Is International Driving Permit a mandatory requirement in Kiribati?

The International Driving Permit (IDP) may not be mandatory in the country, but getting one is highly recommended by tourists who have driven in the country. Driving a motor vehicle in this country for less than three months as a tourist is now possible with just your valid driver’s license, along with your IDP.

A little background about what an IDP is, you can use an IDP during a car rental or during checkpoints. Our IDP is recognized 165+ countries, including the following:

• Japan
• Bahrain
• Bosnia and Herzegovina
• Botswana
• Brazil
• Brunei
• Oceania countries such as Fiji, Gilbert ISlands, etc.
• Guinea-Bissau
• Jamaica
• Lesotho
• Namibia
• Nepal
• New Zealand
• Oman
• Nicaragua
• Panama
• Portugal
• Qatar
• South Africa
• United Kingdom
• Zimbabwe
• and more.

Kiribati is known for its fascinating views of the Pacific Ocean, spectacular beaches, and the immense number of natural wonders it holds that beckons and allures travelers worldwide to come, visit, and discover its beauty. The country is considered one of the best travel destinations in the Central Pacific Ocean and worldwide.

Kiritimati

Kiritimati is a famous island in Kiribati known as Christmas Island, and it has the most significant coral atoll in the Northern Line Islands and the world. The island is filled with natural wonders, beauty, exciting adventures, and a place perfect for bird watching.

When is the best time to go?

Suppose you want to visit Kiritimati, the best time for you to see the island from May to November, the weather in these months is from moderate to cool. The weather is perfect for underwater activities and other outdoor activities where the heat does not beat you and ruin your exploration on the island.

When is the worst time to go?

The worst time to visit Kiritimati island is from November to April; the weather is not ideal for travel and island exploration due to the risk of cyclones that might hit the islands. Most of the activities to do in Savai'i are outdoor activities, and with the storms, you can't enjoy and take a safe trip in your stay on the island.

What Makes Kiritimati Famous?

Kiritimati is famous for its beautiful reefs, exciting underwater activities, birdwatching, and one of Kiribati’s best scuba diving and fishing spots. It is a top destination that keeps many natural wonders and marine life that travelers are eager to see on their visit to Kiritimati and travel to Kiribati.

Fanning/ Tabuaeran Islands

Fanning Islands is a small paradise known as Tabuaeran, the most visited tourist spot in Kiribati. The island of Fanning is a Game wildlife reserve where you can see different types and species of wildlife. Fanning Island has many surprises to offer, from the island’s beautiful beaches, stunning sceneries, and natural wonders that are truly captivating.

When is the best time to go?

Since Fanning island is under Central line islands, it is an all-year-round destination. You can pack light clothes for the island and have the right weather for a perfect beach getaway. It will only depend on your preferences when you want to visit the island.

When is the worst time to go?

There is no worst time to go to Fanning island; the weather is good all year round. The decision when to visit the island is in your hands. You can plan an itinerary to list the places you want to see and check if the weather is ideal.

What Makes Fanning/ Tabuaeran Islands Famous?

Tabuaeran is a beautiful destination in Kiribati that is famous for its spectacular natural beauty, white sand beaches, and wonders surrounding the island. The island is also renowned as a paradise for snorkeling, diving, surfing, and unique customs that add more to the popularity of Fanning Islands.

Tarawa

Tarawa, the Republic of Kiribati capital, is an atoll that has a large lagoon that reaches about 500 sq km of the island's total area. The island is rich in history, customs, natural resources, marine life, and breathtaking beaches that travelers are enthusiastic about visiting and discovering.

When is the best time to go?

The best time to travel and explore the island of Tawara is from May to November. The weather is perfect for outdoor activities and exploring Tawara’s beautiful top destinations because it is sunny, there are no rains, the humidity is a little lower, and the heat is bearable.

When is the worst time to go?

There’s no worst time to visit Tawara, but for your safety, you must avoid seeing the islands during the rainy season, September to November. You will not enjoy your trip if it’s raining and hinders you from doing outdoor activities.

What Makes Tawara Famous?

Tawara is famous for its historical background and World War II memorabilia and historical sites that you can see across the island. The island of Tawara is also recognized as the destination that gives the unique and authentic tradition Kiribati life.

Venturing by car to Kiribati's top destinations offers both amusement and excitement. Yet, before you spark up the ignition and set the wheels in motion, ensuring your safety and adherence to the Kiribati driving rules is essential. The rules and regulations mandated by Kiribati's government set a clear path for navigating the island's roads responsibly and safely, guaranteeing a worry-free visit to this unique island destination.

Drunk-driving

Driving under the influence of alcohol is prohibited. The blood alcohol limit is 0.08 for both the locals and tourists in the country. To guarantee your safety on your travel, avoid drinking and driving at all costs.

It's still best not to drink so you don't go beyond the blood alcohol limit. This will guarantee your safety while you're driving in a foreign country. There might be checkpoints where officers check the driver's blood alcohol level. Driving under the influence of alcohol will put you in danger because alcohol impairs your motor skills and focus on the road.

Driving in the rain

Do not drive in the rain unless it is necessary. You need to be cautious while driving in Kiribati during the rain. Some parts of Kiribati’s roads have potholes, uneven and slippery roads. Some roads were easily flooded due to excessive and continuous rain. Always keep in mind to bring an emergency kit when traveling and to drive in the rain. Also, drive below the speed limit when driving in the rain as roads can get slippery. The speed limit in urban areas is 60km/h.

Driving at night

Do not drive at night in Kiribati unless it is necessary. There’s a lack of streetlights in the country, and due to absence of proper lighting causes poor visibility. Animals come out and stroll during the night that you might encounter while driving at night. If you have to drive at night, drive below the speed limit.

The animals are unpredictable. They might suddenly cross the road and surprise you that may cause an accident. Some pedestrians unexpectedly cross the hazardous road. Take an extra precaution when driving at night.