Tuvalu Flag
Why visit Tuvalu?
For the traveler seeking a remote destination to enjoy beaches, coral, culture, deep sea fishing, lagoons, relaxation, and snorkeling.
At a Glance
- Souvenirs to Buy: Bags, baskets, fans, handmade shell jewelry, handwoven pandanus mats, lidded wooden boxes, and postage stamps.
Fun Facts
- In 1982, the late Queen Elizabeth II (1926 - 2022) of the United Kingdom (1952 - 2022) and the late Prince Philip (1921 - 2021), Duke of Edinburgh visited.
- In 2012, William, Prince of Wales and Catherine, Princess of Wales visited to mark the Queen's Diamond Jubilee.
- Country consists of 9 islands.
- Has no rivers.
- Freshwater pond on Nanumea.
- Local Police wear British style uniforms.
- Buildings are usually coated with white paint (lase), made by burning a large amount of dead coral with firewood.
- Rising sea levels due Global Warm could vanish the islands.
- Has no museums.
- A spotlight attracts Flying Fish.
Special Holidays/Occasions
- Annual Events: (March) Tuvalu Village Pasifika Festival, (May) Arts Festival, and Fishing & Cooking Competition.
- Holidays: New Year's Day, Commonwealth Day, Good Friday, Holy Saturday, Easter, Easter Monday, Gospel Day, King's Official Birthday, National Children's Day, Tuvalu Day, Heir to the Throne's Birthday, Christmas Day, and Boxing Day.
Good to Know
- Considered one of the least visited South Pacific destinations.
- Funafuti Island is the only island to offer hotel facilities.
- Has no tour guides, tour operators or organized activities.
- No cruise ships visit.
- Tends to be a costly destination to get there.
- Inhabited outlying islands require private yacht transportation.
- Waste management is an issue.
- Entry requires proof of onward/return ticket.
- Has no sales tax.
- Culturally, legs should be covered while seated.
- Navigation buoys do not always mark coral heads and lagoon shoals.
- Culturally, avoid standing in front of seated people as it's considered rude.
- Take your own gear as there's no dive operators.
- Credit cards are not widely accepted.
- Dress conservatively.
- Rainy Season is October - April.
- Wearing lightweight cotton clothing is recommended.
- Funafuti and Nukufetau are the only atolls with safe lagoon anchorage passages.
- Nightlife is limited.
- Prevalent Diseases: Chikungunya, Dengue, Tuberculosis, and Typhoid.
- Tourism industry is unevenly regulated, and inspections do not commonly occur.
- A hat and sunscreen is recommended for sun protection.
- Long sleeves and pants are recommended in the evening due to mosquitos.
- Cyclone Season is November - April.
- Funafuti offers fishing charters.
- Has no ATMs.
- Traffic moves on the left.
- Dental and medical care is very limited.
- Princess Margaret Hospital (Funafuti) is the only hospital.
- Major medical care is deferred to Guam or Hawaii.
- Male homosexuality are illegal, punishable to 7 - 14 years’ in prison.
- Tuvalu National Bank accepts traveler’s checks and most major currencies.
- Has no mandated building accessibility requirements.
- Flights arrive several day from Nadi International Airport (NAN) and Nausori International Airport (SUV).
This international destination requires:
- A valid passport with six months of validity upon return and one blank page for entry stamp.
- Tourist VISA required.
- Currency Restrictions for Entry/Exit: $3,000AUD.
Subject to cyclones, high temperatures, humidity, hurricanes, and tropical storms.
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All information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Subject to change without notice.
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