The Ministry of Health & Medical Services of the Republic of Kiribati has updated its health travel advisory in relation to the 2019 Novel Coronavirus.

Effective immediately, all incoming international travelers into all ports of entry of Kiribati will be subjected to temperature checks.

All Travellers from areas and territories in countries with ongoing local transmission of novel coronavirus must spend at least 14 days in a country free of the 2019-nCoV. If travelers arrive earlier than the required 14-day-period, health quarantine measures may be applied and deportation to the country of travel origin would be considered depending on the health status of the individual.

The Ministry of Health & Medical Services also recommends that citizens and residents avoid non-essential travel to areas and territories in countries with the sustained transmission. However, if travel cannot be postponed, then preventive measures should always be adhered to.

The ministry adds that in case of symptoms suggestive of acute respiratory illness before travel, travelers are encouraged to seek medical attention and advice about travel restrictions.

In case of symptoms suggestive of acute respiratory illness during and after travel, travelers are encouraged to seek medical attention and share travel history with health care providers.

A Health Arrival Form is to be filled out by all incoming travelers upon arrival to Kiribati through Tarawa and Kiritimati.

All travelers to Kiribati are advised that they must always comply with the following preventive measures:

  1. Avoid close contact with people suffering from acute respiratory infections;
  2. People with symptoms of acute respiratory infection   should practice cough etiquette (maintain   distance, cover coughs and sneezes with disposable tissues or clothing and wash hands);
  3. Avoid contact with animals (alive or dead), visiting animal markets, and purchasing products that come from animals (such as uncooked meat);
  4. Wash hands often with soap and clean water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available;
  5. Older travelers and those with underlying health issues may be at risk for more severe disease and should discuss travel to affected areas and territories with their health care provider;
  6. In order to minimize the risk of transmission, people traveling to the affected area should maintain good hand and personal hygiene;
  7. Travelers should seek medical attention if they develop respiratory symptoms within 14 days if visiting any other affected countries or countries with local transmissions, informing their health service prior to their attendance about their recent travel to the affected country;
  8. Self-Quarantine at home to minimize the spread of infection

These measures have been implemented to protect the population and communities of Kiribati against the deadly Coronavirus.

ABOUT KIRIBATI

The 33 islands of the Republic of Kiribati (pronounced Kiribas) are situated in the heart of the Pacific where the equator and the international datelines meet. Kiribati is, therefore, the only country in the work to be positioned in all 4 hemisphere’s – northern, southern, eastern and western hemispheres.

Tarawa is home to the country’s main international airport (TRW) and is serviced by direct flights from Nadi, Fiji (NAN), Nauru (INU), Funafuti, Tuvalu (FUN), Honiara, Solomon Islands (HIR), Majuro, Republic of Marshall Islands (MAJ) and Brisbane, Australia (BNE).

Kiritimati or Christmas Island (CXI) on the eastern side of the country is serviced by a weekly flight from Nadi, Fiji (NAN) and Honolulu, Hawaii (HNL).

Accommodation options include hotels, guesthouses, bungalows and traditional buyas. Tarawa (South and North) and Kiritimati host most of the accommodation whilst the outer islands feature traditional community and council run rest homes and privately-run lodges.

Kiribati – for travelers

Friendly and peaceful, Kiribati is for the traveler passionate about to discover and explore new destinations; one that enjoys an off the beaten track experience with the yearning to be fully immersed in the island’s natural beauty, culture and its people.

For more information, please email us in info@kiribatitourism.gov.ki or visit www.kiribatitourism.gov.ki