Tuvalu customs rules & duty-free allowances

Last reviewed July 2, 2026·Official source

Tuvalu's customs are minimal but strictly enforced. The biggest risk is bringing in any prohibited items like drugs or certain food products without declaring them. All arriving travellers must complete a customs declaration form and proceed through the green or red channel. In 2026, the rules remain unchanged from previous years.

Duty-free allowances

Alcohol
1.0 L
1 litre of spirits over 22% ABV, OR 2 litres of wine or beer. Must be 18+. No duty-free threshold in local currency; goods up to AUD 800 are duty-free.
Tobacco
200 cigarettes
or 50 cigars / 250 g
Cash to declare
$10,000
Declare if carrying AUD 10,000 or more (approx. USD 6,500). Use the Customs Declaration Form upon arrival.
Goods duty-free
$800
Duty-free allowance for personal goods and gifts up to AUD 800 (approx. USD 520). Above this, duty is charged at standard rates (typically 10-20%).

Prohibited — banned from import

  • Illicit drugs and narcotics
  • Firearms, ammunition, and explosives (without permit)
  • Pornographic materials
  • Counterfeit currency and goods
  • Endangered species and products (CITES)
  • Certain fresh food items (e.g., fruits, vegetables, meat) without permit

Restricted — allowed with a permit or declaration

  • Medications containing controlled substances (require prior approval)
  • Plants and seeds (require import permit)
  • Animals and animal products (require quarantine clearance)
  • Satellite phones and drones (require approval from Tuvalu Communications Authority)
  • Cultural artifacts (require export permit from Tuvalu National Library and Archives)

Arriving: red vs green channel

Upon arrival, you will receive a Customs Declaration Form. Fill it out and proceed to the Red Channel if you have goods to declare (including cash over AUD 10,000, restricted items, or goods exceeding AUD 800). Otherwise, use the Green Channel. Officers may still inspect your luggage.

Bringing medication

Personal medications are allowed for up to 3 months' supply. Carry a prescription or doctor's note. Narcotics and psychotropic substances are strictly prohibited without prior approval from the Tuvalu Ministry of Health.

Food, plants & animal products

All food, plants, seeds, and animal products must be declared. Fresh fruits, vegetables, meat, and dairy are generally prohibited without a permit. Biosecurity is strict due to Tuvalu's fragile ecosystem.

Rules worth knowing

No Duty-Free Shops

Tuvalu does not have duty-free shops at Funafuti International Airport. All goods must be declared on arrival.

Strict Biosecurity

Tuvalu has very strict biosecurity laws to protect its environment. Failure to declare food, plants, or animal products can result in fines or confiscation.

Cash Declaration

You must declare any amount of AUD 10,000 or more (or equivalent in foreign currency) on the Customs Declaration Form. Failure to do so can lead to seizure and penalties.

Prohibited Imports for Health

Certain over-the-counter medications common in other countries (e.g., codeine-based painkillers) are considered controlled substances in Tuvalu. Always carry a prescription.

Frequently asked questions

Personal electronics like laptops and cameras for personal use are generally considered personal effects and do not count toward the AUD 800 duty-free allowance, as long as they are not new or intended for resale.
Kava is culturally significant but may be subject to biosecurity restrictions. You must declare it and it may be inspected. Dried kava root is generally allowed for personal use, but fresh kava is prohibited.
Since Tuvalu has no duty-free shops, you can bring alcohol purchased elsewhere. The allowance is 1 litre of spirits or 2 litres of wine/beer. You must be 18 or over.
You must declare the excess goods and pay duty. Duty rates vary but are typically around 10-20% of the value. Failure to declare can result in penalties.
Yes, but you need an import permit from the Tuvalu Ministry of Health and quarantine approval. The animal must have a valid rabies vaccination and health certificate. Quarantine may be required.
There is no limit on bringing AUD into Tuvalu, but amounts of AUD 10,000 or more must be declared on the Customs Declaration Form.
Drones require prior approval from the Tuvalu Communications Authority. You must apply before arrival. Unauthorized drones may be confiscated.

Official source

Tuvalu Customs Department

For guidance only. Customs allowances and prohibited-item lists change without notice — always confirm with Tuvalu Customs Department before travelling.