Wallis & Futuna
About Wallis & Futuna
| Currency | CFP franc (XPF) |
| Language | French |
| Capital | Mata-Utu |
The Territory of the Wallis and Futuna Islands is a French island collectivity in the South Pacific Ocean, with Fiji to the west, the Samoan islands to the east, and Tonga to the southeast. The population is about 15,000 people (July 2017).
It is thought that the first settlers arrived on the islands over 2,000 years ago. The Dutch discovered the Futuna islands in 1616, and the British discovered Wallis in 1767. The French declared a protectorate over the islands in 1842 and took official control between 1886 and 1888. The government is a parliamentary democracy with the French president as chief of state, represented by a high administrator. The head of government is a president of the territorial assembly.
During World War II, American troops arrived, and Wallis became an important American military base with as many as 6,000 troops based there. In 1959, the citizens voted in a referendum to become an overseas territory, which the French Parliament granted in 1961. This designation was changed to “overseas community” in 2007.
There is very little tourism on the islands. Futuna has no tourist infrastructure. A visitor to Wallis could enjoy quiet villages, lagoons, and ruins of a fortified Tongan settlement dating to 1450 AD.
Recommended Vaccinations For Wallis & Futuna
For Most Travellers
Hepatitis B Vaccine
There is a risk of infection with hepatitis B for this country, therefore, the vaccination is recommended.
Hepatitis A Vaccine
There is a risk of exposure to hepatitis A in this country, therefore, the vaccination is recommended.
For Some Travellers
Yellow Fever Vaccine
There is no risk of yellow fever in this country. However, a yellow fever vaccination certificate is required from travellers over 1 year of age arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission and for travellers having transited for more than 12 hours through the airport of a country with risk of yellow fever transmission.
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.
Rabies Vaccine
Vaccination against rabies is recommended for travellers whose activities or employment may bring them into direct contact with bats (i.e. adventure travellers, veterinarians, wildlife professionals, researchers, etc.).
Recommended Medications For Wallis & Futuna
There are no recommendations for Wallis & Futuna at this time.
Diseases To Be Aware of for Wallis & Futuna
For Most Travellers
Hepatitis B
There is a risk for acquiring hepatitis B in this country.
Hepatitis A
There is a risk of exposure to hepatitis A virus in this country through contaminated food or water.
For Some Travellers
Rabies
The risk of acquiring Rabies is low. However, it may be present in bats. Those with occupational risks (such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals, researchers) may be at risk.
Yellow Fever
There is no risk of yellow fever in this country. However, a yellow fever vaccination certificate is required from travellers over 1 year of age arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission and for travellers having transited for more than 12 hours through the airport of a country with risk of yellow fever transmission.
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.
Safety & Security in Wallis & Futuna
Personal Safety
There is very little crime on the Wallis and Futuna Islands. However, always take necessary precautions to stay safe and to avoid petty crime and theft. Keep valuables secured and out of sight. Safeguard your important documents, such as your passport.
Cyclone season is between November to April. During this time, flooding, landslides and disruptions to services can occur. Tropical storms and cyclones do occur in other months as well.
