Vanuatu entry requirements for Laos passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed June 28, 2026·View sources
Visa required
Max stay
No fixed limit
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Laotian passport holders need a visa to enter Vanuatu. You must apply for a visa before traveling — there is no visa on arrival or visa waiver for Laos passport holders. Plan ahead as processing can take several weeks.
Apply for Vanuatu eVisaOfficial portal: Vanuatu eVisa Portal
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa application Apply for a visa before travel | You need a visa to enter Vanuatu. Apply through the Vanuatu Immigration Department or your nearest Vanuatu embassy. Processing times vary — start at least 4 weeks before your trip.Apply for visa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for duration of stay | Your passport must be valid for the entire period you plan to stay in Vanuatu. No specific 6-month validity rule beyond your stay, but airlines may enforce their own policies. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of onward travel | Immigration officers at Port Vila and Santo airports routinely ask for a return or onward ticket. Have a printed copy or show it on your phone. Without one, you may be denied boarding. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Have a hotel confirmation or a letter from your host ready. Officers rarely ask, but it helps if you're questioned about your stay plans. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Carry evidence of sufficient funds — bank statements or cash. Vanuatu doesn't publish a fixed minimum, but having around 50,000 VUV (about $420 USD) per week is a safe benchmark. | Recommended |
No visa on arrival — apply early
Laos passport holders cannot get a visa on arrival in Vanuatu. You must apply and receive approval before you travel. Processing can take 2–4 weeks, so don't leave it to the last minute.
Travel insurance is a smart idea
While not always mandatory for the visa, medical costs in Vanuatu can be very high. A basic travel insurance policy covers emergencies and hospital stays. It's cheap peace of mind.
What happens at the border
1
Prepare your documents
Gather your passport (valid 6+ months), completed visa application form, passport-sized photos, flight itinerary, accommodation booking, and travel insurance. Check the Vanuatu Immigration website for the latest form.
2
Submit your visa application
Send your application and supporting documents to the Vanuatu Immigration Department in Port Vila, or apply through a Vanuatu embassy or consulate if one is accessible. Processing typically takes 2–4 weeks, so apply well in advance.
3
Wait for approval
Once submitted, the Immigration Department reviews your application. You may be contacted for additional documents. Approval is not guaranteed — ensure all paperwork is complete and accurate.
4
Arrive in Vanuatu
At Bauerfield International Airport (VLI) in Port Vila, proceed to immigration. Present your passport with the visa sticker, return ticket, and accommodation confirmation. The officer will stamp you in for the duration of your visa.
Download Vanuatu Entry Checklist
PDF · Laos Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated June 28, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay30 days, extendable up to 3 months
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost~$100 USD (100 USD)
Standard tourist visa for Laos passport holders.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue date
Cost~$150 USD (150 USD)
Allows multiple entries for frequent travellers.
Long-stay visa
Max stay1 year, renewable
Validity1 year
Cost~$500 USD (500 USD)
For retirees or investors; requires proof of funds and health insurance.
retirement visa
Vanuatu Retirement Visa
1 year, renewable annually
~$500 USD per year
For retirees aged 55+ with proof of pension or sufficient funds. Allows long-term stay with annual renewal.
investor visa
Vanuatu Investor Visa
1 year, renewable
~$1,000 USD initial fee
For individuals investing at least $50,000 USD in Vanuatu business or property. Includes residency rights.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Fee for a single-entry tourist visa, subject to change. | ~$100 USD (100 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Fee for a multiple-entry tourist visa, subject to change. | ~$150 USD (150 USD) |
| Stay extension feeExtension possible for up to 3 months, subject to approval. | ~$50 USD (50 USD) per month |
| Overstay fineFine for overstaying visa validity, payable at immigration. | ~$20 USD per day (20 USD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete documents20%
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
Laos 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 disease present in urban and rural areas.
Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Risk of diarrheal diseases from contaminated food/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 Office
PMB 9018, Port Vila, Vanuatu
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:30
Main office for visa extensions and inquiries.
Luganville
Santo Immigration Office
Luganville, Espiritu Santo
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Handles immigration matters for the Santo region.
Practical information for LA 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 = 120.16 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. Vanuatu does not offer visa on arrival for Laos passport holders. You must obtain a visa before traveling.
Processing usually takes 2–4 weeks. Apply at least a month before your planned departure to avoid delays.
You can apply by mail to the Vanuatu Immigration Department in Port Vila, or through a Vanuatu embassy or consulate. There is no online e-visa system for Laos passport holders.
Visa fees vary depending on the type and duration. Check with the Vanuatu Immigration Department or the embassy for current fees — expect around 5,000–10,000 VUV (roughly $40–$85 USD) for a standard tourist visa.
Extensions are possible but not guaranteed. You must apply at the Vanuatu Immigration Department in Port Vila before your current visa expires. Fees and processing times vary.
You will receive a rejection notice. Common reasons include incomplete documents, insufficient funds, or a passport that doesn't meet validity requirements. You can reapply after addressing the issues.
Vanuatu requires a yellow fever vaccination certificate if you are arriving from a country with yellow fever risk. Laos is not a yellow fever country, so this typically does not apply unless you have recently traveled to an affected area.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on June 28, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.