Genvisec advises that all travel can continue to Tuvalu.

 

Air travel

 

There are limited flights in and out of Tuvalu, and these can sometimes be unreliable.

 

Political situation

 

Tuvalu is a Parliamentary Democracy and a Commonwealth Realm. Her Majesty The Queen Elizabeth II is Head of State. The Queen is represented in Tuvalu by a Governor General, Honourable Sir Iakoba Italeli.

 

There are no political parties; politics are based on personal, family and island loyalties. Parliamentary elections are held every four years. The current Prime Minister, Enele Sopoaga, was sworn in on 5 August 2013, resolving a constitutional crisis and a period of political instability.

 

Passports

 

In the event of a lost or stolen passport, the Tuvalu authorities can issue emergency travel documents which will allow you to travel as far as Fiji, where you will then need to apply for a replacement passport, from the Regional Passport Processing Centre in New Zealand.

 

If your need to travel falls within the minimum full validity passport processing time of 3-4 weeks, you should contact the British High Commission in Suva and they will do their best to help you. You may be eligible for an Emergency Travel Document (ETD).

 

Keep a photocopy of the relevant pages of your passport to avoid any complications.

 

Telephone services

 

There is one local mobile network in Tuvalu; other international networks will not work while in Tuvalu. Local SIM cards can be purchased in Funafuti.

 

Local laws and customs

Drug taking in all forms is illegal. Importing or exporting illegal drugs attracts strict penalties. Those found guilty of cultivating or distributing illegal drugs are likely to receive similarly severe punishment. Homosexuality is illegal in Tuvalu. Those found guilty of consensual sex between adult males could face up to fourteen years imprisonment.

 

Money

There are no ATMs on Tuvalu, and credit/debit card payments are not accepted. You should take sufficient cash for the duration of your trip. The currency used in Tuvalu is the Australian dollar.

 

Health

Tuvalu’s only hospital is on Funafuti.The outer islands are served by trained nurses. Medical facilities are generally adequate for routine medical treatment. For more serious or complicated problems medical evacuation to Fiji, or beyond to Australia may be required. Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment abroad and repatriation.

 

Dengue fever occurs in Tuvalu.

 

If you need emergency medical assistance during your trip, dial 911. You should contact your insurance/medical assistance company promptly if you are referred to a medical facility for treatment.

 

Natural disasters

The tropical cyclone season normally runs from November to April. Throughout this period there is a risk of strong winds and heavy rains with associated flooding, landslides and road closures. 

 

Passport validity

 

Your passport should be valid for a minimum period of six months from the date of entry into the country.

 

Visas

 

Visas are not required for British nationals visiting for periods of up to one month. An extension of stay for a maximum period of three months is available from the Department of Immigration. Other nationalities may require a visa.

 

For further information contact the Department of Immigration at:

 

Chief Immigration Officer (acting)

Department of Immigration

Private Mail Bag

Vaiaku, Funafuti, Tuvalu

Telephone: (+688) 20240

 

Emergency Travel Documents

 

 Emergency Travel Documents are accepted for entry and exit from Tuvalu.

 

You should monitor local and international weather updates from the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO), from the Tuvalu Meteorological Service, in local newspapers and on Tuvalu Media Department Radio on 621 AM.

 

See our tropical cyclones page for advice about what to do if you’re caught up in a storm.