Before you go to Nauru: what to know
Must know
- Arrange the correct visitor permission with Immigration before travel; media, business and work purposes have separate requirements.
- Bring AUD cash: foreign exchange is difficult and card facilities are not universal.
- Prepare for equatorial heat and limited services; carry personal medication.
Entry and visas
Request current visa instructions from Nauru Immigration and obtain the appropriate approval before travelling. The official visitor application requires supporting documents and payment where applicable. A visitor visa does not authorise work/business activities or religious work beyond normal observance.
Checked October 30, 2026 · Sources: nauru.gov.nr ↗, justice.gov.nr ↗, gov.uk ↗
Money
Mostly cash is used. Cards are rarely accepted.
Apple Pay — no data · Google Pay — no data
- Cash remains common; EFTPOS exists in major supermarkets and some other outlets. Bring funds rather than relying on foreign exchange after arrival.
Checked October 30, 2026 · Sources: nauru.gov.nr ↗, nauru.gov.nr ↗, southpacificislands.travel ↗
Rules and bans
Laws visitors break unknowingly
- Use the visa appropriate to your purpose; media personnel have distinct application rules.
- Declare restricted goods and check controls on plants and animals.
Checked October 30, 2026 · Sources: justice.gov.nr ↗, nauru.gov.nr ↗, gov.uk ↗
Culture and clothing
Religion: Respect church and community customs.
Clothing: Summer casual clothing is usual; dress appropriately for church and government appointments and cover up in community areas.
Etiquette
- Ask hosts about local protocol and show respect when visiting communities.
Checked October 30, 2026 · Sources: nauru.gov.nr ↗, southpacificislands.travel ↗
Climate
Warm equatorial conditions year-round. The national climate assessment identifies December–April as the main wet season; drought and rainfall variability can affect services.
Month by month
- January: Jan: main wet season; check forecasts
- February: Feb: main wet season; check forecasts
- March: Mar: main wet season; check forecasts
- April: Apr: main wet season; check forecasts
- May: May: generally less wet; drought can occur
- June: Jun: generally less wet; drought can occur
- July: Jul: generally less wet; drought can occur
- August: Aug: generally less wet; drought can occur
- September: Sep: generally less wet; drought can occur
- October: Oct: generally less wet; drought can occur
- November: Nov: generally less wet; drought can occur
- December: Dec: main wet season; check forecasts
Best season: Choose dates around current rainfall and transport conditions; prepare for heat in any month.
Checked October 30, 2026 · Sources: nauru-data.sprep.org ↗, nauru.gov.nr ↗
What to pack
- Clothing suited to the local climate
- Personal medication and copies of travel documents
- A cash reserve kept separately from cards
Do not bring / prohibited to import
- Depending on a single payment method
Practical
Plugs: Confirm socket type and appliance voltage with your accommodation.
Water: Confirm the local drinking-water supply; carry safe water for outings.
Traffic: drives on the left
Checked October 30, 2026 · Sources: travel.gc.ca ↗, gov.uk ↗
Entry rules change. Before your trip, check the website of the embassy or immigration service of the country.