be complacent regarding their personal safety or the protection of valuables.

Victims of Crime: Report crimes to the local police at 110 and contact the U.S. Embassy at +679 331 4466, or after hours at +679 772 8049. Remember that local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crime.

See our webpage on help for U.S. victims of crime overseas.

We can:

• Help you find appropriate medical care
• Assist you in reporting a crime to the police
• Contact relatives or friends with your written consent
• Provide general information regarding the victim’s role during the local investigation and following its conclusion
• Provide a list of local attorneys
• Provide our information on victim’s compensation programs in the U.S.
• Provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States and/or limited medical support in cases of destitution
• Help you find accommodation and arrange flights home
• Replace a stolen or lost passport

Tourism: The tourism industry is unevenly regulated, and safety inspections for equipment and facilities do not commonly occur. Hazardous areas/activities are not always identified with appropriate signage, and staff may not be trained or certified either by the host government or by recognized authorities in the field. In the event of an injury, appropriate medical treatment is typically available only in/near major cities. First responders are generally unable to access areas outside of major cities and to provide urgent medical treatment. U.S. citizens are encouraged to purchase medical evacuation insurance. See our webpage for more information on information on insurance providers for overseas coverage

Domestic Violence: U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence are encouraged to contact the Embassy for assistance.

For further information:

• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency. 
• Call us in Washington at 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States and Canada or 1-202-501-4444 from other countries from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
• See the State Department's travel website for the Worldwide Caution, Travel Advisories, and Alerts.
• Follow us on Twitter and Facebook. 
• See traveling safely abroad for useful travel tips.

Criminal Penalties: You are subject to local laws. If you violate local laws, even unknowingly, you may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned. Individuals establishing a business or practicing a profession that requires additional permits or licensing should seek information from the competent local authorities, prior to practicing or operating a business.

Furthermore, some laws are also prosecutable in the United States, regardless of local law. For examples, see our website on crimes against minors abroad and the Department of Justice website.

Arrest Notification: If you are arrested or detained, ask police or prison officials to notify the U.S. Embassy immediately. See our webpage for further information.

Customs: Nauru's customs authorities may enforce strict regulations concerning temporary importation into or export from Nauru of items such as foodstuffs, animals, and pornographic materials. Please contact the Consulate General of Nauru in Melbourne, Australia via e-mail.for specific information regarding customs requirements.

Currency: The Australian dollar is the legal currency in Nauru. You should be prepared to pay cash for hotel bills and all other services, since credit card services are not available.

Special Circumstances: Access to and from Nauru is limited to a small number of commercial air flights each week. Transportation may be interrupted due to weather, political or labor disputes, economic difficulties, and other reasons. If you travel to Nauru and an emergency arises, you should be prepared to remain in Nauru until the emergency passes or to arrange for a private air or sea charter from the island. Hotels are also limited and should be booked before arrival.

Cyclone Season: The official cyclone season is November through April. The Fiji Meteorological Service maintains a Tropical Cyclone Warning Center (TCWC) in Nadi serving the Southwest Pacific Region. General information about natural disaster preparedness is available at the State Department’s website, as well as from the U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) website.

Faith-Based Travelers: See the following webpages for details:

• Faith-Based Travel Information
• International Religious Freedom Report – see country reports
• Human Rights Report – see country reports
• Hajj Fact Sheet for Travelers
• Best Practices for Volunteering Abroad

LGBTI Travelers: There are no legal restrictions on same-sex sexual relations or the organization of LGBT events in Nauru.

See our LGBTI Travel Information page and section 6 of our Human Rights report for further details.

Travelers Who Require Accessibility Assistance. Accessibility of buildings, and communications and information for persons with disabilities, is not mandated. There are no special accommodations for persons with disabilities.

Students: See our Students Abroad page and FBI travel tips.

Women Travelers: See our travel tips for Women Travelers.

For emergency services in Nauru, dial 110 for police, 111 for an ambulance or 112 for a fire.

Ambulance services are:

• not widely available and training and availability of emergency responders may be below U.S. standards
• not equipped with state-of-the-art medical equipment
• injured or seriously ill travelers may prefer to take a taxi or private vehicle to the nearest major hospital rather than wait for an ambulance

We do not pay medical bills. Be aware that U.S. Medicare/Medicaid does not apply overseas. Most hospitals and doctors overseas do not accept U.S. health insurance.

Medical Insurance: Make sure your health insurance plan provides coverage overseas. Most care providers overseas only accept cash payments. See our webpage for more information on insurance providers for overseas coverage. Visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for more information on type of insurance you should consider before you travel overseas.

• Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health services.
• There are few health care facilities available in the Republic of Nauru. The Republic of Nauru Hospital provides basic medical care. On occasion, basic medications can be difficult to obtain.
• Those with serious illnesses or injuries typically require medical evacuation to Australia. Medical care for routine problems is available, but not up to the standards of industrialized countries.
• We strongly recommend supplemental insurance to cover medical evacuation.
• Always carry your prescription medication in original packaging, along with your doctor’s prescription.

Vaccinations: Be up-to-date on all vaccinations recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Further health information:

• World Health Organization
• U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

Air Quality: Visit AirNow Department of State for information on air quality at U.S. Embassies and Consulates.

The U.S. Embassy maintains a list of doctors and hospitals in Nauru. We do not endorse or recommend any specific medical provider or clinic.

We strongly recommend supplemental insurance to cover medical evacuation in the event of unforeseen medical complications.

In many areas, tap water is not potable. Bottled water and beverages are generally safe, although you should be aware that many restaurants and hotels serve tap water unless bottled water is specifically requested. Be aware that ice for drinks may be made using tap water.

General Health Language: The following diseases are prevalent:

• Tuberculosis
• Dengue
• Chikungunya
• Typhoid
• Food and Waterborne Diarrheal Diseases
• Visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for more information about Resources for Travelers regarding specific issues in Nauru.

Road Conditions and Safety: While in Nauru, you may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in the United States. The main road circling the island is paved, but the remaining roads are unpaved. There is no organized roadside assistance, although there are a number of mechanics and car repair facilities on the island. Animals and pedestrians walking in the road make night driving hazardous. For specific information concerning Nauru driving permits, vehicle inspection, road tax and mandatory insurance, contact the Nauru Consulate General in Melbourne, Australia at telephone (613) 9653-5709, fax (613) 9654-4738, or via e-mail.

Traffic Laws: Traffic moves on the left in Nauru. Driving under the influence of alcohol is illegal in Nauru. Use of seatbelts is mandatory.

Public Transportation: There are few taxis or buses in Nauru, but vehicles can be hired locally.

See our Road Safety page for more information.

Aviation Safety Oversight: As there is no direct commercial air service to the United States by carriers registered in Nauru, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has not assessed the government of Nauru’s Civil Aviation Authority for compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards. Further information may be found on the FAA’s safety assessment page.

Maritime Travel: Mariners planning travel to Nauru should also check for U.S. maritime advisories and alerts. Information may also be posted to the U.S. Coast Guard homeport website, and the NGA broadcast warnings.