Vanuatu Travel Visas
Vanuatu visa requirements
Travellers from many countries can visit Vanuatu for tourism without arranging a tourist visa before departure. Instead, eligible passport holders from Vanuatu’s exempt-country list can obtain a tourist visa on arrival, provided they meet the entry conditions. Vanuatu Immigration currently allows a tourist stay of up to 120 days. However, travellers from non-exempt countries must apply for a visa and receive approval before travelling.
In particular, your nationality, purpose of travel and planned length of stay determine which rules apply. Therefore, check the latest requirements with the Vanuatu Department of Immigration and Passport Services 
before booking non-refundable travel.
Table of Contents
Vanuatu visa requirements at a glance
| Requirement | Current guidance |
|---|---|
| Visa on arrival | Available to eligible travellers from Vanuatu’s visa-exempt countries. |
| Maximum tourist stay | Up to 120 days under the current tourist visa rules. |
| Non-exempt nationalities | Must apply for a visa and receive approval before travelling. |
| Passport validity | More than six months’ validity on arrival. |
| Return or onward travel | Required as part of the entry or tourist visa conditions. |
| Accommodation | Travellers should have confirmation of accommodation or a local address. |
| Proof of funds | Non-exempt tourist visa applicants should show funds or income of 60,000 VT per month, or evidence of support in Vanuatu. |
| Tourist visa extension | Not permitted under the current tourist visa conditions. |
| Work on a tourist visa | Not permitted. |
| Non-exempt tourist visa fee | 5,150 VT under current Vanuatu Immigration guidance. |
Immigration rules can change with little notice. Consequently, treat this table as a planning guide and confirm the latest rules with Vanuatu Immigration before departure.
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Do you need a visa for Vanuatu?
Whether you need to arrange a visa before travelling depends mainly on your passport nationality. Vanuatu publishes a list of countries whose citizens do not need to obtain a visitor visa before arrival. Eligible travellers can normally obtain a tourist visa on arrival if they meet the immigration criteria.
Travellers from countries outside the exempt list must apply before they travel. Therefore, do not assume that an airline will allow you to board without evidence of the correct visa approval.
For broader planning, see our travel visa requirements by country guide.
Vanuatu visa on arrival
For example, Vanuatu Immigration allows travellers from exempt countries to obtain a tourist visa on arrival. To qualify, you must meet the department’s entry and visa criteria, including having enough money for your stay and a genuine intention to leave within the permitted period.
In addition, immigration officers can assess whether a traveller meets health, character and other legal requirements. A place on the exempt-country list does not remove the need to satisfy the normal entry conditions.
Before travelling, check the official Vanuatu visa-exempt country list , because eligibility can change.
Which countries are visa-exempt for Vanuatu?
In addition, Vanuatu’s current exempt-country list includes many nationalities from the Americas, Caribbean, Europe, Asia, Oceania, the Pacific and other regions. For example, the official list includes Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Ireland, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea, the United Kingdom and the United States.
However, the complete list is longer than these examples. Always check your exact passport nationality against the official immigration list rather than relying on regional assumptions such as Commonwealth, European or Pacific citizenship.
| Passport nationality | Visa required for tourism? |
|---|---|
| Australia | No, subject to meeting entry conditions. |
| Canada | No, subject to meeting entry conditions. |
| France | No, subject to meeting entry conditions. |
| Germany | No, subject to meeting entry conditions. |
| Ireland | No, subject to meeting entry conditions. |
| Japan | No, subject to meeting entry conditions. |
| New Zealand | No, subject to meeting entry conditions. |
| South Korea | No, subject to meeting entry conditions. |
| United Kingdom | No, subject to meeting entry conditions. |
| United States | No, subject to meeting entry conditions. |
Who needs a visa before travelling to Vanuatu?
Therefore, if your nationality does not appear on Vanuatu’s exempt-country list, you need an appropriate visa before you travel. For tourism, this normally means applying while you are outside Vanuatu and waiting for approval before departure.
Moreover, a tourist visa does not cover every travel purpose. If you plan to work, conduct business, study, live in Vanuatu or carry out another activity outside ordinary tourism, check which visa or permission applies before making travel arrangements.
How long can tourists stay in Vanuatu?
Currently, Vanuatu Immigration states that a tourist visa allows a stay of up to 120 days. You must leave the country before that period expires.
However, your actual immigration permission remains the authority for your stay. Check any visa grant, entry record or instruction from immigration officers and make sure you understand the date by which you must leave.
