Tuvalu entry requirements for Japan 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
Japanese passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Tuvalu. The process happens at Funafuti International Airport — no need to apply before you travel. As of 2026, the visa is issued on the spot for stays up to 30 days.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must cover entire stay | Your passport must be valid for the full duration of your stay in Tuvalu. Airlines may enforce a 6-month validity rule, but Tuvalu immigration does not require it beyond your departure date. | Required |
| Visa on arrival Issued at Funafuti International Airport | You get a 30-day visa on arrival at Funafuti International Airport. Pay the fee in cash (AUD or USD) — around $100 AUD. Have your return ticket and accommodation details ready for the visa officer.Check entry info | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for visa on arrival | Immigration at Funafuti checks for a confirmed onward or return ticket before issuing the visa. Budget airlines flying into Tuvalu also enforce this at check-in. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended for smooth entry | Have a hotel booking or a letter of invitation from a host in Tuvalu. Immigration may ask for it during the visa-on-arrival process, especially if you arrive without a clear itinerary. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended for visa on arrival | Carry enough cash (AUD or USD) to cover your stay — around $100–$150 per day. Immigration may ask to see bank statements or cash on hand, though this is not always enforced. | Recommended |
Visa on arrival is free for Japanese passport holders
You do not need to pay any fee at the airport. Just present your passport and onward ticket.
Medical facilities are very limited
Tuvalu has only one hospital, and serious medical cases may require evacuation to Fiji or New Zealand. Travel insurance with medical evacuation coverage is strongly recommended.
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 (printed or on phone), and accommodation confirmation ready.
3
Pay the visa fee (if applicable)
As of 2026, the visa on arrival is free for Japanese passport holders. No payment is required at the counter.
4
Receive your visa stamp
The officer will stamp your passport with a visa valid for up to 30 days. Check the stamp before leaving the counter to confirm the dates are correct.
5
Proceed to baggage claim and customs
After immigration, collect your luggage and walk through customs. Declare any restricted items if asked.
Download Tuvalu Entry Checklist
PDF · Japan 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, non-extendable
Validity3 months from issue
CostFree (no fee for Japanese passport holders)
Visa on arrival is free; no paid alternative available for longer stays.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on arrival feeVisa on arrival is issued free of charge for stays up to 30 days. | Free (no fee for Japanese passport holders) |
| Stay extension feeStays cannot be extended; you must leave and re-enter if you wish to stay longer. | Not available (no extension allowed) |
| Overstay fine per dayOverstaying may result in fines or detention; avoid overstaying. | Unknown (no official rate published) |
Common reasons for entry denial
No return ticket35%
Insufficient funds25%
Unconfirmed 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
Japanese passport holders transiting through Tuvalu do not need a transit visa for stays under 24 hours, provided they remain airside.
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 AEssentialTyphoidEssentialTetanus-diphtheria-pertussisRecommendedMeasles-mumps-rubella (MMR)RecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne disease present; use insect repellent and avoid standing water.
Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Risk of diarrhea and other infections; drink bottled or boiled water and eat well-cooked food.
Zika virusLow risk
Low risk but present; pregnant women should take precautions against mosquito bites.
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 and immigration matters; bring passport and any supporting documents.
Practical information for JP 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 visa on arrival allows a stay of up to 30 days. If you need longer, you can apply for an extension at the Immigration Office in Funafuti. Extensions are granted on a case-by-case basis.
Yes, as of 2026, there is no fee for the visa on arrival for Japanese citizens. You don't need to pay anything at the airport.
You will likely be denied entry. Airlines also enforce this rule, so you may not even be allowed to board your flight to Tuvalu. Renew your passport before traveling.
Only if you are arriving from a country with yellow fever risk. Japanese passport holders traveling directly from Japan do not need it. Check the latest requirements before you go.
Yes, you can apply for an extension at the Tuvalu Immigration Office in Funafuti. Extensions are not guaranteed and are decided on a case-by-case basis. There is a fee involved.
Overstaying can result in fines and potential difficulties when leaving the country. It's best to apply for an extension before your visa expires or leave on time.
It's not a formal requirement for the visa on arrival, but immigration officers may ask how you plan to support yourself during your stay. Having a credit card or some cash (Australian dollars are widely accepted) is a good idea.
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.