Vanuatu entry requirements for Switzerland passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 17, 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
Swiss passport holders can enter Vanuatu without a visa for stays up to 120 days. This policy covers tourism, business, and short visits. No application or fee needed — just a valid passport and a return ticket.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your Swiss passport needs to be valid for the entire time you plan to be in Vanuatu. No minimum validity beyond your departure date is required by Vanuatu immigration, but airlines may enforce a 6-month rule — check with your carrier before flying. | 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 granting entry. 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. Immigration may ask where you are staying, especially if you arrive without a pre-booked hotel. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself during your stay | Have bank statements or a credit card ready to demonstrate you have enough money for your trip. Vanuatu does not publish a fixed minimum amount, but officers expect to see at least a few hundred dollars available. | Recommended |
No visa needed — just show up
Swiss passport holders get 120 days visa-free. No application, no fee, no forms. Just a valid passport and a return ticket.
Passport validity is strictly enforced
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date you enter Vanuatu. Airlines check this before boarding — if you're short, you won't fly.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Bauerfield International Airport (VLI)
Most visitors fly into Port Vila. After landing, follow signs to immigration. The queue is usually short — 10–20 minutes.
2
Present your passport and ticket
Hand over your passport and return/onward ticket. The officer will check your passport validity and stamp you in. No forms to fill.
3
Receive entry stamp
You'll get a stamp valid for up to 120 days. Check the date before leaving the counter. If you need a shorter stay, just tell the officer.
4
Collect luggage and exit
After immigration, grab your bags from the carousel and walk through customs. No arrival declaration or fee.
Download Vanuatu Entry Checklist
PDF · Switzerland Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 17, 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 consulate; requires passport, photos, and proof of funds.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable 30 days
Validity6 months from issue date
CostApproximately 10,000 VUV (~$84 USD)
Allows multiple entries; suitable for travellers planning to leave and re-enter.
Long-stay visa (business/investor)
Max stay1 year, renewable
Validity1 year from issue date
CostApproximately 50,000 VUV (~$420 USD)
Requires proof of business or investment in Vanuatu; subject to approval.
retirement visa
Vanuatu Retirement Visa
1 year, renewable annually
Approximately 100,000 VUV (~$840 USD) per year
For retirees 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 200,000 VUV (~$1,680 USD) initial fee
For individuals investing at least 5 million VUV in Vanuatu business or property. Includes family members. Must maintain investment.
work visa
Vanuatu Work Permit
1 year, renewable
Approximately 50,000 VUV (~$420 USD) per year
For those with a job offer from a Vanuatu employer. Employer must demonstrate no local candidate available. Includes residence permit.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Stay extensionVisa-free stay is not extendable; must leave and re-enter. | Not available |
| Overstay fine per dayOverstay fines are assessed at immigration upon departure; maximum cap may apply. | Approximately 5,000 VUV (~$42 USD) per day |
Common reasons for entry denial
No return ticket35%
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
Swiss passport holders transiting through Vanuatu do not need a transit visa for airside connections, provided they have a confirmed onward ticket and do not leave the international transit area.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- If leaving the airport or staying overnight, a visa-free entry applies for up to 120 days.
Transit hubsBauerfield International Airport (VLI) – Port Vila · Santo-Pekoa International Airport (SON) – Luganville
Health & vaccines for Vanuatu
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever transmission risk.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedTetanus-diphtheria-pertussis (Tdap)RecommendedMeasles-mumps-rubella (MMR)RecommendedHepatitis 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 Department – Port Vila Office
PMB 9016, Port Vila, Efate
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:30
Main office for visa extensions and permits; bring passport, photos, and application forms.
Luganville
Vanuatu Immigration Department – Luganville Office
Luganville, Santo
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:30
Handles immigration matters for Santo and surrounding islands; limited services.
Practical information for CH 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 = 118.03 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 entry is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must leave the country and re-enter. Overstaying can result in fines or deportation.
No. Transit passengers staying airside and not passing through immigration do not need a visa. But if you plan to leave the airport, you'll need to meet the same visa-free requirements.
You will likely be denied boarding by your airline or refused entry by Vanuatu immigration. Renew your passport before traveling.
No. There is no arrival fee or departure tax for Swiss passport holders. The visa-free entry is completely free.
No. The 120-day visa-free entry is for tourism, business meetings, and short visits only. For work or study, you must apply for the appropriate visa or permit before traveling.
Your passport, a printed or digital copy of your return/onward ticket, and proof of first-night accommodation. Travel insurance is not required but smart to have.
Usually 10–20 minutes. The airport is small and queues move quickly. During peak hours (around midday arrivals), it can take up to 30 minutes.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 17, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.