Nauru Safety Guide
Health, security, and travel safety information
Emergency Numbers
Save these numbers before your trip.
Healthcare
What to know about medical care in Nauru.
Healthcare System
Nauru has a single public hospital, the Nauru General Hospital (Republic of Nauru Hospital), which provides basic medical services. The facility has limited equipment, few specialists, and restricted capacity for serious medical conditions. The healthcare system relies heavily on visiting doctors and foreign medical assistance, particularly from Australia and Taiwan.
Hospitals
Nauru General Hospital in Yaren District is the only hospital on the island. It has approximately 50 beds and provides basic outpatient and inpatient services. Dental services are very limited. There are no private hospitals or clinics. Dialysis services are available but limited.
Pharmacies
The hospital pharmacy has limited stock of medications. Common over-the-counter medicines may be available, but specific prescriptions or specialized medications are often unavailable. Travelers should bring all necessary medications in sufficient quantities for their entire stay, plus extra in case of delays.
Insurance
Comprehensive travel insurance with medical evacuation coverage (minimum $100,000 USD) is absolutely essential. Medical evacuation from Nauru can cost $50,000-$150,000 USD or more. Ensure your policy covers the remote Pacific location.
Healthcare Tips
- Bring a complete medical kit including prescription medications, pain relievers, antibiotics if prescribed, anti-diarrheal medication, and first aid supplies
- Carry copies of prescriptions and a letter from your doctor explaining any medications you're bringing
- Ensure all routine vaccinations are up to date before travel
- Bring sufficient supplies of any chronic disease medications for your entire stay plus 50% extra
- Consider postponing travel if you have serious pre-existing medical conditions
- Register with your embassy or high commission before arrival
- Know your blood type and any allergies, and carry this information in writing
Common Risks
Be aware of these potential issues.
Petty crime exists but is relatively uncommon. Opportunistic theft from unlocked rooms or unattended belongings can occur.
Nauru's tropical climate with high temperatures (28-35°C) and humidity year-round can lead to dehydration, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke, especially for unacclimatized visitors.
Intense tropical sun near the equator can cause severe sunburn, sun poisoning, and long-term skin damage within 15-30 minutes of unprotected exposure.
Road conditions are variable with potholes and limited lighting. Some drivers may not follow traffic rules consistently. Stray dogs can be a hazard.
Coral cuts, sea urchins, strong currents, and occasional jellyfish pose risks. The island has limited beach access due to coral shoreline.
Power outages, water shortages, and limited internet/telecommunications can occur. ATMs may be unreliable and credit cards are rarely accepted.
Scams to Avoid
Watch out for these common tourist scams.
Due to limited tourism infrastructure and few established prices, some service providers may charge inflated rates to foreign visitors for transportation, accommodation, or guided services.
Individuals may offer guide services without proper knowledge or authorization, potentially providing inaccurate information or taking visitors to unsafe areas.
Safety Tips
Practical advice to stay safe.
General Safety
- Nauru is one of the safest places in terms of crime, but always use common sense with valuables
- The island is small (21 km²) and easy to navigate; violent crime against tourists is virtually unknown
- Respect local customs and the conservative culture; Nauruans are generally friendly and helpful
- Register with your embassy or high commission before arrival due to the remote location
- Keep copies of important documents in multiple locations including digital backups
Health Precautions
- Drink only bottled or boiled water; tap water quality can be unreliable
- Bring insect repellent for mosquitoes, though mosquito-borne diseases are not common
- Be aware that Nauru has high rates of diabetes and obesity; healthy food options may be limited
- Protect yourself from the sun at all times; UV levels are extreme
- Bring all necessary medications and a comprehensive first aid kit
Money and Banking
- Bring sufficient Australian dollars in cash; this is the official currency
- Credit cards are rarely accepted; ATMs are limited and may be out of service
- Exchange money before arrival as currency exchange services on the island are limited
- Budget for higher costs than expected; imported goods are expensive
- Keep cash secure but accessible as you'll need it for most transactions
Communication
- Purchase a local SIM card from Digicel if you need mobile service, though coverage can be spotty
- Internet access is limited, expensive, and often unreliable
- Download offline maps and necessary information before arrival
- Inform family/friends that communication may be intermittent
- Learn a few words of Nauruan; English is widely spoken but locals appreciate the effort
Transportation
- The island has one main ring road (approximately 19 km around the coast)
- Car rental is available but book in advance; verify insurance coverage
- Walking and cycling are viable options given the small size
- Be cautious of stray dogs, especially when walking or cycling
- Taxis are limited; arrange transportation through your accommodation
Food and Water
- Dining options are extremely limited; most accommodations offer meal plans
- Fresh produce is scarce; most food is imported and canned
- Bottled water is essential; bring water purification tablets as backup
- Inform your accommodation of any dietary restrictions well in advance
- Consider bringing some non-perishable snacks from home
Information for Specific Travelers
Safety considerations for different traveler groups.
Women Travelers
Nauru is generally very safe for women travelers. The crime rate is low, and violent crime against tourists is extremely rare. The local culture is conservative but welcoming. Women traveling solo should experience few problems, though the limited tourism infrastructure means you'll likely be quite conspicuous. The small community atmosphere generally contributes to safety, but standard precautions should still be observed.
- Dress modestly out of respect for local conservative values; cover shoulders and knees, especially when not at the beach
- Solo women travelers are uncommon but generally safe; you may attract curious attention but this is rarely threatening
- Avoid walking alone late at night in unlit areas, though violent crime is very rare
- The small population means people will notice and remember you; this generally enhances safety
- Build relationships with hotel staff who can provide advice and assistance
- Be aware that alcohol consumption is common among some locals; avoid situations involving heavy drinking
- Trust your instincts and maintain awareness of your surroundings
- Consider staying at established accommodations rather than informal arrangements
LGBTQ+ Travelers
Homosexuality is not illegal in Nauru. Same-sex sexual activity was decriminalized, and there are no specific laws criminalizing LGBTQ+ individuals. However, same-sex marriage is not recognized, and there are no specific anti-discrimination protections for LGBTQ+ people.
- Exercise discretion with public displays of affection regardless of orientation
- LGBTQ+ travelers should be prepared for a conservative social environment
- Avoid discussing sexual orientation or gender identity openly unless you're certain of a safe environment
- The small community size means privacy is limited; be mindful of this
- No specific LGBTQ+ resources or support networks exist on the island
- Consider the conservative cultural context when planning your trip
- Respect local customs and values to ensure a smooth visit
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance with comprehensive medical coverage and emergency evacuation is absolutely essential for visiting Nauru. The island's remote location, limited medical facilities, and lack of specialized healthcare mean that serious medical issues require expensive air evacuation to Australia, Fiji, or the Philippines. Medical evacuation can cost $50,000-$150,000 USD or more. Without proper insurance, a medical emergency could result in financial catastrophe or inability to receive necessary care.
Travel insurance for adventurous travelers • Coverage in 200+ countries