Vanuatu entry requirements for Ivory Coast passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 30, 2026·View sources
Visa required
Max stay
No fixed limit
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Ivory Coast passport holders need a visa to enter Vanuatu. Apply before your trip — there is no visa-on-arrival or e-visa option. Processing can take 2–4 weeks, so start early.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa application Apply for a visa before travel | Vanuatu requires a visa for Ivory Coast passport holders. Apply through the Vanuatu Immigration Department at immigration.gov.vu. Processing times vary — submit your application at least 2 weeks before departure.Apply for visa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for the entire stay | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date from Vanuatu. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of onward travel | Immigration officers at Port Vila Airport routinely ask for a return or onward ticket. Have a printed or digital copy of your flight booking ready. Without one, you may be refused entry. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Carry a confirmed hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host in Vanuatu. Immigration may ask where you are staying during your visit. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show sufficient money for your stay | Have bank statements or cash equivalent to at least 50,000 VUV (about $425 USD) per person. Immigration officers occasionally ask to see proof you can support yourself. | Recommended |
Visa required — apply early
Ivory Coast passport holders must get a visa before arriving in Vanuatu. There is no visa-on-arrival or e-visa option. Processing can take 2–4 weeks, so start your application at least a month before your trip.
Passport validity counts from entry date
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the day you land in Vanuatu, not from your departure date. Check your passport's expiry date now.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for a Vanuatu visa
Submit your visa application to the nearest Vanuatu embassy or consulate (or by mail if no embassy in your country). Include your passport, completed form, passport photos, flight itinerary, accommodation proof, and visa fee. Processing takes 2–4 weeks.
2
Wait for visa approval
Once approved, you'll receive a visa sticker in your passport or a visa approval letter. Check the validity dates carefully.
3
Travel to Vanuatu
Fly into Bauerfield International Airport (VLI) in Port Vila or Santo-Pekoa International Airport (SON) in Luganville. At immigration, present your passport with visa, return ticket, and accommodation confirmation. The officer will stamp you in.
4
Enjoy your stay
You can stay up to the duration specified on your visa. Extensions are not available for tourist visas.
Download Vanuatu Entry Checklist
PDF · Ivory Coast Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 30, 2026
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 date
Cost~$100 USD
Requires passport valid 6+ months, return ticket, accommodation proof, and sufficient funds.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable 30 days
Validity6 months from issue date
Cost~$150 USD
Same requirements as single entry; ideal for multiple visits.
Long-stay visa (business/investor)
Max stay1 year, renewable
Validity1 year
Cost~$500 USD
Requires business registration or investment proof; apply through Vanuatu embassy.
retirement visa
Vanuatu Retirement Visa
1 year, renewable annually
~$500 USD per year
For individuals aged 55+ with proof of pension or sufficient funds. Requires health insurance and no criminal record. Allows long-term stay with multiple entries.
investor visa
Vanuatu Investor Visa
1 year, renewable
~$1,000 USD initial fee
For investors who establish a business or invest at least $50,000 USD in Vanuatu. Requires business plan and proof of funds. Leads to permanent residency after 5 years.
work visa
Vanuatu Work Visa
1 year, renewable
~$300 USD per year
For those with a job offer from a Vanuatu employer. Requires employer sponsorship, contract, and relevant qualifications. Allows family dependents.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Apply at Vanuatu embassy or consulate; processing time 5-10 business days. | ~$100 USD (exact amount varies by embassy) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within validity period; same application process. | ~$150 USD (exact amount varies by embassy) |
| Overstay finePenalty for overstaying visa validity; pay at immigration office before departure. | ~$50 USD per day, max $500 USD |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete documents20%
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
Ivory Coast passport holders transiting through Vanuatu do not need a transit visa if they remain airside and have a confirmed onward ticket within 24 hours.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid visa for Australia, New Zealand, or Schengen area may transit without visa for up to 48 hours.
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 (including Ivory Coast). Must have valid certificate.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialTetanus-diphtheriaRecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; outbreaks occur in urban and rural areas. Use repellent and mosquito nets.
Zika virusLow risk
Present in some areas; pregnant women should take precautions.
Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Common due to limited sanitation; drink bottled or boiled water and eat well-cooked food.
Malaria risk: low
Low risk in most areas; prophylaxis recommended for rural travel. Use DEET repellent and sleep under nets.
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 9011, Port Vila, Vanuatu
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:30
Main office for visa extensions and permits; bring passport, visa, and fee.
Luganville
Vanuatu Immigration Office (Santo Branch)
Luganville, Espiritu Santo, Vanuatu
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:30
Handles extensions and permits for northern islands; same requirements as Port Vila.
Practical information for CI 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 = 118.25 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. There is no visa-on-arrival for Ivory Coast passport holders. You must obtain a visa before you travel.
Processing typically takes 2–4 weeks. Apply well in advance of your planned travel date.
Visa fees vary by embassy and visa type. Expect to pay around 50–100 USD for a single-entry tourist visa. Check with the embassy where you apply.
No. Tourist visas are not extendable. You must leave before your visa expires.
You need a passport valid for 6+ months, completed application form, two passport photos, flight itinerary, accommodation booking, and proof of sufficient funds. Some embassies may also ask for a cover letter.
Vanuatu has limited diplomatic missions. If there is no embassy in Ivory Coast, you can apply by mail to the nearest Vanuatu embassy (e.g., in Australia, New Zealand, or France) or through a visa agency.
No, but it is strongly recommended. Medical costs in Vanuatu are high, and insurance covers unexpected hospital stays or evacuation.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 30, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.