Tuvalu

Tuvalu

History of Relations

South Africa is in the process of establishing diplomatic relations on a non-residential basis. The main focus of Tuvalu's foreign policy is the South Pacific region. Tuvalu is an active member of the Pacific Islands Forum, the South Pacific Forum and the South Pacific Commission. Tuvalu has also taken an interest in international issues through its membership of the Commonwealth, the Asian Development Bank, UNESCO and WHO. Driven mainly by its interest in environmental issues, Tuvalu is becoming more active in regional and international forums and joined the United Nations in 2000.

Tuvalu, one of the world's smallest independent nations, comprises nine low-lying coral atolls with a total surface area of 26 sq kms over 1.3 million sq kms of the central Pacific with a population of approximately 9 900.

For further information on Tuvalu, go to http://www.timelesstuvalu.com

Diplomatic Representation

South African Representation in Tuvalu

South African High Commissioner to be accredited from Canberra, Australia as non-resident High Commissioner.

H E Mr M C J Van Schalkwyk
High Commissioner Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary

South African High Commission

Tuvalu Representation in South Africa

None

Travel Info

Visa requirements for South African

Refer to the South African High Commission in Canberra, Australia.

Health Requirements

The preventative measures you need to take while travelling in the South Pacific region depend on the areas you visit and the length of time you stay. A certificate of yellow fever vaccination may be required for entry into certain of these countries if you are coming from a tropical South American or sub-Saharan African country. For detailed information see Yellow Fever Comprehensive Vaccination Requirements.

Recommended Vaccines (as appropriate for Age and Area visited)

Hepatitis A or immune globulin(IG)
Rabies, if you might be exposed to wild or domestic animals through your work or recreation
Typhoid, particularly if you are visiting developing countries in this region
As needed, booster doses for tetanus-diphtheria and measles, and a one-time dose of polio for adults. Hepatitis B vaccine is now recommended for all infants and for children 11-12 years of age who did not receive the series as infants.

See your doctor at least 4-6 weeks before your trip to allow time for shots to take effect.
For more health information for travellers to the South Pacific, go to http://www.cdc.gov/travel/austspac.htm

Climate Info

Tuvalu's climate is tropical with very little seasonal variation. Average temperature is 30 degrees Celsius with heavy rainfall. The country is only rarely affected by tropical cyclones.

For up-to-date weather information, go to www.cnn.com/WEATHER/ or www.wunderground.com.

Currency Info

The Australian Dollar (AUD) ($A) is legal tender although Tuvalu also circulates its own coins.

For current exchange rates click here.

State and Official Visits / Bilateral Meetings

No Information

Bilateral Agreements

If you have any queries with regard to treaties please contact the Treaty Section of the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) at 012 351 1000.

Trade Info

Trade is negligible.

For current information on trade statistics between South Africa and Tuvalu, visit the website of the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition of South Africa.

Interest Groups and Information

No Information