Vanuatu grants visa-free entry to citizens of 117 countries, with no application and no fee at the border.
Here’s who qualifies, what immigration checks at arrival, and how to extend your stay up to 120 days.
Is Vanuatu Visa-Free?
Yes. If your nationality is on Vanuatu’s exempt list, you do not need a visa of any kind. There is no visa on arrival either. You simply present your passport at immigration, and officers stamp a free visitor permit into it.
This is often confused with a “visa on arrival,” but the distinction matters. There is no form to fill, no fee to pay, and no approval to wait for at the immigration counter. You walk through like you would entering any visa-free country.
The initial permit grants 30 days for most nationalities, with longer durations available for some (such as 90 days for UAE passport holders).
You may apply for a tourist visa allowing a stay of up to 120 days, either on arrival (for exempt nationals) or before travel. The 120-day tourist visa itself cannot be extended further.
If your country is not on the exempt list, you must apply for an eVisa before travelling through the Vanuatu eVisa portal.
Which Nationalities Get Visa-Free Entry?
The Vanuatu Department of Immigration maintains the official list of 117 exempt countries. Below is a breakdown by region, starting with the markets most relevant to our readers.
Middle East
| Country | Visa-Free? | Stay on Arrival |
|---|---|---|
| UAE | Yes | 90 days |
| Saudi Arabia | Yes | 30 days |
| Qatar | Yes | 30 days |
| Kuwait | Yes | 30 days |
| Bahrain | Yes | 30 days |
| Oman | Yes | 30 days |
| Israel | Yes | 30 days |
| Iran | No — eVisa required | — |
| Iraq | No — eVisa required | — |
| Jordan | No — eVisa required | — |
| Lebanon | No — eVisa required | — |
| Syria | No — eVisa required | — |
| Yemen | No — eVisa required | — |
South Asia
| Country | Visa-Free? | Stay on Arrival |
|---|---|---|
| India | Yes | 30 days |
| Pakistan | Yes | 30 days |
| Bangladesh | Yes | 30 days |
| Sri Lanka | Yes | 30 days |
| Maldives | Yes | 30 days |
| Nepal | No — eVisa required | — |
| Bhutan | No — eVisa required | — |
| Afghanistan | No — eVisa required | — |
Southeast and East Asia
| Country | Visa-Free? | Stay on Arrival |
|---|---|---|
| Philippines | Yes | 30 days |
| Singapore | Yes | 30 days |
| Malaysia | Yes | 30 days |
| Thailand | Yes | 30 days |
| Brunei | Yes | 30 days |
| Japan | Yes | 30 days |
| South Korea | Yes | 30 days |
| China | Yes | 30 days |
| Indonesia | No — eVisa required | — |
| Vietnam | No — eVisa required | — |
| Cambodia | No — eVisa required | — |
Other Visa-Free Regions at a Glance
- Oceania (all 13 nations exempt): Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Tonga, and all other Pacific nations — 30 days (some get 90)
- Europe (40 countries exempt): Most EU/EEA, UK, Ireland, Turkey, Ukraine, Belarus, and Serbia citizens enter visa-free. Stay durations vary by nationality — verify with the official list. Albania, Bosnia, Kosovo, Moldova, Montenegro, and North Macedonia need an eVisa
- Americas (9 countries exempt): US, Canada, Mexico, Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Peru, Uruguay, and Cuba — 30 days
- Africa (22 countries exempt): South Africa, Kenya, Nigeria, Morocco, Tunisia, Ghana, Cameroon, and 15 others — 30 days. Egypt, Ethiopia, Algeria, and most Central/West African nations need an eVisa
The complete official list is published by the Vanuatu Department of Immigration and Passport Services.
Entry Requirements at the Border
Being visa-free does not mean no checks. Immigration officers verify several documents before stamping your permit. Arriving without any of these can result in denied entry.
Passport Validity
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your arrival date. According to the UK government’s travel advice, you will be denied entry if your passport does not meet this requirement or has been reported lost or stolen.
Return or Onward Ticket
You must hold a confirmed return or onward ticket showing departure from Vanuatu within your permitted stay period. A one-way ticket will not be accepted unless you can prove other confirmed transport arrangements.
Proof of Funds
You need to demonstrate access to at least 40,000 VUV per month of your intended stay (approximately USD 325). A bank statement, cash, or a support letter from a host in Vanuatu will satisfy this. In practice, this is rarely checked, but having it ready avoids complications.
Proof of Accommodation
Immigration may ask for a hotel booking confirmation or a host’s invitation letter. Book ahead to be safe. Search for hotels in Port Vila on Wego.
Minors Travelling
Travellers under 18 must carry written consent from both parents or legal guardians, whether travelling solo or with only one parent.