Vanuatu passport validity requirements
Importantly, non-citizens should travel with a passport or other accepted travel document that has more than six months’ validity when they arrive in Vanuatu. Therefore, check your passport expiry date well before booking your trip.
If your passport will not meet the requirement, renew it before travelling. You should also make sure the passport used for any advance visa application matches the document you intend to present on arrival.
Our guide to preparing passport and visa documents covers further practical steps before an international trip.
Documents needed to enter Vanuatu
Visitors should prepare their entry documents before departure. In particular, Vanuatu Immigration lists a valid passport, a return airline ticket and confirmation of accommodation or a local address among the requirements for non-citizens.
Depending on your visa status and circumstances, you may also need evidence of funds, your visa approval and documents that show why you intend to visit and leave within the authorised period.
Return or onward ticket
Vanuatu Immigration requires a return airline ticket for non-citizens entering the country. Tourist visa applicants can also provide evidence of other arranged transport that will take them out of Vanuatu within the permitted stay.
Accommodation or local address
You should have confirmation of where you plan to stay or a local address in Vanuatu. Consequently, keep booking details or host information accessible when you travel rather than relying solely on an internet connection after arrival.
Evidence that you intend to leave
For an advance tourist visa application, Vanuatu Immigration may consider evidence such as a return booking, tourism accommodation, employment leave or other commitments outside Vanuatu. The aim is to show that you genuinely intend to depart within the visa period.
How much money do you need to enter Vanuatu?
In addition, travellers need sufficient means to support themselves and any dependants during their visit. For applicants from non-exempt countries, the current tourist visa checklist asks for evidence of funds or income of 60,000 VT per month of the proposed stay.
Alternatively, an applicant may provide evidence of support from family or friends in Vanuatu. Nevertheless, immigration officers can assess individual circumstances, so bring clear and credible supporting evidence where required.
How to apply for a Vanuatu tourist visa
Consequently, travellers from non-exempt countries should apply while outside Vanuatu. The official tourist visa guidance requires a completed application, the relevant visa charge and supporting documents.
Typically, applicants should prepare a certified copy of the passport biodata page, evidence of return or onward travel, proof of funds and evidence that supports a genuine intention to leave Vanuatu. In addition, applicants under 18 need evidence that their parents or legal guardians consent to the visa grant.
Use the official Vanuatu tourist visa guidance to check the current application route and document requirements.
How much does a Vanuatu tourist visa cost?
Currently, Vanuatu Immigration lists a tourist visa application charge of 5,150 VT for applicants from non-exempt countries. Fees can change, so confirm the current amount and accepted payment method before submitting an application.
How long does a Vanuatu visa application take?
Vanuatu Immigration published a processing timeframe of 14 working days for visa applications from 1 February 2023. However, processing can vary, and additional checks or missing documents may cause delays.
Therefore, apply well before your planned departure date and avoid relying on the minimum processing period when booking non-refundable travel.
Can you extend a tourist visa in Vanuatu?
No. Current Vanuatu Immigration guidance states that the tourist visa allows a stay of up to 120 days without the possibility of extension. You must leave Vanuatu before the authorised period expires.
Consequently, travellers who want to remain for a different purpose should investigate the appropriate immigration route rather than assuming they can extend or change a tourist visa after arrival.
Can you work in Vanuatu on a tourist visa?
No. A Vanuatu tourist visa does not permit commercial, employment or business activities. It also does not allow a change of status under the tourist visa conditions.
If employment forms part of your plans, research the correct permission before travelling. Our working visas guide explains the difference between general visitor entry and permission to work abroad.
Vanuatu visa requirements for children
Similarly, children need appropriate travel documents and must meet the immigration rules that apply to their nationality. If a person under 18 applies for a tourist visa in advance, Vanuatu Immigration requires proof that both parents or legal guardians consent to the visa grant.
Additionally, families should check airline requirements and carry any consent, custody or relationship documents that may be relevant to their journey.
Do you need a transit visa for Vanuatu?
Vanuatu has a transit visa for travellers who remain within the airport’s proclaimed area during a stopover of up to 24 hours. If you plan to leave that area or stay longer, you need the appropriate visa for your visit.
Transit arrangements can depend on nationality, route and airport procedures. Therefore, check the current rules before travelling, especially when separate tickets require baggage collection or re-checking.
What happens if you overstay in Vanuatu?
You should leave Vanuatu before your authorised stay expires. Vanuatu Immigration states that failure to comply with entry or departure requirements can constitute an offence and may result in penalties.
Because the current tourist visa does not allow an extension, plan your departure carefully and seek official immigration advice as soon as possible if an unexpected event affects your ability to leave on time.
