Before you travel
No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide and any specific travel advice that applies to you:
Travel insurance
If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.
About FCDO travel advice
The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) provides advice about risks of travel to help British nationals make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice.
Follow and contact FCDO travel on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. You can also sign up to get email notifications when this advice is updated.
This information is for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK. It is based on the UK government’s understanding of the current rules for the most common types of travel.
The authorities in Tuvalu set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the Honorary Consul for Tuvalu in the UK.
COVID-19 rules
There are no COVID-19 testing or vaccination requirements for travellers entering Tuvalu.
Passport validity requirements
To enter Tuvalu, your passport must have an ‘expiry date’ at least 6 months after the date you arrive.
Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.
You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.
Visa requirements
You can visit Tuvalu without a visa for up to one month.
To stay longer than one month or to work, study, travel for business or other reasons, you must get an extension from the Department of Immigration in Funafuti.
Vaccine requirements
For details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see TravelHealthPro’s Tuvalu guide.
Customs rules
There are strict rules about goods you can take into or out of Tuvalu. You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.
Terrorism
There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times.
UK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe abroad and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad.
Terrorism in Tuvalu
Although there is no recent history of terrorism in Tuvalu, attacks cannot be ruled out.
Laws and cultural differences
Illegal drugs and prison sentences
It is illegal to import, export, cultivate or distribute drugs. Penalties include fines and imprisonment.
LGBT+ travellers
Homosexuality is illegal in Tuvalu. If you’re found guilty of consensual sex between adult males, you could face up to 14 years in prison.
Read more advice for LGBT+ travellers.
Internet and phone services
There is one local mobile network in Tuvalu, other international networks will not work. You can buy local SIM cards in Funafuti.
Money
There are no ATMs in Tuvalu, and credit or debit card payments are not accepted. Bring enough Australian dollars in cash with you for the duration of your trip.
Outdoor activities and adventure tourism
Swimming safety
Take care when swimming, diving or snorkelling in the sea as currents can be extremely strong. Coral reefs can easily cause cuts and scrapes. If you decide to scuba dive, make sure you use a reputable, fully licensed company with up-to-date equipment and necessary safety features. Deaths and serious accidents have occurred because basic safety measures were not in place. There are limited medical facilities in Tuvalu.
Swimming in Funafuti lagoon is not recommended as it is highly polluted.
See water safety on holiday from the Royal Life Saving Society.
Transport risks
Sea travel
Before travelling in any vessel, check:
- you’re covered by insurance
- it is not overloaded
- there are safety precautions in place
- safety equipment is accessible and in working order
Road travel
If you are planning to drive in Tuvalu, see information on driving abroad.
You can use a UK photocard driving licence to drive in Tuvalu for up to 2 weeks. If you still have a paper driving licence, you may need to update it to a photocard licence or get the correct version of the international driving permit (IDP) as well.
Extreme weather and natural disasters
Find out what you can do to prepare for and respond to extreme weather and natural hazards.
Tropical cyclones
The tropical cyclone season normally runs from November to May, but cyclones can happen throughout the year. During cyclone season there is a greater risk of strong winds and heavy rains, flooding, landslides and road closures.
Monitor local and international weather updates from the Tuvalu Meteorological Service, in local newspapers and on Tuvalu Media Department Radio on 621 AM.
Earthquakes and tsunamis
The US Federal Emergency Management Agency website has advice about what to do before, during and after an earthquake and resulting tsunamis.
Before you travel check that:
This is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant.
Emergency medical number
Call 911 or 999 and ask for an ambulance.
Contact your insurance company quickly if you’re referred to a medical facility for treatment.
Vaccine recommendations and health risks
At least 8 weeks before your trip:
See what health risks you’ll face in Tuvalu, including dengue.
Drinking water
Drink or use only boiled or bottled water and avoid ice in drinks.
Medication
The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or bought in the UK can be different in other countries.
Read best practice when travelling with medicines on TravelHealthPro.
The NHS has information on whether you can take your medicine abroad.
Healthcare facilities in Tuvalu
Tuvalu’s only hospital is on Funafuti. Trained nurses serve the outer islands. Medical facilities are generally adequate for routine medical treatment. For more serious or complicated problems, you may need medical evacuation to Fiji or Australia.
Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance, sufficient medication supplies and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment abroad and repatriation.
Travel and mental health
Read FCDO guidance on travel and mental health. There is also mental health guidance on TravelHealthPro.
The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) cannot provide tailored advice for individual trips. Read this travel advice and carry out your own research before deciding whether to travel.
Emergency services in Tuvalu
Ambulance: 999
Hospital: (+688) 20749
Fire: 000
Police: 911
Contact your travel provider and your insurer if you are involved in a serious incident or emergency abroad. They will tell you if they can help and what you need to do.
Refunds and changes to travel
For refunds or changes to travel, contact your travel provider. You may also be able to make a claim through insurance. However, insurers usually require you to talk to your travel provider first.
Find out more about changing or cancelling travel plans, including:
- where to get advice if you are in a dispute with a provider
- how to access previous versions of travel advice to support a claim
Support from FCDO
FCDO has guidance on staying safe and what to do if you need help or support abroad, including:
Follow and contact FCDO travel on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. You can also sign up to get email notifications when this travel advice is updated.
You can also contact FCDO online.
Help abroad in an emergency
If you are in Tuvalu and you need emergency help from the UK government, contact the British High Commission in Suva, Fiji, who provide consular assistance for Tuvalu.
FCDO in London
You can call FCDO in London if you need urgent help because something has happened to a friend or relative abroad.
Telephone: 020 7008 5000 (24 hours)
Find out about call charges
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