United States Visa RequirementsFor Tuvalu passport holders
Citizens of Tuvalu must obtain a B1/B2 visa before traveling to the United States. There is no US Embassy in Tuvalu, so applicants must apply at the US Embassy in Suva, Fiji. The $185 MRV fee and an in-person interview are required.
Tuvalu passport holders require a visa to enter United States.
There is no US Embassy in Tuvalu. Apply at the US Embassy in Suva, Fiji (158 Princes Road, Tamavua), which serves Tuvalu. Complete the DS-160 at ceac.state.gov, pay the $185 MRV fee, and schedule your interview in Suva. Factor in significant travel costs and time as flights from Funafuti to Suva are limited.
Entry Requirements
Passport Validity
6 months beyond date of entry
Blank Pages
2 blank pages required
Multiple Entry
Single entry only
Work Permitted
No - requires work visa
Required Documents
DS-160 application form
Completed online at ceac.state.gov before scheduling interview
Valid passport
At least 6 months validity beyond intended stay
MRV fee receipt
$185 USD non-refundable visa application fee
Passport photo
2x2 inch (51x51mm), white background, taken within last 6 months
Interview appointment confirmation
Scheduled at the US Embassy in Suva, Fiji
Proof of financial means
Bank statements, pay stubs, or tax returns showing ability to fund trip
Proof of ties to home country
Employment letter, property documents, family ties, or enrollment proof
Travel itinerary Recommended
Intended dates and purpose of travel to the US
Current Travel Situation
Tuvalu to United States: What You Need to Know
Tuvalu is one of the world's smallest nations, a low-lying coral atoll nation in the Pacific that faces severe threats from rising sea levels. Tuvalu and the United States have diplomatic relations, but the US has no embassy in Tuvalu. Tuvalu is not in the US Visa Waiver Program. Travel from Tuvalu to any US Embassy requires significant planning, as Funafuti is served by only a few flights per week. Academic, government, and official travelers make up the primary group seeking US visas from Tuvalu.
How to Get There
Fiji Link (a Fiji Airways subsidiary) flies from Funafuti (FUN) to Nadi, Fiji. From Nadi, Fiji Airways operates direct flights to Los Angeles (LAX) and San Francisco (SFO). Total travel time from Funafuti to the US west coast is approximately 18 to 22 hours, but limited flight schedules mean layovers can extend total trip time considerably.
Money & Banking
The Australian dollar is used in Tuvalu, but US dollars are the currency in the United States. In the US, tipping is expected: 15 to 20% at restaurants, $1 to $2 for hotel porters. Credit cards are universally accepted. Budget $150 to $200 per day in major US cities.
Practical Tips
Check current interview wait times at travel.state.gov/waitingtimes. Plan significantly in advance given the limited flight connections from Tuvalu. Bring thorough documentation of your purpose of travel and ties to Tuvalu: employment, property, family, and community ties. Climate-related travel or academic research travelers should bring official invitations or program documentation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Tuvalu citizens need a visa to visit the United States?
Yes. Tuvaluan passport holders require a B1/B2 nonimmigrant visa to enter the United States. Tuvalu is not in the US Visa Waiver Program.
Where do Tuvaluans apply for a US visa?
There is no US Embassy in Tuvalu. Apply at the US Embassy in Suva, Fiji (158 Princes Road, Tamavua). Travel from Funafuti to Fiji is required for the interview. Complete DS-160 at ceac.state.gov and pay the $185 MRV fee. Fiji Link (Fiji Airways subsidiary) connects Funafuti to Nadi.
What airlines fly from Tuvalu to the United States?
Fiji Link flies from Funafuti (FUN) to Nadi, Fiji. From Nadi, Fiji Airways flies direct to Los Angeles (LAX) and San Francisco (SFO). Limited flight schedules from Funafuti mean total trip planning time can be significant. Total travel time to the US is approximately 18 to 22 hours.
What is unique about applying for a US visa from Tuvalu?
Tuvalu has some of the most limited international connectivity of any country in the world. Only a few flights per week serve Funafuti. Planning a trip to the US Embassy in Suva and then the actual journey to the US requires significant lead time and budget. Start the process at least 6 months in advance.
Is Tuvalu threatened by climate change and will this affect my visa application?
Tuvalu faces severe existential threats from rising sea levels and is a global advocate for climate action. Climate-related displacement or research travel to the US would be a legitimate visa purpose. Standard B1/B2 tourist and business applications follow the normal process.
How long can Tuvaluans stay in the US on a tourist visa?
CBP sets the authorized stay at entry, typically up to 6 months. If approved, B1/B2 visas are generally valid for 10 years with multiple entries.