Vanuatu entry requirements for Sri Lanka 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
Sri Lankan passport holders can visit Vanuatu visa-free for up to 120 days. No visa is needed for tourism, business, or short stays — just show up with a valid passport and onward ticket. This policy is in effect for 2026.
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 be in Vanuatu. Airlines check this at check-in, and immigration officers in Port Vila will deny boarding if your passport expires before you leave. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Vanuatu | Immigration at Bauerfield Airport asks for a confirmed onward ticket before they stamp you in. Have a printed or digital copy of your flight out of Vanuatu ready — they check this every time. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a printed hotel confirmation or a letter from your host. Immigration rarely asks for it, but if they do, not having it can delay your entry by 30 minutes while they verify your plans. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself during your stay | Have a bank statement or credit card showing access to around 50,000 VUV (about $420 USD). Officers at the border may ask to see it if you look like you're planning to work or overstay. | Recommended |
No visa needed — but don't skip the basics
Vanuatu is visa-free for Sri Lankans, but you still need a passport valid for 6+ months and an onward ticket. These are the two things most likely to cause issues at check-in or immigration.
Overstaying is expensive
Overstaying even a day can result in a fine of around 10,000 VUV (about $85 USD) and a note on your record. For longer overstays, you risk deportation and a ban. Set a reminder to leave before day 120.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Bauerfield International Airport (VLI)
Most flights land at Port Vila's Bauerfield Airport. After deplaning, follow signs to 'Immigration' — it's a small terminal, queues are usually short. Have your passport and boarding pass ready.
2
Present documents at immigration counter
Hand over your passport and any requested documents (onward ticket, accommodation). The officer will stamp you in for up to 120 days. No forms to fill in advance — just a standard arrival card you'll get on the plane or at the counter.
3
Collect luggage and exit
After immigration, pick up your bags from the carousel, then walk through customs (usually green channel for most tourists). No visa fee, no extra steps.
Download Vanuatu Entry Checklist
PDF · Sri Lanka Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 25, 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~$100 USD (estimated)
Apply at Vanuatu embassy or online if available. Requires proof of funds and accommodation.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable 30 days
Validity6 months from issue
Cost~$200 USD (estimated)
For frequent travellers; same conditions as single entry.
Business visa
Max stay90 days, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost~$150 USD (estimated)
Requires invitation letter from Vanuatu company.
retirement visa
Vanuatu Retirement Visa
1 year, renewable annually
~$500 USD per year (estimated)
For retirees aged 55+ with proof of pension or sufficient funds. Allows long-term stay but no work. Requires health insurance.
investor visa
Vanuatu Investor Visa
1 year, renewable
~$1,000 USD per year (estimated)
For individuals investing at least $50,000 USD in Vanuatu business or property. Includes family members. Must show business plan.
work visa
Vanuatu Work Visa
1 year, renewable
~$300 USD per year (estimated)
Requires a job offer from a Vanuatu employer and a work permit. Employer must prove no local candidate available.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Stay extensionVisa-free stay is not extendable. | Not available |
| Overstay fineOverstay penalties are not publicly specified; avoid overstaying. | Unknown |
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
Sri Lanka passport holders transiting through Vanuatu do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. However, check airline requirements.
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 risk.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedTetanus-diphtheriaEssentialMeasles-mumps-rubella (MMR)Essential
Health risks
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; outbreaks occur, especially in rainy season.
Zika virusLow risk
Present but low risk; pregnant women should take precautions.
Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Risk of 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 (Port Vila)
PMB 9017, 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 (Luganville)
Luganville, Espiritu Santo, Vanuatu
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:30
Sub-office for northern islands; limited services.
Practical information for LK 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
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, the visa-free entry is not extendable. You must leave Vanuatu before the 120 days are up. Overstaying can result in fines or being banned from re-entry.
If you're transiting and won't leave the airport, you generally don't need a visa. But check with your airline — some require a visa for any stopover. For stays under 24 hours with no overnight, you're usually fine.
You'll likely be denied boarding by your airline or refused entry at immigration. Renew your passport before traveling. Vanuatu strictly enforces the 6-month rule.
Yes, any onward ticket works — it doesn't have to be a return to Sri Lanka. A flight to Fiji, Australia, or anywhere else is fine. Just show proof you're leaving.
No, there is no visa on arrival for longer stays. The 120-day visa-free entry is the only option for Sri Lankans. If you need more time, you'd have to leave and re-enter, but that's risky and not guaranteed.
A recent bank statement (last 3 months) or a credit card with sufficient limit is usually enough. Cash is also accepted — around 10,000 VUV per day is a safe amount. Immigration rarely asks, but it's good to be prepared.
No, the visa-free entry is for tourism, business meetings, or short visits only. You cannot work or study. For work or study, you need to apply for the appropriate visa before traveling.
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.