Destinations / Tuvalu
Driving in Tuvalu as a visitor
Often required, depending on where your licence was issued. Tuvalu drives on the left on its tiny atolls; an IDP is advised with your home licence, though motorbikes outnumber cars.
Reviewed July 2026 · A translation of your own licence, carried with it. Not a government permit.
What Tuvalu expects
| Driving document | Depends on licence issuer, script and rental policy |
|---|---|
| Convention format | Local rules |
| Valid for | Not recognised |
| Drives on the | Left |
| Emergency number | 911 |
| Top speed limit | 40 km/h island roads |
What the rental desk will ask you for
| Your own licence | The original card. A photo of it, or a photocopy, gets turned away. |
|---|---|
| Licence translation | Check the desk policy for your issuing country and licence script. A translation accompanies the licence and never replaces an official permit. |
| Booklet format they know | Local rules |
| Minimum age | 18. Under 25 usually pays a young-driver surcharge. |
| Deposit | A credit card in the driver's name. The hold is taken in AUD. |
Rules that catch visitors out
| Speed | Very low speed limits on the airstrip road. |
|---|---|
| Alcohol | 0.08% alcohol limit. |
| Local practice | Motorbikes are the main vehicle. |
On the road in Tuvalu
At the pump
Only petrol/unleaded and diesel are available, sold at a very small number of attended outlets on Funafuti; fill up whenever possible as supply depends on shipping. Bring cash, as card payment is rarely accepted.
After a crash
Report any accident immediately to the Tuvalu Police (emergency 911) on Funafuti and do not move vehicles after an injury crash until police arrive. Given the tiny network, expect to settle directly with police and your rental provider.
Sources: idaservice.org · internationaltravelpermits.com · carol.rent
Common questions
Do you need an International Driving Permit in Tuvalu?
Often required, depending on where your licence was issued. Tuvalu drives on the left on its tiny atolls; an IDP is advised with your home licence, though motorbikes outnumber cars.
Which translation format is used for Tuvalu?
Tuvalu uses the Local rules convention format. A Vialy translation is prepared in that format but is not a government-issued permit.
Will a rental desk in Tuvalu ask for a translation?
Rental is minimal on Funafuti; an IDP and passport advised.
How fast can Vialy prepare one for Tuvalu?
The exact delivery moment is quoted before you pay, 30 minutes as standard and 5 with Express.
Also in Oceania
Driving on to another country on the same trip? Each page states what that destination expects.