Wallis and Futuna Travel Information

Wallis and Futuna is a French territory located in the South Pacific Ocean. The islands are known for their stunning landscapes, turquoise waters, and rich cultural heritage. Whether you’re looking for outdoor adventures or cultural experiences, there’s something for everyone in Wallis and Futuna. Here are the top 10 things to do on the islands:

1. Visit the Royal Palace of Utufea

The Royal Palace of Utufea is a historic building located in the capital city of Mata-Utu. It is the traditional home of the king of Wallis and is an important cultural site. Visitors can tour the palace and learn about the history and culture of the islands.

2. Explore the Futuna Island Cave

The Futuna Island Cave is a unique natural site located on the island of Futuna. The cave is thought to have been used by ancient Polynesians as a place of worship, and it is now considered a sacred site by the local community.

3. Visit the Catholic Cathedral of Mata-Utu

The Catholic Cathedral of Mata-Utu is a beautiful church located in the capital city. The cathedral is a symbol of the strong Catholic heritage of Wallis and Futuna and is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike.

4. Go Snorkeling and Diving

The waters around Wallis and Futuna are filled with vibrant coral reefs and an abundance of marine life, making it a great destination for snorkeling and diving. There are several dive shops and tour operators offering excursions and equipment rental.

5. Take a Hike in the Alofi Forest

The Alofi Forest is a lush, tropical forest located on the island of Futuna. Hikers can explore the forest and enjoy the scenic views from its highest points.

6. Visit the Tefito Cultural Center

The Tefito Cultural Center is a museum located in the capital city of Mata-Utu. The museum showcases the traditional culture of Wallis and Futuna and is a great place to learn about the history and customs of the islands.

7. Attend a Kava Ceremony

Kava is an important cultural tradition in Wallis and Futuna. Visitors can attend a kava ceremony, where they can participate in the ritual and learn about its significance to the local culture.

8. Visit the Sacred Spring of Vailala

The Sacred Spring of Vailala is a sacred site located on the island of Futuna. Visitors can take a pilgrimage to the spring to pay their respects and learn about its cultural significance.

9. Explore the Sandy Beaches

Wallis and Futuna are home to several stunning sandy beaches, including Anse Mapou, Anse Fakahega, and Anse Faka’osi. These beaches are great for sunbathing, swimming, and other water activities.

10. Go Fishing

Fishing is an important cultural and economic activity in Wallis and Futuna. Visitors can go fishing with local guides or on their own and experience the island way of life.

Climate

Wallis and Futuna have a tropical climate, with warm temperatures and high humidity throughout the year. The average temperature is around 26-27°C (79-81°F), with temperatures often reaching the mid-30s°C (95°F) during the summer months. The rainy season is from November to April, with the wettest months being January and February.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Wallis and Futuna is from May to October, during the dry season. During this time, the weather is pleasant with less rainfall and the waters are calm, making it a great time for outdoor activities such as snorkeling, diving, and hiking. The months of June to August are considered the peak tourist season, with more visitors and higher prices.

Here are some general travel tips regarding entry requirements that apply across all countries:

Passport

Make sure that your passport is valid for at least six months from the date of your arrival in the country you are visiting. Some countries will not allow you to enter if your passport is set to expire within a certain period of time.

Visa

Check with the embassy or consulate of the country you are visiting to see if you need a visa. Some countries require a visa for entry, while others do not. Make sure to apply for a visa well in advance of your trip as the process can take several weeks. Check the latest Visa requirements and if necessary get an online Visa with our partner iVisa.

Health Requirements and COVID-19 Rules

Check with the embassy or consulate of the country you are visiting to see if there are any health requirements for entry. Some countries require vaccinations or proof of medical insurance. Check the latest health requirements and if necessary get an online Visa with our partner iVisa.

