Tuvalu entry requirements for Ireland passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 18, 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
Irish passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Tuvalu. You don't need to apply before you travel — just show up at Funafuti International Airport with the right documents and pay the fee. As of 2026, the process is straightforward for short visits.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Visa on arrival | Get your visa on arrival at Funafuti International Airport. Have USD $100 cash ready for the visa fee, plus a passport-sized photo. The process takes about 10 minutes at the immigration desk. | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of stay | Your Irish passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date from Tuvalu. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of onward travel | Immigration at Funafuti will ask to see a confirmed onward ticket out of Tuvalu. Without one, they may refuse entry or require you to buy a ticket at the airport counter. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Have a printed hotel booking or a letter of invitation from your host in Tuvalu. Immigration officers occasionally ask for this, especially if you arrive without a clear itinerary. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Evidence of sufficient money | Carry at least AUD $1,000 in cash or a credit card statement showing available funds. Immigration may ask how you plan to support yourself during your stay. | Recommended |
Cash only for visa fee
The visa-on-arrival fee must be paid in Australian dollars cash. There are no ATMs at the airport, and card payments are not accepted. Bring enough AUD to cover the fee (around AUD 100) plus any extras.
Limited connectivity
Internet and mobile coverage in Tuvalu is limited and expensive. Download offline maps and important documents before you arrive. An eSIM from Airalo can help you get online quickly after landing.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Funafuti International Airport
After landing, follow signs to the immigration hall. There's only one terminal, so it's straightforward.
2
Queue at the visa-on-arrival counter
Join the line at the counter marked 'Visa on Arrival'. Have your passport, return ticket, and accommodation confirmation ready.
3
Submit documents and pay fee
Hand over your passport and supporting documents. Pay the visa fee in cash (AUD). The officer will process your visa.
4
Receive visa and enter
Once approved, the visa sticker is placed in your passport. You'll then proceed to baggage claim and exit the airport.
Download Tuvalu Entry Checklist
PDF · Ireland Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 18, 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
CostFree (visa on arrival)
Standard entry for Irish citizens; extension available at Immigration Office.
Business visa
Max stay30 days, extendable
Validity3 months
CostFree (on arrival with business letter)
Requires invitation from Tuvalu business or government entity.
work visa
Tuvalu Work Permit
1 year, renewable
AUD 200 (~$140 USD) per year
For those 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, up to 2 years
AUD 100 (~$70 USD)
For enrollment at the University of the South Pacific (Tuvalu campus) or other approved institutions. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on arrival (single entry)Irish passport holders receive a 30-day visa on arrival at no cost. | Free (no fee charged at border) |
| Stay extension (per month)Extensions are possible at the Immigration Office in Funafuti for up to 3 months total. | AUD 50 (~$35 USD) |
| Overstay fine (per day)Overstay fines are charged daily; maximum cap is AUD 200 (~$140 USD). | AUD 20 (~$14 USD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
No return ticket35%
Insufficient funds25%
Unclear accommodation20%
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
Irish passport holders transiting through Funafuti International Airport do not need a transit visa if staying airside and departing within 24 hours.
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 yellow fever transmission risk.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedTetanus-diphtheria-pertussisRecommendedMeasles-mumps-rubella (MMR)Recommended
Health risks
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne disease present year-round; use repellent and nets.
Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Risk of diarrhea from contaminated food/water; drink bottled or boiled water.
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 Office
Government Building, Vaiaku, Funafuti
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Bring passport, completed extension form, and AUD 50 fee.
Practical information for IE 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 1 month. Extensions are possible but must be arranged at the Immigration Office in Funafuti before your visa expires. Extensions cost around AUD 50 and can add another month.
Yes, you can apply for an extension at the Tuvalu Immigration Office in Funafuti. You'll need to provide a reason (e.g., medical, travel delays) and pay a fee of approximately AUD 50. Extensions are typically granted for up to 1 additional month.
You will be denied a visa on arrival. Tuvalu strictly enforces the 6-month passport validity rule. If your passport is close to expiring, renew it before you travel.
No, Tuvalu does not require yellow fever vaccination for travellers arriving from Ireland or most other countries. However, if you're arriving from a country with yellow fever risk, you may need proof of vaccination. Check current requirements before travel.
Yes, there is a departure tax of around AUD 50 when leaving Tuvalu. This is usually included in your airline ticket, but confirm with your airline. If not included, you'll need to pay cash at the airport.
Yes, the same visa-on-arrival rules apply for arrivals by sea at Funafuti port. However, you must still meet all requirements (passport validity, return ticket, etc.). Contact Tuvalu Immigration in advance if arriving by private yacht.
Overstaying your visa can result in fines of around AUD 100 per day, and you may be detained until you pay. Always extend your visa before it expires if you need more time.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 18, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.