Find the right Tuvalu Visa for your trip with price, requirements, and application time

Tuvalu Visa Policy

The visa policy of Tuvalu is tailored to protect the territorial integrity and interests of Tuvalu. Under the current immigration regime, all visitors must hold valid visas before entering Tuvalu, except Taiwanese and Schengen citizens. Tuvalu Issues visas on arrival at the point of entry for a maximum one month visit. Furthermore, visitors are required to hold valid 6 months' passports as a bare minimum.

Visa Exempt Visitors

Tuvalu signed a visa waiver agreement with Schengen countries and the Taiwan government. Citizens of Schengen are granted visa-free access to the Island to stay for up to 90 days in 180 days, while Taiwan passport holders can stay for 90 days but without limitations.

There is also a visa waiver agreement with Saint Kitts and Nevis, but the agreement is yet to be ratified. 

Also, note that not all visitors pay visa fees, as some nationals are exempted from doing so at the point of entry.

Tuvalu Permit Application Process

Tuvalu's application process differs from what is obtainable in other countries. All visitors looking to visit for other purposes apart from Tourism must apply for a permit to enter and stay on the Island. Tuvalu is not the practice of offering visas for scientific and research purposes, business, study, or attending a cultural or spiritual event. The permit is designed for entry and residential purposes and is issued at the port of entry.

The visitor must provide a valid passport and other documents to the immigration officer, and if they are in order, the permit will be issued. Furthermore, applicants must have valid documents for crossing the border. Those coming for employment or have sponsors must provide a sponsor or employment letter to the immigration officer for review. Those who have been employed must get a signed employment letter from their employer, which means they can work in Tuvalu.

Visitors must also undergo necessary medical examinations and take necessary medications where appropriate before they can be allowed into the Island to avoid spreading viruses or diseases that will put the local population at risk. A police report will also e required for employment that will last more than a year.

Tuvalu Travel Information and Tips

Approved Routes: Tuvalu is an island with only one airport for travelers coming from abroad. The seaport is also an entry point for visitors, and both are the only approved routes for entry. Entry through unapproved sea routes is not permitted during wet months with rising tides, as they pose a risk to passengers. It is safe to only use the airport and seaport for entry.

Currency: Tuvalu used the Australian dollar and a set of Tuvaluan coins bearing the image of Queen Elizabeth II, and local marine life is on the other side. If you have any foreign currency on you, make sure you change it into the dollar before your arrival. 

Also, note that there are no ATMs or cash machines on the Island, and all transactions are done on a cash-only basis.

Communication: Tuvaluans speak English as a second language, but many are not very fluent. To ease your communication take some time to learn a few words in Tuvaluan to complement your use of English.

Tourist Free Zone: Only about 1600 tourists or more visit Tuvalu every year in the middle of the Pacific, plus a few expats who are mostly foreign aid volunteers. This means there needs to be more tourism infrastructure with organized guides, activities, and information centers. While you will find a few hotels in Funafuti, most of the lodgings are homesteads, but they are equally comfortable. Almost all parts of the Island are open to tourists but stay away from private property unless the owner invites you.

Transportation: Tuvalu doesn't have a transport system like other climes, and the easiest way to move around is on a motorcycle. You can rent one to get by or hitch a ride with a rider. There are very few accidents in Tuvalu because it is sparsely populated. Apart from the main Island, which is Fongafale, there are flights to other islands. To visit other islands, you must make do with boats, as overnight trips are uncommon.

Weather: If you visit during the summer when the weather is humid, you should wear loose clothing. The weather may vary throughout the year, but the temperature may rise to 30C when hot. During hot sunny days, exercise Pacific Pacific, as the locals call it, by wearing a wide-brim hat while resting.

Security: Tuvalu has very little crime because of the limited population, but burglaries are not uncommon. Keep your too locked when you go out and secure cash in a wallet or a belt.  

Health: Tuvalu is one of the safest islands in the Pacific, with no rabid dogs, no cases of malaria or poisonous spiders or snakes, but there are mosquitoes and flies, especially in the smaller islands. Bring malaria drugs if you are susceptible and proper clothing to cover your arms and legs in case you decide to visit remote areas.

Be Aware of Flight Mode

One thing to prepare your mind for as you visit Tuvalu is the flight sirens warning the local population of a plane zooming in for a landing. As a visitor, you may panic, but this is no cause for alarm. Flights arrive from Fiji twice a week, and the air sirens are to notify pedestrians to clear the landing strip. This is because the runway in Tuvalu also serves as a road for the locals.

Free wifi

Tuvalu offers residents free wifi, but it is notoriously slow. You can buy prepaid internet, but the service may need to be faster or work on some days due to bad weather. The free wifi service is notoriously slow in Funafuti due to overload. So prepare your mind for network loss and just enjoy a calm getaway from the hustle and bustle of city life.

Religious Observance

Tuvaluans are highly religious, and Christianity is a big thing on the IslandIsland as most natives are Christians. All must observe religious practices when in a holy gathering. 

Visitors are advised to respect the practices of the people at all times. You are free to decline an invite to church, as is your right. Most places of business are also closed on Sundays.

Dress Modestly

Tuvaluans pride themselves on modesty and expect the same from others. Always dress modestly in public, including when you are at the beach. Wear clothes to cover your legs and body parts.

Shopping

There are no shopping malls and souvenir shops in Tuvalu due to fewer tourists, but you will find a lot of locally made crafts at the market and Handicraft Center. If you must take any with you and your destination is New Zealand or Australia, ask for a certificate of Authorization so your wares are not impounded at the airport. Also, bring enough supplies to last your holiday, as you may need help finding what you need in Tuvalu.

Application Fee

The Tuvalu visa or resident permit application fee will be paid at the entry point. This will most likely be in Australian dollars or US dollars, so have one of each currency at hand before your arrival. Enquire about the exact cost of the application fee before your arrival.

Applying For Extension

Always apply for an extension early enough if you choose to stay beyond the duration of your visa. 

For extensions, you must visit the immigration office in Funafuti to submit your application. This will likely cost you some money, but our stay will be extended by a few weeks or months at the discretion of the visa officer. Be advised that you must leave the Island and not overstay beyond the extra days given, or else you will be fined before you will be allowed to leave.

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