A Complete Guide to Sailing, Cruising and Flying to Wallis and Futuna
Youâve seen the stunning pictures of turquoise lagoons, lush volcanic landscapes and white-sand beaches edging quiet Pacific waters; now you just need to figure out how to get to paradiseâŠ
Wallis and Futuna LINK#TT064 is a French overseas collectivity made up of three main islands, Wallis (Uvea), Futuna and Alofi, located in the South Pacific between Fiji, Samoa and Tonga. To dive deeper into the geography, check out Where is Wallis and Futuna Located?
Needless to say, the location of Wallis and Futuna is remote, so you can be forgiven for asking: âHow the hell do you get there!?â Weâre here to lay out all of your options in this complete guide on how to get to Wallis and Futuna.
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5 Quick Tips for Getting to Wallis and Futuna
Planning a trip to the beautiful islands of Wallis and Futuna? Get ready for a truly off-the-beaten-path adventure in the South Pacific! Here are five essential tips to help ensure a smooth journey to this remote and culturally rich destination.
- Check visa requirements in advance. As a French overseas collectivity, entry rules may differ from mainland France depending on your nationality.
- Be aware of biosecurity and customs restrictions on arrival at Hihifo Airport or Pointe Vele Airport.
- Make sure you understand the duty-free allowances before packing alcohol, tobacco or other restricted goods.
- If arriving by private yacht, ensure you follow official customs and immigration clearance procedures upon arrival.
- If visiting by cruise ship, note that vessels anchor offshore near MataâUtu, and passengers are typically brought ashore by tender.
And ensure you do the appropriate paperwork before your arrival, as outlined in What Documents Do I Need to Travel to Wallis & Futuna?

International Flights to Wallis and Futuna
Direct international flights to Wallis and Futuna come from New Caledonia and Fiji. Most long-haul connections can be made via Nouméa or Nadi. Key direct cities that connect to these destinations are Singapore, Sydney, Brisbane, Auckland, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Honolulu, Hong Kong and Tokyo.
Airlines, Routes and Duration of Flights to Wallis and Futuna
The following airlines fly to Wallis and Futuna on the following routes:
- Aircalin - Nouméa to Hihifo Airport - 3 hours
- Aircalin - Nadi to Hihifo Airport - 1 hr 30 mins
Learn more about flights to Wallis and Futuna in Which Airlines Fly Directly to Wallis & Futuna?
Flight times are also listed in What Are the Flight Times to Wallis & Futuna?
The International Airport in Wallis and Futuna
The main international airport in Wallis and Futuna is Hihifo Airport (WLS), located on Wallis Island near the capital, MataâUtu. Learn about the facilities and location of this airport in Airports in Wallis & Futuna: Where Can You Fly to in Wallis & Futuna?
Passengers arriving on international flights at Hihifo Airport are required to complete entry formalities, including immigration, customs and biosecurity checks. As flight schedules are limited, procedures are generally straightforward but must be followed carefully. Read through Arriving in Wallis & Futuna: Airport Customs, Biosecurity & the Arrival Process LINK#TT003.
Car rentals and pre-arranged transfers typically meet arriving flights outside the small terminal at Hihifo Airport. It is highly recommended to pre-book vehicle rentals in advance, as availability on the islands is limited. Taxis are extremely limited and should not be relied upon without prior arrangement. Check out the 10 Best Airport Transfers in Wallis & Futuna LINK#T030 for all of your options.
You can connect onward to Futuna via domestic flights from Wallis to Pointe Vele Airport (FUT). More information can be found in Domestic Flights in Wallis & Futuna: Your Guide to Interisland Flights.

Cruises to Wallis and Futuna
Wallis and Futuna appears on the itineraries of several South Pacific cruises. There is just one main port of call in the territory, the small capital of MataâUtu on Wallis Island.
Cruises to Wallis and Futuna
The following cruise companies offer cruises to Wallis and Futuna:
- Hapag-Lloyd Cruises
- Azamara Cruises
Find out more about these cruises and where they depart in the Best Cruises that Go to Wallis & Futuna.
Ports of Call in Wallis and Futuna
The sole cruise port of call is the harbour area near MataâUtu on Wallis Island. Cruise ships anchor offshore and use tenders to transfer passengers to shore, as port facilities are limited.
Tours LINK#TTD129, local taxi services and guided excursions typically meet passengers at the harbour, providing options for exploring the islandâs tranquil lagoons, traditional villages and historic sites.
Visitors can discover the islandâs cultural highlights and natural beauty at a relaxed pace without venturing far from the port.
Learn more about planning your visit to Wallis and Futuna from a cruise ship with The Complete Guide to the Ports of Call in Wallis & Futuna LINK#T012.

Sailing to Wallis and Futuna
Finally, another way you can get to Wallis and Futuna is on a sailing yacht. Wallis and Futuna is ideally situated on the route between Fiji, Samoa and Tonga, making it a convenient stop on a Transpacific journey. The yachting season is between May and October.
Wallis and Futuna Sailing Formalities
Wallis and Futuna require specific clearance procedures for visiting yachts. You'll need to complete formalities on both islands if island-hopping, and the process follows French protocols.
When arriving on either of the two islands, call Port Control on VHF 16.
You are required to go to Mata'Utu first to complete your formalities. Note that there are lots of bommies around. The dinghy dock in Mata'Utu is at 13°17.112S 176°10.152W, which gets very low at low tide. First, you visit Customs, located on the wharf, then you go to the Gendarmerie to complete Immigration.
For Futuna, formalities are handled at Leava quayside. First, visit Customs at Futuna Wharf, then go to the Gendarmerie to complete Immigration.
For more details on sailing formalities, see our Sailing Guide to Wallis & Futuna: Tips for Yachting in Wallis & Futuna.

Frequently Asked Questions About Getting to Wallis and Futuna
Now that you know about getting to Wallis and Futuna, here are the answers to the internet's frequently asked questions about travelling to this remote Pacific destination!
How do you get to Wallis and Futuna?
The only way to reach Wallis and Futuna is by air through Aircalin, which operates flights from Nouméa in New Caledonia and Nadi in Fiji. There are no direct international flights from other countries. For more information, check out Which Airlines Fly Directly to Wallis & Futuna?
How often are flights to Wallis and Futuna?
Flights to Wallis and Futuna operate twice weekly from Nouméa, typically on Mondays and Saturdays. Flights from Nadi only operate once a week, every Saturdays. The schedule can vary seasonally, so it's essential to check with Aircalin for current timetables.
How long is the flight from Nouméa to Wallis and Futuna?
The flight from Nouméa to Wallis takes approximately three hours. Flights to Futuna require a connection through Wallis, adding an additional 50-minute flight. For more information, check out Domestic Flights in Wallis & Futuna: Your Guide to Interisland Flights.
More About How to Get to Wallis and Futuna
That's it for our complete guide on how to get to Wallis and Futuna! If you didn't find what you're looking for, discover more ways to get to specific islands in Wallis and Futuna with these guides:
- Wallis Transport Guide: 10 Ways to Get to (& Around) Wallis
- What are the Flight Times to Wallis & Futuna?
- Travel Times & Distances: How Long Does it Take to Travel Around Wallis & Futuna?
Finally, see how to get around all of the islands once you've arrived with our Wallis & Futuna Transport Guide: 10 Best Ways to Get Around Wallis & Futuna.



