Tuvalu entry requirements for Zambia 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

Zambian passport holders can get a visa on arrival when landing in Tuvalu. No need to apply in advance — just show up at Funafuti International Airport with the right documents and pay the fee. This policy is current as of 2026.

Entry requirements

RequirementDetailsStatus
Visa on arrival
Entry visa
Zambian passport holders can get a visa on arrival at Funafuti International Airport. Have 100 AUD or USD in cash for the visa fee — the immigration counter does not accept cards. The visa is valid for a single entry up to 30 days.Required
Valid passport
Must cover your entire stay
Your 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 stay.Required
Return or onward ticket
Proof of departure
Immigration officers at Funafuti ask for a confirmed onward or return ticket. Airlines flying into Tuvalu (Fiji Airways via Suva) also check this before boarding.Required
Proof of accommodation
Hotel booking or invitation letter
Have a printed hotel confirmation or a letter from your host in Tuvalu. Officers rarely ask, but having it ready avoids delays.Recommended
Proof of funds
Show you can support yourself
Carry at least 500 AUD or USD in cash, or a bank statement showing sufficient balance. Tuvalu has no ATMs and credit card acceptance is limited.Recommended
Cash only at immigration
The visa on arrival fee must be paid in Australian dollars cash. No credit cards, no other currencies. Bring enough AUD to cover the fee and any unexpected costs.
Flights to Tuvalu are limited
Only Fiji Airways flies to Funafuti, and flights are infrequent. Book well in advance and confirm your onward travel before you go.

What happens at the border

1
Arrive at Funafuti International Airport
After landing, follow signs to Immigration. There's only one terminal, so you can't get lost.
2
Queue at the Visa on Arrival counter
Hand over your passport, return ticket, and accommodation booking. The officer will process your visa — expect 5–10 minutes.
3
Pay the visa fee
Pay in cash (AUD). The officer will give you a receipt and stamp your passport.
4
Collect your passport and proceed
Once stamped, you're free to enter. Baggage claim is just past immigration.
Download Tuvalu Entry Checklist
PDF · Zambia Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 31, 2026
Download PDF

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 is the standard option)

No paid tourist visa alternative exists; visa on arrival is the only option for short stays.

Other fees
ServiceCost
Visa on arrival entry feeVisa on arrival is issued free of charge for Zambia passport holders.Free (no fee charged at entry)
Stay extension feeStays cannot be extended; must leave before max stay ends.Not available (no extension allowed)
Overstay fine per dayOverstay penalties are not publicly documented; avoid overstaying.Unknown (likely nominal, but no official data)

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

Zambia passport holders transiting through Tuvalu's only international airport (Funafuti International Airport) do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. However, most transits require clearing immigration due to limited facilities.

Transit hubsFunafuti International Airport (FUN)

Health & vaccines for Tuvalu

Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever transmission risk (Zambia is endemic, so certificate may be requested).
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialTetanus-diphtheria-pertussisRecommendedMeasles-mumps-rubella (MMR)RecommendedPolioRecommended
Health risks
Dengue feverModerate risk

Mosquito-borne disease present in Tuvalu; use insect repellent and avoid standing water.

Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk

Risk of diarrhea and other infections from contaminated food/water; drink bottled or boiled water.

ChikungunyaLow risk

Occasional outbreaks reported; same mosquito precautions as dengue.

Malaria risk: low

Malaria risk is low in Tuvalu, but prophylaxis may be considered for rural areas; consult a travel clinic.

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; extensions are not available, but report any issues here.

Practical information for ZM 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 = 1.39 AUD
updated May 31
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 exact fee can change, but expect to pay around AUD 100–150. Bring cash in Australian dollars — no cards accepted.
No. The visa on arrival is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must apply for a different visa type before travel.
You will likely be denied entry. Renew your passport before you travel. The 6-month rule is strictly enforced.
Yes — any onward ticket out of Tuvalu works. It doesn't have to be a return to Zambia, just proof you're leaving.
No. Only Australian dollars are accepted. Exchange at the airport or bring AUD from home.
No. The visa on arrival covers the entire country, including outer islands. No extra permits needed.
Immigration may refuse entry. Book a refundable onward ticket if you're unsure of your plans.

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.