Entry Requirements & Visas
New for 2026: Enhanced Health Declarations
As of 2026, all arrivals to Tuvalu must complete an online health declaration form 48 hours prior to arrival, focusing on vaccination status and recent travel history to prevent disease outbreaks in this remote Pacific nation. This digital process is free and links directly to your passport details for seamless processing at Funafuti International Airport.
Passport Requirements
Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your intended departure date from Tuvalu, ensuring compliance with international standards for Pacific island travel. It should also have at least two blank pages available for entry and exit stamps upon arrival at Funafuti.
Always verify with your issuing country's guidelines, as some nationalities face additional re-entry validity periods that could affect your plans.
Visa-Free Entry & On Arrival
Citizens from over 70 countries, including the US, UK, EU nations, Australia, and New Zealand, are eligible for a free 30-day visa on arrival at Funafuti International Airport, making entry straightforward for short visits.
No prior application is needed, but you'll need to present proof of onward travel, sufficient funds (around AUD 100 per day), and accommodation details to immigration officials.
Visa Applications for Longer Stays
For stays exceeding 30 days or if your nationality requires a pre-arranged visa, apply through the Tuvaluan embassy or consulate in your home country, submitting documents like a completed application form, passport photos, and proof of purpose such as work or study invitations.
Processing times can take 4-6 weeks, with fees starting at AUD 50; include evidence of health insurance covering at least AUD 10,000 in medical expenses to expedite approval.
Arrival Procedures
Flights arrive exclusively at Funafuti International Airport (FUN) via connections from Fiji or Nauru; expect a brief immigration check where officials verify your visa eligibility and health declaration in under 30 minutes.
Inter-island travel to outer atolls requires domestic flights or ferries, which may involve additional customs declarations for goods like alcohol (limited to 2 liters duty-free).
Health & Vaccination Requirements
Yellow fever vaccination is required if arriving from endemic areas, while routine shots like hepatitis A/B and typhoid are strongly recommended due to limited medical facilities on the islands.
Malaria is not present, but dengue risks exist; comprehensive travel insurance covering evacuations to Australia or Fiji is crucial, as local hospitals handle only basic care.
Visa Extensions
Extensions for up to 30 additional days are possible by applying at the Office of the Prime Minister in Funafuti before your initial visa expires, providing reasons like extended research or family visits along with proof of funds.
Fees are approximately AUD 50, and approval is at the discretion of immigration authorities, so plan ahead to avoid overstay fines of up to AUD 200 per day.
Money, Budget & Costs
Smart Money Management
Tuvalu uses the Australian Dollar (AUD). For the best exchange rates and lowest fees, use Wise to send money or convert currency - they offer real exchange rates with transparent fees, saving you money compared to traditional banks.
Daily Budget Breakdown
Money-Saving Pro Tips
Book Flights Early
Secure the best deals to Funafuti by comparing prices on Trip.com, Expedia, or CheapTickets, as flights from Fiji are infrequent and prices rise closer to departure.
Booking 3-6 months ahead can save 40-60% on airfare, especially during the dry season when demand peaks.
Eat Like a Local
Opt for communal meals in villages or fresh seafood from markets for under AUD 15 per meal, avoiding imported goods that inflate costs by up to 70%.
Participate in community feasts (kai) when invited, which often provide authentic, low-cost dining experiences while supporting local customs.
Inter-Island Transport Deals
Schedule ferries to outer atolls like Nanumea in advance for group rates at AUD 20-40 round-trip, rather than last-minute charters that can cost double.
Combine with local bike rentals (AUD 5/day) to explore Funafuti atoll affordably, minimizing reliance on expensive taxis.
Free & Low-Cost Attractions
Enjoy pristine beaches, snorkeling in lagoons, and cultural dances in villages without fees, offering immersive experiences that rival paid tours.
Visit the Tuvalu Philatelic Bureau for free stamp exhibits or join church events, which provide insights into daily life at no extra cost.
Cash vs Card Strategy
Cash is king on outer atolls where cards aren't accepted; withdraw AUD from the single ANZ ATM in Funafuti upon arrival to avoid international fees.
Limited EFTPOS exists at the airport and main hotel, so budget AUD 200-300 in small notes for daily transactions and emergencies.
Shop Smart for Essentials
Stock up on non-perishables like snacks in Fiji before flying, as Tuvalu's imports double prices; local coconuts and produce are bargains at AUD 2-5.
