Vanuatu entry requirements for Kenya passport holders

Checked daily · Updated May 25, 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

Kenyan passport holders can visit Vanuatu without a visa for up to 120 days. This policy remains in effect through 2026, making travel straightforward for tourism or short business trips.

Entry requirements

RequirementDetailsStatus
Valid passport
Must be valid for the duration of your stay
Your passport needs to be valid for the entire 120-day stay in Vanuatu. Vanuatu does not enforce the 6-month validity rule, but your airline might — check with them before departure.Required
Return or onward ticket
Proof of departure from Vanuatu
Immigration at Bauerfield Airport in Port Vila routinely asks for a return or onward ticket. Have a printed copy or a digital version on your phone ready — they check this before stamping you in.Recommended
Proof of accommodation
Hotel booking or host invitation
Carry a printed hotel confirmation or a letter from your host. Officers at Vanuatu immigration occasionally ask where you're staying, especially if you arrive without a clear itinerary.Recommended
Proof of funds
Show you can support yourself during the stay
Have access to at least 50,000 VUV (roughly $450 USD) in cash, a bank statement, or a credit card. Immigration may ask how you plan to fund your trip, especially for longer stays.Recommended
Travel insurance strongly recommended
Medical evacuation from Vanuatu can cost tens of thousands of dollars. Even a simple hospital visit for a broken leg can run into the hundreds per day. Get travel insurance that covers medical emergencies and evacuation.
Passport validity counts from entry date
Your passport must be valid for 6 months from the day you land in Vanuatu — not from your departure date. If it expires sooner, you'll be turned away.

What happens at the border

1
Arrive at Bauerfield International Airport (VLI)
Most flights from Kenya connect through hubs like Dubai or Sydney. At Port Vila's airport, follow signs to immigration. Queue times vary — expect 15–30 minutes during peak hours.
2
Present documents at immigration counter
Hand over your passport (with 6+ months validity), return ticket, and accommodation proof if asked. The officer will stamp your passport and grant a 120-day stay.
3
Collect luggage and proceed to customs
After immigration, pick up your bags from the carousel. Customs may ask about goods — declare anything over the duty-free limit. Then exit into the arrivals hall.
Download Vanuatu Entry Checklist
PDF · Kenya Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 25, 2026
Download PDF

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
Validity3 months from issue
Cost~$50 USD equivalent

Apply at Vanuatu embassy abroad; may allow longer stay than visa-free.

Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months
Cost~$100 USD equivalent

For frequent travellers; requires proof of sufficient funds.

retirement visa
Vanuatu Retirement Visa
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD application fee + proof of pension/investment
For retirees aged 55+ with sufficient income. Allows long-term stay but no work. Requires health insurance.
investor visa
Vanuatu Investor Visa
1 year, renewable
~$500 USD application fee + minimum investment of $50,000 USD
For investors who contribute to Vanuatu's economy. Requires business plan and proof of funds.
Other fees
ServiceCost
Overstay fine per dayOverstay fines are charged daily; maximum cap may apply.Approximately 10,000 VUV (~$85 USD) per day

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

Kenya passport holders transiting through Vanuatu airports 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 (e.g., Kenya).
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedTetanus-diphtheriaEssentialMeasles-mumps-rubella (MMR)Essential
Health risks
Dengue feverModerate risk

Mosquito-borne; outbreaks occur, especially in rainy season.

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 (Head Office)
PMB 9012, Port Vila, Vanuatu
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:30

Main office for visa extensions and permits. Bring passport, photos, and fee.

Luganville
Vanuatu Immigration Office (Santo Branch)
Luganville, Espiritu Santo
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00

Handles extensions and re-entry permits for northern islands.

Practical information for KE 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 = 118.13 VUV
updated May 29
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
Police112
Medical112
US EmbassyFind contact

Frequently asked questions

No, the visa-free entry is not extendable. You must leave before the 120 days are up. Overstaying can result in fines or being banned from re-entry.
If you're transiting and not leaving the airport, you generally don't need a visa. But check with your airline — some require a transit visa for certain nationalities.
You'll likely be denied boarding by your airline or refused entry at immigration. Renew your passport before travel.
No, Vanuatu does not offer visa on arrival for Kenyan passport holders. You enter visa-free for up to 120 days.
Not officially required, but immigration may ask if you have enough money for your stay. Carry a credit card or cash (Vanuatu vatu) as a precaution.
No, the visa-free entry is for tourism, business meetings, or short visits only. For work or study, you need a separate visa or permit.
No mandatory vaccines for entry, but routine vaccines (MMR, tetanus) and hepatitis A are recommended. Check with your doctor 4–6 weeks before travel.

Official sources

Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 25, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.