Kiribati Postal Services

About Us

Kiribati Postal Services is a division of the Ministry of Information, Communications and Transport (MICT) and the designated postal operator of the Republic of Kiribati.

We provide domestic and international postal, parcel, express, financial and philatelic services. Through the worldwide postal network coordinated by the Universal Postal Union (UPU), we connect the people, communities and businesses of Kiribati with regional and global destinations.

Kiribati Postal Services operates four main post offices at Bairiki, Betio, Bikenibeu and Kiritimati Island, supported by postal agencies serving the outer islands. This network plays an important role in connecting communities across Kiribati’s widely dispersed islands.

Our Mandate and Responsibilities

Kiribati Postal Services is responsible for providing accessible and reliable postal services in accordance with the Postal Services Act, relevant laws of Kiribati, and applicable Universal Postal Union regulations and standards.

Our principal responsibilities are to:

• provide universal postal services throughout Kiribati;

• accept, process, transport and deliver domestic and international mail;

• provide letter-post, parcel-post and express mail services;

• maintain postal facilities and support postal agencies on the outer islands;

• facilitate the exchange of international mail through the UPU global postal network;

• support Customs, aviation-security and international mail requirements;

• provide postal financial and philatelic services;

• support national connectivity, trade and e-commerce development;

• protect the security and integrity of mail, customer information and postal facilities; and

• continually improve service quality, operational efficiency and customer experience.

Vision

To be a trusted, modern and inclusive postal service connecting every community in Kiribati to national, regional and global opportunities.

Mission

To provide accessible, secure, reliable and customer-focused postal and logistics services through committed staff, modern technology, strong partnerships and continuous service improvement.

We aim to support social connection, government service delivery, financial inclusion, trade and e-commerce while ensuring that people in remote and underserved communities are not left behind.

Our Core Values

Customer Service

We listen to our customers and work to provide respectful, helpful and dependable services.

Accessibility and Inclusion

We strive to make essential postal services available to communities across Kiribati, including the outer islands.

Integrity and Accountability

We perform our duties honestly, responsibly and in accordance with national and international requirements.

Safety and Security

We protect customers, employees, mail items, information and postal facilities through appropriate security and compliance measures.

Reliability

We work to process and deliver mail accurately, safely and within the service conditions available to Kiribati.

Innovation

We support the adoption of modern postal systems, electronic data exchange, tracking and other appropriate technologies.

Teamwork and Partnership

We work with customers, government agencies, Customs, transport operators, overseas postal operators and development partners to improve postal connectivity.

Our Services

Ordinary Letter-Post

Ordinary Letter-Post is an affordable service for sending personal correspondence, business documents, printed material and eligible small packets domestically or internationally.

Letter-post categories may include:

• letters and documents;

• postcards;

• printed papers;

• books, newspapers and periodicals;

• photographs and other printed material; and

• small packets containing eligible goods.

Applicable weight, size, contents and destination restrictions must be confirmed at the post office before posting. Ordinary mail may not include tracking, proof of delivery or compensation.

Customers should use a tracked, registered or express service when sending important documents or goods requiring greater visibility or security.

Registered Mail

Registered Mail provides additional security and accountability for eligible letter-post items.

Depending on the destination and applicable service conditions, Registered Mail may provide:

• proof of posting;

• a unique item identification number;

• tracking information where supported;

• signature or confirmation at delivery; and

• inquiry or compensation arrangements subject to applicable postal regulations.

The sender must provide a complete and accurate address. The recipient may be required to present valid identification before collecting the item.

Customers should confirm current eligibility, fees, tracking coverage and compensation conditions at the post office before posting.

International Parcel Post

International Parcel Post is an economical service for sending eligible goods and personal effects overseas.

Service features may include:

• a unique identification number;

• tracking information where supported;

• proof of posting;

• delivery confirmation where available; and

• inquiry or compensation arrangements subject to the applicable regulations.

International parcels must comply with:

• weight and size limits;

• destination-country requirements;

• Customs declaration requirements;

• aviation and transport-security rules; and

• restrictions on dangerous, prohibited or controlled goods.

The sender is responsible for providing a complete and truthful description of the contents, quantity, weight, value and country of origin. General descriptions such as “gift,” “personal items” or “goods” may not be accepted without further details.

