Vanuatu entry requirements for Uganda passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 30, 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
Ugandan passport holders can visit Vanuatu without a visa for up to 120 days. This applies to tourism and business visits. Ensure your passport meets entry requirements before traveling.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your Ugandan passport needs to be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date from Vanuatu. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Vanuatu | Immigration officers at Bauerfield Airport in Port Vila routinely ask for a return or onward ticket before they stamp you in. Have a printed or digital copy of your outbound flight booking ready. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a printed hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host in Vanuatu. Officers occasionally ask where you are staying, especially if you arrive without a clear itinerary. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself during your stay | Have bank statements or a credit card showing access to at least 50,000 VUV (around $420 USD) for your stay. Immigration may ask how you plan to cover expenses, especially for longer visits. | Recommended |
Passport validity counts from entry date
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the day you arrive in Vanuatu, not from your departure date. If your passport expires sooner, renew it before traveling.
No visa extensions available
The 120-day visa-free stay cannot be extended. Overstaying may result in fines or future entry bans. Plan your departure carefully.
What happens at the border
1
Prepare your documents
Before your flight, gather your passport (valid 6+ months), return/onward ticket, first-night accommodation booking, and travel insurance. Save digital copies on your phone.
2
Arrive at Bauerfield International Airport (VLI)
Most international flights land at Port Vila's Bauerfield Airport. Follow signs to the immigration hall. Two queues exist: one for citizens/residents and one for visitors. Join the visitor queue.
3
Present your documents to the immigration officer
Hand over your passport and any requested documents. The officer checks passport validity and blank page, and may ask for your return ticket and accommodation. Answer questions clearly. They'll stamp your passport with a visitor entry permit valid for up to 120 days.
4
Collect your luggage and proceed to customs
After immigration, go to the baggage claim area. Then pass through customs. Declare any restricted items (food, plants, large amounts of cash). You're free to exit after that.
Download Vanuatu Entry Checklist
PDF · Uganda Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 30, 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 date
CostApproximately 5,000 VUV (~$42 USD)
Apply at Vanuatu embassy or online; requires proof of funds and accommodation.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue date
CostApproximately 10,000 VUV (~$85 USD)
For frequent travellers; must show travel history and ties to home country.
Business visa
Max stay90 days, extendable
Validity6 months from issue date
CostApproximately 15,000 VUV (~$127 USD)
Requires invitation letter from Vanuatu company.
retirement visa
Vanuatu Retirement Visa
1 year, renewable annually
Approximately 50,000 VUV (~$425 USD) per year
For individuals 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
Approximately 100,000 VUV (~$850 USD) plus investment proof
For those investing at least 5 million VUV in a local business. Includes family members. Must show business plan and financials.
work visa
Vanuatu Work Visa
1 year, renewable
Approximately 30,000 VUV (~$255 USD) plus employer sponsorship
Requires a job offer from a Vanuatu employer and a work permit. Employer must demonstrate no local candidate available.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Stay extensionVisa-free stay is not extendable. | Not available |
| Overstay fine per dayMaximum cap may apply; check with immigration. | Approximately 10,000 VUV (~$85 USD) per day |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
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
Uganda passport holders transiting through Vanuatu 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 (including Uganda).
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedTetanus-diphtheria-pertussisEssentialMeasles-mumps-rubella (MMR)EssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
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 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 - Port Vila
PMB 9017, Port Vila, Efate
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
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:30
Handles immigration matters for Santo region; limited services.
Practical information for UG 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 = 118.25 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, you don't need a visa. Ugandan passport holders get visa-free access for up to 120 days for tourism or business.
You can stay up to 120 days per visit. This is a generous allowance compared to many other visa-free destinations.
No, the visa-free entry is not extendable. To stay longer, you must leave Vanuatu and re-enter, or apply for a different visa type before your 120 days expire.
You'll likely be denied entry. Vanuatu immigration strictly requires 6 months validity from your date of entry. Renew your passport before traveling.
No, there is no official requirement to show proof of funds at immigration. However, having a credit card or some cash (Vanuatu vatu or major currencies) is practical for your stay.
No, Vanuatu does not require an online arrival declaration. You'll fill out a simple paper arrival card on the plane or at the airport.
The local currency is the Vanuatu vatu (VUV). Major credit cards are accepted in hotels and larger shops, but cash is useful for markets and smaller businesses. ATMs are available in Port Vila.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 30, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.