Vanuatu customs rules & duty-free allowances

Last reviewed July 2, 2026

Vanuatu allows duty-free imports of 1 liter of spirits (over 22% alcohol) or 2 liters of wine/beer, 200 cigarettes or 250g of tobacco (or proportional combination), and personal goods up to VUV 90,000 (about USD 800). Cash over VUV 1,000,000 (about USD 10,000) must be declared. Strict bans apply to narcotics, weapons, certain animal products, and other items. All travelers must complete a biosecurity declaration.

Duty-free allowances

Alcohol
1.0 L
1 liter of spirits over 22% alcohol, OR 2 liters of wine or beer. Must be 18+. Excess is dutiable at approx. VUV 1,500 per liter of spirits plus 12.5% VAT.
Tobacco
200 cigarettes
or 50 cigars / 250 g
Cash to declare
$10,000
Cash or monetary instruments equivalent to VUV 1,000,000 (approx. USD 10,000) or more must be declared on arrival. Failure to declare may result in seizure and penalties.
Goods duty-free
$800
Duty-free allowance for personal goods and gifts up to VUV 90,000 (approx. USD 800). Items above this value are subject to duty (typically 20-30%) and 12.5% VAT.

Prohibited — banned from import

  • Narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances (including cannabis, even for medicinal use without permit)
  • Firearms, ammunition, explosives, and weapons (including knives, swords, and pepper spray) without a permit
  • Pornographic materials (including digital media)
  • Counterfeit currency, goods, or intellectual property infringements
  • Raw meat, poultry, eggs, dairy, and other animal products without quarantine clearance
  • Plants, seeds, soil, and live animals without a biosecurity permit
  • Fresh fruit and vegetables without a biosecurity permit

Restricted — allowed with a permit or declaration

  • Prescription medications (must have a doctor's prescription or letter; carry in original packaging)
  • Drones and unmanned aerial vehicles (require prior approval from Vanuatu Civil Aviation Authority)
  • Satellite phones and radio transmitters (require a license from the Telecommunications and Radiocommunications Regulator)
  • Cultural artifacts and protected species products (e.g., turtle shell, coral, certain shells) require an export/import permit
  • Firearms and ammunition (strictly require a permit from the Vanuatu Police Force)
  • Kava powder or fresh kava (prohibited without a permit; dried kava root up to 2 kg allowed if declared)

Rules worth knowing

Biosecurity Declaration Required

All arriving travellers must complete a biosecurity declaration form. Failure to declare food, plants, or animal products can result in on-the-spot fines of up to VUV 100,000 (approx. USD 900).

Duty-Free Limits Are Per Person

Duty-free allowances are strictly per individual traveller. Families cannot combine allowances. Children under 18 are entitled to half the adult allowance for tobacco and alcohol (if accompanied by an adult).

No Duty-Free Shops at Airports

Vanuatu does not operate duty-free shops at its airports. All alcohol and tobacco purchased abroad or on the plane count toward your personal duty-free allowance. Any excess is subject to duty and VAT.

Temporary Import of Vehicles

If you bring a vehicle (car, motorcycle, boat) for personal use, you must obtain a Carnet de Passages en Douane or a temporary import permit. A deposit or bond may be required.

Frequently asked questions

Yes, but only dried kava root (not powder or prepared drink) for personal use, up to 2 kg. It must be declared on the biosecurity form. Kava powder or fresh kava is prohibited without a permit.
You must pay duty and 12.5% VAT on the excess value. Duty rates vary by item (typically 20-30% for alcohol and tobacco). You can pay by cash (VUV) or credit card at the customs counter.
No, personal electronics for your own use (laptop, camera, phone) are generally exempt from duty if they are clearly for personal use and not for resale. However, if you have multiple high-value items, customs may ask for a deposit.
Most processed and packaged foods (e.g., canned goods, biscuits, chocolate) are allowed if declared. Fresh fruit, vegetables, meat, and dairy are strictly prohibited without a biosecurity permit. Declare everything to avoid fines.
Yes, duty-free is 1 liter of spirits OR 2 liters of wine/beer. You can bring more, but you'll pay duty (approx. VUV 1,500 per liter of spirits) plus 12.5% VAT. There is no absolute cap, but customs may question large quantities.
Most nationalities (including US, UK, Canada, Australia, NZ, EU) get a free 30-day visitor visa on arrival. You need a valid passport (6 months validity) and a return ticket. Extensions are possible at the Immigration Department in Port Vila.

Official source

Vanuatu Customs and Inland Revenue Service

For guidance only. Customs allowances and prohibited-item lists change without notice — always confirm with Vanuatu Customs and Inland Revenue Service before travelling.