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
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.
Measles
There is a risk of acquiring Measles in this country.
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
The crime rate in Tuvalu is low. However, petty crime does occur. Take necessary precautions to stay safe and to avoid petty crime and theft. Always be alert in your surroundings. Keep valuables secured and out of sight. Safeguard your important documents, such as your passport.
Be very cautious when swimming off the outer coasts of Tuvalu’s atolls. Very strong rip currents along coastal and reef areas are dangerous. Always wear safety equipment at all times during boating trips.
Do not swim in the Funafuti lagoon due to high levels of pollution.
Tuvalu is in an active seismic zone, and therefore, is at risk for earthquakes and tsunamis. Cyclone season is between November to April.
Same-sex relations are illegal and can bring penalties of seven to 15 years in prison, depending on the offense. LGBTI travellers should carefully consider the risks of travelling to Tuvalu.
Drug offenses carry strict penalties.
There are no ATMs on Tuvalu. Credit and debit cards are not accepted. Ensure that you have sufficient cash for your trip.
Travel health insurance is recommended as medical facilities are limited in Tuvalu.
