Travel To Tuvalu

GENERAL INFO

Tuvalu is a constitutional monarchy which consists of a chain of sixteen reef islands, volcanic atolls and small islets which cover an area of just twenty six square kilometers. The country has a population of just 10,500 people making it the world's fourth smallest country after the Vatican City, Monaco and Nauru.

The country's six volcanic atolls and three reef islands are no more than two meters above sea level leading to grave concerns about sea level rise due to global warming which is rendering the island chain the most endangered nation on the planet.This phenomena has also gone on to cause a lack of interest in foreign investment within the island group leading to massive unemployment amongst it's population.

The islands have no rivers or fresh water lakes with water supplies being reliant upon daily, afternoon tropical showers.

The islands generate an income from a trust fund that was established in 1987 by Australia, New Zealand and the United Kingdom. The government also generates an income from the sale of stamps and coins and the use of the country's internet domain and telephone area code.

Tourism is a very small industry on the islands making it a quiet and relaxing place to visit with few attractions or places of interest and only one, sixteen roomed hotel, although there are several lodges and guest houses dotted around the islands.

The island group's largest atoll is Fongafale where the country's capital city Funafuti is located.

The Island of Nukufetau has a deep water port, where Tuvalu's inter-island ferry and two passenger / cargo ships can be found. The ferry makes regular inter-island journeys around the country and the cargo ships make regular sailings to the neighbouring island nation of Fiji.

Tuvalu's currency is the Tuvaluan Dollar. The Australian Dollar is also widely accepted.

Credit cards can not be used within the islands.

The predominant religion of Tuvalu is Christianity.

The official language of Tuvalu is Tuvaluan although English is understood by many of the locals.

Tuvalu is situated on time zone UTC +12.

LOCAL TRAVEL

Tuvalu is served by the Funafuti International Airport which receives twice weekly flights, every Tuesday and Friday, from Suva in Fiji.

Public transport in Tuvalu is limited to taxis but there are motor bikes and bicycles hire businesses situated around the islands. There are only paved roads in the capital and vehicles drive on the left hand side of the road. An international driving permit is required before car hire is permitted.

Excursions to other islands of the group can be made from the island's ferry the Manu Folau. There are also two cargo / passenger ships which leave from the deep water port situated on Nukufetau Island which make regular, four day crossings to Fiji. The cargo ship Nei Matagare sails once a month and the MV Nivaga II makes the same trip once every three months. For more information ring the Tuvalu Marine Department in Funafuti on (+688) 20055.

FUNAFUTI

Funafuti is the capital of Tuvalu and is situated on the island group's largest island of Fongafale. Funafuti is home to the country's only airport, the smaller of the island group's two sea ports, the government's parliament buildings, the Funafuti Campus of the University of the South Pacific, Tuvalu's only hospital, Tuvalu's only hotel, the National Library of Tuvalu, the Christian Church of Tuvalu, the Women's Handicraft Centre, the Tuvalu Philetelic Bureau and the Ministry of Tourism Office.

Two of Tuvalu's few natural attractions are also situated in Funafuti, the Te Namo Lagoon which is overlooked by the Vaiaku Langi Hotel and the Funafuti Marine Conservation Area.

LOCAL ATTRACTIONS

Tuvalu has little in the way of natural attractions. The islands have no rivers, lakes or mountains but the six islands of Nanumea, Nukufetau, Nui, Fangafale, Nukulaelae and Vaitupu do have some stunning lagoons which are open to the ocean.

Most of the islands attractions are actually situated in the sea which include the 33 square kilometer Funafuti Marine Conservation Area, the Nanumanga underwater caves and several dive sites containing World War Two relics made up of debris thrown from military ships at the end of the conflict.

The islands do have a few restaurants which serve both foreign and local cuisine, mainly located in Funafuti, one bar, the Matagigali Bar which hosts several musical events, a few shops selling local artisan crafts and the Tuvalu Philatelic Bureau where the island's rare stamps and coins can be purchased.

The islands also provide several facilities for water sports, tennis, volley ball and basket ball.

WEATHER / NATURAL PHENOMENA

Tuvalu has an all year round mean annual temperature of 30c, which is generally accompanied with high humidity levels. The islands are known to experience daily, afternoon tropical showers, but during the La Nina season, between February and November, the islands can experience long periods of drought.

Tuvalu's cyclone season lasts between the months of November and April where the islands also experience devastating king tides and El Nino winds.

CRIME

Crime is virtually non existent in Tuvalu with just the odd problem stemming from being drunk.

The possession of narcotics and pornographic literature can result in heavy fines.

It is illegal for foreign nationals to walk the streets without their passport so always carry your passport with you. It is also illegal to take photographs of governmental buildings that also includes the airport and only hotel on the islands as they are both government owned and run.

It is also illegal to drive whilst under the influence of alcohol.

Homosexuality is also illegal in Tuvalu therefore same sex couples are asked not to partake in public displays of affection.

FOREIGN CONSULATES

There is just the one foreign embassy located in Tuvalu, the Embassy of the Peoples Republic of China (Taiwan). Their telephone number is (002) 688 20278.

Other foreign nationals requiring consular help must contact their relevant consulate or embassy located in neighbouring Fiji. U.S nationals are asked to contact their consulate in Hawaii.

HEALTH

Full medical insurance is advised when travelling to Tuvalu as well as a full vaccination program against contracting Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Tetanus, Tuberculosis and Typhoid.

Serious medical cases are airlifted to Australia by way of a Pacific inter-island air ambulance service, or in the case of U.S citizens, to Hawaii.

There is just the one hospital in Tuvalu, situated in Funafuti, where the island group's only dental clinic is also located. Other islands provide nurse led clinics.

The Princess Margaret Hospital, Te Auala O Fongafale, Vaiaku.

VISA INFO

Visas are not required for visits of less than thirty days for nationals of Australia, New Zealand, Canada and the United Kingdom. Other nationals should seek advice from the Tuvaluan government website.

All passports must be valid for at least six months from the date of entry.

Visas can be extended, for no extra charge, for a period of up to three months.

A departure tax of thirty Australian Dollars is payable when leaving Tuvalu.

PUBLIC HOLIDAYS

January 1 – New Years Day.

March 10 – Commonwealth Day.

Good Friday.

Easter Monday.

May 12 – Gospel Day.

August 4 – National Children’s Day.

October 1 – Tuvalu Day - (Two day holiday)

October 2 – Tuvalu Day - (Two day holiday)

October 25 – Hurricane Day.

November 10 – Heir To The Throne’s Birthday.

December 25 – Christmas Day.

December 26 – Boxing Day.

INFORMATIONAL LINKS

For Tuvalu's official tourism website, visit - www.timelesstuvalu.com

For Tuvalu's Government website, visit - www.tuvaluislands.com

Like This? Show your friends - Tweet