A grassy area with a wooden walkway and thatched huts

Australia & Pacific

Tuvalu

Tuvalu is a small Pacific country of nine low islands and atolls. Most visitors spend their time on Funafuti, the capital, where a wide lagoon is the main draw.

Start with the essentials Plan a trip to Tuvalu

Tuvalu is a country of nine low islands and atolls in the Pacific Ocean, in Polynesia. Most visitors spend their time on Funafuti, the capital, a long atoll with a wide lagoon where you can walk and swim. The country became independent from Britain in 1978. Church and family shape much of daily life, and fatele, a group song and dance, is performed at local celebrations. The airstrip on Funafuti dates from the Second World War.

Tuvalu suits travelers who want a quiet trip with time to walk, swim and talk with local people. It is a poor fit for anyone who expects a wide choice of hotels, restaurants or day tours. Most visitors fly from Fiji, and flights and rooms are both limited, so book early. Plan on a few days on Funafuti.

Five things to know before Tuvalu

Check your visa-on-arrival terms
UK passports can visit Tuvalu without a visa for up to one month. Canada's advice says a visa is issued on arrival, so rules differ by passport. Check yours with Tuvalu immigration before you fly. Visas and entry
Book the Fiji flight and a room together
Funafuti is served by a few flights a week from Suva. There are only a handful of places to stay, so confirm your room before paying for the flight.
Bring Australian dollars in cash
Tuvalu uses the Australian dollar. Card payments and ATMs are very limited, so bring cash for your whole stay. Money
Stay off the runway at flight times
The airstrip doubles as open space where people walk and play. A siren sounds before planes land or take off, so clear the runway when you hear it.
Arrange lagoon trips through the local office
Boat trips to the Funafuti Conservation Area and outer islets run with local boat owners. Ask at your guesthouse or the tourism office a day or two ahead.

Tuvalu travel guides

Practical guides from writers who live there.

Visas and entry

Visa rules by passport and onward tickets.

Read the guide Travel insurance

Evacuation cover for a place with basic health care.

Read the guide Money

Why you should bring all your cash in Australian dollars.

Read the guide Getting around

Flights from Suva and boats to outer islands.

Read the guide

Top places to visit in Tuvalu

See all attractions in Tuvalu

Church · FunafutiCatholic Church (Teone)Sight · TuvaluCaves of Nanumanga

Destinations in Tuvalu

IslandFunafutiExplore

When to go

Rainy days

Best

JanuaryRain24 rainy daysHigh29°Low28°Wet, cyclone risk
FebruaryRain23 rainy daysHigh29°Low27°Wet, humid
MarchRain25 rainy daysHigh29°Low28°Wet, cyclone risk
AprilRain25 rainy daysHigh29°Low28°Showers
MayRain26 rainy daysHigh29°Low28°Drier
JuneRain24 rainy daysHigh29°Low28°Drier, breezy
JulyRain25 rainy daysHigh29°Low27°Dry, breezy
AugustRain26 rainy daysHigh29°Low27°Driest
SeptemberRain24 rainy daysHigh29°Low27°Dry, calm
OctoberRain24 rainy daysHigh29°Low27°Warm, showers
NovemberRain24 rainy daysHigh29°Low27°Wet season starts
DecemberRain25 rainy daysHigh29°Low28°Wet, humid

Average daily high and low in Funafuti, 2016–2025. Rainy day: 1 mm of rain or more.

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Right now in Tuvalu

Local time, today's weather and the exchange rate, refreshed through the day.

Feels like: 31°
Humidity: 84%
Wind: 23 km/h
Chance of rain: 85%

Funafuti

11:22 AM

Tuesday, November 3

GMT+12

Today29°26°85%Tuesday: Thunderstorms. High 29°, Low 26°. Chance of rain 85%.
Wed29°26°94%Wednesday: Rain. High 29°, Low 26°. Chance of rain 94%.
Thu29°27°29%Thursday: Drizzle. High 29°, Low 27°. Chance of rain 29%.
Fri29°26°58%Friday: Rain. High 29°, Low 26°. Chance of rain 58%.
Sat28°26°73%Saturday: Rain. High 28°, Low 26°. Chance of rain 73%.
Sun29°26°75%Sunday: Rain. High 29°, Low 26°. Chance of rain 75%.
Mon29°26°65%Monday: Drizzle. High 29°, Low 26°. Chance of rain 65%.

Updated 09:44 AM local time · Powered by WeatherAPI.com · Weather data by Open-Meteo.com

Money

Mid-market rate1 USD = 1.423 AUD

Amount

Converted to

AUD · Australian Dollar

Rates from Nov 2, 2026 · Rates By Exchange Rate API

What's on in Tuvalu

Big events, festivals and concert tours

Events calendar

OctoberMelbourne CupOct 31 – Nov 7, 2026

a bridge with a bunch of fireworks on it

DecemberSydney New Year's EveDec 31, 2026 – Jan 1, 2027

JanuaryAustralian OpenJan 11 – 31, 2027

Before you go to Tuvalu

Phones in TuvaluRoaming is limited, check firstRead the guide Travel insuranceEvacuation cover is essentialRead the guide Cash in AUDBring enough for the whole stayRead the guide

Rules for Tuvalu, checked

UK passports can visit Tuvalu without a visa for up to one month, and the passport must be valid 6 months after arrival.Checked Oct 1, 2026 · Read more

Tuvalu FAQ

Do I need a visa for Tuvalu?

UK passports can visit for up to one month without a visa. Canada's advice says a visa is issued on arrival, so it depends on your passport. Carry a return or onward ticket, funds and a passport valid for 6 months.

How do I get to Tuvalu?

By air from Fiji, mainly from Suva, to Funafuti a few times a week. Book early, since the small planes fill quickly.

How many days do I need in Tuvalu?

Three to five days, usually one flight cycle, is enough to see Funafuti, visit the conservation area by boat and meet people.

Is Tuvalu affected by rising sea levels?

Yes. Most land is only a few meters above sea level, and flooding at king tides is a visible part of life on Funafuti.

Are there ATMs in Tuvalu?

Very few, and they may not accept foreign cards. Bring Australian dollars in cash for rooms, food and boat trips.