Nauru Entry Requirements

Visa, immigration, and customs information

Nauru, the world's smallest island republic, has specific entry requirements due to its remote location and limited infrastructure. All travelers must have a valid passport, a return or onward ticket, and proof of sufficient funds for their stay. The primary point of entry is Nauru International Airport (INU), where immigration processing is straightforward but thorough. Travelers should be aware that tourism infrastructure is minimal; most visitors are government officials, contractors, or individuals with business interests, and all visitors must have confirmed accommodation arrangements prior to arrival. The immigration process involves presenting required documents and may include questions about the purpose and duration of the visit. It is important to plan meticulously, as flights are infrequent and services on the island are limited.

Visa Requirements

Entry permissions vary by nationality. Find your category below.

Nauru operates a visa-on-arrival system for many nationalities, but all travelers, regardless of nationality, must obtain pre-approval (Electronic Travel Authorization - ETA) before travel. There is no true visa-free entry.

Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA/eVisa)

Typically 30 days, extendable upon application in Nauru.

All travelers, including those eligible for visa-on-arrival, must obtain an ETA prior to travel. This is a mandatory pre-authorization.

Includes

All nationalities, including Australia, New Zealand, United States, Canada, United Kingdom, European Union member states, Japan, South Korea

How to Apply: Apply through the Nauru Government's online portal or via a sponsor (hotel, business contact, or government department) in Nauru who submits the application on your behalf. Processing can take several business days.
Cost: Approximately 100 AUD for the ETA processing fee.

The ETA is not a visa but a pre-authorization to receive a visa-on-arrival. You must present the ETA approval letter upon check-in and to immigration. A confirmed hotel booking or sponsor letter is required for the application.

Visa Required

As determined by the visa issued.

Nationalities not listed for ETA/Visa-on-Arrival must apply for a traditional visa in advance from a Nauruan diplomatic mission or via the Immigration Department.

How to Apply: Apply directly to the Nauru Immigration Department, often requiring a local sponsor. There are very few Nauruan embassies abroad, so this process can be complex and lengthy.

Travelers from countries without a visa-on-arrival agreement should initiate the process well in advance of their intended travel date.

Arrival Process

Upon arrival at Nauru International Airport, all passengers proceed through a single combined immigration and customs checkpoint. The process is generally efficient but formal.

Document Check

Present your passport, printed ETA approval letter, completed incoming passenger card, and evidence of onward/return travel and accommodation to the immigration officer.

Visa Issuance

If pre-approved via ETA, the immigration officer will issue and stamp a visa-on-arrival into your passport, specifying the allowed duration of stay.

Customs and Biosecurity

Proceed to customs where your baggage may be scanned or inspected. Declare any items as required on your passenger card.

Health Screening

You may be asked to present vaccination certificates (e.g., Yellow Fever if applicable) and your completed health declaration card.

Documents to Have Ready

Passport

Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the date of entry and have at least one blank page for the visa stamp.

ETA Approval Letter

Printed copy of the Electronic Travel Authorization approval, required for boarding and immigration.

Onward/Return Ticket

Proof of confirmed departure from Nauru within the visa validity period.

Proof of Accommodation

Confirmed hotel booking or a letter of sponsorship from a host in Nauru.

Proof of Sufficient Funds

Evidence you can support yourself during your stay (e.g., bank statements, cash).

Completed Incoming Passenger Card

Provided on the aircraft or at the airport, includes customs and health declarations.

Tips for Smooth Entry

Print all your documents (ETA, flight tickets, hotel confirmations). Digital copies may not be accepted.

Have your documents organized and readily accessible in your hand luggage for a smooth process.

Answer immigration questions politely and directly. The purpose of most visits is business or official.

Ensure your sponsor's contact information in Nauru is correct and they are aware of your arrival time.

Customs & Duty-Free

Nauru has strict biosecurity laws to protect its fragile island environment. All baggage is subject to inspection.

Alcohol

2.25 liters of wine or 1 liter of spirits

Traveler must be 21 years or older.

Tobacco

200 cigarettes or 250g of tobacco

Traveler must be 21 years or older.

Currency

AUD $10,000 or equivalent

Amounts exceeding AUD $10,000 (or foreign equivalent) must be declared upon arrival and departure.

Gifts/Goods

Up to AUD $400 in value

Personal effects and gifts within this value limit are generally duty-free. Commercial goods are subject to duties.

Prohibited Items

Illegal drugs and narcotics
Pornographic material
Weapons, firearms, and ammunition without prior permit
Protected wildlife and products (CITES-listed species)
Fresh fruits, vegetables, plants, seeds, and soil - strict biosecurity

Restricted Items

Medications - must be in original packaging, accompanied by a doctor's prescription, and declared.
Animal products, dairy, and honey - require import permits and inspection.
Radio communication equipment - requires prior approval.

Health Requirements

Health requirements are focused on preventing the introduction of infectious diseases. Medical facilities on Nauru are very basic; serious conditions require medical evacuation.

Required Vaccinations

Yellow Fever vaccination certificate if arriving from a country with risk of Yellow Fever transmission.

Recommended Vaccinations

Routine vaccinations (MMR, DTP), Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Typhoid, Influenza, COVID-19.

Health Insurance

complete travel health insurance, including mandatory medical evacuation coverage, is highly recommended and may be required for visa/ETA approval. Treatment costs for non-residents are high.

Current Health Requirements: Check the latest requirements for COVID-19 testing or vaccination prior to travel, as these can change. No current mandates as of late 2024, but this is subject to change.

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Important Contacts

Essential resources for your trip.

Embassy/Consulate

Nauru has limited diplomatic representation abroad. Australia often provides consular assistance to citizens of many countries. Check your government's travel advisory for specific contacts.

Check your government's travel advisory website for the nearest office able to assist with Nauru.

Immigration Authority

Nauru Immigration Department

For visa applications and official information. Primary contact for ETA/sponsorship queries. Email is often the best method.

Emergency

Police: 110, Ambulance/Fire: 111

Emergency services number. Services are limited. For serious emergencies, contact your embassy/consulate or hotel management immediately.

Special Situations

Additional requirements for specific circumstances.

Traveling with Children

Children must have their own passport and ETA. If traveling with one parent or without parents, a notarized letter of consent from the non-accompanying parent(s) is strongly advised and may be requested by immigration.

Traveling with Pets

Extremely restrictive. Requires an import permit from the Nauru Department of Justice & Border Control. Pets are subject to a minimum 30-day quarantine in an approved country (like Australia) prior to entry, followed by potential on-island quarantine. The process is lengthy and costly.

Extended Stays

To extend a stay beyond the initial visa period, you must apply at the Immigration Department in Aiwo before your current visa expires. Extensions are not guaranteed and require a valid reason (e.g., ongoing business). Fees apply.

Know what to pack

Climate-specific clothing, travel documents, electronics, and gear — with shopping links for every item.

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