Gizane Campos
Being a microstate, the answer to ‘Is Nauru safe?’ is pretty clear. The tiny island nation has a small population that is tight-knit and relatively easy to govern. For that reason, Nauru offers a unique experience compared to other Pacific islands. This guide will provide insights about personal safety in Nauru.
Nauru Safety Overview
Nauru is considered a safe destination for solo travelers and families with children. Although same-sex marriages are banned, the country decriminalized same-sex activity in 2016, demonstrating a progressive attitude.
Nauru’s geographic location in the Pacific Ocean places it outside the range of the full official cyclone season. There is also no threat of volcanic activity like in other Pacific countries, like Vanuatu, the Solomon Islands, and Tonga.
There isn’t a large population of expats living in Nauru, and Nauruans do not have much contact with foreigners, but the indigenous population is known to be considerate and tolerant of outsiders.
Nauru Crime Comparison with Other Pacific Countries
The Organized Crime Index evaluated 193 nations in its 2023 report based on exposure to criminal networks and their resiliency to crime, where a low criminality score indicates minimal criminal activity and a high resilience score reflects lower criminality and corruption.
Country | Criminality Score | Resilience Score |
Nauru | 2.05 | 5 |
Federal States of Micronesia | 3 | 5.88 |
Fiji | 4.5 | 5.42 |
Kiribati | 2.45 | 4.33 |
Marshall Islands | 2.52 | 5.79 |
Palau | 2.7 | 5.33 |
Solomon Islands | 4.4 | 5.08 |
Tuvalu | 1.62 | 6.08 |
Vanuatu | 2.43 | 5.13 |
The Organized Crime Index’s results put Nauru ahead of countries like the United States, the UK, and Australia in terms of low criminality.
Are Americans safe in Nauru?
The Nauru travel advisory, issued by the United States Department of State, classifies Nauru as a safe destination for Americans, with a Level 1 travel advisory score.
Travel advisories by the US State Department are categorized into four levels:
- Exercise normal precautions
- Exercise increased caution
- Reconsider travel
- Do not travel
The US State Department advises Americans, whether visiting or moving to Nauru, to exercise normal precautions, including staying aware of surroundings and common warning signs, opting for safe and reliable transportation, and steering clear of neighborhoods associated with crime or drugs.
Political and Social Stability in Nauru
Nauru citizens and residents enjoy a relatively stable political and social environment as one of the world’s smallest sovereign nations. The country operates as a democratic republic with parliamentary processes, and politicians maintain a close relationship with the country’s small population of about 10,000.
The Government of Nauru has maintained a close relationship with the Australian government through regional security, protection, and emergency aid agreements. The two countries also operated a controversial offshore arrangement to process refugees and asylum seekers.
Economic pressure after the phosphate mining boom led to the formation of economic diversification programs such as the Nauru citizenship by investment program, which offers citizenship and a Nauru passport to foreign investors.
Same-sex marriages are not legalized in Nauru, with some colonial laws and conservative attitudes still present. That said, Nauru decriminalized same-sex activity under the 2016 Crimes Act reform. There is only one bank in Nauru, but the launch of the digital assets regulator further reflects a forward-thinking society, which should increase the country’s ranking on the Global Crypto-Friendly Nations Report by the Global Intelligence Unit.
Nauru Safety at Night
Most locals know each other in Nauru, and the country’s small size makes it difficult to remain anonymous. With limited space, lawbreakers have little room to go unnoticed, and there are few isolated areas.
Areas by the Menen Hotel in Ibwenape are safe during the day and night, with practically zero crime. That said, visitors should be responsible and maintain the same level of vigilance that they would in other countries.
Vaccine Considerations for Nauru
The CDC recommends the following vaccinations for visiting Nauru:
- Hepatitis A
- Hepatitis B
- Typhoid
- Rabies
- Meningitis
- Polio
- Measles
- Mumps
- Rubella (MMR)
- Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis)
- Chickenpox
- Shingles
Other health considerations
Nauru tourism plans should include travel insurance with medical evacuation coverage. There is one Nauru hospital, and it’s only equipped to provide basic medical treatment. Nauru healthcare facilities and emergency services are severely limited, and in the event of any serious injury or illness, evacuation to Australia will be required.
Mosquito-borne illnesses like dengue and chikungunya are present in Nauru, so insect repellent should be applied to protect against mosquito bites.
Safety Tips for Relocating to Nauru
Places in Nauru are safe, with few reports of crime. Whether you’re relocating or exploring things to do in Nauru, you’re advised to keep your valuables in your accommodation. Stray dogs in Nauru can carry diseases like rabies and leptospirosis, and you should avoid contact with them and other animals.
Nauru isn’t a typical tropical destination with white sand beaches and turquoise water. The strong currents around the island’s coastline, laden with sharp coral and rock formations, make swimming hazardous.
Frequently Asked Questions about Safety in Nauru
Is Nauru safe for expats and foreign workers?
Nauru is one of the safest countries in the South Pacific. Crimes like pickpocketing and petty theft are rare. However, foreign residents should exercise caution and take out medical insurance when traveling to the country.
Is Nauru a safe place to visit?
With a very low crime rate and travel advisory Level 1, Nauru is a safe place to visit, and travelers only need to exercise normal precautions. The country doesn’t have public transportation, but taxis are safe and there are local rental companies.
Can you drink tap water in Nauru?
The tap water in Nauru is not safe to drink, as there are contamination risks due to aging infrastructure and inconsistent water treatment by local authorities. To avoid safety risks, you should only drink filtered or bottled water.
Can you swim in Nauru?
As Nauru does not have an outer barrier reef, large waves and undercurrents directly impact the shoreline and make it unsafe for swimming. Additionally, the shoreline has sharp corals and rocks, leaving little space for safe swimming or water sports activities. Anibare Harbour is an artificial, protected area that is popular among locals for swimming as it doesn’t have sharp corals or stones.
When not to go to Nauru?
Though Nauru has a minimal risk of cyclones, it’s best to avoid visiting between November and April, as this is the rainy season in the South Pacific region. Keeping track of local news reports and forecasts will give a better idea of when not to go.
