Tuvalu Entry Requirements

Visa, immigration, and customs information

Tuvalu, a small island nation in the Pacific Ocean, welcomes international visitors with relatively straightforward entry requirements. Most visitors are granted visa-free entry upon arrival at Funafuti International Airport, provided they meet basic entry conditions including possession of a valid passport, proof of onward travel, and sufficient funds for their stay. The immigration process is typically simple given the limited number of international flights arriving in Tuvalu, primarily from Fiji and Kiribati. Travelers should be aware that Tuvalu has limited infrastructure and services, so thorough preparation before arrival is essential. Immigration officials will assess your travel documents, purpose of visit, and accommodation arrangements upon arrival. While the process is generally welcoming, ensuring all documentation is in order will facilitate smooth entry. Given Tuvalu's remote location and limited connectivity, it's crucial to verify current entry requirements well in advance of travel. Visitors should note that Tuvalu's isolation means that changes to entry requirements may take time to be widely communicated. The country has limited diplomatic representation abroad, so obtaining pre-travel information may require contacting the immigration department directly or consulting with your nearest Tuvalu Honorary Consul or the nearest diplomatic mission that represents Tuvalu's interests.

Visa Requirements

Entry permissions vary by nationality. Find your category below.

Tuvalu operates a visa-on-arrival policy for most nationalities, allowing visitors to enter without obtaining advance authorization. Entry permits are typically granted at Funafuti International Airport upon arrival, subject to meeting standard entry requirements.

Visa-Free Entry (Permit on Arrival)

Up to 30 days initially, with possibility of extension

Citizens of most countries can enter Tuvalu without a pre-arranged visa and receive an entry permit upon arrival

Includes

United States United Kingdom Canada Australia New Zealand All European Union member states Japan South Korea Singapore Malaysia Most Commonwealth countries Most Pacific Island nations

Entry permit is granted free of charge on arrival. Visitors must have a passport valid for at least 6 months beyond intended stay, confirmed onward/return ticket, proof of accommodation, and sufficient funds (approximately AUD $50-100 per day). Extensions beyond 30 days can be requested from the Immigration Department in Funafuti.

Visa Required (Advance Arrangement)

Varies based on application

Some nationalities may need to arrange entry permission in advance

How to Apply: Contact the Tuvalu Immigration Department or nearest diplomatic mission representing Tuvalu's interests prior to travel. Applications should be submitted at least 4-6 weeks before intended travel date.

This applies to a limited number of countries. If you are from a country with limited diplomatic relations or have specific travel circumstances, contact immigration authorities in advance. Most travelers will be granted entry on arrival.

Arrival Process

Arriving in Tuvalu typically means landing at Funafuti International Airport, which receives only a few flights per week. The entry process is relatively informal compared to larger countries, but all standard immigration and customs procedures apply.

Disembarkation

Exit the aircraft and proceed to the small terminal building. There may be a brief wait as all passengers are processed through the single immigration counter.

Immigration Control

Present your passport, completed arrival card (usually provided on the flight), and supporting documents to the immigration officer. The officer will ask about your purpose of visit, length of stay, and accommodation details.

Entry Permit Issuance

If all requirements are met, you will receive an entry stamp and permit in your passport, typically valid for 30 days. This is usually provided free of charge for most nationalities.

Baggage Claim

Collect your luggage from the baggage area. The process is straightforward given the small size of the airport.

Customs Declaration

Complete customs formalities by declaring any items that exceed duty-free allowances or require declaration. Officers may inspect luggage.

Exit to Arrivals

Exit the terminal to meet your accommodation host or arrange transportation. The entire process typically takes 30-60 minutes depending on the number of passengers.

Documents to Have Ready

Valid Passport

Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date from Tuvalu. Passport should have at least two blank pages for stamps.

Confirmed Onward/Return Ticket

Proof of departure from Tuvalu is mandatory. This can be a return flight ticket or onward travel to another destination. Immigration will verify this.

Proof of Accommodation

Hotel booking confirmation, letter of invitation from a host in Tuvalu, or contact details of where you will be staying during your visit.