Barter politely for handicrafts in villages, potentially saving 20-30% while fostering community connections.
Smart Packing for Tuvalu
Essential Items for Any Season
Clothing Essentials
Pack lightweight, quick-dry cotton clothes for the tropical humidity, including long-sleeve shirts and pants for sun protection during outdoor activities like island hopping.
Respect conservative local customs by including modest swimwear, sarongs for women, and covered shoulders/knees for village visits; avoid bright colors that attract insects.
Electronics
Bring a universal adapter for Type I plugs (like Australia), a solar charger or power bank due to occasional outages, and waterproof cases for phones during beach days.
Download offline maps of Funafuti and outer atolls, plus apps for tide charts essential for safe snorkeling; a GoPro or underwater camera captures the vibrant marine life.
Health & Safety
Carry a comprehensive first-aid kit with reef-safe sunscreen (SPF 50+), antihistamines for jellyfish stings, and anti-diarrheal meds given limited pharmacies.
Include vaccination records, insect repellent with DEET, and a personal water filter for outer atolls where tap water may need treatment; travel insurance with medevac coverage is non-negotiable.
Travel Gear
Opt for a waterproof daypack for lagoon explorations, reusable reef-safe water bottle to stay hydrated, and a dry bag for protecting valuables during boat trips.
Pack multiple copies of your passport and visa, a money belt for cash security, and biodegradable wet wipes since laundry facilities are basic on remote islands.
Footwear Strategy
Choose water shoes or reef walkers for coral-safe walking on atolls and snorkeling, paired with sturdy sandals for uneven paths and village trails.
Avoid heavy boots; lightweight flip-flops suffice for Funafuti, but include closed-toe options for boat decks to prevent slips during wet season voyages.
Personal Care
Pack travel-sized reef-safe toiletries, high-SPF lip balm, and a compact mosquito net for outer atoll stays where bites can be prevalent.
Include a hat, polarized sunglasses for glare off the ocean, and earplugs for noisy guesthouses; eco-friendly products help preserve Tuvalu's fragile environment.
When to Visit Tuvalu
Dry Season Start (May-July)
Perfect for arriving as trade winds bring clear skies and temperatures of 26-30°C, ideal for snorkeling in Funafuti's lagoons and exploring outer atolls without heavy rain interruptions.
Fewer visitors mean easier access to cultural events like fatele dances, with calm seas enhancing boat trips to Nanumanga for birdwatching and fishing.
Dry Season Peak (August-October)
Prime time for water activities with consistent sunshine and low humidity around 28°C, great for diving at Vaiaku and attending the Tuvalu Games sports festival.
Expect vibrant marine life visibility, but book accommodations early as this period attracts eco-tourists seeking untouched coral reefs and island-hopping adventures.
Wet Season Start (November-February)
Budget-friendly with warm 27-31°C weather and occasional showers, suitable for indoor cultural immersions like visiting the Tuvaluan church services and philatelic exhibits.
Rain enhances the lush greenery, making it a quieter time for relaxed beachcombing, though monitor cyclone risks and opt for flexible travel dates.
Wet Season End (March-April)
Transition period with improving weather at 28-30°C, fewer storms allow for safe inter-island ferries and fresh seafood harvests during the pulaka season.
Ideal for sustainable tourism like community clean-ups, with lower crowds providing intimate experiences in villages on Niutao atoll.
Important Travel Information
- Currency: Australian Dollar (AUD). ATMs are limited to Funafuti; cards accepted at main hotel but cash preferred elsewhere. Exchange at airport or use Wise for transfers.
- Language: Tuvaluan and English are official. English is sufficient in tourist areas, but learning basic phrases like "malo" (hello) enhances interactions.
- Time Zone: Tuvalu Time (TVT), UTC+12. No daylight saving time observed.
- Electricity: 240V, 50Hz. Type I plugs (two flat pins, like Australia). Power outages possible on outer atolls.
- Emergency Number: 911 for police, medical, or fire assistance. Limited services; serious cases may require evacuation to Fiji.
- Tipping: Not customary in Tuvalu's communal culture. Small gifts or donations to villages are appreciated more than cash tips.
- Water: Tap water in Funafuti is treated but boil or use bottled on outer atolls to avoid gastrointestinal issues from brackish sources.
- Pharmacies: Very limited; Princess Margaret Hospital in Funafuti stocks basics. Bring all medications and consult a doctor pre-trip for tropical health advice.