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Entry and Money Matters

Visa and Entry Overview

Schengen Area, EU/EEA/Swiss, and nationals from visa-exempt countries (including the US, Canada, Australia, NZ, UK, Japan, South Korea, Brazil) do not need a visa for stays up to 90 days. A valid passport is sufficient. Other nationalities typically need a visa, obtained from a French embassy or consulate. Specify Wallis and Futuna as your destination.

Required documents at arrival include a passport valid for six months beyond departure (with two blank pages), a return or onward ticket, proof of sufficient funds, accommodation proof, and your visa (if applicable). Entry fees are not typical for tourists. Customs declaration forms may be needed.

Visa & Related Information

  • Most Western nationalities enjoy visa-free entry for up to 90 days.
  • Other nationalities obtain French visa from their country of residence.
  • Proof of onward travel and funds might be requested.
  • For current details, check IVisa or VisaHQ.

Permits and Health Checks

No general special permits are needed for typical tourist activities. Respect local traditions: seek permission from village chiefs (Chefs de District or Chefs de Villages) before visiting sacred sites, private lands, or local ceremonies. Your local guide or host can facilitate this.

A yellow fever vaccination certificate is needed if arriving from or transiting through countries with yellow fever transmission risk. Check the latest health regulations with your local French embassy or the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs before your trip, as requirements can change.

Medical Evacuation

Often needed for serious conditions

Recommended

Comprehensive travel insurance covering emergency medical treatment.

Check Coverage For

Trip cancellation, interruption, personal liability. Compare policies on World Nomads or SafetyWing.

Health Advisory

Consult prior to travel

Vaccinations

Consult a travel health clinic or your doctor weeks before travel for personalized advice (Hepatitis A, B, Typhoid commonly recommended).

Yellow Fever

Certificate needed if arriving from or transiting through risk countries.

Emergency Contacts

Know these numbers

Local Services

Medical emergencies: 15 (SAMU), Police: 17, Fire services: 18.

Embassy Support

No other countries have resident embassies here. Contact the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs for assistance.

Health & Safety Reminders

Common Health Concerns

Mosquito-borne diseases like Dengue, Chikungunya, and Zika virus are present. Sunburn and heatstroke are risks due to high UV. Gastrointestinal issues can occur. Infections can develop quickly from cuts.

Access to Healthcare

Medical facilities are very limited. Wallis Island has a small hospital (Centre Hospitalier de Sia). Futuna has a smaller medical center. For serious medical conditions, evacuation to New Caledonia or Australia is often needed.

Prevention Tips

  • Mosquitoes:

    Use tropical strength insect repellent and wear long sleeves.

  • Sun:

    Use high-SPF reef-safe sunscreen, wear hats, and stay hydrated.

  • Water:

    Drink only bottled or purified water. Avoid ice made from unpurified water.

  • Food:

    Eat freshly cooked food. Wash hands thoroughly.

  • Wounds:

    Clean and disinfect cuts immediately. Carry a basic first aid kit.

Safety and Natural Hazards

  • Crime rate is very low. Violent crime is rare. Petty theft is uncommon, but keep valuables secure. No specific "dangerous neighborhoods."
  • Cyclones occur mainly between November and April. They can disrupt communications and transportation. Monitor local radio reports and heed official warnings.
  • Tsunamis are rare but possible in this active seismic zone. Familiarize yourself with local evacuation procedures if staying in coastal areas.

Health Preparedness

Your well-being is a priority.

Costs and Budgeting

Wallis and Futuna is a remote destination with limited tourism infrastructure, which shapes its cost.

Budget Traveler Daily

Estimated daily costs for a budget traveler.

Daily Breakdown

  • Accommodation: 4,000-8,000 XPF (Basic guesthouse/bungalow)
  • Meals: 1,500-3,000 XPF (Local snacks/market food)
  • Transportation: 500-2,000 XPF (Shared taxi/hitchhiking)
  • Activities: 0-1,000 XPF (Free sites/local interactions)

Mid-range Traveler Daily

Estimated daily costs for a mid-range traveler.