Proof of Sufficient Funds

Evidence that you can support yourself financially during your stay. This could be bank statements, credit cards, or cash (approximately AUD $50-100 per day recommended).

Arrival Card

Completed immigration arrival card, typically distributed on the flight or available at the airport. Includes personal details, purpose of visit, and accommodation information.

Yellow Fever Certificate

Required if arriving from or having transited through a country with risk of yellow fever transmission within the previous 6 days.

Tips for Smooth Entry

Have all documents readily accessible in a travel folder before approaching immigration to expedite the process.

Print physical copies of all confirmations (flight tickets, hotel bookings) as internet connectivity may be limited and electronic versions may not be easily accessible.

Carry sufficient Australian dollars (AUD) or Tuvaluan dollars in cash, as ATMs are very limited and credit card acceptance is minimal.

Be patient with the entry process, as there is typically only one immigration officer on duty and processing can take time.

Dress modestly and respectfully when entering the country, as Tuvalu is a conservative society.

If you plan to stay longer than 30 days, inquire about extension procedures immediately upon arrival or visit the Immigration Department in Vaiaku early in your stay.

Confirm your return flight 72 hours before departure, as flight schedules can change and communication options are limited.

Customs & Duty-Free

Tuvalu customs regulations are designed to protect the fragile island environment and local community. All arriving passengers must clear customs and declare items that exceed duty-free allowances or are restricted. Given the country's vulnerability to biosecurity threats, particular attention is paid to food, plant, and animal products.

Alcohol

2 liters of spirits or wine or 2 liters of beer

Must be 18 years or older. Alcohol should be for personal consumption only. Tuvalu has limited alcohol sales, so bringing duty-free allowance is advisable if you drink alcohol.

Tobacco

200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250 grams of tobacco

Must be 18 years or older. Tobacco products are for personal use only.

Currency

No limit on amount that can be brought in or taken out

Amounts equivalent to AUD $10,000 or more should be declared on arrival. Both Australian dollars and Tuvaluan dollars are used in Tuvalu.

Gifts/Goods

Personal effects and goods up to AUD $400 in value

Goods exceeding this value may be subject to duty. All items should be for personal use, not for commercial purposes.

Prohibited Items

Illegal drugs and narcotics - strict penalties including imprisonment apply
Firearms, weapons, and ammunition - unless prior permission obtained from police
Pornographic materials - prohibited in this conservative society
Counterfeit goods - including pirated media and fake branded items
Endangered species products - items made from protected animals or plants
Fresh fruits and vegetables - biosecurity risk to the islands
Meat and dairy products - unless commercially packaged and declared
Live animals and plants - without advance quarantine approval
Soil and sand - biosecurity restrictions apply

Restricted Items

Medications - bring prescription and doctor's letter for any controlled substances or large quantities of medication
Professional equipment - cameras, drones, and professional video equipment may require declaration and temporary import permits
Religious materials - may be subject to review; respect local customs and sensitivities
Plants and seeds - require phytosanitary certificates and quarantine approval in advance
Pets and animals - require import permits, health certificates, and quarantine arrangements made well in advance
Commercial goods - require proper documentation and may be subject to import duties
Fishing equipment - should be declared; commercial fishing equipment requires permits

Health Requirements

Tuvalu has basic health entry requirements focused primarily on preventing the introduction of infectious diseases. Medical facilities in Tuvalu are extremely limited, so travelers should ensure they are in good health and have comprehensive travel insurance before arrival.

Required Vaccinations

Yellow Fever - required if arriving from or having transited through a country with risk of yellow fever transmission within 6 days prior to arrival. Vaccination certificate must be presented at immigration.

Recommended Vaccinations

Routine vaccinations - ensure up-to-date with routine vaccines including MMR, DPT, chickenpox, polio, and yearly flu shot
Hepatitis A - recommended for all travelers due to potential food and water contamination
Hepatitis B - recommended for travelers who may have intimate contact with locals or require medical treatment
Typhoid - recommended for travelers eating outside major hotels and restaurants
COVID-19 - recommended to be fully vaccinated and boosted according to current guidelines

Health Insurance

Comprehensive travel health insurance is strongly recommended and should cover medical evacuation, as serious medical conditions cannot be treated in Tuvalu and require evacuation to Fiji, New Zealand, or Australia. Insurance should cover at least USD $100,000 in medical expenses and emergency evacuation. Medical facilities are very basic, with only one hospital in Funafuti offering limited services. Bring sufficient supplies of any prescription medications, as pharmacies have limited stock.

