Vanuatu entry requirements for Ireland passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 18, 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
Irish passport holders can visit Vanuatu visa-free for up to 120 days. No visa is needed for tourism, business, or transit stays. This policy is current as of 2026.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your Irish passport needs to be valid for the entire time you're in Vanuatu. No minimum validity beyond your departure date is required by Vanuatu immigration, but airlines may enforce a 6-month rule — check with your carrier before flying. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Vanuatu | Immigration officers at Port Vila's Bauerfield Airport routinely ask for a return or onward ticket before they stamp you in. Have a printed or digital copy of your outbound flight ready — they won't let you through without it. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Vanuatu immigration may ask where you're staying, especially if you arrive without a pre-booked hotel. Have a printed confirmation or a letter from a host with their contact details ready to show. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Evidence of sufficient money for your stay | Officers occasionally ask to see you have enough cash or card access to cover your trip. A recent bank statement or a credit card with a decent limit usually satisfies them — no set minimum amount is published. | Recommended |
No visa, no fee
Irish passport holders do not need to pay any visa fee or apply in advance. Just arrive with a valid passport and a return ticket.
Passport validity is strictly enforced
Airlines often check passport validity at check-in. If your passport has less than 6 months remaining, you may be denied boarding even if Vanuatu immigration would let you in.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Bauerfield International Airport (VLI)
Most visitors fly into Port Vila. After landing, follow signs to 'Immigration' or 'Arrivals'. There's usually one queue for all foreign passports.
2
Present your documents to the immigration officer
Hand over your passport, completed arrival card (given on the plane), and return/onward ticket if asked. The officer will check your passport validity and stamp you in.
3
Collect your luggage and exit
After immigration, pick up your bags from the carousel and walk through customs. There's no separate visa fee or payment at this point.
Download Vanuatu Entry Checklist
PDF · Ireland Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 18, 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 (approx.)
Apply at Vanuatu embassy or consulate; may allow longer stay than visa-free.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months
Cost~$100 USD (approx.)
For frequent travellers; must apply in advance.
Business visa
Max stay30 days, extendable
Validity3 months
Cost~$80 USD (approx.)
Requires invitation letter from Vanuatu company.
retirement visa
Vanuatu Retirement Visa
1 year, renewable
~$1,000 USD (approx.)
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
~$2,000 USD (approx.)
For individuals investing in Vanuatu business or property. Requires proof of investment and business plan.
work visa
Vanuatu Work Permit
1 year, renewable
~$500 USD (approx.)
For those with a job offer from a Vanuatu employer. Employer must sponsor and demonstrate local recruitment efforts.
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 ticket35%
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
Irish 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 risk.
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 traveler's diarrhea; drink bottled water and eat well-cooked food.
Malaria risk: low
Low risk in urban 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 (Head Office)
PMB 9018, Port Vila, Vanuatu
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:30
Main office for visa inquiries and permits.
Luganville
Vanuatu Immigration Office (Santo Branch)
Luganville, Espiritu Santo
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Handles immigration matters for Santo and northern islands.
Practical information for IE 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 = 118.03 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. Irish citizens get visa-free access for up to 120 days. Just show up with a valid passport and a return ticket.
Up to 120 days per visit. Extensions are not available for visa-free stays — if you want to stay longer, you'd need to leave and re-enter.
You'll likely be denied boarding by your airline or refused entry by Vanuatu immigration. Renew your passport before you travel.
Only if you're arriving from a country with yellow fever transmission. Ireland is not a risk country, so you don't need it unless you've recently been in an affected area.
No. The visa-free period is fixed at 120 days and cannot be extended. You would need to leave Vanuatu and re-enter to reset the clock.
Your passport (valid 6+ months), a printed or digital return/onward ticket, and proof of first-night accommodation. Travel insurance is not mandatory but strongly advised.
Yes. You'll receive a small arrival card on the plane. Fill it out before landing — it asks for basic info like your name, passport number, flight number, and address in Vanuatu.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 18, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.