Clampdown on whistleblowers of Nauru and Manus camps Photo: Supplied
Australians and New Zealanders will now need sponsorship from a Nauru citizen if they want to visit the Pacific nation.
The ABC has reported that under the law change, a Nauru citizen will be responsible for the visitor when they are in the country , including any breaches of the visa restrictions.
Punishment includes a hefty fine and imprisonment for up to a year.
Last month the Nauru government pulled a number of people preparing to fly from Brisbane to Nauru off the flight, claiming journalists had been entering the country illegally.
While the Nauru government promotes the island as a haven of peace and harmony journalists have effectively been banned for more than two years after a non-refundable US5000 dollar visa application fee was imposed on them.