Before you travel to Vanuatu
Visa rules form only one part of trip preparation. Before departure, review travel health advice for Vanuatu, including vaccination and mosquito-borne disease guidance.
Moreover, learning about Vanuatu culture and customs can help you travel respectfully, while our Vanuatu country code and dialling guide explains how to make international calls.
If you need consular help during a trip, see our directory of foreign embassies and consulates in Vanuatu.
Finally, entry rules, visa fees and immigration procedures can change. Check the Vanuatu Department of Immigration and Passport Services and any official travel advice issued for your nationality before departure.
FAQs: About Vanuatu visa requirements
No. Being from a visa-exempt country means you can normally obtain a tourist visa on arrival, but you must still meet Vanuatu’s entry requirements. Immigration officers can check your passport, onward travel, accommodation, finances and other eligibility criteria before allowing you to enter.
You should apply for the appropriate visa and receive approval before travelling to Vanuatu. Check the Vanuatu Department of Immigration and Passport Services for the current application form, supporting documents, fee and submission process. Additionally, avoid booking non-refundable travel until you understand the visa requirements that apply to you.
Yes. Airlines can check whether passengers have the documents required for their destination before boarding. Therefore, carry the correct passport, any required visa approval and evidence of return or onward travel. Your airline may also ask for other documents required for your journey.
Tourists should not assume that a one-way ticket will meet Vanuatu’s entry requirements. Vanuatu Immigration requires evidence that visitors have arranged travel out of the country, such as a return ticket or other satisfactory onward transport. Consequently, confirm your arrangements before departure if you do not hold a conventional return airline ticket.
Carry confirmation of your accommodation or details of the local address where you will stay. For example, this could include a hotel or resort booking, guesthouse reservation or the address of a host. Keep the information accessible when you arrive in case an immigration officer asks for it.
Non-exempt tourist visa applicants may use financial documents that demonstrate they can support themselves during the proposed stay. These could include bank statements or evidence of regular income. Alternatively, applicants relying on family or friends in Vanuatu should provide suitable evidence that those people will support them.
Requirements can vary according to the document and application process. Nevertheless, carrying accessible copies of your visa approval, return or onward booking, accommodation confirmation and supporting documents can make immigration checks easier. A paper copy also provides a useful backup if your phone loses power or internet access.
Your passport should have more than six months’ validity when you arrive in Vanuatu. Therefore, a passport that expires shortly after your planned trip may not meet the entry requirement even if it remains valid for the whole holiday. Renew your passport before travelling if it falls short of the required validity.
Your ability to re-enter depends on your nationality, visa status and circumstances at the time of your return. Leaving Vanuatu does not guarantee that immigration will automatically admit you again. Therefore, check whether you need a new visa or other permission before planning a side trip to another country.
Do not travel as a tourist on the assumption that you can change your immigration status after arrival. Current tourist visa conditions restrict changes of status. If you intend to work, conduct business, study or stay for another purpose, identify the appropriate immigration route before travelling.
Make sure any revised itinerary still allows you to leave before your authorised stay expires. For example, cancelled flights or changes to onward transport should not result in an overstay. If circumstances could prevent you from leaving on time, contact Vanuatu Immigration promptly for official advice.
Visa requirements can depend on nationality and how the passenger enters Vanuatu. Cruise passengers should therefore check Vanuatu’s current immigration requirements and their cruise line’s documentation rules before departure. Do not assume that arriving by cruise ship automatically removes normal passport or immigration requirements.
Vanuatu has specific provisions for travellers transiting through the country and remaining within the airport’s designated transit area for a short stopover. However, different requirements may apply if you need to pass through immigration, collect baggage, change airports or remain longer. Check your exact itinerary with Vanuatu Immigration and your airline before departure.
Contact the Vanuatu Department of Immigration and Passport Services for questions about Vanuatu immigration status, visas and entry permission. If you need assistance relating to your own nationality, passport or a serious consular problem, you can also identify the diplomatic mission responsible for you through our guide to foreign embassies and consulates in Vanuatu.
Author
Emma Collins
Emma Collins is a Pacific travel writer for anothertravel.com, specialising in destination guides across Oceania, Australia, New Zealand, and the South Pacific. With extensive first-hand travel experience throughout the region, Emma covers road trips, luxury lodges, coastal escapes, island destinations, adventure travel, and nature-focused experiences. Her content combines local insights with research-backed travel expertise to create accurate, trustworthy guides that help travellers plan confidently and discover authentic experiences.
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