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Before you travelÌý

No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide and any specific travel advice that applies to you:Ìý

• women travellersÌý
• disabled travellersÌý
• LGBT+ travellersÌý
• solo and independent travelÌý
• volunteering and adventure travelÌý

Travel insuranceÌý

If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.Ìý

About FCDO travel advice

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) provides advice about risks of travel to help British nationals make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice.Ìý

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This information is for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen� passport from the UK. It is based on the UK government’s understanding of the current rules for the most common types of travel.

The authorities in Tuvalu set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the Honorary Consul for Tuvalu in the UK.ÌýÌý

Passport validity requirementsÌý

To enter Tuvalu, your passport must have an ‘expiry dateâ€� at least 6 months after the date you arrive.Ìý

Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.ÌýÌý

You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.Ìý

Visa requirementsÌý

You can visit Tuvalu without a visa for up to one month.ÌýÌý

To stay longer than one month or to work, study, travel for business or other reasons, you must get an extension from the Department of Immigration in Funafuti.ÌýÌý

Vaccine requirementsÌýÌý

For details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see .Ìý

Customs rulesÌý

There are strict rules aboutÌý. You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.

TerrorismÌýÌý

There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times.   ÌýÌýÌ�

UK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad.

Terrorism in TuvaluÌý

Although there is no recent history of terrorism in Tuvalu, attacks cannot be ruled out.Ìý

Laws and cultural differencesÌýÌý

Illegal drugs and prison sentencesÌý

It is illegal to import, export, cultivate or distribute drugs. Penalties include fines and imprisonment.Ìý

LGBT+ travellersÌý

Homosexuality is illegal in Tuvalu. If you’re found guilty of consensual sex between adult males, you could face up to 14 years in prison.Ìý

Read more advice for LGBT+ travellers.Ìý

Internet and phone servicesÌý

There is one local mobile network in Tuvalu, other international networks will not work. You can buy local SIM cards in Funafuti.Ìý

MoneyÌý

There are no ATMs in Tuvalu, and credit or debit card payments are not accepted. Bring enough Australian dollars in cash with you for the duration of your trip.Ìý

Outdoor activities and adventure tourismÌýÌý

Swimming safetyÌý

Take care when swimming, diving or snorkelling in the sea as currents can be extremely strong. Coral reefs can easily cause cuts and scrapes. If you decide to scuba dive, make sure you use a reputable, fully licensed company with up-to-date equipment and necessary safety features. Deaths and serious accidents have occurred because basic safety measures were not in place. There are limited medical facilities in Tuvalu.Ìý

Swimming in Funafuti lagoon is not recommended as it is highly polluted.Ìý

See from the Royal Life Saving Society.Ìý

Transport risksÌýÌý

Sea travelÌý

Before travelling in any vessel, check:Ìý

• you’re covered by insuranceÌý
• it is not overloadedÌý
• there are safety precautions in placeÌý
• safety equipment is accessible and in working orderÌý

Road travelÌýÌý

If you are planning to drive in Tuvalu, see information on driving abroad.ÌýÌý

You can use a UK photocard driving licence to drive in Tuvalu for up to 2 weeks. If you still have a paper driving licence, you may need to update it to a photocard licence or get the correct version of the international driving permit (IDP) as well. Ìý

Extreme weather and natural disastersÌý

Find out what you can do to prepare for and respond to extreme weather and natural hazards.Ìý

Tropical cyclonesÌý

The tropical cyclone season normally runs from November to May, but cyclones can happen throughout the year. During cyclone season there is a greater risk of strong winds and heavy rains, flooding, landslides and road closures.ÌýÌý

Monitor local and international weather updates from the , in local newspapers and on Tuvalu Media Department Radio on 621 AM.Ìý

Earthquakes and tsunamisÌý

The US Federal Emergency Management Agency website has advice about and resulting .Ìý

Before you travel check that:Ìý

• your destination can provide the healthcare you may needÌý

• you have appropriate travel insurance for local treatment or unexpected medical evacuationÌýÌý

This is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant.Ìý

Emergency medical numberÌý

Call 911 or 999 and ask for an ambulance.Ìý

Contact your insurance company quickly if you’re referred to a medical facility for treatment.Ìý

Vaccine recommendations and health risksÌý

At least 8 weeks before your trip:ÌýÌý

• check the latest ÌýÌý
• see where to get vaccines and whether you have to pay on the ÌýÌý

See , including dengue.ÌýÌý

Drinking waterÌý

Drink or use only boiled or bottled water and avoid ice in drinks.ÌýÌý

MedicationÌý

The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or bought in the UK can be different in other countries.Ìý

Read .Ìý

The NHS has information on .Ìý

Healthcare facilities in TuvaluÌý

Tuvalu’s only hospital is on Funafuti. Trained nurses serve the outer islands. Medical facilities are generally adequate for routine medical treatment. For more serious or complicated problems, you may need medical evacuation to Fiji or Australia.ÌýÌý

Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance, sufficient medication supplies and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment abroad and repatriation.Ìý

Travel and mental healthÌý

Read FCDO guidance on travel and mental health. There is also .Ìý

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) cannot provide tailored advice for individual trips. Read this travel advice and carry out your own research before deciding whether to travel.Ìý

Emergency services in TuvaluÌýÌý

Ambulance: 999Ìý

Hospital: (+688) 20749Ìý

Fire: 000Ìý

Police: 911Ìý

Contact your travel provider and insurerÌý

Contact your travel provider and your insurer if you are involved in a serious incident or emergency abroad. They will tell you if they can help and what you need to do.Ìý

Refunds and changes to travelÌý

For refunds or changes to travel, contact your travel provider. You may also be able to make a claim through insurance. However, insurers usually require you to talk to your travel provider first.Ìý

Find out more about changing or cancelling travel plans, including:Ìý

• where to get advice if you are in a dispute with a providerÌý
• how to access previous versions of travel advice to support a claimÌý

Support from FCDOÌý

FCDO has guidance on staying safe and what to do if you need help or support abroad, including:Ìý

• getting help if you’re aâ€�victim of crimeÌýÌý
• what to do if you’reâ€�in hospitalÌýÌý
• if you’re affected by a crisis, such as a terrorist attackÌý

ContactingÌýFCDOÌý

Help abroad �

SeeÌýÌýincluding in an emergency.Ìý

Help in the UKÌýÌý

You can call�FCDO in London if you need urgent help because something has happened to a friend or relative abroad. �

Telephone: 020 7008 5000 (24 hours) �

Find out about call charges

Get travel advice updates �

Sign up to�get email notifications when this travel advice is updated. �

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