Vanuatu entry requirements for United Arab Emirates passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 25, 2026·View sources
No visa required
120 days
Max stay
120 days
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
UAE passport holders can visit Vanuatu without a visa for up to 120 days. This policy has been in place for years and remains unchanged in 2026. Just show up at the airport with your passport and a return ticket.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must cover entire stay | Your passport must be valid for at least the full 120 days you plan to stay in Vanuatu. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure | Immigration officers routinely ask for a confirmed onward or return ticket before granting entry. Have a printed or digital copy of your flight booking ready to show. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Officers may ask where you are staying, especially if you arrive without a pre-booked hotel. Keep a printed or digital reservation confirmation handy. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Sufficient cash or card balance | Immigration can request evidence you can support yourself during your stay. Carry a bank statement or credit card showing accessible funds — no fixed minimum is published, but a few hundred dollars per day is a safe benchmark. | Recommended |
No visa needed — just show up
UAE passport holders get 120 days visa-free in Vanuatu. No application, no fee, no paperwork before arrival.
Passport validity is strict
Your passport must be valid for 6 months from the date you enter Vanuatu. Airlines check this before boarding — if you're short, you won't fly.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Bauerfield International Airport (VLI)
After landing, follow signs to 'Immigration'. There's usually one queue for all nationalities. Have your passport, return ticket (screenshot), and accommodation booking ready. The officer will ask a few questions — purpose of visit, how long you're staying, where you're staying. Answer clearly. They'll stamp your passport and you're in.
2
Collect luggage and exit
After immigration, head to baggage claim. Customs is usually relaxed — just walk through the green channel if you have nothing to declare. If you're bringing food, plants, or large amounts of cash, use the red channel.
Download Vanuatu Entry Checklist
PDF · United Arab Emirates Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 25, 2026
Overstay calculator
Enter your arrival date and we'll tell you exactly when you need to leave.
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay30 days, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost~$100 USD (estimated)
Apply at Vanuatu embassy or online; requires proof of accommodation and funds.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable 30 days
Validity6 months from issue
Cost~$200 USD (estimated)
Allows multiple entries; suitable for frequent travellers.
Business visa
Max stay30 days, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost~$150 USD (estimated)
Requires invitation letter from Vanuatu company.
retirement visa
Vanuatu Retirement Visa
1 year, renewable annually
~$500 USD/year (estimated)
For retirees aged 55+ with proof of pension or sufficient funds. Allows long-term stay with multiple entries.
investor visa
Vanuatu Investor Visa
1 year, renewable
~$1,000 USD (estimated)
For individuals investing a minimum amount in Vanuatu business or real estate. Requires proof of investment and business plan.
work visa
Vanuatu Work Visa
1 year, renewable
~$300 USD (estimated)
For those with a job offer from a Vanuatu employer. Requires employer sponsorship and work permit approval.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Stay extension (not available)Visa-free stay is not extendable. | N/A |
| Overstay fine per dayOverstay penalties are not publicly specified; avoid overstaying. | Unknown |
Common reasons for entry denial
No return ticket30%
Insufficient funds25%
Suspicious travel pattern20%
Approval probability calculator
Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.
Transiting through Vanuatu
No transit visa needed
United Arab Emirates passport holders transiting through Vanuatu do not need a transit visa if they remain airside and have a confirmed onward ticket.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Transit hubsBauerfield International Airport (VLI) · Santo-Pekoa International Airport (SON)
Health & vaccines for Vanuatu
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever transmission risk.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedTetanus-diphtheria-pertussis (Tdap)EssentialMeasles-mumps-rubella (MMR)EssentialPolioEssentialInfluenzaConsider
Health risks
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne disease; use repellent and avoid standing water.
Zika virusLow risk
Mosquito-borne; pregnant women should take precautions.
Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Risk of traveler's diarrhea; drink bottled or boiled water.
Malaria risk: low
Low risk in all areas; prophylaxis not routinely recommended but consider for rural travel.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Port Vila
Vanuatu Immigration Services
PMB 9018, Port Vila, Vanuatu
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:30
Main immigration office for visa extensions and inquiries.
Luganville
Vanuatu Immigration Services – Santo Branch
Luganville, Espiritu Santo
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:30
Handles immigration matters for the Santo region.
Practical information for AE travellers
Country basics
CapitalPort Vila
LanguageBislama, English, French
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS visitors can drive with a valid US driver's license for up to 30 days.
Money
CurrencyVanuatu vatu (VUV)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 118.13 VUV
Time zone
Local timeUTC+11
vs New York+16h
vs Los Angeles+19h
Electricity
Voltage230V / 50Hz
Plug types
IType I (Australian/New Zealand plug with two flat pins and an earth pin)
⚠ US adapter needed
Water & health
Tap water
Not safe — use bottled
Tap water is not safe to drink; use bottled or boiled water.
Emergency numbers
Frequently asked questions
No. The visa-free stay is not extendable. You must leave before day 120. Overstaying can result in fines or being banned from re-entry.
If you're just transiting and don't leave the airport, you don't need a visa. But if you plan to enter the country, even for a few hours, the visa-free rules apply.
You'll likely be denied boarding by the airline or refused entry at immigration. Renew your passport before traveling.
No. The visa-free entry is for tourism, business meetings, or short visits only. For work or study, you need the appropriate visa or permit.
Yes, there's a departure tax of about 2,500 VUV (around $20 USD) when leaving Vanuatu. This is usually included in your airline ticket, but check with your airline to be sure.
No vaccinations are required for entry. However, hepatitis A, typhoid, and tetanus are recommended. Check with your doctor 4-6 weeks before travel.
Yes, the same visa-free rules apply for UAE passport holders arriving by private yacht. You'll clear immigration at the port of entry. Have your passport, ship's papers, and crew list ready.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 25, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.