Travel Insurance

Consider purchasing travel insurance, especially if you are traveling internationally. Travel insurance can cover you in the event of trip cancellation, medical emergencies, and other unexpected events. Our travel insurance partner is SafetyWing. For dangerous activities and/or countries consider a rescue service like those offered by our partner, Global Rescue.

Customs

Be familiar with the customs and laws of the country you are visiting. Some countries have strict laws regarding drug possession, alcohol consumption, and dress codes.

Currency

Check the currency exchange rate and make sure you have enough local currency for your trip. Some countries may not accept credit cards or travelers cheques, so it is always good to have some cash on hand. At WhereNext we recommend use a Wise debit card, which provides low cost currency conversions and ATM withdrawals.

Research the country

Research about the culture, customs and laws of the country you are visiting. It will help you to understand the place more and also prepare you better for the trip.

Contact Information

Make a copy of your passport and keep it in a separate place from your passport. Also, leave a copy of your itinerary and contact information with a friend or family member at home.

Hotels

There are a few hotels available in Wallis and Futuna, mainly in the capital city of Mata-Utu. These hotels range from budget-friendly to more luxurious options and offer comfortable accommodations for visitors.

Guesthouses

Guesthouses are a common type of accommodation in Wallis and Futuna and offer a more traditional and affordable option for travelers. These guesthouses are often owned and operated by local families and provide a unique cultural experience.

Villas

For those looking for a more private and upscale experience, villas are available for rent in Wallis and Futuna. These villas offer spacious and luxurious accommodations and are often located near the beach.

Camping

Camping is also an option for those looking for a more budget-friendly and adventurous experience in Wallis and Futuna. There are several designated camping sites available on the islands, and campers are advised to bring their own camping equipment.

It's important to note that the tourism infrastructure in Wallis and Futuna is limited, and travelers should make arrangements in advance to ensure availability of accommodations during their visit.

Air Travel

The only way to reach Wallis and Futuna from overseas is by air, with flights from Fiji and New Caledonia to the main island of Wallis. There is also a local air service available between Wallis and Futuna.

Car Rental

Car rental services are available on the islands, offering visitors the option to explore the islands at their own pace.

Taxis

Taxis are available in the capital city of Mata-Utu, but services are limited and pre-arrangement is recommended.

Buses

Local bus services are available in Wallis and Futuna, but they are limited and do not cover all areas of the islands.

Bicycles and Mopeds

Bicycles and mopeds are available for rent on the islands, offering visitors a unique and budget-friendly way to explore Wallis and Futuna.

Money Tips for Travel

• Research the currency and exchange rates of your destination before you depart.
• Notify your bank and credit card companies of your travel plans to avoid any potential issues with international transactions.
• Bring a mix of cash, credit, and debit cards--and possibly a travel money card.
• Be aware of the fees associated with withdrawing money from ATMs and using credit cards abroad.
• Make sure to have a backup option for accessing money in case your primary method doesn't work.
• Consider using a card with no foreign transaction fees.
• Be aware of the local customs and etiquette when it comes to paying.
• Keep an eye on the exchange rate throughout your trip and try to make large purchases or withdraw large sums of money when the rate is favorable.
• NEVER accept currency conversion at ATMs! Always get your home bank to convert at much better rates.
• Think about getting a Wise or other travel debit card; these can provide much better rates and some free ATM withdrawals.

ATM and Credit Cards

• Research the availability of ATMs and credit card acceptance at your destination before you depart.
• Keep your ATM card in a safe place and be mindful of your surroundings when using it.
• Try to stick to using ATMs that are affiliated with major banks.
• Keep your credit card information safe and secure, and be aware of potential scams.
• Make sure your cards have the necessary security features, such as chip and pin.
• Be aware of the fees associated with withdrawing money from ATMs and using credit cards abroad.

