Nauru
Oceania • NRU
Last updated: September 30, 2026
Nauru is the world's smallest island nation and offers a unique, off-the-beaten-path experience for travelers interested in remote island life and World War II history. Visitors can explore a rugged landscape, enjoy quiet beaches, and experience a slow pace of life far from mass tourism.
Visa Requirements
All visitors must obtain a visa prior to arrival, and applications should be submitted well in advance to the Nauruan immigration authorities.
Typically Required Documents
- Valid passport with at least six months of remaining validity
- Completed visa application form
- Proof of onward or return travel
- Evidence of sufficient funds for the duration of the stay
- Letter of invitation or hotel booking confirmation
Popular Attractions
Anibare Bay: This is the island's most beautiful beach, known for its pristine white sand and crescent shape, perfect for a relaxing swim.
Command Ridge: As the highest point on the island, it offers remnants of Japanese anti-aircraft guns and tunnels from World War II.
Buada Lagoon: This scenic freshwater lake is surrounded by lush tropical vegetation and provides a peaceful spot for walking and photography.
Moqua Well: A mysterious underground lake located in a limestone cavern, which served as a vital water source for locals during droughts.
Central Plateau: Explore the moon-like landscape left behind by historical phosphate mining, which provides a stark and interesting contrast to the coastal greenery.
Local Customs & Etiquette
Dress modestly in public, especially when away from the beach, by wearing shirts and shorts or skirts that cover the thighs.
Always ask for permission before taking photographs of local people to show respect for their privacy and culture.
Public displays of affection are generally frowned upon and should be avoided to adhere to conservative local social norms.
Sunday is widely observed as a day of rest and church attendance, so expect most businesses to be closed and maintain a quiet demeanor.
If you are invited into a Nauruan home, it is customary to remove your shoes before entering.
Safety Tips
Be cautious when swimming as strong currents can occur around the reef edges; it is safest to swim in designated areas.
Drink only bottled or treated water, as tap water on the island is not always reliable for consumption.
Ensure you have comprehensive travel insurance, as medical facilities on the island are limited and serious emergencies may require medical evacuation.
Wear sturdy footwear if you plan to hike around the rocky terrain of the interior phosphate mines to avoid injury.
Protect yourself from the strong equatorial sun by wearing high-SPF sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses during the day.
AI-generated content. Visa requirements vary by nationality — verify with the official embassy before travel.
Yellow Fever
Source: CDC
Not required when traveling directly from non-risk countries.
View sourceYellow Fever
Source: CDC
A Yellow Fever vaccination certificate is required for travelers coming from countries with risk of yellow fever.
View sourceYellow Fever
Source: CDC
No yellow fever vaccination entry requirements reported.
View sourceHepatitis B
Source: Canada_Travel
Vaccination is recommended for all travelers due to the risk of hepatitis B.
View sourceMeasles
Source: Canada_Travel
Ensure measles vaccinations are up-to-date before traveling.
View sourceHepatitis A
Source: Canada_Travel
Vaccination is recommended due to the risk of hepatitis A in Nauru.
View sourceYellow Fever
Source: Canada_Travel
Proof of vaccination is not required to enter Nauru.
View sourceHepatitis B
Source: CDC
Recommended for unvaccinated travelers of all ages traveling to Nauru.
View sourceHepatitis A
Source: CDC
Recommended for unvaccinated travelers one year old or older going to Nauru. Infants 6 to 11 months old should also be vaccinated against Hepatitis A. The dose does not count toward the routine 2-dose series.
View sourceMeasles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR)
Source: CDC
All international travelers should be fully vaccinated against measles with the MMR vaccine, according to CDC's measles vaccination recommendations for international travel.
View sourceCore Vaccines
Routine Vaccines
Source: CDC
Ensure all routine vaccinations such as MMR, Tdap, and polio are up to date for general health protection.
View sourceRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTaP, Tdap, Polio, Varicella, Influenza)
Source: CDC
Ensure all routine vaccinations are up to date before travel to prevent common preventable diseases.
View sourceRoutine Vaccines (MMR, Tdap, Polio, Varicella, Influenza)
Source: CDC
Ensure all routine vaccinations are up to date before travel to provide general immunity.
View sourceRoutine vaccines (MMR, Tdap, etc.)
Source: CDC
Ensure routine vaccinations are up to date before traveling.
View sourceRoutine vaccines (MMR, Tdap)
Source: CDC
Ensure vaccinations are up to date before travel.
View sourceHepatitis B vaccination
Source: Canada_Travel
Before traveling to areas where hepatitis B is present.
Hepatitis B is a liver disease transmitted through blood and body fluids.
View sourceHepatitis A vaccination
Source: Canada_Travel
Before traveling to areas where hepatitis A is present.
Hepatitis A is a liver disease transmitted through contaminated food or water.
View sourceMeasles vaccination
Source: Canada_Travel
Before traveling to ensure protection against measles.
Measles is a serious viral infection that spreads easily.
View sourceTyphoid vaccination
Source: CDC
Recommended for most travelers, especially those staying with friends or relatives or visiting smaller cities or rural areas.
Typhoid fever vaccines licensed in the U.S.
View sourceRabies vaccination
Source: CDC
Dogs infected with rabies are not commonly found in Nauru. If rabies exposures occur while in Nauru, rabies vaccines may only be available in larger suburban/urban medical facilities.
Rabies pre-exposure vaccination considerations include whether travelers will be performing occupational or recreational activities that increase risk for exposure to potentially rabid animals and might have difficulty getting prompt access to safe post-exposure prophylaxis. Please consult with a healthcare provider to determine whether you should receive pre-exposure vaccination before travel.
View sourceCOVID-19 vaccination
Source: CDC
All eligible travelers should be up to date with their COVID-19 vaccines.
Please see Your COVID-19 Vaccination for more information.
View sourceInsect and tick bite precautions
Source: UK_FCDO
Recommended to prevent insect and tick-borne diseases in Nauru.
Take measures to avoid insect and tick bites.
View sourceMalaria chemoprophylaxis
Source: ECDC
Recommended for travelers to areas with malaria risk to prevent infection.
Consult a healthcare provider for appropriate medication and dosage.
View sourceFood and water safety practices
Source: CDC
To minimize the risk of food-borne and water-borne illnesses.
Boil or treat water, avoid ice, and consume fully cooked foods.
View sourceRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTaP, etc.)
Source: CDC
Ensure all travelers are up to date with routine vaccines before traveling to Nauru.
View sourceFor Most Travelers
Insect Bite Prevention
Source: CDC
Use insect repellent and wear appropriate clothing to protect against mosquito-borne and other vector-borne diseases.
View sourceFood and Water Safety
Source: CDC
Travelers should practice strict food and water safety measures to prevent gastrointestinal illness.
Drink only bottled or boiled water and avoid uncooked foods.
View sourceInsect bite prevention
Source: CDC
Essential to prevent mosquito-borne diseases.
Use EPA-registered insect repellent and wear long-sleeved clothing.
View sourceFood and water safety precautions
Source: CDC
Essential to avoid diarrheal diseases and foodborne illnesses.
Drink only bottled or boiled water; eat only cooked food served hot.
View sourceTyphoid
Source: CDC
Recommended for travelers visiting small cities or rural areas where exposure to contaminated food and water is possible.
View sourceHepatitis A
Source: CDC
Recommended for most travelers due to risk of exposure through contaminated food or water.
View sourceItinerary-Specific
Hepatitis B
Source: CDC
Considered if travelers might have sexual contact with a new partner, get a tattoo, or have medical procedures performed.
View source