Tuvalu

This advice has been reviewed and reissued with a further amendment to the Summary (Swine Flu). The overall level of the advice has not changed.

(see travel advice legal disclaimer)

Travel advice for this country

See entire profile

Travel Summary

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has raised its Pandemic Threat Alert Phase to Level 6. The WHO website at http://www.who.int/csr/disease/swineflu/en/index.html has further details. Check Swine Flu for further information.
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. 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.
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 2008.
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.
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.

Political Situation

Tuvalu Country Profile

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 illegal in Tuvalu. Those found guilty of consensual sex between adult males could face a minimum penalty of seven years imprisonment.

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.

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.

Dengue occurs in Tuvalu. Dengue is transmitted by mosquitoes. There is no vaccination against dengue but there are preventative measures that you can take, as advised on the National Travel Network and Centre (NaTHNaC) website.

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 and for food/drink hygiene see Eat and Drink Safely.

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.

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.

Passports

If you require a new passport, application forms can be downloaded from the Internet at: http://ukinfiji.fco.gov.uk/en/passports/passport-forms. The British High Commission in Suva does not issue passports, but applications for new passports should be submitted to the High Commission for processing. Where possible, you are advised to apply at least two months before your passport is due to expire. Please note that you can apply up to nine months before your current passport expires. Any remaining period of validity will be credited to your replacement passport. You will be allowed to retain your old passport while waiting for the replacement to be processed 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.