Tuvalu - Traveller information

Local laws and conventions: Drugs offences incur severe penalties in Tuvalu. Visitors may find that alcohol consumption is limited outside of licensed premises. Noisy or disruptive activities on a Sunday are not acceptable.

Tuvalu is a very traditional country and the Christian Church plays a fundamental role in the islanders’ life; Sunday service is typically considered the most important weekly event. Casual dress is acceptable for visitors, casual but modest dress for women. Shoes must be removed before entering a church, a meeting house or a private home.
English is used for business; business ethics are very important among Tuvaluans. Office hours are Mon–Thur 0730–1615 and Fri 0730–1245.

Immigration and customs: Passports should be valid for at least six months beyond the intended length of stay. Airport departure tax is charged.

Pornographic material, pure alcohol, narcotics, weapons and ammunition are all prohibited imports. Plant and animal materials must be declared and quarantined. Some items are duty free but must be declared on arrival – including binoculars, cameras and unexposed film, portable radios, broadcasting equipment, portable tape recorders, portable typewriters and sports equipment.

Travel within the country: Traffic drives on the left. A limited number of taxis and minibuses operate in Tuvalu; most of these are found near the airport and in Funafuti. Many Tuvaluans travel on motorcycles and bicycles, both of which can be hired through hotels.

There are no domestic flights, but visitors can access the islands by passenger and cargo boats.

Travel health: Medical facilities are generally adequate for routine medical treatment. For more serious or complicated problems, medical evacuation to Fiji Islands or Australia may be required, and all travellers should have comprehensive health insurance that includes this. Visitors will need insect repellent and suitable clothing to discourage mosquito bites.

Tuvalu’s water supply comes from rainwater and desalination.

Money: Australian dollars and Tuvaluan dollars are used. Tuvalu’s own national currency, the Tuvaluan dollar, is only available in coin form denomination up to and including one dollar, with Australian dollar notes solely being used thereafter. Credit cards are not accepted, though Mastercard may be used for cash advances at the National Bank of Tuvalu. Travellers cheques should be taken in Australian dollars. Banking hours are Mon–Thur 0930–1300, Fri 0830–1200.

There were 1,085 tourist arrivals in 2005.