Wallis and Futuna Islands
For more information, see online (e-mail: webmaster@wall-islands.com).
Location: Southwest Pacific between Fiji, Samoa and Tonga. Area: 160.5 sq km (99.5 sq miles). Population: 14,600 (2000). Population density: 91.0 per sq km. Capital: Mata-Utu (Wallis Island). Population: 1137 (1996). Religion: Roman Catholic. Time: GMT + 12. Visa: The passport and visa requirements for persons visiting the Wallis and Futuna Islands are the same as for New Caledonia. For further details, see the New Caledonia section. Health: Vaccinations against typhoid and tetanus are advised. Precautions should also be taken against hepatitis B. There are two hospitals, one on Wallis and one on Futuna, and three dispensaries. Mains water is suitable for drinking on Wallis but not on Futuna. Travel: The main airport (Hihifo) is on Wallis Island, 5km (3 miles) from Mata-Utu. Approximate flight time from London is 25 hours. There is also an airport in Alo in the southeastern part of Futuna Island. Air Caldonie (TY) is the main airline serving the Islands. There are one or two weekly flights from Wallis Island to Nouma (New Caledonia), and services three or four times a week from Wallis to Futuna. Boat services no longer operate from New Caledonia; however, a fast ferry service is being planned between Wallis and Futuna. Minibus services operate on Futuna and car hire is available. However, the only surfaced roads are in Mata-Utu. Accommodation: There are a small number of hotels on the islands; for details of booking accommodation and other information, contact the French Government Tourist Office (see Contact Addresses section) or the Wallis and Futuna Hotel Association (website: www.wallis-and-futuna.com).
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