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Tuvalu Visa for United States Citizens 2026

Visa on Arrival

US citizens receive a visa on arrival in Tuvalu valid for up to 30 days, issued at Funafuti airport on presentation of a valid passport, onward ticket, and proof of funds.

Guide last updated October 3, 2026. Always verify with official sources before travel.

What you need

  • Passport valid for at least 6 months beyond your arrival date.
  • No advance application form — the visitor permit is completed on arrival at Funafuti International Airport.
  • Return or onward ticket (essential, as Tuvalu has very limited onward flight options).
  • Evidence of sufficient funds for your stay.
  • Confirmed accommodation booking.
  • No photo required for the on-arrival permit.
  • No biometrics collected; travel health insurance is strongly recommended given Tuvalu's extremely limited medical facilities.

Visa types

  • Visitor permit (tourist): issued on arrival, single entry, up to 30 days, low fixed fee.
  • Business visitor permit: same on-arrival process, up to 30 days, for short business visits; longer or repeat business trips require advance arrangement with Tuvalu's Immigration Office.
  • Stays beyond 30 days or any paid work require a separate permit arranged in advance with the Office of the Prime Minister/Immigration — not available on arrival.

Visa on arrival

  • All visitor permits for Tuvalu are issued at Funafuti International Airport — Tuvalu's only international airport, served by a handful of weekly Fiji Airways flights from Suva.
  • Present your passport, onward ticket, and accommodation proof to the immigration officer on arrival; they will stamp a 30-day visitor permit into your passport.
  • Pay the visitor permit fee in Australian dollars (Tuvalu's currency) or sometimes USD cash — have exact small-denomination cash ready, as card payment is not available at the airport.
  • Processing at the airport is quick, typically under 15 minutes given the small number of arriving passengers per flight.

Fees & processing time

  • Visitor permit fee: approximately AUD 35–50 (about USD 23–33), payable in cash on arrival.
  • No advance processing time — the permit is issued immediately at the airport.
  • Extensions beyond 30 days can be requested at the Immigration Office in Funafuti, usually a modest additional fee, processed within a few business days.
  • No express service exists or is needed, since there is no pre-arrival application.

Tips for United States travelers

  • Confirm your Fiji Airways flight well in advance — Funafuti has very limited weekly flights and schedule changes are common.
  • Carry cash in Australian dollars for the visitor permit fee and general expenses, since ATMs and card acceptance are extremely limited in Tuvalu.
  • Bring more than the minimum required funds, as banking access on the islands is minimal.
  • Comprehensive travel health insurance with medical evacuation coverage is essential — Tuvalu's hospital has very limited capacity for serious conditions.
  • If you want to extend your stay beyond 30 days, visit the Immigration Office in Funafuti well before your permit expires.

Official links & resources

Always confirm requirements with government or embassy sources before applying.

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This guide is for information only. Visa policies change without notice. Travel Visa Stack is not an immigration authority. Always verify with official government or embassy sources before making travel plans.