Tuvalu entry requirements for Canada passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 17, 2026·View sources
Visa on arrival
Max stay
No fixed limit
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Canadian passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Tuvalu. The process happens at Funafuti International Airport — have your documents ready and pay the fee in cash. As of 2026, this is the standard entry method for Canadians visiting Tuvalu.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Visa on arrival | Get your visa on arrival at Funafuti International Airport. Pay in cash (AUD or USD) — exact amount varies but expect around $100 AUD. Have a printed copy of your hotel booking and return ticket ready to show at the visa counter. | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of stay | Your Canadian passport must be valid for the entire time you plan to stay in Tuvalu. No minimum validity beyond departure is required by Tuvalu immigration, but airlines may enforce 6 months — check with your carrier before flying. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for visa on arrival | Immigration at Funafuti will ask for proof of onward travel before issuing your visa on arrival. Have a printed or digital copy of your return flight or a ticket to your next destination ready. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended to have ready | Have a hotel booking confirmation or a letter of invitation from your host in Tuvalu. Immigration may ask for it at the visa counter, especially if you arrive without a pre-booked place to stay. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended to have ready | Carry enough cash (AUD or USD) to cover your stay — there are no ATMs on Funafuti and credit cards are rarely accepted outside the main hotel. A bank statement or credit card showing available funds can help if asked. | Recommended |
Cash is king in Tuvalu
ATMs are extremely limited — there's only one in Funafuti and it's unreliable. Bring enough Australian dollars in cash to cover your entire stay, including the visa-on-arrival fee, accommodation, food, and departure tax.
Flights are infrequent
Tuvalu is one of the least visited countries in the world. Flights to Funafuti are limited — typically only a few per week from Fiji. Book your return ticket well in advance and confirm your departure date with the airline.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Funafuti International Airport
After landing, follow signs to the immigration hall. There's usually one queue for all arrivals. Have your passport, return ticket, and accommodation confirmation ready.
2
Fill out the arrival card
You'll be handed a small arrival card on the plane or at the immigration desk. Fill it out with your basic details, flight number, and where you're staying.
3
Present documents and pay the fee
Hand your passport, arrival card, and return ticket to the immigration officer. They'll process your visa-on-arrival — expect to pay the fee in cash (AUD or USD). The officer will stamp your passport and hand it back.
4
Collect your luggage and exit
After immigration, head to the baggage claim area (it's a small airport, so everything is close). Grab your bags and walk through customs — usually a quick check.
Download Tuvalu Entry Checklist
PDF · Canada Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 17, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay30 days, extendable up to 3 months
Validity3 months from issue date
CostFree (VOA)
Standard entry for Canadian passport holders; extension available at immigration office.
Business visa
Max stay30 days, extendable
Validity3 months
CostFree (VOA) or apply in advance
Requires invitation letter from Tuvaluan company.
work visa
Work Permit
1 year, renewable
AUD 200 (~USD 130)
For those with a job offer from a Tuvaluan employer. Requires employer sponsorship and approval from the Ministry of Labour.
student visa
Student Visa
Duration of course, renewable
AUD 100 (~USD 65)
For enrollment at the University of the South Pacific (Tuvalu campus) or other approved institutions. Requires acceptance letter.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on arrival (single entry)Canadian passport holders receive a free 30-day visa on arrival. | Free (USD 0) |
| Stay extension (per month)Extensions are possible for up to 3 months, subject to immigration approval. | AUD 100 (~USD 65) |
| Overstay fine (per day)Maximum fine cap of AUD 500 (~USD 330). | AUD 50 (~USD 33) |
Common reasons for entry denial
No return ticket35%
Insufficient funds25%
Incomplete travel documents20%
Approval probability calculator
Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.
Transiting through Tuvalu
No transit visa needed
Canadian passport holders transiting through Funafuti International Airport do not require a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Transit hubsFunafuti International Airport (FUN)
Health & vaccines for Tuvalu
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedTetanus-diphtheria-pertussisRecommendedMeasles-mumps-rubella (MMR)RecommendedHepatitis BRecommended
Health risks
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne disease; risk is present year-round, especially in urban areas.
Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Risk of diarrhea and other infections from contaminated food/water; practice safe eating and drinking.
ChikungunyaLow risk
Mosquito-borne virus; sporadic outbreaks occur.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Funafuti
Tuvalu Immigration Department
Government Building, Vaiaku, Funafuti
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Main office for visa extensions and inquiries. Bring passport, return ticket, and proof of funds.
Practical information for CA travellers
Country basics
CapitalFunafuti
LanguageTuvaluan, English
Driving sideLeft-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS visitors can drive with a valid US license for up to 30 days.
Money
CurrencyAustralian dollar (AUD)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 1.4 AUD
Time zone
Local timeUTC+12
vs New York+16h
vs Los Angeles+19h
Electricity
Voltage230V / 50Hz
Plug types
IAustralian-style plug with two flat pins and an earth pin
⚠ US adapter needed
Water & health
Tap water
Not safe — use bottled
Tap water is not safe to drink; use bottled or boiled water.
Emergency numbers
Frequently asked questions
The standard visa on arrival allows a stay of up to 30 days. Extensions are possible but not guaranteed — you'd need to apply at the Immigration Office in Funafuti before your visa expires.
Extensions are theoretically possible but not automatic. You must apply in person at the Tuvalu Immigration Department in Funafuti. There's no set fee published, and approval is at the discretion of the immigration officer. Best to plan for 30 days or less.
You'll likely be denied boarding by your airline or refused entry at the border. The 6-month validity rule is strictly enforced. Renew your passport before traveling.
If you're arriving from a country with yellow fever risk, you'll need to show a yellow fever vaccination certificate. For direct travel from Canada, it's not required. Check the latest health advisories before you go.
Credit cards are rarely accepted outside of a few hotels in Funafuti. Bring Australian dollars in cash — that's the local currency. US dollars are also widely accepted but you'll get change in AUD.
Yes, there's a departure tax of around AUD 50 per person, payable in cash at the airport before you leave. Some airlines include it in your ticket — check with your carrier.
Overstaying can result in a fine, detention, or deportation at your own expense. The immigration office in Funafuti handles overstay cases. Avoid it by leaving before your visa expires or applying for an extension in advance.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 17, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.