Australian High Commission
Kiribati

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 open. Applications will close 11:59pm 17 March 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.

Applications should be submitted online through: https://dap.smartygrants.com.au/kiribati202324round2

For applicants from outer islands, please contact the Australian High Commission for alternative submission options if there are connectivity challenges. Physical applications must be received no later than 5pm 15 March 2024 at the High Commission in Bairiki. 

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:

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

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

Smartraveller has the latest, authoritative travel advice so you can be informed and prepared about overseas travel. Subscribe to receive travel advice updates - by simply supplying your name and email address – straight to your inbox.

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.

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