Vanuatu entry requirements for Japan 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
Japanese passport holders can enter Vanuatu without a visa for stays up to 120 days. This visa-free policy is in effect as of 2026. Ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months from your arrival date and you have a return or onward ticket.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your passport needs to be valid for the entire time you plan to stay in Vanuatu. Japan does not require 6 months of remaining validity for Vanuatu entry, but some airlines may still ask for it at check-in — check with your carrier before flying. | 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 before granting entry. Have a printed or digital copy of your outbound booking ready — they will check the date matches your intended stay. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a copy of your hotel reservation, resort confirmation, or a letter from your host in Vanuatu. Officers rarely demand it, but having it ready avoids delays at the immigration counter. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself during the stay | Have a bank statement or credit card ready to show you have enough money for your trip. There is no fixed minimum amount, but around 50,000 VUV (approx. $420 USD) per week is a safe benchmark if asked. | Recommended |
No visa needed — but have your documents ready
Japanese passport holders get 120 days visa-free. Immigration may ask for your return ticket and accommodation proof. Keep them handy on your phone or printed.
Passport validity is strict
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the day you arrive. Airlines check this before boarding. If your passport is close to expiring, renew it first.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Bauerfield International Airport (VLI)
After landing in Port Vila, follow signs to the immigration hall. Join the queue for foreign passports. Have your passport, return ticket (screenshot or printed), and accommodation confirmation ready.
2
Present documents to immigration officer
Hand over your passport. The officer will check your passport validity, blank page, and may ask for your return ticket. Answer any questions clearly. They'll stamp you in for up to 120 days.
3
Collect luggage and exit
After immigration, head to baggage claim, then customs. There's no arrival declaration form to fill out. Walk through the green channel if you have nothing to declare.
Download Vanuatu Entry Checklist
PDF · Japan 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 up to 90 days
Validity3 months from issue date
CostApproximately 5,000 VUV (~$42 USD)
Apply at Vanuatu embassy or online; requires passport, photo, and travel itinerary.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable up to 90 days
Validity6 months from issue date
CostApproximately 10,000 VUV (~$85 USD)
Ideal for multiple visits; same application process as single entry.
Long-stay visitor visa
Max stayUp to 1 year
Validity1 year from issue date
CostApproximately 25,000 VUV (~$210 USD)
Requires proof of sufficient funds, accommodation, and health insurance. Not extendable.
retirement visa
Vanuatu Retirement Visa
1 year, renewable annually
Approximately 50,000 VUV (~$420 USD) per year
For individuals aged 55+ with proof of pension or sufficient funds. Requires health insurance and no criminal record. Allows long-term residence.
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 (~$42,000 USD) in a Vanuatu business. Requires business plan and financial statements.
work visa
Vanuatu Work Visa
1 year, renewable
Approximately 30,000 VUV (~$250 USD) per year
Requires a job offer from a Vanuatu employer and a work permit. Employer must demonstrate local recruitment efforts.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Overstay fine per dayOverstaying beyond 120 days incurs a daily fine; maximum cap may apply. Check with immigration. | Approximately 10,000 VUV (~$85 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
Japanese passport holders do not need a transit visa to change planes at Vanuatu airports, provided they remain airside and have a confirmed onward ticket.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Transit hubsBauerfield International Airport (VLI) · Santo-Pekoa International Airport (SON)
Health & vaccines for Vanuatu
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedYellow FeverConsiderTetanus-diphtheria-pertussis (Tdap)EssentialMeasles-mumps-rubella (MMR)Essential
Health risks
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne disease; risk is present year-round, especially in urban areas.
Zika virusLow risk
Mosquito-borne; pregnant women should take precautions.
Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Risk of traveler's diarrhea; drink bottled or boiled water and eat well-cooked food.
Malaria risk: low
Malaria risk is low in most areas, but prophylaxis is recommended for rural travel. Use insect repellent and mosquito nets.
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 9012, Port Vila, Efate
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:30
Main office for visa extensions and permits. Bring passport, photos, and fee in cash (VUV).
Luganville
Vanuatu Immigration Office (Luganville)
PMB 210, Luganville, Santo
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:30
Handles extensions and permits for visitors in Santo. Same requirements as Port Vila.
Practical information for JP 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 want to stay longer, you'd need to leave and re-enter, or apply for a different visa before your 120 days are up.
No. Vanuatu does not require an arrival declaration for Japanese passport holders. Just walk through immigration with your passport and ticket.
You'll likely be denied boarding by the airline or refused entry at immigration. Renew your passport before traveling.
No need — you get visa-free entry for up to 120 days. No visa on arrival process required.
No. Visa-free entry is for tourism, business meetings, or short visits only. For work, you need a proper work permit or visa arranged before travel.
The local currency is the Vanuatu vatu (VUV). ATMs are available in Port Vila and Luganville, but cash is king in rural areas. Bring some Australian dollars or US dollars to exchange if needed.
No mandatory vaccinations for Japanese citizens. But routine vaccines (MMR, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis, polio) are recommended. Check with your doctor 4-6 weeks before travel.
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.