Tuvalu entry requirements for South Korea 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
South Korean passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Tuvalu. The process happens at Funafuti International Airport. As of 2026, immigration issues the visa for a small cash fee.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your passport must be valid for the entire time you plan to be in Tuvalu. Airlines at Incheon and other departure points will check this before you board. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Tuvalu | Immigration at Funafuti International Airport will ask to see a confirmed onward or return ticket. Without one, they may deny entry and you'll be sent back on the next flight. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Have a printed hotel reservation or a letter from your host ready. Officers at the border sometimes ask for it, especially if you arrive without a clear itinerary. | 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 has no ATMs and most places only take cash (Australian dollars). | Recommended |
Cash is king in Tuvalu
ATMs are extremely limited on the islands. Bring enough Australian dollars in cash to cover your entire stay, including the visa fee. Credit cards are rarely accepted outside the main hotel.
Flights to Tuvalu are limited
Only a few airlines serve Funafuti International Airport, and flights are infrequent. Book your onward or return ticket well in advance to avoid being stranded.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Funafuti International Airport
After landing, follow signs to the immigration hall. There is only one terminal, so it's straightforward.
2
Queue at the Visa on Arrival counter
Join the queue at the designated counter. Have your passport, return ticket, and accommodation confirmation ready. The officer will process your visa — expect a short wait.
3
Pay the visa fee
Pay the visa fee in cash (Australian dollars). As of 2026, the fee is around AUD 100. Keep the receipt.
4
Receive your visa and proceed to baggage claim
Once approved, the officer will stamp or affix the visa in your passport. Collect your luggage and exit the airport.
Download Tuvalu Entry Checklist
PDF · South Korea 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 date
CostAUD 100 (~USD 65)
Apply at Tuvalu High Commission in Suva, Fiji or by mail. Same as VoA but obtained in advance.
Business Visa
Max stay30 days, extendable up to 90 days
Validity3 months from issue date
CostAUD 150 (~USD 98)
Requires invitation letter from Tuvalu business. Apply at Tuvalu High Commission.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (single entry)Payable in cash (Australian dollars) upon arrival. Valid for up to 30 days. | AUD 100 (~USD 65) |
| Overstay fine per dayNo official maximum cap; avoid overstaying to prevent fines and future entry issues. | AUD 50 (~USD 33) per day |
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
South Korea 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 yellow fever transmission risk.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedTetanus-diphtheria-pertussisRecommendedMeasles-mumps-rubellaRecommendedHepatitis BConsider
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.
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 proof of funds.
Practical information for KR 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 fee is approximately AUD 100 (Australian dollars). You must pay in cash at the immigration counter. Credit cards are not accepted.
The visa on arrival is typically granted for up to 30 days. Extensions are possible, but you must apply at the Immigration Office in Funafuti before your visa expires.
Yes, you can apply for an extension at the Tuvalu Immigration Office in Funafuti. Extensions are granted on a case-by-case basis. There is a fee, and you should apply at least a week before your current visa expires.
You will be denied entry. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry. Renew your passport before traveling.
Yes, you need a confirmed onward ticket to any destination outside Tuvalu. It can be a return flight to your home country or a ticket to your next destination.
No, travel insurance is not mandatory for entry. However, it is strongly recommended because medical facilities are very limited and evacuation to Fiji or Australia can be extremely expensive.
Tuvalu uses the Australian dollar (AUD). Bring enough cash for your stay, as ATMs are scarce and credit cards are not widely accepted. The visa fee must be paid in cash.
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.