Vanuatu entry requirements for Zimbabwe 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
Zimbabwean passport holders can visit Vanuatu visa-free for up to 120 days. No visa is needed for tourism or business visits. This policy is in effect as of 2026.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your passport must be valid for at least the full 120 days you plan to stay in Vanuatu. Vanuatu does not enforce a strict 6-month validity rule, but airlines may ask for it at check-in — check with your carrier before departure. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Vanuatu | Immigration officers at Port Vila and Santo airports routinely ask for a return or onward ticket. Have a printed or digital copy of your flight booking ready — they check this before stamping you in. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Carry a printed hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host in Vanuatu. Officers rarely ask for it, but having it avoids delays if they do. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself during your stay | Immigration may ask for evidence of sufficient funds — around 50,000 VUV (approx. $420 USD) per person for the stay. A recent bank statement or credit card works fine. | Recommended |
No visa needed — but don't skip the basics
Visa-free entry is straightforward, but airlines still check passport validity and onward tickets. A denied boarding is rare but avoidable — double-check your passport expiry before booking.
Medical costs can be steep
Vanuatu has limited medical facilities. A simple hospital visit can cost hundreds of US dollars. Travel insurance is not mandatory, but without it you're taking a real financial risk.
What happens at the border
1
Arrival at Port Vila or Santo airport
You'll land at Bauerfield International Airport (VLI) in Port Vila or Santo-Pekoa International Airport (SON). Follow signs to 'Immigration' — it's a single queue.
2
Present documents at immigration counter
Hand over your passport, completed arrival card (given on the plane), and return ticket if asked. The officer will stamp you in — no fee, no interview.
3
Collect luggage and exit
After immigration, pick up your bags from the carousel. There's a customs check for food, plants, and large cash amounts. Then you're free to go.
Download Vanuatu Entry Checklist
PDF · Zimbabwe Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 31, 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 entry)
No visa needed for stays up to 120 days.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay120 days per entry
Validity6 months
CostFree (visa-free entry)
Visa-free entry allows multiple visits within the 120-day limit.
Long-stay visa
Max stay1 year
Validity1 year
Cost~$200 USD (estimated)
Available for work, study, or investment; requires sponsor or proof of funds.
work visa
Work Permit
1 year, renewable
~$500 USD (estimated)
For those with a job offer in Vanuatu. Requires employer sponsorship and approval from the Department of Labour.
investor visa
Investor Permit
1 year, renewable
~$1,000 USD (estimated)
For individuals investing a minimum amount in Vanuatu business or property. Requires proof of investment and business plan.
retirement visa
Retirement Permit
1 year, renewable
~$300 USD (estimated)
For retirees aged 55+ with proof of sufficient pension or savings. Allows long-term stay without work rights.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Visa-free entry covers tourism; no separate tourist visa required. | Not applicable |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Visa-free entry covers multiple entries within the 120-day limit. | Not applicable |
| Stay extensionVisa-free stay is not extendable; must leave after 120 days. | Not available |
| Overstay fine per dayOverstay penalties are not publicly specified; avoid overstaying. | Unknown |
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
Zimbabwe passport holders transiting through Vanuatu do not need a transit visa if they remain airside and have a confirmed onward ticket.
Airside transitAllowed
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; use repellent and mosquito nets.
Zika virusLow risk
Mosquito-borne; 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
PMB 9011, Port Vila, Vanuatu
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:30
Main office for visa inquiries and permits.
Luganville
Santo Immigration Office
Luganville, Espiritu Santo
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Handles immigration matters for the Santo region.
Practical information for ZW 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 = 118.05 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 stay is not extendable. If you want to stay longer, you must leave Vanuatu and re-enter, or apply for a different visa type before your 120 days are up.
No, there is no official requirement to show proof of funds for Zimbabwean passport holders. However, carrying a credit card or some cash (around 50,000 VUV per day) is sensible for your trip.
No. There is no arrival declaration required. You'll fill out a paper arrival card on the plane or at the airport — it's quick and straightforward.
You will likely be denied boarding by the airline or refused entry by Vanuatu immigration. Renew your passport before travel. No exceptions are published.
No. The visa-free entry is for tourism, business meetings, or short visits only. For work or study, you must apply for the appropriate visa or permit before arrival.
The currency is the Vanuatu vatu (VUV). ATMs are available in Port Vila and Luganville, but they can run out of cash. Bring some Australian dollars or US dollars to exchange — major hotels and shops accept cards.
No mandatory vaccinations for entry from Zimbabwe. However, hepatitis A, typhoid, and tetanus are recommended. Check with your travel clinic 4-6 weeks before departure.
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.