Australian High Commission in Kiribati
Mauri and welcome to the official website of the Australian High Commission in Tarawa, Kiribati.
The Australian High Commission has relocated into the newly constructed chancery building at the same location in Bairiki. The High Commission remains open for business.
All consular, notarial and passport services are provided from the new chancery. The High Commission no longer operates a separate annex building.
Please note that due to ongoing construction operations on the site, accessibility to the new building is somewhat limited. Please contact the High Commission in advance to make an appointment for necessary services, on +686 74021184 or [email protected]
Australia's rich, diverse and enduring relationship with Kiribati is evidenced through bilateral and regional development investments delivering outcomes across a range of thematic areas including Health, Education, Sustainable Economic Growth, Infrastructure, Gender, Disability Inclusion, Social Protection, Climate Resilience, Fisheries, Food Security and Labour Mobility.
Further information is available here - see also the links to a number of selected regional initiatives below.
We invite you to access the resources and information contained on this website or contact us on [email protected] if you wish to make a general inquiry.
We are also on Facebook - follow us to learn more about the day-to-day activities of the high commission and its work supporting the people and Government of Kiribati.
Australian Scholarship Awards
Applications for Australia Awards Scholarships and Australia Awards Pacific Scholarships for study in 2025 are now open. To submit an application, please visit https://oasis.dfat.gov.au
Applications will close on 30 April 2024. Extensions are not permitted.
For any scholarship enquiries, please email [email protected]
For information on Australia Awards Scholarships available for I-Kiribati citizens in 2024, please visit https://www.dfat.gov.au/sites/default/files/australia-awards-kiribati-information-for-intake.pdf further specific scholarships are also available in the aviation field. Please contact the Scholarships team to find out more.
Direct Aid Program (DAP)
The Australian High Commission’s February 2024 Direct Aid Program (DAP) round is now closed. The next round of DAP is expected to open in the second half of 2024.
The DAP is a flexible small grants program (up to $20,000 per grant) administered by the Australian High Commission. It aims to support small-scale sustainable development projects and activities that involve local communities. Where possible, community members should participate in the design, development and implementation of the project. I-Kiribati local community and non-government organisations (NGOs) are eligible to apply.
For more information on the DAP, enquire by email to [email protected] or call 7402 1184 during working hours.
Visas and immigration
Latest news
For the latest immigration and citizenship news, see News archive.
Enquiries
Visa and citizenship applications are managed by the Department of Home Affairs. High Commission staff are unable to assist with general visa or citizenship enquiries.
The Department of Home Affairs website has the most up to date and comprehensive information on applying for visas and citizenship. The website also has useful definitions and tools to help you understand the department’s requirements. Visit the website at Immigration and citizenship.
If you are having trouble locating information on the department’s website, the Home Affairs Digital Assistant may be able to help. The Digital Assistant can help you find information on Australian visas, citizenship and border entry. Visit the Immigration and citizenship website, and click the Ask a question button to get started.
Global Service Centre
If you require additional information, you may telephone the Global Service Centre on +61 2 6196 0196, Monday to Friday, from 9:00am to 5:00pm your local time.
International calls may be subject to charges imposed by your local carrier. You may wish to consider using a Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) provider to avoid potentially high charges.
Using an interpreter
When you call the GSC, select option 6 to engage a Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS) interpreter in your language. Option 6 can be selected straight after dialling the GSC number.
Alternatively, a TIS interpreter can also be engaged directly via:
- TIS website: Search | Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS National) or
- Home Affairs website See: Family and friends helping with your application
Compliments, complaints and suggestions
Your feedback is valuable to the Department of Home Affairs. The department uses your feedback to improve services and investigate and respond to any issues of concern. You can find more information on the department’s website at Compliments, complaints and suggestions.
Allegations related to suspicious border activities
If it doesn’t feel right, flag it anonymously with Border Watch. Border Watch is the single collection point for the Department of Home Affairs and the Australian Border Force (ABF) for allegations related to suspicious border activities and is not limited to immigration and citizenship. One small observation could help stop a much larger border crime. You can report suspicious immigration, customs and border related activity via the Border Watch Online Report.
Contact us
If you have read this information and still need more information or help, you can contact the Visa Office at the Australian High Commission in Suva in this link.
Jobs in Australia
Australian companies associated with the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) Scheme, or any other working scheme, do not have the authority to guarantee jobs or visas. Do not send any money to any company. If asked by any company to send money then refer the matter to the Australian High Commission. Be aware that illegitimate websites exist for the sole purpose of receiving payment for services they have no intention of providing.
If you are interested in registering your interest to work in Australia as part of the PALM Scheme (either in the Seasonal Worker Program or the skilled Pacific Labour Scheme) please contact the Kiribati Ministry of Employment and Human Resource at www.employment.gov.ki
Selected regional initiatives operating in Kiribati with Australia's support
- Pacific Step-up
- Australia's Pacific regional development program
- COVID-19 response packages (Kiribati COVID-19 Development Response Plan)
- Australian Infrastructure Finance Facility for the Pacific
- Pacific Community (SPC)
- Australia Pacific Climate Partnership
- Pacific Women Lead
- Pacific Food Security Initiative
- Pacific regional - climate change and resilience (Kiribati)
- Pacific Agreement on Closer Economic Relations Plus (PACER Plus)
- Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) Scheme
- Australia Awards and Australia Awards Pacific Scholarships
- Australia Pacific Security College
Information for Australian travellers
Consular Officers can be contacted on +686 7402 1184. After working hours, emergency consular calls will be transferred to the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre (CEC) in Canberra. The CEC can also be contacted directly on +61 2 6261 3305.
Passport services are available at the Australian High Commission between 10.00 am and 4 pm weekdays, excluding public holidays. Visit this site to confirm fees and access more information.
Notarial services are available during working hours, by appointment. Contact us via [email protected] or +686 740 21184 to make an appointment. Visit Smartraveller to confirm fees and access more information.
Other Australian Embassies, consulates and missions websites around the world
Smartraveller
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In a crisis, Smartraveller will activate a crisis page on its website. It will make it easier for you or someone you know to contact the Australian Government if you need help. It will supplement the consular emergency hotline.
Visit www.smartraveller.gov.au to subscribe or connect with Smartraveller on Facebook and Twitter.
Public holidays observed in 2024
The Australian High Commission in Tarawa will be closed for the following public holidays in 2024.
Public Holiday |
Date |
New Year’s Day |
Monday 1 January 2024 |
Good Friday |
Friday 29 March 2024 |
Easter Monday |
Monday 1 April 2024 |
International Labour Day | Friday 3 May 2024 |
Reconciliation Day |
Monday 27 May 2024 |
In honour of Kiribati National Day |
Thursday 11 July 2024 |
Kiribati National Day |
Friday 12 July 2024 |
Youth and Children’s Day |
Monday 5 August 2024 |
World Teachers' Day |
Monday 7 October 2024 |
Christmas Day |
Wednesday 25 December 2024 |
Boxing Day |
Thursday 26 December 2024 |
Additional Holiday |
Friday 27 December 2024 |
Additional Holiday |
Monday 30 December 2024 |
Additional Holiday |
Tuesday 31 December 2024 |
Contact us
Read our Privacy policy
Email us at [email protected]
Send us a mail to the following postal address:
P.O. Box 77, Bairiki, Tarawa, Kiribati
Phone us on: (+686) 740 21184
Office hours are 8.30 am to 5 pm weekdays, excluding public holidays.