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Polynesia

TuvaluTravel guide

Explore Tuvalu visa rules

Tuvalu is a country of nine low-lying islands and atolls in the South Pacific. It has beautiful beaches, simple guesthouses and a slow pace of life. Tourist facilities are limited.

Why go

  1. Explore the reefs and lagoon of the Funafuti Conservation Area.

  2. See local crafts, including woven baskets, mats and woodcarvings.

  3. Visit quiet outer islands by boat.

  4. Look for remains from the Second World War.

Best time to go: May to October is the dry season, with clearer skies, calmer seas and slightly cooler nights. Temperatures usually stay between 26–32°C throughout the year.

Getting there

By air

  • All international flights land at Funafuti International Airport, whose airport code is FUN.
  • Fiji Airways operates regular flights from Nadi in Fiji, the main gateway to Tuvalu.
  • Flight options are limited and schedules can change. Check before departure and allow for delays or cancellations.

By sea

  • There are no regular international passenger ferries.
  • Cargo and supply ships sometimes carry a few passengers from Fiji, Kiribati or nearby island nations. Trips are slow, infrequent and may change without notice.

Customs

  • Airport immigration and customs procedures are straightforward.
  • Visiting yachts must complete arrival formalities.

Getting around

  • Walking

    Fongafale, Funafuti's main islet, is long and narrow, with short distances and light traffic. On the outer islands, people often walk along sandy paths between villages.

  • Bicycles and scooters

    Guesthouses widely rent bicycles and scooters. A single main road runs along Fongafale, past villages, shops and the airport runway.

  • Inter-island boats

    There are no domestic flights. Government ferries and cargo vessels connect the islands. Scheduled trips run several times a week, but weather and operating needs can change the timetable. Journeys can take several hours to more than a day. Facilities are basic.

What to see and do

  • Funafuti Conservation Area

    This protected area on western Funafuti includes reefs, lagoon waters and island habitats. Its varied marine life makes it a good place to snorkel or scuba dive.

  • Second World War remains

    Airstrips, bunkers and aircraft wrecks remain on Fongafale and near Nanumea village. Motulalo in Nukufetau also has an airstrip and aircraft wrecks.

  • Philatelic Bureau

    This bureau on Funafuti is a place for visitors interested in postage stamps.

  • Tuvalu Women's Handicraft Centre

    The centre at the airport displays and sells local crafts.

  • Outer-island craft making

    A boat trip to an outer island offers a chance to see people making ornaments, fans, mats, baskets and woodcarvings.

  • Snorkel or scuba dive

    Explore the reefs and marine life of the Funafuti Conservation Area.

Food and drink

  • Lodge restaurants

    Many lodges serve meals and drinks. Cuisines include Chinese, Italian and Indian.

  • Fish

    Fish is abundant in Tuvalu.

  • Bars

    Bars serve soft drinks and alcohol during meal times.

  • Vaiaku Lagi Hotel bar

    The hotel has a licensed bar, lounge and dance floor.

Money

Australian dollar (AUD), written as $.

  • Bring enough cash before arriving and be ready to pay for everything with it.
  • Cash machines in Funafuti do not work reliably because of poor internet connections.
  • Very few places have card payment machines, so do not rely on cards.
  • Currency exchange is possible, but rates are poor for visitors.

Typical costs

  • The listed price for Hideaway Guest House is A$35–60.
  • The listed prices for Vailuatai Lodge and Militano Lodge are A$60–80.
  • The listed price for Filamona Moonlight Lodge is A$70–80.
  • The listed price for Fale Tolu Motel is A$70–150.
  • Vaiaku Lagi Hotel lists a single room at A$105 and a double at A$133, including government tax and breakfast. This hotel listing was updated in August 2016.

Language

  • Tuvaluan is an official language and is used in everyday life.
  • English is an official language and is widely understood on Funafuti. It is less common in casual conversation on the outer islands.
Talofa
Hello
Fakafetai
Thank you

Staying safe

  • Leave the airport runway when the siren sounds. It warns that a plane is approaching.
  • High tides and storm surges can temporarily flood low-lying areas, especially during the November–April wet season.
  • Violent crime is rare and usually involves alcohol or family disputes.
  • Sexual activity between men is illegal, though the law is rarely enforced.

Local customs

Do

  • Speak politely and respectfully in Tuvalu's small, close-knit communities.
  • Use simple Tuvaluan greetings such as talofa and fakafetai; they are warmly appreciated.

