VISA for CHRISTMAS iSLAND, Kiribati?
 

Does anyone know if a Visa is now required for U.S. citizens to go to Christmas Island?<BR>We went there on a cruise ship in 2000 and as I recall we didn't need a Visa.<BR>We are going on another cruise in Aug. and the cruise company says we need a Visa. This is the same cruise line that we were on in 2000.<BR>So, is the Visa requirement something new?<BR>And how much is it?<BR>I know alot of cruise lines are going here when they go to Hawaii to fulfill the foreign port requirement, so hopefully someone can clarify this for me.<BR>Thank you in advance.<BR>S

You should find the answers you are looking for on the foreign affairs government website www.dfat.gov.au<BR>Christmas Island is part of Australia and I thought US citizens didn't need a visa for Australia but the rules governing Christmas Island (and some other outlying Australian islands) changed over a year ago because of refugee issues. This may have made a difference to visas.<BR>Kay

Thanks for your reply. Will check out the site.<BR> Anyone else have some current info.?<BR>S

You do need a visa for Australia.

<BR>KayF - are you thinking of Christmas Island in the Indian Ocean? Kiribati has been an independent country since 1979. You do need a visa, but it is not via the Australian government. The US requirements are listed here:<BR><BR>http://travel.state.gov/kiribati.html<BR><BR>