Kiribati entry requirements for Vietnam passport holders

Checked daily · Updated May 25, 2026·View sources
Visa required
Max stay
No fixed limit
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked

Vietnamese passport holders need a visa to enter Kiribati. There is no visa on arrival or e-visa option, so you must apply at a Kiribati embassy or consulate before you travel. Plan ahead — processing can take several weeks.

Entry requirements

RequirementDetailsStatus
Visa application
Visa required
You need a visa before traveling to Kiribati. Apply at the nearest Kiribati embassy or consulate — there is no eVisa system. Processing takes 2–4 weeks, so plan ahead.Check visa infoRequired
Valid passport
Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your stay
Your passport must have at least 6 months of validity remaining from your departure date from Kiribati. Airlines check this before boarding.Required
Return or onward ticket
Required for entry
Immigration officers at Bonriki International Airport ask for proof of a return or onward flight. Have your printed itinerary or e-ticket ready.Required
Proof of accommodation
Recommended
Have a hotel booking or a letter of invitation from your host ready. Immigration may ask where you're staying, especially if you arrive without a pre-booked hotel.Recommended
Proof of funds
Recommended
Carry at least 500 AUD in cash or have a bank statement showing sufficient funds. Kiribati has limited ATMs and card acceptance is not widespread.Recommended
No visa on arrival
Vietnamese passport holders cannot get a visa on arrival in Kiribati. You must have a visa issued before you travel. Arriving without one means you'll be refused entry.
Plan for limited embassy access
Kiribati has only a few diplomatic missions worldwide. The nearest to Vietnam is likely the embassy in Tokyo, Japan, or Suva, Fiji. Factor in travel or courier time for your application.

What happens at the border

1
Apply for a visa at a Kiribati embassy or consulate
Contact the nearest Kiribati diplomatic mission (e.g., in Suva, Fiji, or Tokyo, Japan). Submit your application form, passport, photos, and supporting documents. Processing takes 2–4 weeks. There is no online application.
2
Wait for visa approval
Once submitted, the embassy will process your application. You may be asked for additional documents. Approval is typically sent by mail or email — keep a copy with you.
3
Travel to Kiribati
Fly into Bonriki International Airport (TRW) on Tarawa. At immigration, present your passport with the visa sticker, return ticket, and accommodation proof. The officer will stamp you in.
4
Arrive and clear customs
After immigration, collect your luggage and pass through customs. Declare any restricted items. Then you're free to enter Kiribati.
Download Kiribati Entry Checklist
PDF · Vietnam Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 25, 2026
Download PDF

Staying longer & fees

Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:

Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay30 days, not extendable
Validity3 months from issue date
CostFree

Standard tourist visa for Vietnam passport holders; single entry only.

Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, not extendable
Validity6 months from issue date
CostFree

Multiple entry option allows multiple visits within validity period.

Business visa
Max stay90 days, extendable once for 30 days
Validity6 months from issue date
CostFree (business visa also free)

Requires invitation letter from Kiribati company; extension possible at immigration office.

Other fees
ServiceCost
Tourist visa (single entry)Visa required for Vietnam passport holders; single entry tourist visa is issued free of charge.Free (visa required, but no fee for single entry tourist visa as per current policy)
Tourist visa (multiple entry)Multiple entry tourist visa is also free for Vietnam passport holders.Free (multiple entry tourist visa also free)
Stay extension costExtensions are not permitted for tourist visa holders.Free (extensions not available)
Overstay fine per dayOverstay penalties are not publicly specified; avoid overstaying.Unknown (no official published rate)

Common reasons for entry denial

Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete documentation20%

Approval probability calculator

Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.

Transiting through Kiribati

No transit visa needed

Vietnam passport holders transiting through Kiribati do not require a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration.

Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Transit hubsBonriki International Airport (TRW) · Cassidy International Airport (CXI)

Health & vaccines for Kiribati

Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialTetanus-diphtheriaRecommendedMeasles-mumps-rubella (MMR)RecommendedCholeraConsider
Health risks
Dengue feverModerate risk

Mosquito-borne disease present; use insect repellent and mosquito nets.

Food and waterborne diseasesHigh risk

Common due to limited sanitation; drink bottled water and eat thoroughly cooked food.

Zika virusLow risk

Low risk but pregnant women should take precautions against mosquito bites.

Malaria risk: low

Low risk in most areas; prophylaxis not routinely recommended but consider for remote islands.

Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.

Immigration offices for extensions

Tarawa
Kiribati Immigration Office
Bairiki, Tarawa
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00

Main immigration office for visa extensions and inquiries; bring passport and supporting documents.

Kiritimati
Kiritimati Immigration Office
London, Kiritimati
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00

Handles immigration matters for visitors to Christmas Island; limited services.

Practical information for VN travellers

Country basics
CapitalTarawa
LanguageEnglish, Gilbertese
Driving sideLeft-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS visitors can drive with a valid US license for up to 30 days.
Money
CurrencyAustralian dollar (AUD)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 1.4 AUD
updated May 29
Time zone
Local timeUTC+12
vs New York+16h
vs Los Angeles+19h
Electricity
Voltage230V / 50Hz
Plug types
IAustralian/New Zealand plug with three flat pins
⚠ US adapter needed
Water & health
Tap water
Not safe — use bottled
Tap water is not safe to drink; use bottled or boiled water.
Emergency numbers
Police999
Medical999
US EmbassyFind contact

Frequently asked questions

Yes, you need a visa. There is no visa on arrival or e-visa. You must apply at a Kiribati embassy or consulate before you travel.
Processing typically takes 2–4 weeks. Apply well in advance of your planned travel date.
You can apply at the Kiribati Embassy in Suva, Fiji, or the Kiribati Consulate in Tokyo, Japan. Check their websites for current requirements and appointment procedures.
You'll need a valid passport (6+ months validity), completed application form, two passport photos, return flight booking, accommodation proof, and sometimes proof of funds or travel insurance.
Visa fees vary by embassy and visa type. Expect around AUD 50–100 (approx. VND 800,000–1,600,000). Check with the specific embassy for exact fees.
No, the visa is not extendable. You must leave before the visa expiry date. Overstaying can result in fines or deportation.
You will be denied entry and sent back on the next available flight. There is no visa on arrival for Vietnamese passport holders.

Official sources

Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 25, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.