Everything You Need To Know About A Tuvalu Visa

We have an awesome bit of news for British citizens planning a trip to Tuvalu. If you hold an official UK passport, you do not need a visa to enter this country!

The visa-exemption facility is valid for a period of stay up to 30 days. Once you are within the nation’s borders and decide on staying for an extended period, you can apply for an additional 3-months stay at the Department of Immigration in Tuvalu.

However, to avail this facility, you need some basic documents:

• A passport that is valid for at least six months after entry with a minimum of two blank visa pages
• Proof of sufficient funds. You can show this in the form of bank statements or cash.
• Proof of onward/return airline tickets
• Authentic documentation that specifies your purpose of the trip
• Necessary documents required for your next destination

Before embarking on your trip, contact the airline and confirm if they allow boarding without a visa. Sometimes, rules change without prior notification.

Once you land at the airport and the immigration authorities confirm that you meet all the entry requirements, you will be issued an entry permit with a validity of one month. This visitor permit is free of charge.

Note: A visa-exemption facility is valid only for purposes of tourism, business, and transit. 

If you plan to enter Tuvalu for any other activities, contact the Honorary Consul of Tuvalu and confirm the exact visa type required for your travel. 

You may have to apply for a visa prior to your trip through the consular section, especially if you are traveling for a paid activity. Below are the contact details:

ADDRESS:

Tuvaluan Honorary Consulate in London, United Kingdom

Tuvalu House

230 Worple Road

London SW20 8RH

United Kingdom

TELEPHONE: (+44) (20) 8879 0985

EMAIL: tuvaluconsulate@netscape.net

Emergency Travel Documents

During your stay in Tuvalu, if you happen to lose or damage your passport, you can apply for an ETD with the Tuvalu authorities. However, you can use an ETD to travel only up to Fiji. After your arrival in Fiji, contact the British High Commission in Suva, and apply for an ETD.

Remember to carry a photocopy of the relevant pages of your passport as you may be asked to present them along with your application.

Points to note before you travel to Tuvalu

Tuvalu does not have a dedicated British Consulate. If you face any legal complications during your stay, you need to contact the nearest embassy, which is the British High Commission in Suva in Fiji.

Therefore, it is necessary that you prepare yourself accordingly. Although the documentation requirements are minimal after arrival in the country and you don’t need to showcase any proof of travel and medical insurance, you should carry one for your own security. 

This will come in handy when you face an emergency medical crisis or need to travel back to the UK.

Additionally, you should note that there are strict regulations for illegal drug activity in the country. 

Offenders can face strict penalty if found taking, importing, or exporting drugs. Also, homosexuality is prohibited in Tuvalu. If discovered, adults can face up to 14 years of imprisonment in the country.