• The official website of the Kiribati Immigration Division.
  • Suva High Commission
  • Kiritimati Branch
MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS
KIRIBATI IMMIGRATION DIVISION

About The Division

Securing Kiribati’s Borders, Serving Our People

Our Mandate

The Immigration Division operates under the authority of the Kiribati Immigration Act 2019. Under this mandate, the Division is responsible for:

  • Controlling and regulating the entry and exit of all persons at Kiribati’s borders
  • Issuing travel documents, visas, and permits in accordance with the law
  • Monitoring the movement and status of foreign nationals within Kiribati
  • Ensuring compliance with immigration laws to protect the safety and security of all I-Kiribati citizens
  • Cooperating with national and regional partners to uphold border integrity
Vision

A secure and well-managed border that enables Kiribati and its people to thrive.

Mission
To deliver effective, lawful, and people-centred immigration services that protect citizens, facilitate legitimate travel, support economic development, and strengthen Kiribati’s place in the Pacific community and beyond.
Our Core Functions

Passport Services

Citizenship Services

Visa & Immigration Services

We issue ordinary, official, and diplomatic passports to Kiribati citizens, with processing options ranging from 1 to 10 days. Our offices in Tarawa and Kiritimati are committed to efficient and secure document processing.
We process citizenship applications through descent, adoption, marriage, and naturalization, helping individuals establish their legal status in Kiribati.
We manage entry requirements for visitors and foreign nationals, including visitor visas, work permits, student visas, transit visas, and permanent residence applications.
Our Role in National Security

The Immigration Division is a frontline contributor to the national security of Kiribati. By controlling who enters and exits the country, the Division helps protect communities from unlawful movement, overstaying, and other immigration violations.

The Division works hand in hand with the Kiribati Police Service and other relevant government agencies to enforce immigration laws and respond to border-related security matters. This whole-of-government approach ensures that Kiribati’s borders remain secure while still welcoming visitors, investors, and partners who contribute to the nation’s growth and wellbeing.

Beyond national borders, the Immigration Division plays an active role in supporting Kiribati’s relationships across the Pacific and internationally. The Division facilitates legitimate travel and labour mobility for I-Kiribati citizens working abroad, including under the Seasonal Worker Programme and other regional labour agreements.

The Division cooperates with immigration authorities in partner nations, supports the work of Kiribati’s overseas missions — including the Kiribati High Commission in Suva, Fiji — and contributes to Kiribati’s commitment to good governance and regional stability.

The work of the Immigration Division is governed by the following legislation and official documents:

  • Kiribati Immigration Act 2019 — The primary legislation governing all immigration functions in the Republic of Kiribati
  • Immigration Manual (Procedures) 2020 — The operational procedures guide for immigration officers and relevant officials
  • Visa Exemption Order 2023 — The current list of countries whose nationals are exempt from visa requirements when entering Kiribati