Tuvalu

Scope

Tuvalu’s Customs Revenue and Border Protection Act treats vessels and other craft as regulated craft. Vessels arriving from abroad must declare to Customs and proceed to a port designated under law. The Act expressly treats Funafuti wharf as a designated Customs port, but does not establish that it is the only usable port. Confirm immigration, quarantine and yacht cruising-permit requirements separately with the responsible authorities.

Official source: Tuvalu Customs Revenue and Border Protection Act 2014

Tuvalu’s Customs Act says vessels bound for an international destination generally must depart from a designated port unless the responsible authority grants permission otherwise. The complete current list of ports where foreign private yachts may enter was not confirmed here; check with Customs before arrival.

Before arrival

Tuvalu’s Customs Act requires the master to notify Customs at least 48 hours in advance of an arriving foreign vessel, including estimated arrival, voyage, people, cargo and intended port details. Unless Customs directs otherwise, the vessel must proceed to a designated port. The provisions reviewed do not specify a standard electronic form or reporting channel; confirm the method with Customs before sailing. This is a general vessel requirement, not a yacht-specific operating guide.

Official source: Tuvalu Customs Revenue and Border Protection Act 2014

Tuvalu’s Immigration Act requires the master of a vessel arriving from abroad to give the Immigration Officer a complete passenger and crew list and not to allow anyone to disembark until authorized by the officer. The provision does not explain visa eligibility by nationality; confirm visa and stay requirements separately.

Tuvalu’s Customs, Revenue and Border Protection Act 2014 requires a departing vessel to submit a departure report and required vessel, crew/passenger, cargo, stores and voyage information. Authorities may request additional documents, and relevant outstanding charges must be paid first. This is a general vessel provision; confirm yacht-specific procedures with Customs.

Tuvalu’s Biosecurity Act 2017 includes requirements for disposal of vessel waste and biosecurity declarations by passengers. Do not discharge onboard waste without authorization; disposal charges are payable by the vessel owner, and onboard stores and people must follow biosecurity officers’ instructions. Confirm forms and procedures with the Biosecurity Department before arrival.

Tuvalu’s Arms and Ammunition Act requires people bringing firearms or ammunition into the country to declare them to Customs and provides for import/export permits. Do not treat firearms as ordinary vessel stores; confirm written permits, sealing and departure arrangements with Customs before sailing.

Tuvalu law requires vessels bound overseas to depart from a designated port and submit the required departure report and vessel/persons/stores information. The provision does not set out a complete arrival process for foreign yachts or a current port list. Confirm arrangements with Customs and port authorities before sailing.

Noonsite’s Tuvalu yacht information says clearance during business hours is generally free. This is third-party cruising information, and no official tariff confirming current nationwide fees was found. Confirm departure procedures, out-of-hours services and port/berth charges with Customs.