Country guides
Australasia
Electricity
220 to 240 volts, 60Hz. Australian three-pin, flat-blade attachment plugs are standard. Electricity is limited to the main island.
Language
The official languages are Tuvaluan and English; however, Tuvaluan is used far more on a daily basis than English.
Money
The unit of currency is the Australian dollar (AUD) with Tuvaluan coins. Credit cards are not accepted and there are no ATMs. Visitors should take sufficient cash for the duration of their trip.
Tipping
Tipping isn't common nor expected.
Health
There are no particular health risks but vaccinations are recommended for hepatitis A and hepatitis B. Those who are spending lots of time outdoors and may be at risk of animal bites should consider a rabies vaccination, but in most cases this will not be necessary. Tap water should be avoided unless boiled, filtered, or chemically disinfected.
Visitors should bear in mind that medical care is extremely limited and even essential medications can be in short supply. Comprehensive travel health insurance is recommended, and visitors should bring all required medications with them, in the original packaging, along with a signed and dated letter from a doctor detailing what the medications are and why they are needed.
Safety
The crime rate is very low but petty crime does occur. Travellers should ensure that their personal belongings, including their passport and other travel documents, are secure at all times.
Local customs
Social interactions in Tuvalu are friendly and informal. Respect for elders is important. The population of Tuvalu is predominantly Congregationalist, and conservative Christian values are practised. Homosexuality is illegal in Tuvalu.
Doing business
Meetings often begin with formalities and social greetings before transitioning to business matters. Foreigners should expect a slower pace of communication as decisions are often made through consensus after considering everyone's input. Building trust and rapport is essential, as Tuvaluan negotiators prioritise establishing a strong relationship with their counterparts before diving into specifics.
Duty free
Visitors to Tuvalu over the age of 18 can freely import 200 cigarettes, or 225g of tobacco or cigars, as well as 1 litre of wine or spirits.
Communications
The international access code is +688.
Passport & Visa
Passports must have at least six months validity remaining upon arrival in Tuvalu. Visitors are required to hold proof of sufficient funds to cover their stay and the documents required for their next destination.
Entry requirements
US citizens require a passport that must be valid for at least 6 months on arrival. Visas are required and can be issued on arrival to visitors for a stay no longer than one month, provided they hold confirmed return/onward tickets and sufficient funds for their stay.
UK citizens require a passport that must be valid for at least 6 months on arrival. Visas are required and can be issued on arrival to visitors for a stay no longer than one month, provided they hold confirmed return/onward tickets and sufficient funds for their stay.
Canadian citizens require a passport that must be valid for at least 6 months on arrival. Visas are required and can be issued on arrival to visitors for a stay no longer than one month, provided they hold confirmed return/onward tickets and sufficient funds for their stay.
Australian citizens require a passport that must be valid for at least 6 months on arrival. Visas are required and can be issued on arrival to visitors for a stay no longer than one month, provided they hold confirmed return/onward tickets and sufficient funds for their stay.
South African citizens require a passport that must be valid for at least 6 months on arrival. Visas are required and can be issued on arrival to visitors for a stay no longer than one month, provided they hold confirmed return/onward tickets and sufficient funds for their stay.
Irish citizens require a passport that must be valid for at least 6 months on arrival. Visas are required and can be issued on arrival to visitors for a stay no longer than one month, provided they hold confirmed return/onward tickets and sufficient funds for their stay.
NZ citizens require a passport that must be valid for at least 6 months on arrival. Visas are required and can be issued on arrival to visitors for a stay no longer than one month, provided they hold confirmed return/onward tickets and sufficient funds for their stay.