Vanuatu Entry Requirements

Children must have their own passport (valid for 6+ months) and receive their own visitor permit on arrival. Children under 18 traveling without both parents should carry a notarized letter of consent from the non-traveling parent(s) authorizing the trip, including travel dates, destination, and accompanying adult details. This is not always checked but may be requested. For children traveling with one parent, carry the child's birth certificate and consent letter from the other parent. In cases of sole custody, carry legal custody documentation. Minors traveling alone or with non-parents (school groups, relatives) should have comprehensive authorization letters, contact details for parents/guardians, and proof of accommodation arrangements.

Importing pets to Vanuatu is complex and subject to strict biosecurity requirements. An import permit must be obtained from Biosecurity Vanuatu well in advance (minimum 60 days before travel). Pets must come from approved countries and meet extensive health requirements including: microchipping, rabies vaccination (at least 30 days before travel but not more than 12 months), blood titer test for rabies antibodies, treatment for internal/external parasites, veterinary health certificate issued within 7 days of travel, and compliance with airline pet transport regulations. Most pets require quarantine on arrival (duration varies by origin country and species). Cats and dogs from Australia and New Zealand may have reduced quarantine if meeting specific conditions. Birds face particularly strict requirements. Contact Biosecurity Vanuatu (biosecurity@vanuatu.gov.vu) early in your planning process. Costs for permits, quarantine, and veterinary requirements are substantial.

Tourist visitor permits allow a maximum of 120 days (4 months) total per calendar year. For stays beyond this, you must apply for a different permit type. Temporary Residence Permits are available for those with legitimate reasons for extended stay (employment, business, retirement, family ties). Requirements include application forms, passport copies, police clearance certificates, medical examination results, proof of financial means, and specific documentation based on permit category. Work permits require a job offer from a Vanuatu employer and Labour Department approval. Business permits require business registration and investment documentation. Retirement permits require proof of pension/income and health insurance. Applications are processed through Vanuatu Immigration and can take several weeks to months. Permanent residence and citizenship programs exist but have specific investment and residency requirements. Overstaying a tourist permit can result in daily fines, deportation, and future entry bans.

Business visitors can enter on the standard visitor permit for activities like attending meetings, conferences, negotiations, or conducting site visits. However, you cannot engage in paid employment or provide services for payment while on a visitor permit. For business visits, carry supporting documentation including invitation letters from Vanuatu business contacts, conference registration, proof of business registration in your home country, and evidence of business purpose. If you plan to work, provide services, or establish business operations, you must obtain appropriate work permits or business permits before arrival. Business permits require sponsorship from a Vanuatu entity or registration of your own business. Contact the Vanuatu Investment Promotion Authority (VIPA) and Immigration Department for specific requirements based on your business activities.

Yachts and private vessels must clear in at designated ports of entry only: Port Vila, Luganville (Santo), or Lenakel (Tanna). Contact Vanuatu Customs and Immigration at least 24 hours before arrival (VHF Channel 16 or phone). Upon arrival, fly the yellow quarantine flag (Q flag) and wait for clearance - no one may go ashore until cleared. Have ready: ship's papers and registration, crew list with passport details, passenger list, last port clearance, customs declaration, and biosecurity declaration. All persons aboard receive visitor permits. Cruising permits are required for visiting outer islands (obtained during clearance). Fees apply for clearance, cruising permits, and port charges. Vessels must clear out when departing Vanuatu. Fishing regulations apply - check with Fisheries Department. Biosecurity is strict - all food waste must be disposed of properly, and fresh provisions may be inspected or confiscated. Yachts can stay up to 120 days on visitor permits; extensions may be possible.

Passengers transiting through Vanuatu without leaving the airport international transit area typically do not need a visitor permit if their layover is under 24 hours and they hold confirmed onward tickets. However, if you wish to leave the airport during transit, you must go through immigration and receive a visitor permit following normal entry procedures. Ensure your passport meets validity requirements. If your transit exceeds 24 hours or you need to collect and recheck baggage, you'll need to clear immigration. Some airlines require transit passengers to have proof of onward travel and entry eligibility for their final destination. Check with your airline about specific requirements for your routing.