A Complete Guide to Sailing, Cruising and Flying to Wallis and Futuna

You’ve 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 paradise…

Wallis and Futuna 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: “How the hell do you get there!?” We’re here to lay out all of your options in this complete guide on how to get to Wallis and Futuna.

This article is based on real on-the-ground research, not on AI scraping old content from the internet. Learn how we use AI!

5 Quick Tips for Getting to Wallis and Futuna

Here are five essential tips to help ensure a smooth journey to this remote and culturally rich destination.

  1. Check visa requirements in advance. As a French overseas collectivity, entry rules differ from mainland France depending on your nationality.
  2. Be aware of biosecurity and customs restrictions on arrival at Hihifo International Airport.
  3. Note that if you have passed through a country with yellow fever in the last month, you will need a yellow fever vaccination.
  4. If arriving by private yacht, ensure you clear in at both Wallis and Futuna.
  5. If visiting by cruise ship, note that only your passport is required to enter.

And ensure you do the appropriate paperwork before your arrival, as outlined in What Documents Do I Need to Travel to Wallis & Futuna?

Wallis Hihifo Airport Arrival (2) SEB CREDIT WallisandFutunaPocketGuide.com
© WallisandFutunaPocketGuide.com

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 International Airport (WLS), located in the northern district of Wallis. 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.

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, which meet passengers at the dedicated car rentals desk. There are no taxis or public transport on Wallis. Learn more about car rentals in the 5 Best Car Rentals in Wallis & Futuna and accommodations in Where to Stay on Wallis (Uvea): 10 Best Accommodations.

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.

Wallis Landscape Micro Motu (13) SEB CREDIT WallisandFutunaPocketGuide.com
© WallisandFutunaPocketGuide.com

Cruises to Wallis and Futuna

Wallis and Futuna appears on the itineraries of approximately three South Pacific cruises. For the limited cruises that visit, the small capital of Mata’Utu on Wallis Island is the most frequented port of call, while Leava Bay on Futuna is also included in some cruises.

Cruises to Wallis and Futuna

The following cruise companies offer cruises to Wallis and Futuna:

  • Hapag-Lloyd Cruises
  • Azamara Cruises
  • National Geographic - Lindblad Expeditions
  • Ponant

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

Most cruises stop at Mata'Utu on Wallis, which is the capital of the territory but also provides easy access to the rest of the 77 km² (30 mi²). Note that the tourism industry is not as developed and organised as other destinations, but tour guides will meet you at the wharf if arranged in advance, while your cruise ship will also organise excursions.

Less often, cruises also visit Leava Bay in Futuna, which, as an almost equally small island, is a good launching point for visiting most sites.

Plan and book your shore excursions on Wallis and Futuna at Book.WallisandFutunaPocketGuide.com.

Sailing Yacht (4) SEB CREDIT WallisandFutunaPocketGuide.com
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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 the Port Authority (Capitainerie) on VHF 16.

You are required to go to Mata'Utu or Leava wharves via dinghy to complete your formalities. Note that there are lots of bommies around. First, you visit Customs, located on the wharf, then you 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.

Wallis Airport Air Calin International Arrival Plane (2) SEB CREDIT WallisandFutunaPocketGuide.com
© WallisandFutunaPocketGuide.com

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 or three times weekly from Nouméa. Flights from Nadi only operate once a week. 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 3 hours. Flights to Futuna require a connection through Wallis, adding an additional 1-hour flight. For more information, check out Domestic Flights in Wallis & Futuna: Your Guide to Interisland Flights.

Guided Paddle of the Wallis Motu

Editor's Choice

A Vaka Heke

Discover the stunning motu of Wallis from the water on a guided paddle adventure with A Vaka Heke. Choose your craft: surfski, kayak or paddleboard, and your pace, with tours ranging from one hour...

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:

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.