Are US citizens allowed to travel to Tuvalu?-What is the process?

Yes, the citizens of the US can visit Tuvalu, but it is one of the most remote countries in the world that has the fewest visitors. Visitors can enter with a visa on arrival and there are certain practical considerations in regards to planning a visit.

Visa Requirements for US Citizens

The American travelers are in luck because the US citizens can visit Tuvalu and do a tourism without the need to get a visa beforehand. On arrival, a visitor visa in the form of visa on arrival is available and lasts up to 30 days. This visa is normally allowed to take an overall period of 90 days, although you will be required to apply to the extension when in the country.

To enter Tuvalu, you’ll need:

Valid US passport (must have a minimum of 6 months before your planned stay)
Evidence of outward or coming-back.
Adequate finances to sustain you.

None of the significant health or vaccination conditions are required at the time of the most recent updates, but it is always a good idea to confirm the websites of the US State Department before you can travel, particularly in the post-crisis world.

How to Get to Tuvalu

Reaching Tuvalu is not an easy task, it is a part of adventure. International flights to Tuvalu by the United States or even majority of the countries adjacent are not available. It has Funafuti International Airport (FUN) as its primary international gateway in the capital atoll Funafuti.

The way to arrive there in the US is as follows:

1. Fly to Fiji

The nearest route is via Fiji that is approximately 1,200 kilometers (745 miles) away to Tuvalu. The first thing you are going to do is fly out of the US (usually out of Los Angeles, San Francisco or Honolulu) to Fiji Nadi International Airport (NAN). Fiji Airways and other foreign airlines have regular flights to the US to Nadi.

2. Fly from Fiji to Tuvalu

Fiji Airways flies twice or thrice per week (depending on the day) between Nadi and Funafuti. This is the sole commercial international flight connection to Tuvalu now and thus flights might be restricted and expensive. It is also strongly advised to book early enough particularly when travelling during the peak season. The flight between Nadi and Funafuti is about 2 hours.

What to Expect in Tuvalu

Tuvalu consists of nine small coral atolls and islands where the total land area of the country is only 10 square miles and the population of the country is approximately 11,000. No five star resorts or chain hotels; accommodation is usually small guesthouses and lodges.

The country is ideal for:

Being exposed to the traditional Polynesian culture.
Spending time at pristine beaches.
Diving and snorkeling in transparent lagoons.

There will be no fancy infrastructure or unlimited internet connectivity. It is a destination that tourists will find basic, peaceful, and natural.

Some Tips

Reserve your flights in advance- seats are scarce and cancellation may occur.
Carry some cash (cash in Australian dollars) as there are a problem with ATMs and credit cards.
Think of travel insurance, particularly given the fact that hospitals are underdeveloped and traveling inconveniences may be experienced.
Be mindful of the local culture and nature.

Conclusion

The US nationals are allowed to travel to Tuvalu where they are given a visa on entering the country to do tourism. The traveler must be ready to have a distinct journey as he or she usually travels between the US and Fiji, then has to fly to Funafuti, the major terminal of Tuvalu. Tuvalu is an experience like no other to the individuals that would like to achieve authenticity and simplicity in their lives because of its peaceful environment and the rich Polynesian culture. The visiting tourists will be able to explore this distant paradise and experience it well by planning and following the local customs.