Tuvalu entry requirements for United Kingdom 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
British passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Tuvalu. The process happens at Funafuti International Airport — no advance application needed. As of 2026, the visa is issued at immigration for a small cash fee.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your passport needs to be valid for the entire time you plan to be in Tuvalu. Airlines at check-in may ask to see it, and immigration in Funafuti will stamp you in based on your onward ticket date. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Tuvalu | Immigration at Funafuti International Airport will ask for a confirmed onward or return ticket before they let you through. Without one, they may deny entry and you'll be stuck waiting for the next flight out — which can be days later. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Have a printed or digital booking confirmation for where you're staying. If you're visiting friends or family, a letter of invitation with their address in Tuvalu works too. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself during your stay | Carry a bank statement or credit card showing you have enough money for your trip. Tuvalu is remote and expensive — a few hundred dollars in cash (AUD or USD) helps if you need to pay for island transfers or unexpected costs. | Recommended |
Cash only at immigration
The visa fee and departure tax must be paid in cash. Australian dollars are preferred. There are no ATMs at the airport, so bring enough cash from home or from your last stop.
Limited connectivity
Internet and mobile coverage in Tuvalu is limited and expensive. Download offline maps, booking confirmations, and your return ticket before you arrive.
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 passengers.
2
Present documents at immigration counter
Hand over your passport, completed arrival card (given on the plane), return ticket, and accommodation proof. The officer will process your visa on the spot.
3
Pay the visa fee
Pay the fee in cash (AUD or USD). Keep the receipt — you may need it when departing.
4
Receive visa and enter
The officer stamps your passport with the visa. Collect your luggage and proceed through customs. Total time: 10–20 minutes.
Download Tuvalu Entry Checklist
PDF · United Kingdom 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, pre-arranged)
Max stay30 days, extendable up to 3 months
Validity3 months from issue date
CostAUD 100 (~$65 USD)
Apply at a Tuvalu embassy or online before travel.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable up to 3 months
Validity6 months from issue date
CostAUD 200 (~$130 USD)
Ideal for travellers planning multiple visits within the validity period.
Business visa
Max stay30 days, extendable
Validity3 months
CostAUD 150 (~$98 USD)
Requires an invitation letter from a Tuvalu-based company.
work visa
Tuvalu Work Permit
1 year, renewable
AUD 500 (~$325 USD) per year
For foreign nationals with a job offer from a Tuvalu employer. Requires employer sponsorship and approval from the Ministry of Labour.
student visa
Tuvalu Student Visa
Duration of course, renewable
AUD 200 (~$130 USD) per year
For individuals enrolled in a recognized educational institution in Tuvalu. Requires proof of enrollment and sufficient funds.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (single entry)Payable in cash (Australian dollars or US dollars) upon arrival at Funafuti International Airport. | AUD 100 (~$65 USD) |
| Tourist visa (single entry, pre-arranged)Can be obtained in advance from a Tuvalu embassy or online if available. | AUD 100 (~$65 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within a specified validity period. | AUD 200 (~$130 USD) |
| Stay extension feeExtensions are possible for up to 3 months, subject to immigration approval. | AUD 50 (~$33 USD) per month |
| Overstay fineOverstaying beyond the permitted period incurs a daily fine. | AUD 20 (~$13 USD) per day, max AUD 500 (~$325 USD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
No return ticket30%
Insufficient funds25%
Incomplete 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
UK 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-pertussisEssentialMeasles-mumps-rubellaEssentialHepatitis BRecommended
Health risks
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne disease; use insect repellent and sleep under nets.
Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Risk of diarrheal illness; drink bottled or boiled water and eat well-cooked food.
Zika virusLow risk
Mosquito-borne; pregnant women should take precautions.
Malaria risk: low
Low risk throughout the country; prophylaxis not routinely recommended but consider if travelling to remote areas.
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
Handles visa extensions and immigration inquiries. Bring passport, visa, and fee in cash.
Practical information for GB 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 fee is typically AUD 100 (about USD 65) per person. Pay in cash — Australian dollars or US dollars are accepted. Cards are not accepted at immigration.
The standard visa on arrival is usually granted for up to 30 days. Extensions are possible but must be arranged with the Tuvalu Immigration Department in Funafuti.
Yes, extensions are possible. Visit the Tuvalu Immigration Department in Funafuti before your visa expires. Fees apply, and you'll need a valid reason.
If you're transiting and not leaving the airport, you generally do not need a visa. However, Funafuti is a small airport with limited facilities — most travellers will need to clear immigration.
You will likely be denied entry. The 6-month validity rule is strictly enforced. Renew your passport before travelling.
No mandatory vaccinations for entry, but hepatitis A, typhoid, and tetanus are recommended. Check with your travel clinic 4–6 weeks before departure.
Yes, a departure tax of around AUD 50 is payable in cash at the airport when leaving Tuvalu. Keep some cash aside for this.
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.