←Wallis and Futuna travel guide
Wallis (Uvea), Wallis and Futuna
Mata-Utu
Capital of the French territory of Wallis and Futuna
CultureHistory & HeritageNature & Outdoors
Mata-Utu is the capital of Wallis and Futuna, a French territory in the South Pacific. Located on the island of Wallis (Uvea), it is the administrative centre and home to the territory's cathedral. The small town overlooks a lagoon and serves as the main hub for the surrounding island communities.
Check Wallis and Futuna visa requirements →
Best time to visit
May to October
Region
Wallis (Uvea)
Main airport
Wallis (WLS)
Wise
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4.8 ★ App Store·4.8 ★ Google Play
Airalo eSIM
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4.7 ★ App Store·4.6 ★ Google Play
Plan Your Trip
Getting Around Mata-Utu
Tours, stays, transfers, and flights — curated partner options are on the way.
Tours & Activities
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Coming soonWhere to Stay
Hotels, apartments, and guesthouses across every neighbourhood — booking options are on the way.
Coming soonAirport Transfers
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Coming soonTravel Guide
Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting Wallis and Futuna
Wallis and Futuna is a French overseas collectivity, and entry requirements depend on your passport nationality. Check your specific requirements on the Wallis and Futuna destination page at Yoogo before you book.
The official currency is the CFP franc (XPF), which is also used in French Polynesia and New Caledonia. Cash is essential, as card acceptance is limited and there are very few ATMs, so plan your money before arriving.
The islands are peaceful and welcoming, with very low crime and a strong sense of community. Roads can be narrow and winding, and medical facilities are basic, so drive carefully and carry comprehensive travel insurance.
Hiring a car is the most practical way to explore Wallis, as public transport is minimal. A separate flight or occasional boat connects Wallis with Futuna, and the two islands are not linked by a regular ferry.
The drier, cooler season from May to October is the most comfortable time to visit, with less humidity and a lower chance of tropical storms. The wetter season runs from November to April and can bring heavy rain.
French is the official language and is used in administration and schools, while Wallisian is spoken on Wallis and Futunan on Futuna. Learning a few words of the local greeting is warmly received.
No vaccinations are formally required for entry, but routine immunisations should be current and some travellers consider protection against typhoid and hepatitis A. Medical care is limited on the islands, so serious cases may require evacuation, making good insurance important.
Tipping is not part of local custom and is not expected in restaurants or for services. A sincere thank you is the usual way to show appreciation.
Mobile coverage is available around the main villages, though it can be patchy in remote areas and international roaming is often costly. Connectivity is more limited than in larger destinations, so download maps and essentials before you travel.
Traditional Polynesian culture and Catholic faith shape daily life, and customary chiefs still hold real authority. Dress modestly, especially near churches and villages, and ask before photographing people or ceremonies.