UK Imposes Visa Requirements on Nauru Nationals Citing Border Security Risks from Citizenship by Investment Program

New Visa Requirements for Nauru Nationals

The United Kingdom has officially implemented new visa requirements for nationals of Nauru, effective December 9, 2025, at 15:00 GMT. This change mandates that Nauru citizens obtain a visit visa prior to travelling to the UK and a Direct Airside Transit Visa if transiting through UK airports. Consequently, Nauru nationals are no longer eligible to apply for an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) for entry into the UK.

A six-week transitional period is in place for Nauru nationals who already hold a valid ETA and had a confirmed booking to the UK made on or before 15:00 GMT on December 9, 2025, provided their arrival in the UK is no later than 15:00 GMT on January 20, 2026.

Concerns Over Nauru's Citizenship by Investment Program

The primary reason cited by the UK government for this policy shift is the perceived security risk associated with Nauru's Citizenship by Investment (CBI) program. Mike Tapp, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Migration and Citizenship, stated in a written announcement to Parliament that the practice of granting citizenship through investment is 'inherently high-risk' and 'allows individuals access to a new identity with minimal ties to the issuing jurisdiction.'

The Home Office's assessment indicates that the design of Nauru's CBI program is 'particularly vulnerable to misuse' and, in its current form, 'poses an unsustainable risk of being exploited by criminal actors or individuals seeking to circumvent UK immigration controls without genuine intent to comply with UK law.' The UK government also expressed a lack of confidence in the legitimacy of the vetting and due diligence processes within Nauru's program.

Details of Nauru's CBI Program

Nauru launched its Citizenship by Investment program, officially known as the Nauru Economic and Climate Resilience Citizenship Program, in November 2024, with some sources indicating January 2025. The program offers a pathway to citizenship in exchange for a significant economic contribution to the country's government fund.

Key features of the program include:

• Minimum Investment: Starting at approximately US$105,000 for a single applicant.
• Family Options: Contributions increase for families, for example, around US$110,000 for a family of up to four.
• Processing Time: Citizenship is typically granted within three to four months.
• Benefits: Offers enhanced global mobility, including visa-free access to a number of countries, and permits dual citizenship.

Applicants are required to be at least 18 years of age, maintain a clean criminal record, and provide proof of the legitimate source of funds.

Broader Implications

The UK government emphasized that the decision to introduce visa requirements was made 'solely for national and border security reasons' and does not alter the importance of its relationship with Nauru, a Commonwealth partner. This move aligns with a broader trend among Western nations to scrutinize and, in some cases, restrict visa-free access for countries operating CBI programs, reflecting growing concerns about their potential exploitation.