Travel Facts
US State Dept Travel Advisory
The US Department of State currently recommends US citizens exercise normal precautions in Tuvalu. Consult its website via the link below for updates to travel advisories and statements on safety, security, local laws, and special circumstances in this country.
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories.html
Passport/Visa Requirements
US citizens should make sure their passport will not expire for at least 6 months after they enter the country even if they do not intend to stay that long. They should also make sure they have at least 1 blank page in their passport for any entry stamp. A visa is required, but US citizen travelers may obtain the visa upon entering the country.
US Embassy/Consulate
US does not have an embassy in Tuvalu; the US Ambassador to Fiji is accredited to Tuvalu; +(679) 331-4466; EMER: +(679) 772-8049; US Embassy Suva, 158 Princes Rd, Tamavua, Suva, Fiji Islands
LGBTQIA+ Travelers
Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, and asexual (LGBTQIA+) travelers can face unique challenges when traveling abroad. Laws and attitudes in some countries may affect safety and ease of travel. Legal protections vary from country to country. Many countries do not legally recognize same-sex marriage. Approximately seventy countries consider consensual same-sex sexual relations a crime, sometimes carrying severe punishment.
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/before-you-go/travelers-with-special-considerations/lgbtqi.html
Telephone Code
688
Local Emergency Phone
911
Vaccinations
The CDC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Tuvalu: hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, meningitis, polio, measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis), chickenpox, shingles, pneumonia, COVID-19, and influenza.
http://www.who.int/
Climate
Tropical; moderated by easterly trade winds (March to November); westerly gales and heavy rain (November to March)
Currency (Code)
Tuvaluan dollars or Australian dollars (AUD)
Electricity/Voltage/Plug Type(s)
230 V / 50 Hz / plug types(s): I
Major Languages
Tuvaluan, English, Samoan, Kiribati (on the island of Nui)
Major Religions
Protestant 92.4%, Baha'i 2%, Jehovah's Witness 1.3%, Mormon 1%
Time Difference
UTC+12 (17 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
Potable Water
Opt for bottled water
International Driving Permit
Suggested
Road Driving Side
Left
Tourist Destinations
Funafuti Marine Conservation Area; Tuvalu Woman's Handicraft Center
Major Sports
Kilikiti (similar to cricket), ano (variant of volleyball), soccer, volleyball
Cultural Practices
The culture of Tuvalu is unique yet typical of the culture of the South Pacific Islands. Tuvalu is largely Polynesian, with an emphasis on traditional ways, friendliness and a relaxed lifestyle. The people are famous for their dancing, music and handcrafts, which are highly regarded in the Pacific.
Tipping Guidelines
Tipping is not common nor expected.
Souvenirs
Carved tuluma wooden tackle boxes, woven cloth, shell jewelry, stamps
Traditional Cuisine
Pulaka (similar to taro); often combined with coconut cream and served with fish
Please visit the following links to find further information about your desired destination.
World Health Organization (WHO) - To learn what vaccines and health precautions to take while visiting your destination.
US State Dept Travel Information - Overall information about foreign travel for US citizens.
To obtain an international driving permit (IDP). Only two organizations in the US issue IDPs:
American Automobile Association (AAA) and American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA)
How to get help in an emergency?
Contact the nearest US embassy or consulate, or call one of these numbers:
from the US or Canada - 1-888-407-4747 or from Overseas - +1 202-501-4444
Page last updated: Thursday, October 05, 2023