Current Health Requirements: Check current health requirements before travel, particularly regarding COVID-19 testing, vaccination, or quarantine requirements, as these can change rapidly. Consult your government's travel health advisory and the Tuvalu Ministry of Health for the latest information. Some travelers may be required to show proof of COVID-19 vaccination or negative test results depending on current policies.

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Important Contacts

Essential resources for your trip.

Immigration Department

Tuvalu Immigration Department, Ministry of Justice, Communications and Foreign Affairs, Vaiaku, Funafuti

Contact for visa extensions, entry permit queries, and official immigration matters. Email and phone contact should be requested through your travel agent or accommodation provider due to limited online presence.

Emergency Services

Emergency number: 911 (Police, Fire, Medical)

Emergency services are basic and response times may vary. For serious medical emergencies, evacuation to Fiji or beyond may be necessary.

Princess Margaret Hospital

Main hospital in Funafuti

Phone: +688 20 480. Limited medical services available. Serious cases require medical evacuation.

Your Embassy/Consulate

Check with your government's foreign affairs department for emergency contact information

Most countries do not have diplomatic representation in Tuvalu. Contact your nearest embassy in Fiji, which typically covers Tuvalu. Register your travel with your government's travel registration service.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs

For diplomatic and consular matters

Located in Vaiaku, Funafuti. Limited international communication capabilities.

Special Situations

Additional requirements for specific circumstances.

Traveling with Children

Children must have their own passport valid for 6 months beyond the intended stay. If traveling with only one parent or with someone other than parents, carry a notarized letter of consent from the non-traveling parent(s) or legal guardian(s) authorizing the child's travel. Birth certificates may be requested. Children are subject to the same entry requirements as adults, including proof of onward travel and accommodation. Ensure children have appropriate health insurance as pediatric medical facilities are extremely limited.

Traveling with Pets

Importing pets to Tuvalu is extremely difficult and generally discouraged. If absolutely necessary, an import permit must be obtained from the Department of Agriculture well in advance (at least 3 months). Requirements include: current rabies vaccination (administered at least 30 days but not more than 12 months before arrival), health certificate from a licensed veterinarian issued within 10 days of travel, proof of treatment for internal and external parasites, and potentially a quarantine period upon arrival. Contact the Department of Agriculture, Ministry of Natural Resources, before making any travel arrangements. Most airlines serving Tuvalu have restrictions on pet transport.

Extended Stays

The initial entry permit is typically valid for 30 days. To extend your stay, apply to the Immigration Department in Vaiaku, Funafuti, before your initial permit expires. Extension applications should include: valid passport, proof of sufficient funds to support extended stay, proof of accommodation, reason for extension, and onward travel arrangements. Extensions are granted at the discretion of immigration officials and typically for periods of 1-3 months. For stays longer than 6 months, you may need to provide additional documentation including police clearance and medical examination. Work permits are required for any employment and must be arranged through a sponsoring employer in Tuvalu. Overstaying your visa can result in fines, detention, and deportation.

Business Travel

Business visitors should enter on a standard visitor permit but must declare the business purpose of their visit. For conducting business activities, you may need a business visa or work permit depending on the nature and duration of activities. Bring a letter from your employer stating the purpose of your visit, duration, and financial responsibility. If meeting with local businesses or government officials, invitation letters are helpful. Extended business activities or employment require work permits arranged through a local sponsor. Contact the Immigration Department and Ministry of Commerce for specific requirements related to your business activities.

Journalists and Media Personnel

Journalists, film crews, and media personnel should contact the Tuvalu Government Media Unit and Immigration Department before travel. Special permits may be required for professional filming or reporting. Bring letters from your media organization explaining the purpose of your visit, intended activities, and duration. Professional camera and broadcasting equipment may require temporary import permits. Respect local customs and always ask permission before photographing people or private property. Some government facilities and areas may be off-limits for photography.