Vanuatu entry requirements for France 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
French passport holders can enter Vanuatu without a visa for stays up to 120 days. This visa-free policy has been in place for years and applies to tourism, business, and short visits. No prior application or fee is needed — just show up at the airport with your passport.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your passport needs to be valid for the entire time you plan to stay in Vanuatu. No minimum validity period beyond your departure date is required by law, but airlines may enforce a 6-month rule — check with your carrier before flying. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of onward travel | Immigration officers routinely ask for a return or onward ticket at Port Vila's Bauerfield Airport. Have a printed or digital copy of your flight booking ready — they want to see you leave within the 120-day visa-free window. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Officers may ask where you're staying, especially if you arrive without a pre-booked hotel. A printed booking confirmation or a letter from a host with their contact details covers this. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Immigration can request evidence of sufficient funds for your stay. Carry a bank statement or credit card showing access to around 100,000 VUV (roughly €800) for shorter visits. | Recommended |
No visa needed — but have your documents ready
Entry is straightforward, but immigration officers may ask for your return ticket and proof of accommodation. Keep digital copies on your phone.
Passport validity is strictly enforced
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry. Airlines check this before boarding — if it's close, renew before you go.
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. There's usually one queue for all foreign nationals. Have your passport and boarding pass ready.
2
Present documents at immigration counter
Hand over your passport. The officer will check your passport validity (6+ months), ask about your stay purpose, and may request your return ticket. Answer briefly and clearly. They'll stamp you in — no fee, no form.
3
Collect luggage and exit
After immigration, head to baggage claim. Customs is usually quick — declare any restricted items. Then you're free to go.
Download Vanuatu Entry Checklist
PDF · France 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
Cost~$50 USD (varies)
Apply at Vanuatu embassy or consulate before travel.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue
Cost~$100 USD (varies)
For frequent visitors; must apply in advance.
Business visa
Max stay30 days, extendable
Validity3 months
Cost~$80 USD (varies)
Requires invitation letter from Vanuatu company.
retirement visa
Vanuatu Retirement Visa
1 year, renewable
~$300 USD application fee
For retirees aged 55+ with proof of pension or sufficient funds. Allows long-term stay but no work.
investor visa
Vanuatu Investor Visa
1 year, renewable
~$500 USD application fee
For individuals investing a minimum amount (e.g., $50,000 USD) in Vanuatu business. Requires business plan and proof of funds.
work visa
Vanuatu Work Visa
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD application fee
For those with a job offer from a Vanuatu employer. Employer must sponsor and provide contract.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Stay extensionVisa-free stay is not extendable. | Not available |
| Overstay fine per dayOverstay penalties are not officially published; avoid overstaying. | Unknown |
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
France passport holders transiting through Vanuatu do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration.
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.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedTetanus-diphtheriaEssentialMeasles-mumps-rubella (MMR)Essential
Health risks
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne disease; use repellent and avoid standing water.
Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Risk of diarrhea; drink bottled or boiled water and eat well-cooked food.
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
PMB 9011, Port Vila, Vanuatu
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:30
Main office for visa inquiries and permits.
Luganville
Santo Immigration Office
Luganville, Espiritu Santo
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Handles immigration matters for Santo and surrounding islands.
Practical information for FR 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. French passport holders get visa-free entry for up to 120 days. No application or fee required.
Up to 120 days per visit. If you want to stay longer, you'd need to apply for an extension through the Vanuatu Immigration Department in Port Vila — but extensions are not guaranteed.
Officially, extensions are possible but not automatic. You'd need to visit the Vanuatu Immigration Department in Port Vila, pay a fee (around 5,000–10,000 VUV), and provide a reason. Overstaying can result in fines or deportation.
You'll likely be denied boarding by your airline or refused entry at immigration. Renew your passport before traveling.
Yes. Immigration may ask for proof of onward travel. A return flight booking or a ticket to another country works.
No. Vanuatu does not require an arrival declaration or online pre-registration for French passport holders. Just show up with your passport.
The local currency is the Vanuatu vatu (VUV). Euros are not widely accepted. Bring some cash (VUV or AUD) or use ATMs in Port Vila. Credit cards are accepted at major hotels and restaurants.
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.