Tuvalu is rather unpopular with tourists however this is particularly due to the fact that the country is only composed of three reef islands and does not have the means to sustain a large number of tourists. Despite that some two and a half thousand tourists visit the islands every year.

Traveling info

All visitors traveling to Tuvalu are required to have a valid passport. Entry requirements vary depending on visitors nationality. Entry requirements are very lax, no one is required to obtain a visa in advance and those who require a visa can all obtain it in any maritime port of Tuvalu or the airport. All others enjoy the luxury of visa-free access. Visitors who wish to drive in Tuvalu may do so using their national driving permit. IDP, however, is recommended as it will aid visitors in renting vehicles or dealing with local police. IDP holders must beware that it does not substitute for the original document and must always be accompanied by the original driving license.

Traveling hazards

Traffic moves on the left in Tuvalu. The main roads on Funafuti are paved, but other roads on other islands are generally unpaved. Animals and unwary pedestrians walking in the road make night driving on unlit secondary roads hazardous.

Environmental hazards

Just like most Pacific islands, Tuvalu has no dangerous mammals or any other land animals which pose a threat to humans. There is only a single official report of a shark attack in Tuvalu which happened in the late 19th century. Such incidents cannot be ruled out as increasingly popular diving is the most common occasion for such attacks.
Tuvalu mostly experiences floods due to storms however cyclones are the most deadly natural hazard to strike the islands.

Health hazards

There are no outbreaks of any diseases nor are there any vaccination requirements in Tuvalu. There are however several recommended vaccines. These are the routine vaccines aka MMR vaccines, hepatitis A and B and typhoid. The country’s only hospital, Princess Margaret Hospital, is located in Funafuti and is capable of providing basic primary health care, and dental and pharmaceutical services. There are also eight medical centers, located on the outer islands, which are staffed by nurses. Tuvalu’s main pharmacy is located in the Princess Margaret Hospital and is responsible for the procurement of drugs and reproductive health commodities from suppliers. However, in case of serious emergency expats should seek emergency evacuation to the nearest country which has adequate facilities to take care of patients.
In case of an emergency dial 911.

Crime

Tuvalu has a low crime rate. However, visitors should review their own personal security practices, be alert to any unusual activity around their homes or businesses, and report any suspicious incidents to local police authorities. Western visitors might be particularly targeted by thieves due to the hope of economic gain.
There is no risk of terrorism in Tuvalu. Narcotics are illegal in Tuvalu.

Summary

Tuvalu is unpopular despite being a safe destination. This is mostly caused by a lack of means to facilitate a large number of tourists and because of the remoteness of the island. Tuvalu’s closest neighbor is Kiribati. Remember that planning your trip with Travset.com will give you the quickest information about nearest emergency services and will also help you purchase indispensable travel insurance for the trip of your lifetime. Please feel free to comment and share the experiences of your travels with Travset.com.

Sources

(Visa)
https://www.worldtravelguide.net/guides/oceania/tuvalu/passport-visa/
(Vaccinations)
https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/tuvalu