Medical Summary
The health risk information presented here is summarized from Shoreland Travax®, a decision-support tool used by health care providers to perform a detailed health risk analysis based on specific locations, individual travel styles, and traveler risk behaviors. Travax provides practitioners current, independently researched malaria risk and prevention recommendations in a map-based format that goes beyond the annual WHO and US CDC statements included here. Not included here are current reports from Travax of disease outbreaks or environmental events that may pose elevated risks to travelers’ health and safety. The Providers section of this site offers a directory of health care providers who utilize Shoreland Travax for travel health counseling. Learn more about the detailed reports and maps available from these practitioners (includes links to samples).
COVID-19
See also: COVID-19 Traveler Summary
Fully vaccinated: 80.6%
Boosted or Additional Dose: 48.7%
Daily new cases: 0 (7-day rolling average)
Daily new deaths: 0 (7-day rolling average)
General Information
Tuvalu is a developing nation classified as upper middle income. Located in the South Pacific Ocean just south of the equator, the climate is classified as humid equatorial (no dry season).
Vaccinations
Depending on your itinerary, your personal risk factors, and the length of your visit, your health care provider may offer you vaccination against hepatitis A, hepatitis B, influenza, measles, mumps, rubella, rabies, or typhoid fever. Routine immunizations, such as those that prevent tetanus/diphtheria or "childhood" diseases, should be reviewed and updated as needed.
Malaria
See also: Library article for Malaria
The following is current information as reported by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the US Centers for Disease Control (CDC):
WHO—International Travel and Health (current online update, Country List)
No statement given.CDC—Health Information for International Travel (current online edition)
Areas with malaria: None.
Drug resistance: Not applicable.
Other Concerns
Travelers' Diarrhea
See also: Library article for Travelers' Diarrhea
Moderate risk exists throughout the country, including in deluxe accommodations. Food and beverage precautions may reduce the likelihood of illness.
Travelers should carry loperamide for self-treatment of diarrhea and, if risk is moderate to high, an antibiotic to add if diarrhea is severe. Consult a knowledgeable health care provider regarding which antibiotic is appropriate for you and most effective for your destination.
Other Food-Borne Illnesses
Precautions to prevent seafood poisoning may be needed.
Insect- and Arthropod-Borne Diseases
Chikungunya, dengue may pose a risk. Personal protective measures are important.
Other Disease and Health Risks
Additional concerns include helminths, hepatitis C, marine hazards, tuberculosis.
Consular Advice
The material below includes information from the US Department of State (DOS), the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCO), Global Affairs Canada (GAC), and Australia's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), as well as from additional open-source material. Standard safety precautions that apply to all international travel can be found in the Library article Safety and Security.
Terrorism Risk
No intrinsic risk of attack by terrorist groups exists, but unforeseen attacks are possible.
Crime
Negligible risk of violent crime and low risk of petty crime exist throughout the country.
Transportation Safety
National incidence data on traffic-related injury or death are not available.
Natural Disasters
The cyclone season is from November through April. Floods, mudslides, and landslides may occur.
Consular Information
Selected Embassies or Consulates in Tuvalu
- United States: The U.S. does not have an embassy or consulate in Tuvalu.
- Canada: Canada does not have an embassy or consulate in Tuvalu.
- United Kingdom: U.K. does not have an embassy or consulate in Tuvalu.
- Australia: [+688] 20043; tuvalu.highcommission.gov.au
Tuvalu's Embassies or Consulates in Selected Countries
- In the U.S.: Tuvalu does not have an embassy or consulate in the U.S.
- In Canada: Tuvalu does not have an embassy or consulate in Canada.
- In the U.K.: [+44] 020-8879-0985
- In Australia: Tuvalu does not have an embassy or consulate in Australia.
Visa/HIV Testing
HIV testing may be required to obtain a work or residence visa.