Customers should contact their nearest post office to confirm the current maximum weight, available destinations, postage rates and transport options.

Express Mail Service (EMS)

EMS is Kiribati Postal Services’ premium international express service for eligible documents and merchandise. It connects Kiribati with participating postal operators through the UPU EMS network.

EMS service features may include:

• faster processing than ordinary international mail;

• a unique item identification number;

• end-to-end tracking where available;

• proof of posting;

• signature or delivery confirmation;

• customer-service inquiry support; and

• compensation subject to EMS regulations and service conditions.

Customers sending merchandise must complete the required Customs declaration and provide accurate information about the contents and value.

Delivery times depend on flight availability, transport connections, Customs clearance, security checks, destination conditions and the performance of overseas delivery partners. Published delivery estimates should therefore be treated as indicative rather than guaranteed unless expressly stated otherwise.

Domestic Mail Services

Domestic mail services connect customers in South Tarawa, Kiritimati Island and the outer islands.

Available services may include:

• letters and documents;

• packets and parcels;

• government and business correspondence;

• postal-agency acceptance and collection; and

• other services available at individual locations.

Delivery and transit times depend on domestic air and sea transport schedules, weather conditions and access to each island.

Customers should contact their nearest post office or postal agency for the latest dispatch schedule and service availability.

Post Office Boxes and Mail Collection

Post office boxes provide customers with a secure and convenient location for receiving mail.

Post office box and pigeonhole services are available at selected post offices, subject to availability and payment of the applicable annual rental and key-deposit fees.

Customers applying for a post office box may be required to provide:

• valid identification;

• current contact details;

• a completed application form; and

• the applicable rental and deposit payments.

Customers should check their boxes regularly and advise Kiribati Postal Services when their address or contact information changes.

Domestic Money Transfer

Kiribati Postal Services provides a domestic money-transfer service known as Post Office Sending Money Online, or POSMO, at participating locations.

POSMO allows customers to send money within Kiribati without requiring the recipient to hold a bank account. The recipient must present acceptable identification and satisfy the applicable verification requirements before receiving payment.

Availability, transfer limits, fees and payment times may vary by location and operational conditions. Customers should confirm the current requirements before initiating a transfer.

Philatelic Services

Kiribati Postal Services produces and sells postage stamps and philatelic products that celebrate the people, culture, environment, history and national achievements of Kiribati.

Products may include:

• commemorative and definitive stamps;

• first-day covers;

• stamp sets and presentation packs;

• postcards; and

• other collectable postal products.

Local and international collectors may contact the Philatelic Service for information about current stamp issues, prices, ordering and standing-order arrangements.

Business, Government and Bulk-Mail Services

Kiribati Postal Services supports ministries, public authorities, businesses, schools, community organizations and other institutions with postal and distribution requirements.

Services may include:

• bulk acceptance of letters and documents;

• parcel and merchandise dispatch;

• post office box services;

• scheduled acceptance or collection arrangements;

• mail distribution support; and

• advice on international documentation and packaging.

Organizations with regular or high-volume mailing requirements are encouraged to contact Kiribati Postal Services in advance to discuss suitable arrangements.

International Posting Requirements

Customs Declarations and Electronic Information

All international postal items containing goods are subject to Customs, aviation-security and destination-country requirements.

The sender must provide complete and accurate information, including:

• sender’s full name, physical address and contact details;

• recipient’s full name, delivery address, postcode where applicable and contact details;

• a clear and specific description of every item;

• quantity and net weight;

• actual value and currency;

• country of origin;

• reason for export, such as sale, gift, return or personal use; and

• any license, invoice, permit or supporting document required for the goods.

International goods may require a CN 22 or CN 23 Customs declaration and electronic advance data. Incomplete, inaccurate or false information may cause the item to be delayed, returned, detained or seized.

Payment of postage does not exempt an item from Customs duties, taxes, security inspection or import restrictions in the destination country.

• Customs declaration forms need to be filled.

Prohibited and Restricted Items

Customers must not post dangerous, prohibited or restricted articles unless their acceptance is expressly permitted under applicable postal, Customs, aviation and destination-country regulations.