Daily Breakdown

  • Accommodation: 8,000-15,000 XPF (Small hotel/better guesthouse)
  • Meals: 3,000-6,000 XPF (Simple restaurant/cafe)
  • Transportation: 2,000-5,000 XPF (Private taxi/limited car rental)
  • Activities: 1,000-3,000 XPF (Small tours/boat trips)

Luxury Traveler Daily

Luxury Daily Breakdown

  • Accommodation: 15,000+ XPF (Best available hotel/bungalow)
  • Meals: 6,000+ XPF (Hotel restaurant/special meals)
  • Transportation: 5,000-10,000+ XPF (Dedicated driver/car rental)
  • Activities: 3,000-10,000+ XPF (Private boat charters/guided tours)

Total Estimates

  • Budget Traveler: 6,500-15,000 XPF (~€55-€125)
  • Mid-range Traveler: 14,000-31,000 XPF (~€117-€260)
  • Luxury Traveler: 28,000-40,000+ XPF (~€235-€335+)
  • These are rough estimates. Prices can vary significantly.

Money-Saving Pointers

  • Bring plenty of CFP Francs or Euros as card acceptance is rare.
  • Eat at local eateries, markets, and food stalls for authentic culinary experiences and savings.
  • If your accommodation has cooking facilities, buying groceries from local markets can lower meal costs.
  • For boat trips or taxi hires, share costs with other travelers you meet to bring down individual expenses.

Price Comparisons

Accommodation Rates

  • Basic Guesthouses: From 4,000 XPF
  • Small Hotels: 8,000 XPF to 20,000 XPF
  • More amenities might mean higher rates.

Meal Costs

  • Local Eatery/Market Stall: 1,000-2,000 XPF
  • Restaurant (hotel): 2,500-5,000 XPF+
  • Fresh seafood has good value.

Financial Insights

Cash is king on Wallis and Futuna. Plan your budget considering the remoteness and limited infrastructure.

Health and Safety Notes

This remote destination has specific health and safety considerations you should know.

Vaccinations and Health

  • Yellow Fever:

    Certificate is needed if arriving from/transiting through risk countries.

  • Recommended:

    Consult travel health clinic for personalized advice (routine, Hepatitis A/B, Typhoid).

  • Travel Insurance:

    Highly advised; include emergency medical treatment and evacuation. Check World Nomads, SafetyWing, or Insubuy.

Staying Well

Prevention Strategies

Combat mosquito-borne illnesses with repellent and protective clothing. Avoid sunburn and heatstroke by using high-SPF sunscreen, wearing hats, and staying hydrated. Prevent gastrointestinal issues with bottled or purified water and by choosing safely prepared food.

Clean and disinfect any cuts or scrapes immediately with a basic First Aid Kit, as infections develop quickly in the tropics.

Access to healthcare is very limited; serious conditions often need evacuation.

Drinking Water and Food Hygiene

  • 1
    Drinking Water:

    Tap water is generally not safe for consumption by visitors. Rely on bottled water for drinking and brushing your teeth.

  • 2
    Food Hygiene:

    Exercise caution with street food. Opt for freshly cooked, hot food. Be careful with raw seafood unless its source is known and reputable. Wash your hands thoroughly before eating.

  • 3
    Water Treatment:

    Consider LifeStraw Personal Water Filter or Water Purification Tablets if planning remote ventures.

Crime and Safety

Wallis and Futuna has a very low crime rate. Violent crime is rare. Petty crime, like opportunistic theft, is also uncommon but can occur. There are no specific "dangerous neighborhoods."

General Precautions

  • Do not leave valuables unattended, especially in public areas or on beaches.
  • Respect local customs and traditions to avoid unintentionally causing offense.
  • Consider Pacsafe anti-theft bags for added security.

Natural Hazard Awareness

  • Cyclones occur mainly November-April. Monitor local weather reports.
  • Tsunamis are rare but possible; familiarize yourself with evacuation procedures.

Emergency and Assistance

Contact information for various emergencies and official assistance.

Emergency Services

Medical: 15 (SAMU), Police: 17, Fire: 18. Local authorities can assist with issues.

French Embassy/Consulate

Contact the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs or nearest French diplomatic mission for assistance. No other countries have resident embassies here.

Flight Compensation

For flight delays or cancellations, AirHelp can assist with compensation claims.

Important Advisory

Restricted Access

  • Unrestricted Entry:No general special permits needed for public areas.
  • Sacred Sites:Always seek permission from village chiefs.
  • Private Lands:Permission needed before entry.
  • Local Ceremonies:Permission advised for participation.

Health Facility Limitations

  • Medical Facilities:Very limited.
  • Wallis Island:Small hospital (Centre Hospitalier de Sia).
  • Futuna Island:Smaller medical center.
  • Serious Conditions:Evacuation to New Caledonia or Australia is often necessary.

Your Safety Journey

By following these guidelines, you contribute to a safe and rewarding experience in Wallis and Futuna.