Getting there & Getting around

Getting there

Although Samoa and Fiji are closer neighbours, the only regular connections to Wallis & Futuna are flights from the other two French territories in the area, New Caledonia and Tahiti/French Polynesia. From either of those other territories you can catch connecting flights to destinations further afield. The New Caledonian-based Aircalin is the sole airline to service the islands, and you will find an Aircalin office in Mata Utu on Wallis.

Currently there are no regular passengership services to these islands, just cargo ships passing through a few times a month to unload the much-needed stocks of Foster's beer and French wine. You might find a yacht heading to Wallis from New Caledonia, but you may end up mooring near the rather unpicturesque petroleum wharf at Halalo in the south of Wallis.

Getting around

If you want to visit both of the territory's main islands but have limited time, a quick paddle or sail between the two is not an option because Wallis & Futuna are inconveniently separated by 230km (140mi) of deep blue. The most efficient mode of transport is offered by the airline Aircalin, which makes the 45-minute trip five times a week.

Getting around either Wallis or Futuna by public transport is a simple matter - because there isn't any. However, there are cars available for hire. Unfortunately for fans of the two-wheeled vehicle, there are no motorcycles, scooters or bicycles for hire.

Visa information

Everyone needs a passport to visit French Polynesia. The regulations are much the same as for France: if you need a visa to visit France then you'll need one to visit French Polynesia. Anyone from a European Union (EU) country can stay for up to three months without a visa, as can Australians and citizens of a number of other European countries, including Switzerland. Citizens of Argentina, Canada, Chile, Japan, Mexico, New Zealand, the USA and some other European countries can stay for up to one month without a visa. Other nationalities need a visa, which can be applied for at French diplomatic missions. Visa regulations for French Polynesia can change at short notice, so check with a travel agent shortly before departing. Apart from permanent residents and French citizens, all visitors to French Polynesia need to have an onward or return ticket.