Kiribati: Officials extend COVID-19 measures nationwide through at least 04:00 May 13 /update 4

Event

Authorities in Kiribati have extended Alert Level 3 measures through at least 04:00 May 13 amid reduced COVID-19 activity. However, officials have further relaxed the nationwide curfew to 01:00-04:00 daily. The government will also ease limits on social gatherings and allow bars and nightclubs to reopen; however, attendees must continue to follow social distancing and facemask protocols.

Domestic Measures
Officials require residents to remain at home during curfew hours unless working in essential industries or purchasing critical goods; businesses may close before curfew so workers can return home. Gatherings of up to 50 people can occur outdoors. Facemasks are mandatory at most indoor locations and on public transport.

Public transport has also resumed, but operators can only permit seated customers, reducing capacity. Travel between Tarawa and outer islands without COVID-19 cases can occur; passengers must undergo testing and self-quarantine before departure, quarantine for three days at the destination, and obtain a negative test result before entering the community.

International Travel Restrictions
International commercial flights remain suspended. However, the government permits fully vaccinated Kiribati nationals and essential workers to enter the country via South Tarawa. All other ports of entry remain closed. Inbound passengers must hold a negative COVID-19 test result obtained 48 hours or less before departure and undergo a COVID-19 test on arrival. Passengers from COVID-19-free locations must quarantine for seven days, while travelers from high-risk places must quarantine for 14 days.

Advice

Follow all official instructions. Abide by national health and safety measures. Reconfirm business appointments, deliveries, work, and travel arrangements. Consider delaying traveling if experiencing symptoms associated with COVID-19, as they may prompt increased scrutiny and delays. Ensure contingency plans account for further disruptive measures or extensions of current restrictions. Ensure access to essential items and plan for queues and delays at available shopping centers.