Vanuatu entry requirements for South Korea 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
South Korean passport holders can visit Vanuatu without a visa for up to 120 days. This policy started in 2024. Just show up with a valid passport and a return ticket.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must cover your entire stay in Vanuatu | Your passport needs to be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure from Vanuatu. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires sooner, you'll be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof you're leaving Vanuatu within 120 days | Immigration officers at Bauerfield Airport in Port Vila ask for a return or onward ticket before they stamp you in. A flight booking to Australia, New Zealand, or Fiji works — just show it's within your visa-free limit. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Have a printed or digital hotel confirmation ready. If you're staying with friends, a letter of invitation with their contact details and address in Vanuatu is accepted. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself during your stay | Carry a bank statement or credit card showing access to at least 50,000 VUV (about $450 USD) per person. Immigration rarely asks, but budget airlines flying into Vanuatu sometimes check at check-in. | Recommended |
No visa, no fuss
South Koreans get 120 days visa-free. No application, no fee, no forms. Just a valid passport and a return ticket.
Passport validity is critical
Your passport must be valid for 6 months from your entry date. Airlines check this before you board — if you're short, you won't fly.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Bauerfield International Airport (VLI)
You'll land at Port Vila's main airport. Follow signs to immigration. There's usually one queue for all foreign visitors.
2
Present your documents
Hand over your passport (valid 6+ months) and your return/onward ticket. The officer may ask how long you're staying and where you're staying. Answer clearly.
3
Get your entry stamp
The officer stamps your passport with a visitor permit valid for up to 120 days. No fee, no forms. Takes about 30 seconds.
4
Collect luggage and exit
After immigration, grab your bags from the carousel. Customs is usually quick — just walk through unless you have something to declare.
Download Vanuatu Entry Checklist
PDF · South Korea 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
Cost~$100 USD (varies)
Apply at Vanuatu embassy or online; requires proof of funds and accommodation.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable 30 days
Validity6 months from issue
Cost~$200 USD (varies)
Suitable for multiple visits; same requirements as single entry.
Business visa
Max stay30 days, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost~$150 USD (varies)
Requires invitation letter from Vanuatu company.
retirement visa
Vanuatu Retirement Visa
1 year, renewable
~$500 USD per year
For retirees aged 55+ with proof of pension or sufficient funds. Allows long-term stay with no work rights.
investor visa
Vanuatu Investor Visa
1 year, renewable
~$1,000 USD per year
For individuals investing at least $50,000 USD in Vanuatu business or real estate. Includes family members.
work visa
Vanuatu Work Visa
1 year, renewable
~$300 USD per year
Requires a job offer from a Vanuatu employer and work permit approval. Allows legal employment.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Stay extensionVisa-free stay is not extendable; you must leave and re-enter if needed. | Not available |
| Overstay fineOverstay penalties are not publicly listed; avoid overstaying to prevent issues. | Unknown |
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
South Korea passport holders transiting through Vanuatu do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
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 risk.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedTetanus-diphtheriaEssentialMeasles-mumps-rubella (MMR)Essential
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 diarrhea and other infections from contaminated food/water.
Malaria risk: low
Malaria risk is low 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 9017, Port Vila, Vanuatu
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:30
Main office for visa extensions and permits; bring passport, photos, and fee.
Luganville
Vanuatu Immigration Office – Santo
Luganville, Espiritu Santo
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:30
Handles immigration matters for Santo region; limited services.
Practical information for KR 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. South Koreans get visa-free access for up to 120 days. Just show up with a valid passport and a return ticket.
Up to 120 days per visit. That's the maximum stay allowed under the visa-free arrangement. You cannot extend it beyond that.
No. The visa-free entry is not extendable. If you want to stay longer, you'd need to leave and re-enter, but that's at the discretion of immigration. Better to plan your trip within 120 days.
You'll likely be denied boarding by the airline or refused entry by Vanuatu immigration. Get your passport renewed before you travel.
No, there's no official requirement to show bank statements or cash. But if you look like you can't support yourself, an officer might ask. Having a credit card or some cash is sensible.
No. There's no arrival declaration required. You just show up at the airport with your passport and ticket. No pre-registration needed.
Overstaying is a violation of immigration law. You could face fines, detention, or deportation. It's not worth the risk — leave before your permit expires.
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.