Kiribati has banned foreign diplomatic visits until December 2025 due to ongoing national elections, creating uncertainty among international diplomats. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Immigration sent a letter on August 20, informing diplomatic missions that no visits would be permitted during this period to allow the government to focus on essential tasks.
The decision has left officials seeking clarification on its implications. A diplomatic source suggested that the ban might be intended to give the new government “breathing space” post-elections, as many countries often seek to visit soon after electoral processes conclude.
The source noted that visits by non-resident diplomats to present credentials require substantial resources, which the government may want to conserve.
Kiribati’s President Taneti Maamau and opposition leader Tessie Lambourne have retained their seats in the first round of voting.
The upcoming Pacific Islands Forum in Tonga will proceed without Maamau’s attendance, with a minister likely representing Kiribati.
This ban also disrupts New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters’ plans to visit all Pacific Islands Forum member nations.
