How to Drive in Wallis & Futuna + 10 Road Rules You Need to Know

First things first, when you want to drive in Wallis and Futuna, you need to make sure you have a valid driver's licence.

Luckily, foreign driver's licences are accepted in Wallis and Futuna. Those who might want to play it extra safe are those whose driving licence is not written in Roman/Latin script. In this case, it's best to also travel with an International Driving Permit (IDP).

Learn more about driver's licences and using your IDP in Wallis and Futuna in our guide, Can You Drive in Wallis and Futuna with an Overseas Licence?

Wallis and Futuna might be small islands, but car rentals are in abundance!

Although the legal driving age in Wallis and Futuna is 18, most vehicle rental companies will only rent to drivers aged 21 years and older. Some rental companies even require drivers to be over 25 years of age.

Car Hire Companies in Wallis and Futuna

You'll find several car rental companies on both Wallis and Futuna with limited fleets. Compare them all in the Best Car Rentals in Wallis and Futuna.

Vehicle rental can usually be delivered to Hihifo Airport, Pointe Vele Airport or your accommodation for a small fee.

Most vehicle rental companies in Wallis and Futuna will go through the standard process of a car inspection, taking your driver's licence details and offering basic insurance options. The Cost of Renting a Car in Wallis and Futuna: Full Car Rental Cost Breakdown LINK#T004.

Remember that on returning your vehicle, you need to fill up the fuel tank or else you will be charged a premium for fuel - more on petrol stations in the section below.

What are the Rental Vehicles Like in Wallis and Futuna?

Rental vehicles in Wallis and Futuna are a mixed bag of older, well-used vehicles and more modern models.

They are typically not as well-maintained as you might be used to in more developed countries. However, they are generally suitable for the island's limited road network.

That being said, there are very few mechanics available outside of Mata'utu, so it's important to check your rental vehicle thoroughly (and get the phone number of the rental company) before you head out.

We detail the limited car rental companies available in Car Rentals in Wallis and Futuna.

There is a very limited selection of cars to choose from in Wallis and Futuna, with most rental companies offering SUVs and pickup trucks, as well as a few smaller hatchbacks. While the main roads are sealed and in good condition, roads on the east coast of Wallis and the northern coast of Futuna, as well as many of the roads to historical sites and viewpoints, are dirt roads, which SUVs and 4WDs tend to handle better. Although a smaller vehicle will still do the trick if you drive with extra care.

Most vehicles have automatic transmission, though some older vehicles may be manual, especially pickup trucks.

For more advice on hiring a vehicle in Wallis and Futuna, head to our guide, What You Need to Hire a Car in Wallis and Futuna LINK#T010.

Wallis and Futuna's roads present a unique situation compared to many Pacific islands. Wallis boasts approximately 120 km (75 mi) of mostly paved roads, including a main coastal circuit, whilst Futuna has paved but rough roads connecting villages.

The circuit road on the west side of Wallis is unsealed, as is the northern road on Futuna. Some side roads to villages and sites like Fort Tongaien Talietumu are unsealed.

Is it Easy to Drive Around Wallis and Futuna?

The road network in Wallis and Futuna is relatively manageable given the islands' small size. Both Wallis and Futuna have a main coastal circuit, both roughly 35 km (22 mi).

On Wallis, two cross-island roads run between the east and west coast, as well as another road running between the north and south coasts. In addition, key roads linking major villages are generally in good condition, but not always sealed.

Due to the mountainous nature of Futuna, there are no cross-island roads, but you can't go too wrong by sticking to the coastal circuit.

Roads connect major villages and important sites like Lake Lalolalo on Wallis and the basilica and royal sites on Futuna, often offering scenic coastal routes along the way.

Directional signage can be limited throughout the islands, so it's essential to plan your route carefully rather than rely solely on road signs and Google Maps to point you in the right direction.

Traffic is generally very light across both islands, making for peaceful driving conditions.

