Tuvalu entry requirements for Japan passport holders

Verified May 14, 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

RequirementDetailsStatus
Visa on arrival
Visa on arrival at Funafuti International Airport
Get your visa on arrival at Funafuti International Airport. Pay the fee in cash (AUD or USD) — around $100 AUD for a single-entry tourist visa valid up to 30 days. Have your passport, return ticket, and accommodation details ready at the visa counter.Check entry infoRequired
Valid passport
Must cover your entire stay
Your Japanese passport needs at least one blank page for the visa sticker. Tuvalu does not enforce a 6-month validity rule — your passport just needs to be valid for the duration of your visit.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 on arrival. Airlines also enforce this before boarding.Required
Proof of accommodation
Recommended to have ready
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.Recommended
Proof of funds
Recommended to carry cash
Carry enough cash (AUD or USD) to cover your stay — there are no ATMs on Funafuti. A few hundred dollars per day is a safe buffer.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 14, 2026
Download PDF

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 (Japanese passport holders get visa on arrival)

Visa on arrival is free and covers single entry up to 30 days.

Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry
Validity6 months
CostNot available (no multiple entry visa for tourists)

Tuvalu does not offer multiple entry tourist visas; each entry requires a new visa on arrival.

Other fees
ServiceCost
Visa on arrival feeVisa on arrival is issued free of charge at Funafuti International Airport.Free (no fee for Japanese passport holders)
Stay extension feeStandard visa on arrival is not extendable; must leave and re-enter.Not available (no extension allowed)
Overstay fine per dayOverstay may result in detention or deportation; avoid overstaying.Unknown (no official published rate)

Common reasons for entry denial

No return ticket35%
Insufficient funds25%
Unclear 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 if they remain airside and have a confirmed onward ticket.

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-diphtheriaEssentialMeasles-mumps-rubella (MMR)Essential
Health risks
Dengue feverModerate risk

Mosquito-borne disease present; use insect repellent and sleep under nets.

Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk

Avoid tap water and undercooked food; stick to bottled water and well-cooked meals.

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; no extension services available for visa on arrival.

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 = 1.38 AUD
updated May 13
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
Police911
Medical911
US EmbassyFind contact

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 14, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.