Tuvalu entry requirements for New Zealand 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
New Zealand passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Tuvalu. The process is straightforward at Funafuti International Airport. As of 2026, no prior application is needed.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your New Zealand passport needs to be valid for the entire time you plan to be in Tuvalu. No minimum validity beyond your departure date is required by Tuvaluan immigration, but airlines may enforce a 6-month rule — check with your carrier before flying. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of onward travel | Immigration at Funafuti International Airport will ask to see a confirmed return or onward ticket before they stamp you in. Have a printed copy or a clear digital version on your phone ready — they check this for every arrival. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | You may be asked where you're staying, especially if you arrive without a pre-booked hotel. A printed booking confirmation or a letter from a host in Tuvalu is enough — keep it handy. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Officers occasionally ask for proof you have enough money for your stay. Carry a bank statement or credit card showing access to at least AUD 1,000 or equivalent — cash is also accepted. | Recommended |
Cash only for visa fee
The visa-on-arrival fee must be paid in cash (AUD or TVD). There are no ATMs at the airport and card payments are not accepted. Bring enough Australian dollars to cover the fee and any immediate expenses.
Limited connectivity
Internet and mobile coverage in Tuvalu is limited and expensive. Consider buying an eSIM before you arrive (e.g., Airalo) so you have data from the moment you land.
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 queue at the designated counter. Have your passport, return ticket, and accommodation details ready.
3
Pay the visa fee (if applicable)
The visa-on-arrival fee is typically around AUD 100 (cash only, exact change preferred). Pay in Australian dollars or Tuvaluan dollars.
4
Receive your visa stamp
The officer will stamp your passport with the visa. Check the validity dates before stepping away.
5
Proceed to baggage claim and exit
After immigration, collect your luggage and proceed through customs. No arrival declaration form is required.
Download Tuvalu Entry Checklist
PDF · New Zealand 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
Validity3 months from issue
CostFree (no fee for New Zealand passport holders)
Obtainable on arrival; no advance application needed.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry
Validity6 months from issue
CostFree (no fee for New Zealand passport holders)
Available on arrival; allows multiple visits within validity.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (single entry)Visa on arrival is issued free of charge for stays up to 30 days. | Free (no fee charged for New Zealand passport holders) |
| Stay extensionExtensions are not permitted for visa-on-arrival entries. | Not available |
| Overstay fineOverstay penalties are not publicly specified; avoid overstaying. | Varies |
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
New Zealand passport holders transiting through Tuvalu do not require a transit visa for stays within the airport transit area.
Airside transitAllowed
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-pertussisEssentialMeasles-mumps-rubellaEssentialPolioEssentialInfluenzaConsider
Health risks
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne disease present; use insect repellent and mosquito nets.
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
Main office for visa inquiries; bring passport and supporting documents.
Practical information for NZ 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 is typically granted for 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 possible but not automatic. You must apply at the Immigration Office in Funafuti before your current visa expires. There is a fee (around AUD 50–100) and you'll need a valid reason. Approval is at the discretion of immigration.
The visa fee is payable in Australian dollars (AUD) or Tuvaluan dollars (TVD). Bring cash — cards are not accepted at immigration. AUD is widely accepted and preferred.
Yes, you still need a confirmed onward ticket. Immigration will want to see proof you're leaving Tuvalu, even if it's just a connecting flight.
You will be denied entry. The 6-month validity rule is strictly enforced. Renew your passport before traveling.
No, there is no e-visa system for Tuvalu. The only option for New Zealand passport holders is the visa on arrival at Funafuti International Airport.
You may be refused entry. Immigration officers routinely ask for proof of onward travel. Book a refundable ticket if you're unsure of your plans.
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.