Tuvalu entry requirements for New Zealand 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
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 passport must be valid for the entire time you plan to be in Tuvalu. No minimum validity beyond your stay is required by Tuvaluan immigration, but airlines may enforce a 6-month rule — check with your carrier before departure. | Required |
| Visa on arrival Obtain upon arrival at Funafuti International Airport | You get a free 30-day visitor visa on arrival at Funafuti. No pre-application is needed — just present your passport and a return or onward ticket. The visa is single-entry and can be extended once you're in the country.Check Tuvalu Tourism | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Tuvalu | Immigration officers at Funafuti will ask to see a confirmed onward ticket before granting your visa on arrival. This is strictly enforced — without it, you may be denied entry and put on the next flight out. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Having a confirmed hotel booking or a letter of invitation from a host in Tuvalu speeds up the visa-on-arrival process. Officers rarely ask for it, but if you arrive without a clear place to stay, they may question your plans. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself during your stay | Carry at least AUD 500 or equivalent in cash or a credit card statement. Immigration may ask how you'll cover your costs, especially if you're staying longer than a week. ATMs are scarce on the outer islands. | 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 14, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay30 days, not extendable
Validity3 months from issue
CostFree (visa on arrival for NZ holders)
Standard entry for tourism; no fee required.
Business visa
Max stay30 days, not extendable
Validity3 months from issue
CostFree (visa on arrival for NZ holders)
For business meetings; must show invitation letter.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on arrival feeVisa on arrival is issued free of charge for stays up to 30 days. | Free (no fee charged for New Zealand passport holders) |
| Stay extension feeStays cannot be extended beyond the initial 30 days. | Not available (extensions not permitted) |
| Overstay fine per dayOverstay may result in detention and deportation at traveller's expense. | Unknown (no published rate) |
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 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.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedTetanus-diphtheria-pertussisEssentialMeasles-mumps-rubellaEssentialPolioEssentialInfluenzaConsider
Health risks
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne disease present; use repellent and mosquito nets.
ChikungunyaLow risk
Occasional outbreaks; same prevention as dengue.
Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Risk of diarrheal illness; drink bottled or boiled water.
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 = 1.38 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 14, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.