Tuvalu

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

Plug Type 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