Ni-Vanuatu visa resources
Who Needs a Visa for Vanuatu
Explains how nationality and purpose determine whether you need a visa, are exempt, or must apply online before travelling.
Important
Vanuatu operates a visa-exemption list: citizens of exempted countries can travel for short tourism visits and receive a visitor permit on arrival without applying beforehand. Nationals not on the list must obtain a visitor or tourist visa in advance, generally through the eVisa portal.
Exemption covers short visits only. Anyone intending to work, study, run a business, invest or live in Vanuatu needs the specific visa for that purpose regardless of nationality, and work usually also requires a Department of Labour work permit.
Eligibility for longer-stay routes is set out under the Immigration Act No. 17 of 2010 and varies by category, from relationship to a Vanuatu citizen (family) to income or investment thresholds (self-funded and investor routes).
Key eligibility distinctions
- Exempt nationals: short tourism visits, permit on arrival
- Non-exempt nationals: apply for a visitor or tourist visa before travel
- Work/study/business/residence: specific visa required for all nationalities
Next steps
Official sources
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to the official government sources.
Verified against official sources · last reviewed 2026-08-21. Information only — not legal advice.