Tourism Authority Kiribati

Kaongora Newsletter

Kiribati’s Kiritimati (Christmas) Island to reopen after 3 years in lockdown.

Kiribati’s Kiritimati (Christmas) Island will welcome its first international travellers in 3 years, 1 month and 13 days when Fiji Airways resumes its weekly scheduled service to this world-class fly-fishing destination on Tuesday 02 May 2023.

Following months of rigorous airport facility and airline compliance checks and clearance by the Civil Aviation Authority of Kiribati and Fiji Airways, Kiritimati will welcome travellers through Fiji Airways’ services from Nadi, Fiji and Honolulu, Hawaii.

The Tourism Authority of Kiribati (TAK) welcomes this development in international access into Kiritimati. Tourism operators on the island have endured hardships for over 3 years since COVID-19 forced the closure of the island’s international border and the reopening is envisaged to be a welcome relief for the mainly privately and community-owned tourism business operators.

Fly fishing enthusiasts who have been patient and have supported Kiritimati Island throughout its 3 years of closure can expect world class experiences when they return to the island’s well preserved fishing flats this week.

Fiji Airways will operate weekly services from Nadi, Fiji and Honolulu, Hawaii and travellers are required to present their vaccination certificate (double vax) upon check in. COVID-19 checks are no longer required upon arrival however persons displaying COVID-19 or flu like symptoms upon arrival are required to visit the local health centre for medical check.