Vanuatu entry requirements for Zambia passport holders

Checked daily · Updated May 31, 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

Zambian passport holders can visit Vanuatu without a visa for up to 120 days. This applies to tourism, business, or transit as of 2026. Just show up with your passport and a return ticket.

Entry requirements

RequirementDetailsStatus
Valid passport
Must be valid for the duration of your stay
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned departure from Vanuatu. Airlines check this before boarding — if your passport expires sooner, you'll be denied boarding.Required
Return or onward ticket
Proof of departure from Vanuatu
Immigration at Port Vila's Bauerfield Airport asks for a confirmed onward or return ticket. Without one, you may be refused entry or asked to buy a ticket at the airport counter.Recommended
Proof of accommodation
Hotel booking or host invitation
Have a printed or digital hotel confirmation for at least the first few nights. Immigration officers occasionally ask for it, especially if you arrive without a clear itinerary.Recommended
Proof of funds
Show you can support yourself during your stay
Carry a bank statement or credit card showing access to at least 50,000 VUV (about $420 USD) per week of your stay. Officers rarely check, but having it ready avoids delays.Recommended
No visa needed — but don't skip the return ticket
Vanuatu immigration rarely asks for proof of funds, but they do check return tickets. Have a printed or digital copy ready. Overstaying is taken seriously — leave before day 120.

What happens at the border

1
Prepare your documents
Before you fly, check your passport is valid for 6+ months from your arrival date. Book a return or onward ticket and save a screenshot. Reserve your first night's accommodation and get travel insurance.
2
Arrive at Bauerfield International Airport (VLI)
Most flights arrive at Port Vila's Bauerfield Airport. Follow signs to 'Immigration' — it's a small terminal, so queues move quickly. Have your passport, return ticket, and accommodation booking ready.
3
Present documents to immigration officer
Hand over your passport and any requested documents. The officer will stamp you in for up to 120 days. No visa fee is charged. The process takes about 2-5 minutes per person.
4
Collect luggage and exit
After immigration, collect your bags from the carousel. There's a customs check for goods over 250 USD or restricted items. Then you're free to enter Vanuatu.
Download Vanuatu Entry Checklist
PDF · Zambia Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 31, 2026
Download PDF

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
CostApproximately 5,000 VUV (~$42 USD)

Apply at Vanuatu embassy or online if available.

Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue
CostApproximately 10,000 VUV (~$84 USD)

Requires proof of sufficient funds and itinerary.

retirement visa
Vanuatu Retirement Visa
1 year, renewable
Approximately 50,000 VUV (~$420 USD) per year
For individuals aged 55+ with proof of pension or sufficient funds. Allows long-term stay with annual renewal.
investor visa
Vanuatu Investor Visa
1 year, renewable
Approximately 100,000 VUV (~$840 USD) plus investment proof
For those investing at least 5 million VUV in local business or property. Includes family members.
work visa
Vanuatu Work Permit
1 year, renewable
Approximately 30,000 VUV (~$252 USD) plus employer sponsorship
Requires a job offer from a Vanuatu employer and government approval. Allows residence and work.
Other fees
ServiceCost
Overstay fine per dayMaximum cap may apply; check with immigration.Approximately 5,000 VUV (~$42 USD) per day

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

Zambia passport holders transiting through Vanuatu do not require 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 transmission risk.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedTetanus-diphtheriaEssentialMeasles-mumps-rubella (MMR)Essential
Health risks
Dengue feverModerate risk

Mosquito-borne disease present in urban and rural areas.

Zika virusLow risk

Occasional cases reported; 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, Vanuatu
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:30

Main office for visa extensions and permits.

Luganville
Vanuatu Immigration Office (Luganville)
Luganville, Santo, Vanuatu
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:30

Handles extensions for visitors in Santo.

Practical information for ZM 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 = 118.23 VUV
updated May 31
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
Police112
Medical112
US EmbassyFind contact

Frequently asked questions

No, you don't. Zambian citizens can enter Vanuatu visa-free for up to 120 days for tourism, business, or transit. Just show your passport and a return ticket at immigration.
You can stay up to 120 days per visit. Extensions are not available for visa-free stays — you must leave before the 120 days are up. If you want to stay longer, you'd need to apply for a different visa type from outside Vanuatu.
No, the visa-free entry is not extendable. You must depart before the 120 days expire. Overstaying can result in fines or being barred from re-entry.
Your passport (valid 6+ months from entry), a return or onward ticket, and optionally proof of accommodation for your first night. Immigration officers may ask for any of these, so have them ready.
No, there is no visa fee. Entry is free under the visa-free arrangement. You don't need to pay anything at immigration.
You will likely be denied boarding by your airline or refused entry by Vanuatu immigration. Renew your passport before traveling. The 6-month validity is calculated from your date of entry, not your departure.
As of 2026, there are no COVID-19 entry requirements for Vanuatu. No test, no vaccination card needed. But always check the latest health advisories before you travel, as rules can change.

Official sources

Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 31, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.