Wallis and Futuna is definitely not a place to speed around. Road conditions can vary, and there are hazards to watch out for; children are likely to be playing on the roadside, especially when school closes and then again around 5-6 pm when they are outside playing during the cooler hours.

There are also animals on the road to watch out for, including dogs and the occasional pig. Many roads are not well-lit at night, so be sure to slow down considerably after dark.

Do You Need a 4WD in Wallis and Futuna?

Most tourists won't necessarily need a 4WD in Wallis and Futuna, particularly on Wallis, where the terrain is flat, and the roads are generally well-maintained. However, on Futuna, where roads can be rougher despite being paved, a higher-clearance vehicle might be more comfortable for exploring.

The relatively small size of both islands means that even rural areas are fairly accessible with standard vehicles, though road conditions can deteriorate after heavy tropical rains.

What Side of the Road Do They Drive on in Wallis and Futuna?

Wallis and Futuna drives on the right side of the road, following French driving conventions due to its status as a French overseas collectivity.

Speed limits are posted in kilometres per hour, and traffic laws generally follow French and international standards. It's worth noting that travel between the islands is by plane, not by road, so you'll need separate transport arrangements for each island.

When you're hiring a vehicle, you're going to need to know where to fuel up. As the islands are small, it's likely that you'll only need to fuel up once before returning your rental vehicle.

On Wallis, petrol stations are conveniently located along the east coast and the central road (RT2) running through the middle of the island. The only dead spot for fuel is along the west coast, so be sure to fuel up before making the journey. Most petrol stations on Wallis operate between 6 am and 9 pm.

On Futuna, there are only petrol stations along the southern coast, in Mala'e, Leava and Nuku, so it's essential to fuel up before heading north.

Note that petrol stations in Wallis and Futuna are typically full-service petrol stations, meaning a station attendant fills up your vehicle with fuel for you.

Tell the attendant how much fuel you would like or how much money you'd like to spend, then pay the attendant with cash. Pacific Franc (XPF) LINK#TT018 is the local currency used.

For the most recent fuel prices and car rental information, check out The Cost of Renting a Car in Wallis and Futuna: Full Car Rental Cost Breakdown LINK#T004.

Road rules in Wallis and Futuna are essentially the same as in France, just with different enforcement rules, though a little stricter than some neighbouring Pacific countries. With that, there are a few differences that many visitors are surprised by or find different from home.

We'll go through some of the most important road rules for visitors here:

1. Drive on the right side of the road.
2. The maximum speed limit is 50 kph (31 mph) in town areas and 80 kph (50 mph) outside of these areas - signs usually indicate the speed limit in a given area.
3. It is legal and mandatory to wear a seatbelt in Wallis and Futuna for the driver and all passengers.
4. Drunk driving is prohibited; the legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit is 0.05% for general drivers, which is quite low compared to other countries.
5. Using a mobile phone while driving without a hands-free device is illegal.
6. At roundabouts, give way to vehicles that have already engaged with the roundabout.
7. Pedestrians at crossings have priority even if they step onto the road late. Be patient and prepared to stop suddenly.
8. Local driving culture expects clear signalling and appropriate use of headlights, including in low light or rain.
9. Sounding your horn is allowed only to give a necessary warning.
10. Overtaking is done on the left. Before overtaking, drivers must clearly indicate their intention using lights or hand signals, and if necessary, sound the horn to warn the vehicle ahead. Drivers are also required to make sure the manoeuvre can be completed safely without endangering other road users.

You can find more tips for driving in What You Need to Hire a Car in Wallis and Futuna LINK#T010.

While sticking to the official road rules is a good way to keep safe while driving in Wallis and Futuna, there are some additional safety tips we've picked up while exploring the islands:

• Take it easy and stick to the speed limit
• Watch out for children on the road
• Watch out for animals on the road
• Don't leave valuables in your vehicle unattended
• Take extra care when driving on unsealed roads
• Don't park under a coconut tree!

For more safety tips, head on over to our guide, Wallis & Futuna Safety Tips: Is it Safe to Travel to Wallis & Futuna?