Neither Canadian nor international driving licences are recognized in Nauru. Foreigners intending to drive must obtain a Nauruan driver's licence for $A70.00.

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5. NATURAL DISASTERS AND CLIMATE

The rainy season extends from November to February. Travellers should keep informed of regional weather forecasts and plan accordingly.

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6. LOCAL LAWS AND CUSTOMS

You are subject to local laws. A serious violation may lead to a jail sentence. The sentence will be served in local prisons.

Canadians arrested or detained have the right to contact the responsible Canadian government office (embassy, high commission, etc.) listed in Section 7 below. Arresting officials have a responsibility to assist you in doing so. Canadian consular officials can provide a list of local lawyers upon request.

The Department publishes A Guide for Canadians Imprisoned Abroad, specifically targeted at incarcerated Canadians. Its prime objective is to inform Canadian detainees, their families, and friends about available assistance and advice.

Possession, use, or trafficking of illegal drugs may result in jail sentences and heavy fines.

Homosexuality is illegal.

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7. ASSISTANCE FOR CANADIANS ABROAD

There is no resident Canadian government office in Nauru. Canadians in Nauru can obtain consular assistance and further information from the Australian High Commission in Suva, Fiji (under the Canada-Australia Consular Services Sharing Agreement), at the following address:

Fiji - SUVA, High Comission of Australia
Address: 37 Princes Road (Tamavua), Suva, Fiji
Postal Address: P.O. Box 214, Suva, Fiji
Tel.: 679 338 2211
Fax: 679 338 2065
Internet: www.austhighcomm.org.fj

The High Commission of Canada in Canberra, Australia, has consular responsibility for Nauru. The address is as follows:

Australia - CANBERRA, High Commision of Canada
Address: Commonwealth Avenue, Canberra ACT 2600, Australia
Tel.: 61 (2) 6270-4000
Fax: 61 (2) 6270-4081
E-mail: cnbra@international.gc.ca
Internet: http://www.international.gc.ca/australia

For emergency assistance after hours, call the High Commission of Canada in Canberra, Australia, and follow the instructions. You may also make a collect call to the Department in Ottawa at 613-996-8885.

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8. ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS

The following information on entry and exit requirements has been confirmed with the authorities of Nauru and, to the best of our knowledge, was valid on March 24, 2006. However, entry and exit requirements are subject to change.

It is the sole prerogative of each country to determine who is allowed to enter. All countries have special requirements for persons intending to reside for extended periods (usually more than 90 days) or who plan to work, study, or engage in non-tourist activities. To obtain information on specific entry requirements, contact the nearest diplomatic or consular office of the country or countries to be visited. Violations of entry and exit requirements may result in serious penalties.

For further information, contact the Consulate General of the Republic of Nauru, Level 50, Nauru House, 80 Collins Street, Melbourne, Vic 3000, Australia (country code: 613/ tel.: 9653-5709/ fax: 9654-4738).

A valid Canadian passport is required for Canadians intending to visit Nauru. Canadians must also be in possession of a visa, an onward or return ticket, and proof of accommodations.

Tourist Visa: Required
Business Visa: Required
Student Visa: Required

A fee of $A25 is required upon departure.

A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required from travellers arriving from infected areas.

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Special and diplomatic passport holders should verify visa requirements for this and other countries, as they may differ from those that apply to regular passport holders.

Selling, altering, or allowing another person to use your passport is a criminal offence. It could lead to the laying of charges and imprisonment if convicted. It could also lead to the denial of future passport services.

Although same-sex marriages are legal in Canada, many countries do not recognize them. Attempting to enter as a same-sex married couple may result in refusal by local officials. For more information, contact the foreign government office accredited to Canada.

Any adult travelling with children may be required to show evidence of parental/custodial and/or access rights. Foreign and Canadian authorities may also require evidence that the adult has the consent of the parents, legal guardian, and/or the court to travel with the children. Some countries may not permit children to enter or, in some cases, leave the country without proper documentation such as a letter of consent or a court order.

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9. MONEY

The currency is the Australian dollar. Credit cards are accepted. There are no ATMs. Foreign currency and traveller's cheques are accepted at some hotels.

Check with your bank for information on ATM services in other countries. You can also check the VISA ATM locator page or the MasterCard ATM locator page for the addresses of ATMs around the world. Your bank can advise if you need a new personal identification number (PIN) for overseas access to your account. Credit cards and debit cards should be used with caution due to the potential for fraud and other criminal activity. ATMs should be used during business hours inside a bank, supermarket, or large commercial building. Leave copies of your card numbers with a family member in case of emergency.

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10. GENERAL INFORMATION

Nauru (no official capital; government offices in Yaren District) is an island located in the south Pacific Ocean, south of the Marshall Islands. The official language is Nauruan. English is widely spoken. Tourist facilities and services are limited.

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11. TRAVEL MEDICINE PROGRAM

The Public Health Agency of Canada and the World Health Organization (WHO) report on disease outbreaks that occur throughout the world. For the latest travel health advisories and related information, visit the Public Health Agency of Canada’s Travel Medicine Program Web site.

The Public Health Agency of Canada strongly recommends that your travel plans include contacting a travel medicine clinic or physician six to eight weeks before departure. Based on your individual risk assessment, a health care professional can determine your need for immunizations and/or preventive medication and advise you on precautions to avoid disease. Travellers are reminded to ensure that their routine (childhood) immunizations (e.g., tetanus, diphtheria, polio, and measles) are up to date.

Standards of medical care may differ from those in Canada. Treatment may be expensive, and payment in advance may be required. Travellers are advised to arrange for medical insurance prior to departure. Prescription medications should be kept in the original container and packed in carry-on luggage.

The Public Health Agency of Canada also recommends that travellers who become sick or feel unwell on their return to Canada seek a medical assessment with their personal physician. Travellers should inform their physician that they have been travelling or living outside of Canada.

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12. ADDITIONAL HEALTH INFORMATION

N/A

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13. RETURNING TO CANADA

Please consult the Current Issue on returning to Canada.

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14. INTERNATIONAL ADOPTIONS

N/A

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15. TRAVEL TIPS

Please consult our Traveller's Checklist.

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16. HEALTH AND TRAVEL INSURANCE

Do not rely on your provincial health plan to cover all expenses if you get sick or are injured while abroad. It may cover nothing or only a portion of the costs. Understand the terms of your supplementary insurance policy. Some credit cards offer their holders health and travel insurance. Do not assume the card alone provides adequate coverage. Carry details of your insurance with you. Also, tell your travel agent, a friend or relative, and/or travelling companion how to contact your insurer. Get a detailed invoice from the doctor or hospital before you return to Canada. Always submit original receipts for any medical services or prescriptions received abroad. Most insurance companies will not accept copies or faxes.

Cancelling a scheduled trip abroad could cost you money. Before cancelling a scheduled trip, you should discuss the matter with your travel agent, your travel insurer, or the airline. The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller.

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17. FOR MORE INFORMATION

N/A

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18. ANNEX

N/A

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