Do you need a visa for Vanuatu?
If you're a national of countries such as Australia, Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom or a country in the European Union (among others), you don't need a tourist visa to travel to Vanuatu. This doesn't mean that there are no entry requirements. Travellers still need to hold a passport with at least 6 months validity (and have at least one blank page) and proof of a return flight (booking confirmation will suffice as evidence). You'll also need to have proof of sufficient funds for the duration of your holiday, as well as proof of the purpose of your trip (accommodation and activity confirmation should be enough).
However, entry into Vanuatu is not guaranteed just because you don't have to apply for a visa. When you arrive at the airport, immigration officials will make a decision and this is handled on a case-by-case basis. Once you've gained entry into the country, you're allowed to stay for up to 30 days as a tourist but you can extend your stay for an additional 90 days by visiting the Immigration Department in Vanuatu, located in Port Vila.
If you're from a different country that's not listed above, you may need to apply for a tourist visa but it's best to check with your local embassy on the visa requirements for Vanuatu.
How to apply for a visa to Vanuatu
The process for obtaining a tourist visa for Vanuatu is a relatively easy one and be done in four easy steps:
- Download the visa application checklist (this can be found on the Immigration Department's website or on an Embassy website).
- Contact your closest Vanuatu Embassy to make a visa application appointment. Ensure you do this fairly soon after deciding to travel to Vanuatu, as you may have to wait several weeks for your appointment.
- Bring your passport and any other supporting documentation you need to your appointment.
- Once your appointment is over, your application will start the approval process. You don't have to do anything from this point on; simply wait for the outcome of your application. This could take anywhere from 7 days to a couple of weeks, so make sure you leave plenty of time before your intended arrival date in Vanuatu.
What do I need to bring with me to my visa application appointment?
Before your appointment with an immigration official, it's important you have all the required documentation with you so as not to hold up the process. This can include (but is not limited to) your filled-out application form, photocopy of the pages in your passport (bio page and all used pages), proof of your return home (flight confirmation) as well as supporting documentation outlining your intent to leave Vanuatu (statement from your employer), and proof of sufficient funds (bank statements).
You may also need to provide the following information during your appointment:
The place and date of birth.
The address and name of your accommodation in Vanuatu.
Your employment status and employer contact details.
All travellers making their way to Vanuatu (regardless of whether you need to hold a tourist visa or not), either by boat or plane, will need to fill out an immigration form before arrival. This form will ask you to fill in your arrival information (flight details, etc), the dates of your stay, and the address of your accommodation (among other things).
The page is for general information only and may be subject to change. It is your responsibility to obtain the relevant visa and travel information required for entry, departure and travel to each country or region you visit on your trip. You should confirm these with the relevant embassies and/or consulates.
Last updated: 3 January 2023
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