Staying healthy

  • Do not drink tap water without boiling or treating it. Its quality varies, and it is often collected from rooftops.
  • Expect warm weather of about 26–32°C and high humidity throughout the year.

Phone and internet

  • Tuvalu Telecom provides a mobile network using the Global System for Mobile Communications standard on the 900 megahertz band.
  • Poor internet connections can make cash machines and card payments unreliable.
  • Vaiaku Lagi Hotel lists internet access in all rooms for a small extra charge.

Where to stay

  • Vaiaku Lagi Hotel, Funafuti: air-conditioned rooms facing the lagoon, warm showers and airport transfers. Call +688 20501; no credit cards are accepted.
  • Fale Tolu Motel, north of the Funafuti airstrip: call +688 20545.
  • Vailuatai Lodge, Alapi, Funafuti: call +688 20664.
  • Militano Lodge, Senala, Funafuti: call +688 20497 or mobile +688-91019.

Outdoor adventures in Tuvalu

Tuvalu has quiet beaches, reefs and lagoons across nine low-lying islands and atolls. The Funafuti Conservation Area is a highlight for scuba diving and snorkelling, with varied marine life. May to October brings clearer skies and calmer seas.

  • Snorkelling in Funafuti Conservation Area

    SnorkellingWestern Funafuti atoll

    May to October, when seas are calmer and skies are clearer.

    Visit the Funafuti Conservation Area on the western side of Funafuti atoll. Transport, guides and equipment arrangements are not specified.

    • Heavy showers, thunderstorms and tropical disturbances are more common from November to April.
    • High tides and storm surges can cause temporary flooding, especially during the wet season.

  • Scuba diving in Funafuti Conservation Area

    Scuba divingWestern Funafuti atoll

    May to October, when seas are calmer and skies are clearer.

    Visit the Funafuti Conservation Area on the western side of Funafuti atoll. Dive operators, transport and equipment arrangements are not specified.

    • Heavy showers, thunderstorms and tropical disturbances are more common from November to April.
    • High tides and storm surges can cause temporary flooding, especially during the wet season.

Airports, metros and trains in Tuvalu

Airports with scheduled flights

  • FUNFunafuti International AirportFunafuti

People and safety in Tuvalu

Religion

Most people are Christian. Mostly one faith.

  • Christian100%

LGBT+ travellers

Same-sex relationships are illegal

  • The law allows up to 14 years in prison.
  • Some laws protect against discrimination.

Check your own government's travel advice before you go, and be careful with public displays of affection and dating apps.

Who can visit without a visa

Travellers from 198 of 198 countries can visit Tuvalu easily: no visa, a visa at the airport, or a short online form.

  • Visa not required33
  • Visa on arrival165

Who can visit easily, by part of the world

For each part of the world: how many countries' travellers can come easily. Easy means no visa, a visa at the airport, or a short online form.

  • Africa54 of 54 countries
  • Asia50 of 50 countries
  • Europe46 of 46 countries
  • Americas35 of 35 countries
  • Oceania13 of 13 countries

Questions

When is the best time to visit Tuvalu?

May to October is the most pleasant period. It brings clearer skies, calmer seas and slightly cooler nights.

How do I fly to Tuvalu?

Fiji Airways operates regular flights from Nadi in Fiji to Funafuti International Airport. Flights are limited, and schedules can change.

Can I use my bank card?

Do not rely on it. Cash machines are unreliable and card payment machines are rare, so bring enough cash before arrival.

How do I reach the outer islands?

Travel is by government ferry or cargo vessel, as there are no domestic flights. Trips can take several hours to more than a day, and timetables may change.

Will I be able to speak English?

English is widely understood on Funafuti, especially among younger people and tourism or government workers. English ability varies on the outer islands.

Can I drink the tap water?

Only after boiling or treating it. Tap water quality is inconsistent.

What accommodation is available?

Tuvalu has simple guesthouses and lodges. Vaiaku Lagi Hotel on Funafuti is the country's only hotel.

What can I eat?

Many lodges have restaurants serving meals, including Chinese, Italian and Indian food. Fish is abundant.

What electrical plug does Tuvalu use?

Tuvalu uses the Australia/New Zealand plug, with electricity supplied at 240 volts and 50 hertz.

Can I walk on the airport runway?

Locals use the runway for games, exercise and gatherings when flights are not operating. Leave when the siren warns of an approaching plane.

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