Nauru Entry Requirements

Nauru Entry Requirements

Visa, immigration, and customs information

Important Notice Entry requirements can change at any time. Always verify current requirements with official government sources before traveling.
Nauru is one of the smallest independent republics and the least-visited country in the Pacific, so its entry rules are simple yet exacting. All international flights land at Nauru International Airport (INU) on the west coast, almost always via Brisbane (BNE) on Nauru Airlines. Immigration officers either stamp a free on-arrival visa or check the pre-approved visa you already hold. Queues vanish because only one or two flights touch down each week. Before boarding, check-in staff will confirm that you have proof of onward travel within 30 days and evidence of lodging (a confirmed booking at one of the Nauru hotels or a letter from a resident host). Bring printed copies, cellular data can be patchy on the island and immigration officers like paper. Nauru uses Australian dollars and has no ATMs. Pack enough cash for your stay and any departure tax, and prepare for a cordial yet meticulous customs inspection on arrival.

Visa Requirements

Entry permissions vary by nationality. Find your category below.

Visa-Free Entry
30 days

Citizens of the Pacific Islands Forum (except Kiribati and Tuvalu) and holders of certain passports can receive a free entry permit on arrival.

Includes
Fiji Marshall Islands Micronesia Palau Papua New Guinea Samoa Solomon Islands Tonga Tuvalu Vanuatu

Entry is granted only for tourism or family visits. Paid work requires a separate permit issued by the Nauru Department of Home Affairs.

Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA/eVisa)
30 days

Most other nationalities, including the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, and all Schengen countries, must secure an e-visa before boarding.

Includes
United States United Kingdom Canada Australia New Zealand Japan South Korea Singapore All Schengen countries
How to Apply: Apply online at the Nauru Immigration website. Upload passport bio-page, onward ticket, and accommodation confirmation. Processing normally takes 3, 5 working days.
Cost: Budget-friendly government fee

The visa is issued as a PDF; print it and carry a spare copy. Extensions up to 90 days can be requested at the Department of Home Affairs in Aiwo District.

Visa Required
30 days

Passport holders not covered above must obtain a visa through the nearest Nauruan embassy or, where absent, the Nauru High Commission in Suva, Fiji.

How to Apply: Send completed form, passport, photos, onward ticket, accommodation proof, and a brief itinerary by courier to the Nauru High Commission.

No same-day service. Allow at least 2, 3 weeks. Nauru has no embassies in most countries, so expect courier and processing delays.

Arrival Process

After landing on Nauru's single runway, passengers walk across the tarmac into the small arrivals hall. The whole process rarely exceeds 30 minutes.

1
Immigration
Present passport, visa document (if applicable), and arrival card. Officers may ask details of your stay and whether you have arranged accommodation at one of the Nauru hotels.
2
Baggage Claim
One conveyor belt serves both domestic and international flights. Bags are manually checked. Collect and proceed to customs.
3
Customs Inspection
Hand your customs form to the officer. Random hand-luggage checks are common, for food items.

Documents to Have Ready

Passport
Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the date of arrival.
Visa or ETA print-out
Required for non-visa-free travelers. Show at check-in and again on arrival.
Return or onward ticket
Airline staff will ask before boarding. Immigration may ask again in Nauru.
Accommodation proof
Hotel voucher, booking confirmation, or letter from a resident host.
Arrival card
Distributed on the aircraft or in the arrivals hall. Complete before reaching the immigration counter.

Tips for Smooth Entry

Arrive at Brisbane check-in 30 minutes earlier than normal; Nauru Airlines requires extra visa verification.
Bring Australian dollar cash. There is no ATM at Nauru International Airport.
Print all documents, mobile boarding passes and PDFs on phones are not accepted at immigration.

Customs & Duty-Free

Nauru limits duty-free allowances strictly. Everything is imported by sea, so even modest excesses attract high duty.

Alcohol
2 litres of alcoholic beverages
Must be 21 or older; beer, wine, and spirits are permitted.
Tobacco
250 cigarettes or 250 grams of loose tobacco
No lower age limit but officers may confiscate if intended for resale.
Currency
AUD 10,000 or equivalent in any currency
Must declare if carrying more. Forms are available on arrival.
Gifts/Goods
AUD 400 per person
Applies to souvenirs and personal items not for commercial use.

Prohibited Items

  • Fresh fruit, vegetables, and seeds, strict biosecurity controls
  • Meat and dairy without import permit, risk of disease
  • Illegal drugs, severe penalties including imprisonment

Restricted Items

  • Firearms and ammunition, requires police permit issued in advance
  • Medication in large quantities, carry prescription letter from doctor

Health Requirements

Nauru is currently free of yellow fever, cholera, and malaria. But routine vaccinations and travel insurance are strongly encouraged.

Required Vaccinations

  • None for entry

Recommended Vaccinations

  • Routine MMR, DPT, influenza
  • Hepatitis An and B
  • Typhoid if eating outside established Nauru restaurants or hotels

Health Insurance

No policy is mandatory for entry. Yet medical evacuation costs are extremely high. Complete travel insurance with evacuation cover is recommended.

Current Health Requirements: As of June 2024, COVID-19 testing or vaccination certificates are no longer required; double-check the Nauru Ministry of Health website 48 hours before departure as requirements have changed twice in the past year.

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Important Contacts

Essential resources for your trip.

Embassy/Consulate
Find your country's embassy or consulate
Check your government's travel advisory website
Immigration Authority
Nauru Immigration Department
http://naurugov.nr/department-of-justice-and-border-protection
Emergency
Emergency services number
Dial 110 for police, 111 for ambulance, 112 for fire

Special Situations

Additional requirements for specific circumstances.

Traveling with Children

Minors need their own passport. If accompanied by one parent or a guardian, carry a notarised consent letter from the non-travelling parent(s) and copies of birth certificates.

Traveling with Pets

Cats and dogs require an import permit from the Nauru Department of Commerce, Industry and Environment, rabies vaccination certificate issued at least 6 months before travel, and a veterinary health certificate issued within 10 days of departure.

Extended Stays

Tourists wishing to remain beyond 90 days must apply for a resident permit at the Department of Home Affairs in Aiwo District. Supporting documents include local sponsor letter, police clearance from home country, and evidence of self-support.

Know What to Pack

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

View Nauru Packing List →