Vanuatu entry requirements for New Zealand passport holders
Verified May 14, 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
New Zealand passport holders can visit Vanuatu visa-free for up to 120 days. No visa is needed for tourism, business, or short stays. This policy is current for 2026.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your stay | Your passport needs at least 6 months of validity from your departure date from Vanuatu. Immigration at Port Vila checks this strictly — if your passport expires sooner, they will deny entry. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of onward travel | Immigration officers at 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 will check the date matches your intended stay. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Carry a printed hotel confirmation or a letter from your host in Vanuatu. Officers sometimes ask for it, 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 (around $450 USD) in cash or a credit card. Immigration may ask to see you have enough to cover your stay without working. | Recommended |
120-day stay is generous — but not extendable
You get a full 120 days visa-free, which is plenty for most trips. But if you think you might need longer, plan ahead — there's no extension option. You'd need to leave and re-enter or apply for a different visa.
Passport validity is strictly enforced
Airlines check your passport validity before boarding. If you have less than 6 months left, you'll be denied boarding. Don't risk it — renew your passport first.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Bauerfield International Airport (VLI)
Most flights land at Port Vila's Bauerfield Airport. Follow signs to 'Immigration' after disembarking.
2
Queue at immigration counter
Join the queue for foreign passport holders. Have your passport, return ticket (screenshot or print), and accommodation booking ready.
3
Receive entry stamp
The officer will check your documents, stamp your passport, and note your allowed stay (up to 120 days). No fee is charged.
4
Collect luggage and exit
After immigration, proceed to baggage claim, then customs. You're free to enter Vanuatu.
Download Vanuatu Entry Checklist
PDF · New Zealand Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 14, 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 stay120 days
Validity3 months from issue
CostFree (visa-free already applies)
Visa-free entry covers this; no paid alternative needed for standard tourism.
Business visa
Max stay120 days
Validity3 months
CostFree (visa-free for business)
Business activities are permitted under visa-free entry; no separate visa required.
retirement visa
Vanuatu Retirement Visa
1 year, renewable
~$500 USD application fee
For retirees aged 55+ with proof of pension or sufficient funds. Allows long-term residence but not employment.
investor visa
Vanuatu Investor Visa
1 year, renewable
~$1,000 USD application fee
For individuals investing a minimum of $50,000 USD in Vanuatu business or property. Includes family members.
work visa
Vanuatu Work Permit
1 year, renewable
~$300 USD application fee
Requires a job offer from a Vanuatu employer and approval from the Department of Labour. Employer must demonstrate no local candidate available.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Stay extensionVisa-free stay is not extendable; must leave before 120 days. | Not available |
| Overstay fine per dayOverstay penalties are not officially published; avoid overstay to prevent issues. | 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
New Zealand passport holders transiting through Vanuatu airports do not need a transit visa for airside connections, provided they have a confirmed onward ticket and do not leave the transit area.
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-diphtheria-pertussisEssentialMeasles-mumps-rubella (MMR)EssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne disease present in urban and rural areas; use insect repellent and mosquito nets.
Zika virusLow risk
Low risk but present; pregnant women should take precautions against mosquito bites.
Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Risk of traveler's diarrhea and other infections; drink bottled or boiled water and eat well-cooked food.
Malaria risk: low
Malaria risk is low in most areas, but prophylaxis may be recommended for rural travel; consult a travel health specialist.
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 inquiries and permits; bring passport and supporting documents.
Luganville
Santo Immigration Office
Luganville, Espiritu Santo
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Handles immigration matters for the Santo region; limited services compared to Port Vila.
Practical information for NZ 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
New Zealand passport holders can stay up to 120 days per visit. This is generous compared to many other visa-free destinations. If you need longer, you must apply for an extension or a different visa type before your 120 days expire.
No. The visa-free entry is not extendable. If you want to stay longer, you must leave Vanuatu and re-enter, or apply for a different visa category (like a work or residence permit) before your current stay ends.
Yes, you need proof of onward travel — a return ticket to New Zealand or a ticket to another destination. Immigration will ask to see it. A one-way ticket without onward proof can get you denied boarding or entry.
You won't be allowed to board your flight to Vanuatu if your passport has less than 6 months validity. If it expires while you're there, you'll have trouble leaving and may face fines or detention. Always renew before travel.
No, you don't need any visa — it's visa-free. There's no visa on arrival process either. Just show up with your valid passport and onward ticket.
No. The visa-free entry is for tourism, business meetings, or short visits only. Any paid work, volunteering, or study requires a proper visa or permit. Overstaying or working without authorization can lead to deportation and bans.
Contact the New Zealand High Commission in Port Vila immediately (they can issue an emergency travel document). Also file a police report. You'll need the emergency document to leave Vanuatu. Keep a photocopy or digital scan of your passport separately.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 14, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.