Items commonly prohibited or restricted may include:

• explosives, fireworks and ammunition;

• flammable liquids and gases;

• corrosive, toxic or infectious substances;

• certain batteries and electronic devices containing batteries;

• narcotics and illegal drugs;

• weapons and imitation weapons;

• counterfeit currency and prohibited goods;

• live animals and biological material;

• perishable products;

• plants, seeds, food and animal products requiring permits;

• cash, precious metals or high-value items where the selected service does not permit them; and

• any item prohibited by the laws of Kiribati or the destination country.

This list is not exhaustive. Customers must declare the actual contents and ask postal staff if they are uncertain whether an item can be accepted.

Kiribati Postal Services reserves the right to refuse, inspect or refer an item to the appropriate authority where permitted or required by law.

Packaging and Addressing

Senders are responsible for ensuring that items are packed securely and appropriately for repeated handling and international transport.

Customers should:

• use strong packaging suitable for the contents;

• protect fragile items with adequate internal cushioning;

• seal the package securely;

• remove old labels and barcodes from reused packaging;

• write the sender and recipient addresses clearly;

• include the recipient’s telephone number where possible;

• use waterproof protection where appropriate; and

• retain the posting receipt and item number.

Poor packaging or incomplete addressing may result in damage, delay or return.

Tracking Your Item

Customers can track eligible international items through the UPU Global Track and Trace service:

Track an international postal item

Enter the complete item identification number shown on the posting receipt.

Tracking availability and the frequency of updates depend on the service selected and the exchange of information between Kiribati Postal Services, transport partners and the destination postal operator.

A lack of a recent tracking update does not necessarily mean that the item is lost. It may be in transport, awaiting Customs clearance or moving between locations where a scanning event is unavailable.

Delivery Times

Delivery estimates are influenced by:

• domestic and international flight schedules;

• sea-freight schedules;

• regional transit connections;

• Customs and security processing;

• weather and other disruptions;

• transport capacity;

• the completeness of the sender’s documentation; and

• the destination operator’s delivery network.

Kiribati Postal Services should publish current indicative delivery standards separately and update them whenever routes or transport conditions change. Customers sending time-sensitive items should confirm current conditions before posting.

END TO END DELIVERY STANDARDS – INTERNATIONAL

HOW LONG IT WOULD TAKE MY MAIL;

For the rest of the world, you may ask at your nearest Post Office for more details or may call Post Office at phone numbers 75021048, 75228078 and 74026003

Complaints, Inquiries and Claims

Customers wishing to inquire about a registered, parcel or EMS item should provide:

• the item identification number;

• the original posting receipt;

• sender and recipient details;

• the date and place of posting;

• a description of the contents;

• proof of value where a claim may be required; and

• any relevant tracking or delivery information.

International inquiries and compensation claims are subject to applicable time limits, evidence requirements and UPU regulations. Compensation is not automatic and may be limited according to the service used and the circumstances of the loss or damage.

Customers should report concerns as early as possible.

Modernization and E-commerce Development

Kiribati Postal Services is working to modernize its operations and strengthen its capacity to support cross-border e-commerce and trade.

Priority areas include:

• improved use of electronic postal and Customs information;

• more complete track-and-trace events;

• stronger cooperation with Customs, airlines and shipping operators;

• safer and more secure processing of postal items;

• modern mail-processing equipment and staff training;

• improved customer notifications and service information;

• practical addressing and last-mile solutions;

• greater support for small businesses and local producers; and

• improved postal connectivity for outer-island communities.

Through cooperation with the UPU and regional partners, Kiribati Postal Services aims to develop a more digital, integrated and resilient postal network.

Our Network

Kiribati Postal Services operates through:

• Bairiki Post Office;

• Betio Post Office;

• Bikenibeu Post Office;

• Kiritimati Island Post Office; and

• postal agencies serving the outer islands.

Services, business hours and transport schedules may differ between locations. Customers should confirm availability before travelling to a post office or postal agency.

Contact Us

For information about postal rates, accepted destinations, dispatch schedules, Customs requirements, tracking, post office boxes, POSMO or philatelic services, please contact Kiribati Postal Services.

For service notices, temporary suspensions and changes to international routes, customers should refer to the latest announcements published by MICT and Kiribati Postal Services.