Travel Facts
US State Dept Travel Advisory
The US State Department currently recommends US citizens exercise normal precautions in Tuvalu.
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories.html
Passport/Visa Requirements
For the latest passport and visa requirements for this country, please consult the U.S. State Department’s “Learn About Your Destination” search tool, available through the link below.
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages.html
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
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, Baha'i, Jehovah's Witness, Mormon
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: Wednesday, June 26, 2024
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