Health and Customs
There are no mandatory vaccinations for most travellers. A yellow fever certificate may be needed if arriving from a high-risk country. Vanuatu also has strict biosecurity rules — declare all food, plant material, and animal products. Check the Vanuatu Customs Service for current limits on alcohol, tobacco, and currency.
Extending Your Stay Beyond 30 Days
If 30 days is not enough, you can extend your visitor permit up to a maximum of 120 days from your date of entry. Here’s how it works.
How to Apply
Visit the Department of Immigration and Passport Services on Kumul Highway in Port Vila before your initial permit expires. The office is open Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. You can also reach them at (+678) 22354 or [email protected] for questions.
Extension Fee
The tourist visa application fee is 7,420 VUV (approximately USD 60). This is the only fee you will pay during your entire stay if you entered visa-free.
Key Rules
- Apply before your permit expires. Extensions cannot be processed after your initial 30-day (or 90-day) permit has lapsed
- Maximum 120 days in any 12-month period. There are no further extensions beyond this cap
- No work allowed. Your extended permit still prohibits any commercial, employment, or business activity in Vanuatu. This includes freelancing and volunteer work. A separate work permit is required for employment
Non-Exempt Nationals
If your country is not on the exempt list, you must apply for an eVisa before travel through evisa.gov.vu. The visitor visa for non-exempt nationals costs 5,150 VUV (approximately USD 42) and allows a stay of up to 30 days. With pre-approval, non-exempt nationals can also qualify for the 120-day tourist visa.
How to Get to Vanuatu
Bauerfield International Airport (VLI) in Port Vila is Vanuatu’s only international gateway, located roughly 6 km north of the city, about 10 to 15 minutes by taxi.
Connecting Through Australia or Fiji
There are no direct flights to Vanuatu from the Middle East, South Asia, or Southeast Asia. The most practical routing is to connect through Sydney, Brisbane, Auckland, or Nadi (Fiji).
Airlines serving Port Vila include:
- Air Vanuatu — the national carrier; following its 2024 restructuring, it operates a reduced international network. Verify current routes directly before booking
- Fiji Airways — connects via Nadi
- Qantas and Virgin Australia — from Sydney and Brisbane
- Jetstar — budget option from Australia
- Aircalin — from Noumea (New Caledonia)
From the Middle East
The fastest route from Dubai or Doha connects through Sydney or Brisbane on Emirates or Qatar Airways, with a connecting flight to Port Vila. Total journey time is roughly 20 to 24 hours.
Compare flights to Vanuatu on Wego to find the best fares and routings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Vanuatu visa-free for Indian citizens?
Yes. Indian passport holders enter Vanuatu visa-free and receive a 30-day visitor permit on arrival at no cost. You can apply at the Immigration Office in Port Vila to extend or convert your stay up to a maximum of 120 days. Fees apply — confirm the current rate with the Department before applying.
Is there a fee at the Vanuatu border?
No. Citizens of the 117 visa-exempt countries pay nothing at the border. Fees only apply if you extend or convert your stay (tourist visa: 5,150 VUV) or if you are from a non-exempt country applying for an eVisa (visitor visa: 7,420 VUV; tourist visa: 5,150 VUV).
What is the difference between visa-free and visa on arrival for Vanuatu?
Vanuatu does not offer a visa on arrival. It offers visa-free entry, which means exempt nationals walk through immigration with no application, no form, and no fee. A “visa on arrival” typically involves filling out paperwork and paying a fee at the airport — that is not how Vanuatu works for exempt countries.
Can I work in Vanuatu on a visitor permit?
No. Visitor permits and tourist visas strictly prohibit any commercial, employment, or business activity. You must apply for a separate work permit if you intend to work in Vanuatu.
What if my country is not on the visa-free list?
You must apply for an eVisa before travelling through the official portal at evisa.gov.vu. The visitor visa costs 7,420 VUV (approximately USD 63) and permits a 30-day stay. The tourist visa, which permits up to 120 days, costs 5,150 VUV (approximately USD 43).
Sources
- Vanuatu Department of Immigration — Visa Exempted Countries
- Vanuatu Department of Immigration — Tourist Visa
- Vanuatu Department of Immigration — Entry and Departure Requirements
- Vanuatu eVisa Portal
- UK Government — Vanuatu Entry Requirements
- US State Department — Vanuatu Travel Information
- Vanuatu Customs Service
Disclaimer: Wego strives to ensure all information presented in this article is accurate and up to date at the time of publication. Travel policies, prices, visa requirements, and conditions can change rapidly. We strongly recommend verifying critical details with official sources before making travel decisions. Wego does not accept liability for any inaccuracies, oversights, or changes that may occur after publication.
