Tuvalu
About Tuvalu
| Currency | Australian dollar, Tuvaluan dollar (AUD, TVD) |
| Language | Tuvaluan (official); English (official) |
| Capital | Funafuti |
Tuvalu is located in the South Pacific Ocean, about halfway between Hawaii and Australia. This groups of islands consists of nine coral atolls with a total area of about 26 square kilometers (10 square miles) and a population of about 11,000 people (July 2017).
Tuvalu was formerly known as the Ellice Islands within the British colony of Gilbert and Ellice Islands. In 1974, due to ethnic disagreements, the citizens of Ellice Islands voted to separate from the Gilbert Islands and became a separate British colony. In 1978, the islands gained independence.
The government of Tuvalu is a parliamentary democracy. The British monarch is the head of state and is represented by a governor-general. A prime minister is the head of government.
Tuvalu is isolated with few natural resources and almost completely dependent on imports. Tuvaluans are primarily involved in traditional agriculture (taro and copra for extracting coconut oil) and fishing. Ownership of the internet country code top-level domain generates approximately US $2.2 million each year from royalties that contribute approximately 10 percent of the country’s total revenue.
Due to the country’s remoteness, tourism does not contribute significantly to the economy. The main island of Funafuti has the only airport in Tuvalu. Ecotourism is growing. The Funafuti Marine Conservation Area is home to numerous tropical fish, seabirds and turtles. Access is by private or chartered boat. Privately–owned boats are available for hire, and trips can be made to the many beautiful uninhabited islets in the Funafuti atoll.
Recommended Vaccinations For Tuvalu
For Most Travellers
Hepatitis A Vaccine
There is a risk of exposure to hepatitis A in this country, therefore, the vaccination is recommended.
Hepatitis B Vaccine
There is a risk of infection with hepatitis B for this country, therefore, the vaccination is recommended.
For Some Travellers
Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) Vaccine
BCG vaccine is recommended for those at increased risk from coming in close contact with infected persons or for unvaccinated, children under 16 years of age, who are going to live in the country for more than 3 months.
Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) Vaccine
A dose of Measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine is recommended for infants aged 6 to 11 months.
Rabies Vaccine
Vaccination against rabies may be considered for travellers whose activities or employment may bring them into direct contact with bats (i.e. adventure travellers, veterinarians, wildlife professionals, researchers, etc.).
Typhoid Fever Vaccine
There is a risk of exposure to typhoid fever in this country through consumption of unsafe food and water. Since exposure to unsafe sources is variable within this country, the vaccination against typhoid fever is generally recommended, especially when visiting smaller cities, rural areas, or staying with friends and family.
Recommended Medications For Tuvalu
There are no recommendations for Tuvalu at this time.
Diseases To Be Aware of for Tuvalu
For Most Travellers
Hepatitis A
There is a risk of exposure to hepatitis A virus in this country through contaminated food or water.
Hepatitis B
There is a risk for acquiring hepatitis B in this country.
Dengue Fever
Dengue fever may occur in this country.
For Some Travellers
Measles
There is a risk of acquiring Measles in this country.
Chikungunya Fever
There is a risk of acquiring Chikungunya in this country.
Hanta Virus
There is a risk of acquiring Hantavirus in this country through the consumption of food and water contaminated by an infected rodent or through rodent bites.
Tuberculosis
Travellers to this country are at risk for tuberculosis if visiting sick friends or family, working in the healthcare field, or having close prolonged contact with a sick person.
Typhoid Fever
Unvaccinated people can become infected through contaminated food and water in this country, especially when visiting smaller cities, villages, or rural areas where water and food may not be safe.
Rabies
The risk of acquiring Rabies is low. However, it may be present in bats, but has not been reported in domestic animals in this country. Those with occupational risks (such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals, researchers) may be at risk.
Safety & Security in Tuvalu
Personal Safety
Tuvalu ranks as one of the safest countries in the world for visitors. Violent crime is virtually nonexistent and when it does occur it usually involves alcohol and family disputes. Petty crime like theft is extremely rare but does happen occasionally, especially in crowded areas or at local events in the capital Funafuti. The country has had only two murders since 1978. Drug use and dealing are almost nonexistent. The small population and tight-knit island communities contribute to the exceptionally low crime environment. That said, Tuvalu is a conservative Christian society where respecting local customs matters. The limited tourist infrastructure means you’ll need to plan ahead and bring sufficient Australian dollars in cash since there are no ATMs and cards aren’t accepted anywhere.
Extreme Violence
Tuvalu has an exceptionally low rate of violent crime. The country experiences minimal violence of any kind. When violence does occur, it typically involves domestic disputes and alcohol. The small population of around 11,000 people and strong community ties contribute to this peaceful environment. There have been domestic violence cases reported to police, with 93-100 cases recorded in some years, but violent crime against tourists or visitors is essentially nonexistent. The police operate a Domestic Violence Unit with a no-drop prosecution policy. The country faces no terrorism threat and has no history of terrorist incidents. Organized crime has no foothold in Tuvalu. The national police don’t carry firearms. Visitors can expect an environment free from muggings, assaults, or other violent encounters.
Political Unrest
Tuvalu maintains a stable democratic system with regular free elections. The country is a constitutional monarchy with a parliamentary democracy. Political demonstrations are rare and civil unrest is not a significant concern. While there have been occasional constitutional disputes and no-confidence votes against prime ministers, these are resolved through legal channels without violence or disruption to daily life. A 2012-2013 constitutional crisis involved delays in holding a by-election and disputes between the Prime Minister and Governor-General, but this was resolved peacefully. Constitutional amendments passed in 2023 now restrict no-confidence votes during the first and last 12 months of a parliamentary term. Corruption is relatively limited though some officials have faced corruption charges. The country experiences no protests or strikes that would affect travelers. Political stability remains strong despite the existential threat of climate change and sea level rise.
Areas To Avoid
Tuvalu has no specific dangerous areas that visitors need to avoid. The capital Funafuti is safe day and night. The main hazards are environmental rather than security-related. Swimming in Funafuti lagoon is not recommended as it is highly polluted. The outer coasts of Tuvalu’s atolls have very strong currents and rip tides that make swimming dangerous. Coral reefs can cause cuts and scrapes. Strong ocean currents pose the greatest physical risk to visitors engaging in water activities. The country sits at an average of only two meters above sea level and faces threats from tropical cyclones between November and May, as well as occasional king tides that can cause coastal flooding. Tourist facilities are extremely limited across all islands. Medical facilities are basic with only one major hospital on Funafuti. Outer islands have minimal infrastructure and limited services.
