Tuvalu entry requirements for Australia passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 31, 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
Australian passport holders get a free 30-day visa on arrival at Funafuti International Airport. No need to apply before you travel — just show up with the right documents and you'll be stamped in. This policy is current for 2026.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Visa on arrival | Get a 30-day tourist visa on arrival at Funafuti International Airport. Have a printed return ticket and proof of accommodation ready — the immigration officer may ask for both. Pay the visa fee in cash (AUD or USD) — there is no ATM at the airport. | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your stay | Your Australian passport must have at least 6 months validity remaining from your date of entry into Tuvalu. Airlines at departure check this strictly — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for visa on arrival | Immigration at Funafuti will ask to see a confirmed onward or return ticket before issuing the visa on arrival. Have a printed copy or show it on your phone — they do not accept verbal promises. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or letter of invitation | Have a confirmed hotel booking or a letter from a host in Tuvalu ready. Immigration may ask for it during the visa-on-arrival process, especially if you arrive without a pre-arranged place to stay. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Cash or bank statement | Carry enough cash (AUD or USD) to cover your stay — there are no ATMs on Funafuti and credit cards are rarely accepted. A bank statement showing sufficient funds can help if the officer asks. | Recommended |
No visa needed — just show up
Australian passport holders get a free 30-day visa on arrival at Funafuti International Airport. No pre-approval, no forms to fill online. Just have your passport, return ticket, and accommodation ready.
Passport validity is strictly enforced
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your arrival date. Airlines check this before boarding — if you're short, you won't even get on the plane.
Extensions are straightforward
Need more than 30 days? Visit the Immigration Office in Funafuti before your visa expires. A 30-day extension costs around AUD 50 and is usually granted without hassle.
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 you can't get lost. Have your passport, return ticket, and accommodation confirmation ready.
2
Queue at the visa-on-arrival counter
Join the line at the counter marked 'Visa on Arrival'. The officer will check your documents, take your passport, and process the visa. This usually takes 5–10 minutes. There is no fee.
3
Receive your visa sticker and entry stamp
The officer will affix a visa sticker into your passport and stamp the entry date. Verify the stamp says 30 days. If you need longer, ask before they stamp — extensions are possible but easier to sort at this point.
4
Collect luggage and exit
After immigration, head to the baggage claim area (it's the same room). Grab your bags and walk through the 'Nothing to Declare' exit unless you have restricted goods.
Download Tuvalu Entry Checklist
PDF · Australia Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 31, 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 date
CostAUD 50 (USD 33)
Apply at Tuvalu High Commission in Suva, Fiji, or on arrival. Requires passport photos and proof of funds.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per visit, extendable
Validity6 months from issue date
CostAUD 100 (USD 66)
For frequent travellers. Must show itinerary and accommodation for each visit.
work visa
Tuvalu Work Permit
1 year, renewable
AUD 200 (USD 132) per year
For those with a job offer from a Tuvalu employer. Requires employer sponsorship and proof of qualifications. Allows multiple entries.
student visa
Tuvalu Student Visa
Duration of course, up to 2 years
AUD 100 (USD 66) per year
For enrolment at the University of the South Pacific (USP) Tuvalu Campus or other approved institutions. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on arrival (single entry)Australian passport holders receive a free visa on arrival for stays up to 30 days. | Free (AUD 0 / USD 0) |
| Stay extension (per month)Extensions are possible for up to 3 months, subject to immigration approval. | AUD 50 (USD 33) |
| Overstay fine (per day)Maximum fine cap of AUD 500 (USD 330). Pay at immigration office before departure. | AUD 20 (USD 13) |
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
Australian passport holders transiting through Funafuti International Airport do not need 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 AEssentialTyphoidEssentialTetanus-diphtheria-pertussisRecommendedMeasles-mumps-rubella (MMR)RecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; outbreaks occur, especially during rainy season.
Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Risk of bacterial diarrhea; drink bottled or boiled water.
ChikungunyaLow risk
Mosquito-borne; sporadic cases reported.
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 08:30–16:30
Bring passport, visa extension form, and fee in cash (AUD or USD).
Practical information for AU 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
You get 30 days from the date of entry. Extensions are possible — apply at the Immigration Office in Funafuti before your visa expires. Extensions cost around AUD 50 and can give you an additional 30 days.
Yes, there is no fee for the visa on arrival for Australian passport holders. The 30-day stay is free of charge.
Yes, you can apply for one extension of up to 30 days at the Tuvalu Immigration Office in Funafuti. The fee is approximately AUD 50. Apply before your current visa expires — overstaying can result in fines or deportation.
You will likely be denied boarding by your airline or refused entry at Funafuti. The 6-month rule is strictly enforced. Renew your passport before traveling.
Only if you are arriving from a country with yellow fever risk. Australia is not a risk country, so you don't need it for direct travel. If you've recently been in Africa or South America, bring your vaccination certificate.
No. The visa on arrival is for tourism, business meetings, or visiting family. For work or study, you need to apply for the appropriate visa through the Tuvalu Department of Immigration before you travel.
Overstaying is taken seriously. You may be fined, detained, or deported at your own expense. The fine is typically around AUD 100–200 per day overstayed. Always extend or leave before your visa expires.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 31, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.