Vanuatu entry requirements for Laos passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed August 5, 2026·View sources
eVisa 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
Laotian passport holders need a visa to enter Vanuatu. There's no visa on arrival or visa waiver for Laos, so you must apply and get approval before you travel. The standard route is an online application through the official Vanuatu e-visa portal, and processing typically takes a few business days. Plan ahead to avoid delays.
Apply for Vanuatu eVisaOfficial portal: Vanuatu eVisa Portal
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Vanuatu e-VisaYou must get this online approval before you fly – there is no visa-on-arrival for Lao citizens. Apply before travel | Laos passport holders must obtain an e-Visa prior to arrival. Apply online at the official Vanuatu e-Visa portal (https://evisa.gov.vu/). The e-Visa is valid for a single entry; the maximum stay is determined at the border and is not specified in the database. The e-Visa is not extendable. | Required |
| Passport validityIf your passport expires sooner, you may be denied boarding or entry. At least 6 months beyond your intended stay | Your Laos passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry into Vanuatu. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesThe immigration officer needs a clean page to stamp your passport. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must have at least 1 blank page for the entry stamp. It is wise to have more if you plan to travel onward. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketHaving a ticket out of Vanuatu shows you intend to leave and avoids delays. May be requested | Although not explicitly required in the database, immigration officers often ask for proof of onward travel. Carry a printed copy of your return or onward ticket. | Recommended |
| Proof of fundsCarry evidence that you can support yourself during your visit. May be requested | Not explicitly required, but be prepared to show you have sufficient funds for your stay (e.g., cash, credit cards, or bank statements). The amount is not fixed. | Recommended |
| Arrival declarationYou don't need to fill out any online form before you go – just the usual paper form on the plane. Not required | No separate arrival declaration is required for Vanuatu. You will complete the standard immigration form upon arrival. | Not required |
No visa on arrival — apply online early
Laos passport holders cannot get a visa on arrival in Vanuatu. You must apply for an e-visa online before you travel. Processing takes 2–4 business days, so don't leave it to the last minute.
Travel insurance is a smart idea
While not always mandatory for the visa, medical costs in Vanuatu can be very high. A basic travel insurance policy covers emergencies and hospital stays. It's cheap peace of mind.
What happens at the border
1
Prepare your documents
Gather your passport (valid 6+ months), a passport-sized photo, flight itinerary, accommodation booking, and travel insurance. Check the Vanuatu e-visa portal at evisa.gov.vu for the latest requirements.
2
Apply online for your e-visa
Go to evisa.gov.vu and complete the online application. Upload your documents and pay the visa fee (around $100 USD for a single-entry tourist visa). Processing typically takes 2–4 business days, so apply at least a week before your planned departure.
3
Receive and print your e-visa
Once approved, you'll receive your e-visa by email. Print a copy to carry with you — you'll need to present it at immigration upon arrival. Check that all details are correct.
4
Arrive in Vanuatu
At Bauerfield International Airport (VLI) in Port Vila, proceed to immigration. Present your passport with the e-visa, return ticket, and accommodation confirmation. The officer will stamp you in for the duration of your visa.
Download Vanuatu Entry Checklist
PDF · Laos Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated August 5, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Business e-Visa
Max stay30 days (typical)
ValidityUsually 90 days from issue
CostApprox. $150 USD
Requires invitation letter from Vanuatu company.
Multiple-entry e-Visa
Max stay30 days per entry
ValidityUp to 1 year (if granted)
CostApprox. $250 USD
Not always available; check with Vanuatu immigration.
retirement visa
Vanuatu Retirement Visa
1 year, renewable annually
~$500 USD per year
For retirees aged 55+ with proof of pension or sufficient funds. Allows long-term stay with annual renewal.
investor visa
Vanuatu Investor Visa
1 year, renewable
~$1,000 USD initial fee
For individuals investing at least $50,000 USD in Vanuatu business or property. Includes residency rights.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Vanuatu e-Visa (single entry, tourist)Fee varies by nationality and visa type; check official portal. | Approx. $100 USD (subject to change) |
| Vanuatu e-Visa (business)May require additional documentation. | Approx. $150 USD (subject to change) |
| Visa extension (if applicable)Extensions are not guaranteed; apply before current visa expires. | Approx. $200 USD (estimated) |
| Airport departure taxMost international flights include departure tax in ticket price. | Included in airfare (usually) |
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
Transit visa required
Laotian passport holders transiting through Vanuatu (e.g., via Bauerfield International Airport) must obtain an e-Visa before travel, even if staying airside. There is no transit visa exemption.
Exceptions & conditions
- Diplomatic or official passport holders may have different rules.
Transit hubsBauerfield International Airport (VLI)
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 present in urban and rural areas.
Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Risk of diarrheal diseases from contaminated food/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
PMB 9018, Port Vila, Vanuatu
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:30
Main office for visa extensions and inquiries.
Luganville
Santo Immigration Office
Luganville, Espiritu Santo
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Handles immigration matters for the Santo region.
Practical information for LA 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 = 120.16 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. Vanuatu does not offer visa on arrival for Laos passport holders. You must obtain an e-visa before traveling.
Processing usually takes 2–4 business days. Apply at least a week before your planned departure to avoid delays.
Apply online through the official Vanuatu e-visa portal at evisa.gov.vu. There is no need to visit an embassy or consulate.
The fee for a single-entry tourist visa is around $100 USD. Multiple-entry visas cost around $150 USD. Check the e-visa portal for the current fee schedule.
Extensions are possible but not guaranteed. You must apply at the Vanuatu Immigration Department in Port Vila before your current visa expires. Fees and processing times vary.
You will receive a rejection notice. Common reasons include incomplete documents, insufficient funds, or a passport that doesn't meet validity requirements. You can reapply after addressing the issues.
Vanuatu requires a yellow fever vaccination certificate if you are arriving from a country with yellow fever risk. Laos is not a yellow fever country, so this typically does not apply unless you have recently traveled to an affected area.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on August 5, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.