Getting to Tarawa by Air
Most travellers will need to fly into Bonriki International Airport (TRW) in Tarawa, in the Gilbert Islands group of Kiribati. To get to Tarawa, you’ll likely need to take an international flight to Nadi (Fiji) or Brisbane (Australia). Nadi International Airport in Fiji and Brisbane International Airport in Australia are common connecting hubs to Tarawa.
It’s essential to plan your trip well in advance, considering flight availability, accommodations, local transportation, and any specific requirements (Visa, COVID protocols, Customs, Biosecurity, Research & Filming Permit, etc.) for your journey.
There is direct flight from Brisbane, Australia via Nauru to Tarawa with Nauru Airlines. Nauru Airlines operates a Thursday flight service into Tarawa. Find out more on Nauru Airline flights with: https://www.nauruair.com
Nadi International Airport in Fiji is a common connecting international hub for flights to Tarawa. Fiji Airways operates a Monday and Thursday flight service into Tarawa. Find out more on Fiji Airways flights to Tarawa with: https://www.fijiairways.com
Before you travel to Tarawa, please ensure you have arranged your airport pick up with your booked accommodation in Tarawa to ensure that they pick you up upon arrival at Bonriki International Airport.
Getting to Tarawa by Sea
For sailboats & yachts sailing to Tarawa & the Gilbert Islands, Betio Port is the entry and clearance port for the Gilbert Islands. Upon arrival, please call “Tarawa Radio” on Channel 16. Inward and outward clearance formalities will be conducted by a boarding party, comprised of Immigration, Customs, Health, Police and Biosecurity authorities.
Hence, please ensure to prepare and present all necessary travel documents – passports, crew and passenger list, manifests etc. Please also inform the Boarding Party your departure date for outward clearance formalities.
Sailing to other outer islands in Gilbert Islands can be approved once you have completed your inward clearance formalities in Tarawa. However, it is required by law that you sail back to Tarawa for your outward clearance before you sail to depart the country.
Cruising to Tarawa and the Gilbert Islands can be an exciting and unique travel experience for cruise passengers who want to experience this different part of the world. However, cruise ships who wish to include Tarawa and the Gilbert Islands in their ports of call and cruise itineraries will require the assistance and support of local cruise agents to provide logistical support, coordination of cruise excursions, safety & compliance and so forth.
For cruise ship logistical support and assistance, please contact the following shipping agencies:
- One Stop Shipping
P.O Box 420, Betio, Tarawa, Republic of Kiribati
Phone: +686 75126222 / Email: info@onestop.com.ki
- Shipping Agencies of Kiribati
P.O Box 402, Betio, Tarawa, Republic of Kiribati
Phone: (+686) 72026472 / Fax: (+686) 26430
Managing Director – Mr. Tekaai Mikaere
Email: tmikaere@saok.com.ki
Agency Manager – Mr. Naare Taukoriri
naare.taukoriri@saok.com.ki