Asia and Oceania
Tuvalu
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Still current at: 08 August 2008
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Updated: 13 June 2008
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This advice has been reviewed and reissued with an amendment to the Health section (prevalence of HIV/AIDS in Tuvalu). The overall level of the advice has not changed.
(see travel advice legal disclaimer)
Travel advice for this country
- Travel Summary
- Safety and security
- Local laws and customs
- Entry requirements
- Health
- Natural disasters
- General
See entire profile
Travel Summary
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There is no British consular representation in Tuvalu. Consular matters are covered by the British High Commission in Suva, Fiji. See the General (Consular assistance) section of this advice for more details.
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Only a handful of British nationals visit Tuvalu each year. Most visits are trouble-free. We are not aware of any British nationals who required consular assistance in Tuvalu in 2007.
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There is a low threat from terrorism in Tuvalu. But you should be aware of the global risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks which could be in public areas, including those frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers.
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The tropical cyclone season in Tuvalu normally runs from November to April. See the Natural Disasters section of this travel advice and Tropical cyclones for more details.
- We strongly recommend that you obtain comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling. You should check any exclusions, and that your policy covers you for all the activities you want to undertake. See the General (Insurance) section of this advice and Travel Insurance for more details.
Safety and security
Terrorism
There is a low threat from terrorism in Tuvalu. But you should be aware of the global risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks which could be in public areas, including those frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers.
For more general information see Terrorism Abroad.
For more general information see Terrorism Abroad.
Political Situation
Local laws and customs
Drug taking in all forms is illegal. Importing or exporting illegal drugs attracts a maximum penalty of 10 years imprisonment and a fine of $2000. Those found guilty of cultivating or distributing illegal drugs are likely to receive similarly severe punishment.
Homosexuality is technically illegal in many Pacific countries and the law is occasionally enforced. Open displays of affection between same-sex partners may offend some in Tuvalu.
For more general advice for different types of travellers see Travel Advice Relevant to You.
Entry requirements
Visas
Visas are not required for British nationals visiting for periods of up to one month, provided that your passport is valid for at least a month from the date of entry into the country. An extension of stay for a maximum period of three months is available from the Department of Immigration.
For further information on exactly what will be required at immigration please contact the Department of Immigration at:
Chief Immigration Officer (acting)
Department of Immigration
Private Mail Bag
Vaiaku, Funafuti, Tuvalu
Telephone: (+688) 20240
Passport validity
If you wish to extend your stay, your passport must be valid for at least six months.
Travelling with children
Single parents or other adults travelling alone with children should be aware that some countries require documentary evidence of parental responsibility before allowing lone parents to enter the country or, in some cases, before permitting the children to leave the country.
Visas are not required for British nationals visiting for periods of up to one month, provided that your passport is valid for at least a month from the date of entry into the country. An extension of stay for a maximum period of three months is available from the Department of Immigration.
For further information on exactly what will be required at immigration please contact the Department of Immigration at:
Chief Immigration Officer (acting)
Department of Immigration
Private Mail Bag
Vaiaku, Funafuti, Tuvalu
Telephone: (+688) 20240
Passport validity
If you wish to extend your stay, your passport must be valid for at least six months.
Travelling with children
Single parents or other adults travelling alone with children should be aware that some countries require documentary evidence of parental responsibility before allowing lone parents to enter the country or, in some cases, before permitting the children to leave the country.
Health
Tuvalu's only hospital is on Funafuti and the outer islands have trained nurses only. 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.
You should exercise normal precautions to avoid exposure to HIV/AIDS. For more general information on how to do this see HIV and AIDS.
You should seek medical advice before travelling to Tuvalu and ensure that all appropriate vaccinations are up to date. For further information on vaccination requirements, health outbreaks and general disease protection and prevention you should visit the websites of the National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC) and NHS Scotland’s Fit for Travel or call NHS Direct on 0845 46 47.
For more general health information see Travel Health.
Natural disasters
The tropical cyclone season in Tuvalu normally runs from November to April. You should monitor local and international weather updates from the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO). You can also access National Hurricane Center for updates.
Please also see Tropical cyclones for more detailed information about what to do if you are caught up in a tropical cyclone.
General
Insurance
We strongly recommend that you obtain comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling. You should check any exclusions, and that your policy covers you for all the activities you want to undertake, including cover for medical evacuation by air ambulance particularly if you plan to engage in adventure sports. For more general information see Travel Insurance.
If things do go wrong when overseas see How We Can Help.
We strongly recommend that you obtain comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling. You should check any exclusions, and that your policy covers you for all the activities you want to undertake, including cover for medical evacuation by air ambulance particularly if you plan to engage in adventure sports. For more general information see Travel Insurance.
If things do go wrong when overseas see How We Can Help.
Consular assistance
There is no British consular representation in Tuvalu. Consular matters are covered by the British High Commission in Suva, Fiji Islands. See Contact details (below).
Registration
Register with our LOCATE service to tell us when and where you are travelling abroad or where you live abroad so our consular and crisis staff can provide better assistance to you in an emergency. More information about registering with LOCATE can be found here.
There is no British consular representation in Tuvalu. Consular matters are covered by the British High Commission in Suva, Fiji Islands. See Contact details (below).
Registration
Register with our LOCATE service to tell us when and where you are travelling abroad or where you live abroad so our consular and crisis staff can provide better assistance to you in an emergency. More information about registering with LOCATE can be found here.
Passports
If you require a new passport, application forms can be downloaded from the Internet. To avoid any unnecessary delays, you are advised to contact the British High Commission in Suva (Fiji) before submitting your completed passport application form to the British High Commission in Wellington, New Zealand (please see Travel Advice: New Zealand). Where possible, you are advised to apply at least two months before your passport is due to expire. You will be allowed to retain your old passport whilst waiting for the replacement to be issued and returned.
If you require a new passport, application forms can be downloaded from the Internet. To avoid any unnecessary delays, you are advised to contact the British High Commission in Suva (Fiji) before submitting your completed passport application form to the British High Commission in Wellington, New Zealand (please see Travel Advice: New Zealand). Where possible, you are advised to apply at least two months before your passport is due to expire. You will be allowed to retain your old passport whilst waiting for the replacement to be issued and returned.
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. Once in Fiji, the British High Commission in Suva will be able to issue a limited validity passport to enable you to continue your journey. There will be an additional fee for any passport service performed outside normal consular office opening hours. We strongly advise you to keep a photocopy of the relevant pages of your passport to avoid any complications.
Travel advice for this country
- Travel Summary
- Safety and security
- Local laws and customs
- Entry requirements
- Health
- Natural disasters
- General
See entire profile