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Vanuatu Visa for United Kingdom Citizens 2026

Visa Free

United Kingdom citizens can obtain a visa on arrival in Vanuatu for tourism for up to 30 days; pay the visa fee at entry (3,000 VUV, approx USD 25) at Bauerfield International Airport or Port Vila port; extension onshore is possible up to a total stay of 60 days; full details at https://www.gov.vu/.

Guide last updated September 5, 2026. Always verify with official sources before travel.

What you need

  • Passport validity: ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned departure from Vanuatu, with at least one blank visa page.
  • Specific forms: there is no pre-arrival visa form for UK citizens; a visa on arrival is issued at the border.
  • Financial proof: there is no publicly published minimum balance; you should be prepared to show you can support your stay (credit/debit cards, cash or recent bank statements).
  • Accommodation and return ticket: have proof of onward/return travel and accommodation details for at least the first night of stay.
  • Photo spec: bring one recent passport-style photo (35x45 mm) with a white background; if not available, border officers may accept digital copies.
  • Biometrics: no pre-arrival biometrics appointment is required; border officers may take a photograph as part of entry processing.
  • Travel health insurance: not mandatory, but strongly recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical expenses during your stay.

Visa types

  • Tourist visa on arrival: Official name: Tourist Visa on Arrival; Validity: up to 30 days; Max stay: 30 days; Single entry: Yes; Approx fee: 3,000 VUV (approx USD 25).
  • Business visa (pre-approval recommended): Official name: Business Visitor Visa (pre-approved); Validity: up to 30 days; Max stay: 30 days; Single entry: Yes; Approx fee: not published for on-arrival; pre-approval required via gov.vu.
  • Student visa (pre-approved): Official name: Student Visitor Visa (pre-approved); Validity: duration of study; Max stay: varies by course; Single entry: Usually Yes; Approx fee: not published; apply via gov.vu with supporting documents.
  • Work visa (pre-approved): Official name: Work Visitor Visa (pre-approved); Validity: duration of authorized work; Max stay: typically up to 12 months per permit; Single entry: Yes; Approx fee: not published; apply through official channels with employer support.

How to apply

  • E-Visa/eTA (not required for UK nationals on arrival): For some categories, check if pre-approval is available online at the official portal: https://www.gov.vu/; follow the online steps if you are pursuing a pre-arrival visa.
  • Visa on arrival: Steps at the point of entry in Vanuatu:
  • Arrive at Bauerfield International Airport or Port Vila port.
  • Present passport, return/onward ticket, proof of accommodation, and evidence of sufficient funds.
  • Pay the visa on arrival fee of 3,000 VUV (cash accepted in VUV, USD, or AUD if allowed) to the immigration desk.
  • Receive a 30-day stay stamp in your passport.
  • If you need to stay longer, apply for an extension at the National Immigration Office before the current stay expires; extensions typically up to 60 days in total may be granted with a fee.
  • Keep all receipts; you may be asked to show supporting documents during the extension process.

Fees & processing time

  • Visa fee (on arrival): 3,000 VUV (approx USD 25) per person.
  • Vanuatu service fees: not generally applicable for on-arrival processing; no separate VFS/BLS-type service fee is published for visa on arrival.
  • Total cost estimate: 3,000 VUV per person for the initial 30-day stay.
  • Standard processing time: same-day processing on arrival (often within 15–30 minutes at immigration desks).
  • Express/priority option: not publicly advertised; no separate express service is available for on-arrival visas.

Tips for United Kingdom travelers

  • How far in advance to apply: For visa on arrival, pre-application is not required; you can plan travel without a prior visa submission, but check the latest guidance on https://www.gov.vu/ and UK government travel advisories.
  • Common rejection reasons for UK applicants: insufficient funds or lack of proof of onward/return travel, inadequate accommodation details, passport validity under 6 months, or missing entry documents.
  • VFS/BLS vs direct embassy application: Vanuatu typically uses direct border processing for on-arrival visas; for any pre-arrival visas (if applicable), use the official gov.vu portal and designated immigration channels rather than third-party services.
  • Travel advisories or bilateral notes: review the UK government travel advice for Vanuatu before you travel; respect local regulations and safety guidance.
  • Extension options inside Vanuatu: extensions are possible by applying at the National Immigration Office before the expiry of your initial 30 days; typical extension term is up to an additional 60 days, subject to immigration approval and payment of extension fees.

Official links & resources

Always confirm requirements with government or embassy sources before applying.

More visa guides for United Kingdom passport holders

This guide is for information only. Visa policies change without notice. Travel Visa Stack is not an immigration authority. Always verify with official government or embassy sources before making travel plans.