Exchange Rates

• Research the currency and exchange rates of your destination before you depart.
• Consider using a card with no foreign transaction fees.
• Be aware of the local customs and etiquette when it comes to paying.
• Keep an eye on the exchange rate throughout your trip and try to make large purchases or withdraw large sums of money when the rate is favorable.
• Be careful of places that may offer to exchange money at rates that seem too good to be true.

Travel insurance can provide financial protection and peace of mind for travellers in the event of unexpected situations or emergencies. It covers a wide range of needs--even some you might not expect!

Medical Coverage

Travel insurance can provide coverage for medical expenses if you become ill or injured while traveling. This can include coverage for doctor visits, hospital stays, and emergency medical transportation. It's also a good idea to ensure that your travel insurance covers COVID-19 related illness and delays!

Trip Cancellation and Interruption

Travel insurance can provide coverage if you need to cancel or interrupt your trip due to unexpected events such as illness, weather, or travel bans. It can also provide coverage if your trip is delayed or if your travel provider goes out of business.

Lost or Stolen Luggage

Travel insurance can provide coverage for lost or stolen luggage, as well as personal items such as passports and electronic devices.

Emergency Assistance and Evacuation

Many travel insurance plans offer emergency assistance services, such as providing information on local hospitals and doctors, assistance with replacing lost or stolen documents, and help with arranging transportation in the event of an emergency. At WhereNext we have partnered with Global Rescue for evacuation services, which are highly recommended if you are undertaking dangerous activities or are travelling to dangerous parts of the world.

Liability coverage

Travel insurance can also provide liability coverage in case you cause an accident or harm someone while you are traveling.

Travel insurance can provide financial protection and peace of mind for travellers in the event of unexpected situations or emergencies. It can help cover the costs of medical expenses, trip cancellations, lost or stolen luggage, and more. It's always a good idea to review the coverage and compare the different options available before making a decision. At WhereNext we both use and have partnered with Safety Wing for general travel insurance.

When traveling, getting mobile access is very important these days. If you are working remotely, wanting to update social media, or need to access your banks SMS authentication messages having a reliable service is a must. At WhereNext we recommend:

eSIM

Services such as those offered by our partner, Airalo, allow you to easily order and install an eSIM for different countries or regions that you are traveling in.

Dual SIM phone

If you have a phone that supports dual SIM's then you can get a SIM on arrival for each country, this is probably better done at a telco store rather than at the airport.

Extend your home plan

Depending on where you live and your mobile service provider you may be able to extend your plan to cover mobile roaming at reasonable rates.

Keep your primary SIM

With the amount of accounts we all have that require two factor authentication via SMS, keeping a constant number for these accounts is a must.

There are several online communities and platforms that you can use to meet people while traveling, both for making new friends or for networking professionally. Some popular options include:

Facebook groups

There are many Facebook groups dedicated to connecting people while traveling, from expat groups and travel communities to groups specific to certain cities or regions of the country. You can search for groups based on your interests or location and connect with others who share similar interests.

Meetup

Meetup is a platform that allows you to find groups of people that share your interests in your local area. There are Meetup groups all around the world, and they cover a wide range of topics, such as language exchange, sports, and cultural activities.

Internations

Internations is a social network for people who live or work abroad. It has a large community of expats and organizes regular events, activities and gatherings that allow members to connect and socialize.

Couchsurfing

Couchsurfing is a platform that connects travelers with local hosts, who offer free accommodation and a chance to experience the local culture. It's a great way to meet locals and make friends!

Reddit

Reddit has a large community, and there are several subreddits dedicated to connecting expats and travelers. You can use it to ask questions, get advice, and connect with others who are also living or traveling in the country.

Linkedin

LinkedIn is primarily a professional network, but you can also use it to connect with people who work in the same industry or have similar backgrounds. It can be useful to connect with people before you arrive and establish a few professional contacts to help you get started.

At WhereNext, we use Nomad List as a global community and then research more local ones for our destination. These are just a few examples of online communities you can use to meet people; please suggest any others that you think are appropriate for this destination.