Last updated: 23 Oct 2025
Tuvalu
About
| Tuvalu, the world’s second-smallest country and one of the least developed, is a veritable South Sea paradise. Visitors come to the islands to enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and palm-fringed beaches. Pandanus, papaya, banana, breadfruit and coconut palms are typical. Traditional buildings with thatched roofs can be seen virtually everywhere on the islands. The capital is Funafuti, where the greatest attraction is the enormous Funafuti Lagoon which is 14km wide and about 18km long and is excellent for swimming and snorkelling. Visit the Philatelic Bureau, which provides stamps to collectors all over the world, and the University of the South Pacific Centre, which sells a range of books relating to Tuvalu and the surrounding region. Swimmers should wear sand shoes as stonefish are an occasional hazard and the strong tide makes swimming in the ocean is very dangerous. Swimming in the lagoon is considered fairly safe. |
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| Capital: | Funafuti (FUN) |
| Currency: | Australian Dollars (AUD) |
| Language: | Tuvaluan and English |
| Dialling code from SA: | + 688 |
| Time Zones: | UTC/GMT +12 hours (10 hours ahead of South Africa) |
| Side of the Road: | Few roads |
| Best Time to go: | May to September. Climate is hot and humid, but March to November tends to be cooler. Wet season is from November to February. |
| Best For: | Island relaxation , Cultural Exploration |
| Plugs: | 220/240 volts AC, 60Hz (Funafuti only). Electricity in areas outside the capital tends to run off generators. Australian-style plugs with three flat, angled pins are used. |
| Drinking Water: | Water is stored in tanks and should be used conservatively. |
| Health: | Medical facilities are very limited (there is a hospital in Funafuti, but outlying areas have trained nurses only). Comprehensive health insurance is recommended and it should include emergency air evacuation coverage. |
| Customs: | Dress should be casual but modest – women are required to keep their thighs covered and swimwear should be reserved for the beach / poolside. Religious and traditional values dominate daily life in Tuvalu. |
| Travel Tips / Warnings: | Credit cards are not accepted. There are no rivers or lakes in Tuvalu, and the country relies on rainwater stored in tanks for its water supply. Water should be used sparingly. |
| Duty Free: | The following items may be imported into Tuvalu by visitors over the age of 18 without incurring customs duty: • 200 cigarettes. • 1L of spirits or wine. |
| Prohibited Imports: | Pornography, narcotics, arms and ammunition. You must declare all plant and animal products. |
Issuing Authorities
Public Holidays 2025: Jan 1; Mar 10; Apr 18, 21; May 13; Jun 8; Aug 5; Oct 1-2; Nov 11; Dec 25-26
Public Holidays 2026: Jan 1; Mar 9; Apr 3, 6; May 11; Jun 13; Aug 3; Oct 1-2; Nov 9; Dec 25-26, 28
Visa Requirements
- Visas are required by S. A. passport holders.
SA Representative
Representation accredited from Canberra, Australia
Travel Health
| Compulsory: | None |
| Recommended Travel Vaccines: | Hepatitis A & B, Tetanus, Polio |
