Vanuatu entry requirements for Canada passport holders
Verified May 13, 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
Canadians 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 current as of 2026.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your Canadian passport needs to be valid only for the period you plan to stay in Vanuatu. Airlines may still ask for 6 months validity — check with your carrier before flying. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Vanuatu | Immigration officers at Bauerfield Airport in Port Vila routinely ask for a return or onward ticket. Have a printed copy or a screenshot ready on your phone. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Carry a copy of your hotel reservation or a letter from your host. Officers rarely ask for it, but having it ready avoids delays. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Evidence of sufficient money for your stay | Have a bank statement or credit card showing you can cover your expenses. Vanuatu is not strict about this, but it helps if questioned. | Recommended |
No visa, no fee
Canadians enter Vanuatu visa-free for up to 120 days. There's no application, no fee, and no paperwork before you go. Just show up with your passport and return ticket.
Passport validity is strict
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the day you land. If it's close to expiring, renew before you book flights — you'll be turned away at immigration otherwise.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Bauerfield International Airport (VLI)
After landing in Port Vila, follow signs to immigration. There's usually one queue for all foreign visitors. Have your passport and return ticket ready.
2
Present documents to immigration officer
Hand over your passport and any requested documents. The officer will check your passport validity, stamp you in, and note your allowed stay (up to 120 days). No visa fee.
3
Collect luggage and proceed to customs
After immigration, grab your bags from the carousel. Customs is straightforward — declare any goods over the duty-free limit. Then you're free to exit.
Download Vanuatu Entry Checklist
PDF · Canada Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 13, 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 a Vanuatu embassy or consulate before travel. Allows longer stay than visa-free.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable 30 days
Validity6 months from issue
CostApproximately 10,000 VUV (~$85 USD)
Good for multiple visits within validity period. Must apply in advance.
Long-stay visitor visa
Max stayUp to 6 months
Validity1 year from issue
CostApproximately 20,000 VUV (~$170 USD)
For extended tourism or visiting family. Requires proof of funds and accommodation.
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. Requires health insurance.
investor visa
Vanuatu Investor Visa
1 year, renewable
Approximately 100,000 VUV (~$850 USD) plus investment proof
For individuals investing at least 5 million VUV in a local business. Includes family members. Must show business plan.
work visa
Vanuatu Work Permit
1 year, renewable
Approximately 30,000 VUV (~$255 USD) plus employer sponsorship
For those with a job offer from a Vanuatu employer. Requires labor market test and health check.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Stay extensionExtensions are not permitted for visa-free entries. Must leave and re-enter if needed. | Not available |
| Overstay fineOverstaying can result in fines and possible deportation. Avoid overstaying. | Approximately 10,000 VUV (~$85 USD) per day, no official cap |
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
Canadian passport holders do not need a transit visa to change planes at Vanuatu airports, as long as 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)RecommendedMeasles-mumps-rubella (MMR)RecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne disease present throughout the country, especially during rainy season.
Zika virusLow risk
Sporadic cases reported; pregnant women should take precautions.
Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Risk of traveler's diarrhea, typhoid, and hepatitis A from contaminated food/water.
Malaria risk: low
Low risk in most areas, but prophylaxis recommended for rural travel on some islands. Consult a travel clinic.
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 (Head Office)
PMB 9029, Port Vila, Efate
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:30
Main office for visa inquiries and permits. Bring passport, photos, and fee in cash.
Luganville
Vanuatu Immigration Office (Santo Branch)
Luganville, Espiritu Santo
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Handles visa extensions and permits for northern islands. Limited services.
Practical information for CA 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. Canadians get visa-free entry for up to 120 days. Just show your passport and return ticket at immigration.
No. The visa-free period is fixed at 120 days and cannot be extended. If you want to stay longer, you'd need to leave and re-enter, but check with the Vanuatu immigration office first — overstaying can lead to fines or deportation.
You'll likely be denied entry. Vanuatu requires at least 6 months of validity from your entry date. Renew your passport before you travel.
Yes. Any onward ticket out of Vanuatu works — it doesn't have to be back to Canada. Immigration just wants proof you're leaving.
No, it's not required by law. But it's strongly recommended because medical care in Vanuatu can be expensive and evacuation to Australia or New Zealand may be needed for serious issues.
The local currency is the Vanuatu vatu (VUV). Canadian dollars are not widely accepted. Bring some cash in VUV or Australian dollars (AUD) for small purchases. Credit cards work at larger hotels and resorts.
No mandatory vaccines for entry from Canada. But it's wise to be up to date on routine shots (MMR, tetanus, etc.) and consider hepatitis A and typhoid, especially if you're eating local food or visiting rural areas. Check with a travel clinic 4–6 weeks before departure.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 13, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.