Nauru: visa and entry rules

Nauru's borders: every crossing point

The country has no land borders — these are islands.

All entry is by air or by sea. The only airport is Nauru International Airport, with flights via Brisbane and the islands of the region.

There are few flights, and they shape a trip more than the visa rules do. Most countries in the region are reached via Fiji, Australia or New Zealand, and connections come round only once every few days.

Movement between the islands within the country is by light aircraft and boat, with no border formalities involved.

Flights are operated by what is effectively a single airline, and the schedule changes — it is worth keeping your return ticket confirmed.

Bringing a car into Nauru

You cannot drive here overland — there are no land borders.

Tourists get around in rental cars, and the fleet is small: it is worth booking ahead.

Traffic drives on the left.

A local temporary driving permit is often required — it is issued on the spot for a small fee.

Check the procedure for bringing a car into Nauru before you set off. It differs from that of neighbouring countries and changes from time to time.

Travelling to Nauru with a pet

The rules are strict: island states protect their own ecosystems, and biosecurity here is tougher than immigration control.

The import permit is arranged in advance, and the requirements depend on the country the animal is coming from.

The rabies vaccination must be valid on the date of entry.

Quarantine is applied.

Check the import requirements for Nauru in advance: vaccinations and certificates have their own timescales, and there is no way to fit them into the last week.

Overstaying your visa in Nauru

A fine is charged for exceeding your permitted stay and is paid on departure.

The sum is calculated at the moment you leave. The published rates for Nauru contradict one another and go out of date — count on cash and on an extra hour at the border.

An extension is arranged in advance, before your permitted stay expires.

Infrequent flights are a risk in themselves. Overstays here happen not through bad intent but because the next plane is in four days: plan your departure with a margin.