Vanuatu entry requirements for Australia passport holders
Verified May 12, 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
Australian passport holders can visit Vanuatu without a visa for up to 120 days. Just show up at the airport with your passport and a return ticket. This policy is in effect for 2026.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must cover your entire stay in Vanuatu | Your Australian passport needs to be valid for the full duration of your stay in Vanuatu. Immigration officers at Port Vila and Santo airports check this at the counter. Airlines also verify this before boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Immigration may ask for proof of departure | Vanuatu immigration officers routinely ask for a return or onward ticket at the border. Have a printed or digital copy of your flight booking ready. Airlines also require this before you board. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Immigration may ask where you're staying. Have a hotel confirmation, resort booking, or a letter from your host ready. This is rarely checked but saves time if asked. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself during the stay | Officers may ask for evidence of sufficient funds. Carry a bank statement or credit card showing you have at least 50,000 VUV (approx. AUD 600) for a short stay. This is not always requested but better to have it. | Recommended |
No visa needed — just show up
Australian passport holders get 120 days visa-free. No application, no fee, no embassy visit. Just a valid passport and a return ticket.
Passport validity is strictly enforced
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry. Airlines check this before you board — if it's close, renew first.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Bauerfield International Airport (VLI)
You'll land at Port Vila's main airport. Follow signs to 'Immigration' — it's a small terminal, so you can't miss it.
2
Join the foreign passport queue
There are separate lines for locals and foreigners. Join the one marked 'Foreign Passports' or 'Visitors'.
3
Present your documents to the officer
Hand over your passport, completed arrival card (given on the plane), and return ticket if asked. The officer will stamp you in — usually takes 1-2 minutes.
4
Collect your luggage and exit
After immigration, grab your bags from the carousel and walk through customs. No customs declaration form needed for most tourists.
Download Vanuatu Entry Checklist
PDF · Australia Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 12, 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
CostApproximately 5,000 VUV (~$42 USD)
Apply at Vanuatu embassy or consulate before travel.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue
CostApproximately 10,000 VUV (~$85 USD)
Requires supporting documents and purpose of multiple visits.
Long-stay visitor visa
Max stayUp to 4 months
Validity4 months from issue
CostApproximately 15,000 VUV (~$127 USD)
For extended tourism or visiting family; must apply in advance.
retirement visa
Vanuatu Retirement Visa
1 year, renewable annually
Approximately 50,000 VUV (~$425 USD) per year
For retirees aged 55+ with proof of pension or sufficient funds. Allows long-term stay but no work. Renewable annually.
digital nomad visa
Vanuatu Digital Nomad Visa (Remote Worker Permit)
1 year, renewable
Approximately 30,000 VUV (~$255 USD) per year
For remote workers with proof of employment and income. Allows stay and work for foreign employers. Requires health insurance.
investor visa
Vanuatu Investor Visa
1 year, renewable
Approximately 100,000 VUV (~$850 USD) plus investment
For individuals investing a minimum amount in Vanuatu (e.g., business or property). Requires proof of investment and business plan.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Stay extension feeVisa-free stay is not extendable. | Not applicable |
| Overstay fine per dayOverstay fines are assessed at immigration upon departure; maximum cap may apply. | Approximately 10,000 VUV (~$85 USD) per day |
Common reasons for entry denial
No return ticket30%
Insufficient funds25%
Overstay history20%
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
Australian 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-pertussisEssentialMeasles-mumps-rubella (MMR)EssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; outbreaks occur, especially in urban areas.
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 most 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 Office (Port Vila)
PMB 9011, Port Vila, Efate
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Main office for visa inquiries and extensions (if applicable).
Luganville
Vanuatu Immigration Office (Luganville)
Luganville, Espiritu Santo
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Handles immigration matters for Santo and northern islands.
Practical information for AU 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 = 117.22 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. If you want to stay longer, you'd need to leave and re-enter, but that's at the discretion of immigration. Overstaying can result in fines or deportation.
No. If you're just changing planes and not leaving the airport transit area, 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 your airline or refused entry at the border. Vanuatu immigration strictly enforces the 6-month rule. Renew your passport before you travel.
No, there's no official requirement to show bank statements or cash. But if you look like you might be working or staying indefinitely, an officer could ask. Having a credit card and a return ticket is usually enough.
Technically, no. The visa-free entry is for tourism only. Working remotely for an overseas employer is a grey area — it's not actively enforced, but it's not officially allowed. If you're caught, you could be asked to leave.
No vaccinations are required for entry from Australia. But it's wise to be up-to-date on routine vaccines (MMR, tetanus, etc.). Check with your doctor 4-6 weeks before travel.
No online pre-declaration is needed. You'll fill out a simple paper arrival card on the plane — just your name, passport number, flight details, and where you're staying.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 12, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.