Tuvalu entry requirements for United States passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 15, 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
US passport holders get a free 30-day visa on arrival at Funafuti International Airport. No need to apply in advance — just show up with your passport and a return ticket. This policy is current as of 2026.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry into Tuvalu. Airlines check this before boarding, and immigration at Funafuti International Airport enforces it strictly. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Tuvalu | Immigration at Funafuti will ask for a confirmed onward or return ticket before granting entry. Without one, you may be denied boarding or entry — there are no exceptions for overland exits since Tuvalu is an island nation. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Have a printed or digital hotel reservation for your entire stay. Immigration officers occasionally ask for it, and some airlines request it at check-in. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Sufficient money for your stay | Carry at least AUD 1,000 (or equivalent in USD) in cash or have a bank statement showing available funds. Immigration may ask to see proof you can cover accommodation and expenses. | Recommended |
No visa needed — just show up
US passport holders get a free 30-day visa on arrival at Funafuti International Airport. No application, no fee, no embassy visit required.
Passport validity is strict
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your entry date. Airlines check this before boarding — if you're short, you won't fly.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Funafuti International Airport
After deplaning, follow signs to the immigration hall. There's only one terminal, so you can't get lost.
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
Receive your visa stamp
The officer will stamp your passport with a 30-day visa. No fee is charged. The process takes about 5–10 minutes.
4
Proceed to baggage claim and customs
After clearing immigration, collect your bags and walk through customs. Declare any restricted items.
Download Tuvalu Entry Checklist
PDF · United States Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 15, 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
CostAUD 100 (~$65 USD)
Obtainable on arrival; no pre-approval needed for US passport holders.
Business visa
Max stay30 days
Validity3 months
CostAUD 100 (~$65 USD)
Requires invitation letter from Tuvalu business entity; issued on arrival.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on arrival (single entry)Payable in cash (Australian dollars) upon arrival at Funafuti International Airport. | AUD 100 (~$65 USD) |
| Stay extension (if available)Extensions are not standard; contact Tuvalu Immigration for case-by-case requests. | Varies |
| Overstay fine per dayOverstay penalties are not publicly specified; avoid overstaying. | Varies |
Common reasons for entry denial
No return ticket30%
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
US passport holders transiting through Tuvalu (Funafuti International Airport) 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 risk of yellow fever transmission.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedTetanus-diphtheria-pertussisEssentialMeasles-mumps-rubellaEssentialPolioEssentialInfluenzaConsider
Health risks
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; present in Tuvalu, especially during rainy season.
Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Risk of diarrhea and other infections from contaminated food/water.
Zika virusLow risk
Mosquito-borne; pregnant women should take precautions.
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 extensions and inquiries; bring passport and visa on arrival receipt.
Practical information for US 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
You get 30 days. If you want to stay longer, you must apply for an extension at the Immigration Office in Funafuti before your visa expires. Extensions are not guaranteed.
Yes, but it's not automatic. Visit the Immigration Department in Funafuti (near the government building) and submit an application. There is a fee, and approval is at the officer's discretion.
No. The visa on arrival for US passport holders is free.
You will likely be denied boarding by your airline or refused entry by Tuvalu immigration. Renew your passport before traveling.
No vaccinations are required for entry. However, hepatitis A, typhoid, and routine vaccines are recommended. Check with your doctor 4–6 weeks before travel.
Yes, but the same visa on arrival rules apply. You'll need to clear immigration at the port of entry in Funafuti. Most travelers arrive by air.
Overstaying can result in fines and potential deportation. The Immigration Office takes it seriously. Always extend or leave before your visa expires.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 15, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.