Nauru is among the hardest countries in the world to visit casually, and that is deliberate rather than accidental. A visa must be arranged in advance, entry is tightly controlled, and there is essentially one air route — the national carrier, connecting mainly through Brisbane.
Quick facts
Because almost every route passes through Australia, you need Australian transit authorisation as well, and that is a separate application with nothing to do with Nauru. Many trips fail at that step rather than at the Nauruan one.
Fees breakdown
| Item | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Visa | Published tariff | Arranged in advance |
| Australian transit authorisation | Charged by Australia | A separate requirement |
| Flights | Limited and costly | Few services weekly |
| Accommodation | Very limited | Book before applying |
| Extension of stay | Charged in Nauru | Immigration authorities |
Accommodation on the island is extremely limited, so confirm a booking before applying rather than afterwards. Flights are infrequent enough that a missed connection can mean days rather than hours.
How to apply
- Contact the Permanent Mission in New York well before you plan to travel.
- Ask exactly what your purpose of travel requires.
- Confirm accommodation before submitting anything.
- Apply for Australian transit authorisation separately.
- Build slack into the itinerary, since services are infrequent.
- Confirm insurance covering a very remote destination.
Required documents
- Passport valid well beyond the intended stay.
- Completed application and photographs.
- Confirmed accommodation and return ticket.
- Letter explaining the purpose of travel.
- Transit documentation for Australia.
- Proof of lawful residence in the United States for third-country nationals.
Where to apply
At the Permanent Mission in New York, the only Nauruan representation in the country.
Additional notes
Apply early
This is not a destination to decide on at short notice. Allow months, not weeks.
The transit country matters
Australia is the usual gateway and has its own requirements.
Medical facilities
Very limited. Insurance covering evacuation is essential rather than advisable.
Nauruans need no visa
But renewing a passport from here is difficult. See the passport page.