If foreigners don’t intend to visit Tuvalu for tourist purposes (for example, to do business, start a job, study, conduct academic or scientific research, attend a cultural or religious event, or reunite a family), they must obtain an entry and residence permit. Entry and residence permits to Tuvalu are also issued at the airport entrance upon arrival. A foreign citizen must provide the appropriate and necessary documents to an immigration officer. These permits are valid for up to one year and can be extended up to three times over a five-year period.

Before entering the country, applicants will need to receive sponsorship or a letter of employment from their employer. They must also pass any necessary medical examinations and have a certificate of non-criminal record if the period of work lasts more than a year.

In particular, in order to work, according to the visa policy of Tuvalu, a foreigner must provide the following documents:

• Valid passport
• Two photos by the format of the passport 
• Proof of financial viability
• Sponsorship for employment
• A resume that shows that the applicant is a good fit for this position
• If the Employment Opportunity lasts more than a year, the candidate must provide a certificate of non-criminal record and pass additional medical and radiological examinations.

Application process

Entry and residence permits to Tuvalu are issued upon arrival, but applicants must have all the necessary documents with them when they cross the border. Before entering the country, applicants will need to receive a letter of sponsorship or employment from their employer. 

The Immigration Service will grant entry and residence permits only to people with good health and good behavior. Applicants must also have a valid return ticket or financial security to cover the cost of returning home.

The fee for an entry and residence permit depends on several factors, in particular whether the applicant is located outside the country and whether there are dependents with him. For those who live outside of Tuvalu, the fee is AUD 600 and AUD 150 for each dependent. Foreigners residing in the country must pay an application fee of AUD 1,200 and AUD 300 for each dependent.