Talofa

Welcome to the official website of the Australian High Commission in Funafuti, Tuvalu.

We invite you to contact us at [email protected] if you wish to make a general inquiry.

Australia-Tuvalu Falepili Union

The bilateral relationship between Australia and Tuvalu is grounded in the Australia Tuvalu Falepili Union.

The enhanced partnership was announced on 9 November 2023 in Rarotonga, Cook Islands, by then Tuvaluan Prime Minister Kausea Natano and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.

The Union comprises political commitments to uplift our bilateral partnership, as well as a treaty covering climate cooperation, security and mobility with dignity.

On 9 May 2024, Tuvalu Prime Minister Feleti and Foreign Minister Wong signed a Joint Statement confirming both governments’ shared commitment to elevating our partnership through the Falepili Union. An Explanatory Memorandum setting out joint understandings on the implementation and interpretation of the Falepili Union was also signed by Foreign Minister Wong and Tuvaluan Foreign Minister Paulson Panapa. 

The Australia-Tuvalu Falepili Union treaty entered into force on 28 August 2024. This is a momentous step in our elevated partnership, which puts in place transformational arrangements to safeguard the future of Tuvalu.

Australia is also increasing its development support to enable Tuvaluans to stay and thrive in their homes.

The values of ‘falepili’ guide our partnership: a commitment to care for, share with and protect each other, as neighbours.

Falepili Mobility Pathway

As part of the historic Falepili Union, Australia and Tuvalu have co-designed the Falepili Mobility Pathway to support mobility with dignity.

The Falepili Mobility Pathway collectively refers to the newly created visa, the Pacific Engagement Visa (Subclass 192) Treaty stream (Tuvalu), and its associated support services.

The Pathway enables Tuvaluan citizens to migrate to Australia (temporarily or permanently) to live, work and study as permanent residents.

Interested Tuvaluans can register for an electronic pre-application ballot that will randomly choose up to 280 people this program year to apply for the visa.

Details on visa eligibility and how to apply can be found on the Department of Home Affairs website.

Australia Awards Scholarships

Applications for the Australia Awards Scholarships 2025 intake have now closed.

The Australian High Commission offers two types of scholarships to citizens of Tuvalu – Australia Awards scholarships for study in Australia, or Australia Awards Pacific scholarships for study at the University of the South Pacific (USP) campuses.

For more information, visit: Tuvalu Australia Awards intake information.

Direct Aid Program Grants

The Direct Aid Program (DAP) is a flexible small grants program, managed by the Australian High Commission. It supports local development projects that have a strong community focus, improve living conditions, support sustainability, empower women, and generate economic activities.

Applications for the 2024-25 DAP grants are now closed.

For further information, please see the Direct Aid Program (DAP) section.

Passports

Has your passport been lost or stolen in Tuvalu?

Report the loss or theft online
Call the Australian Passport Information Service on 131 232 from within Australia.
Seek more information on the Australian Passports Office website.

Applying for a passport?

The Australian High Commission in Tuvalu does not issue or renew passports.
For general information on applying for a passport or renewing your current or expired passport, visit www.passports.gov.au.

Emergency consular assistance

Consular assistance is available for Australians in Tuvalu.

If you’re in a life-threatening situation or need immediate assistance, contact the local emergency authorities. In Funafuti, the telephone number for emergency services is 911.

If you, or someone you know, needs urgent help or if you have significant welfare concerns, emergency consular assistance is available 24 hours a day by calling the Consular Emergency Centre (CEC) in Canberra on:

1300 555 135 (within Australia)
+61 2 6261 3305 (from overseas)

Do not contact the emergency centre with general enquires - contact the Australian High Commission during office hours.