Vanuatu entry requirements for Madagascar 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
Madagascar passport holders need a visa to enter Vanuatu. You must arrange this before you travel — there is no visa on arrival for Malagasy citizens. Plan ahead as processing can take a couple of weeks.
Apply for Vanuatu eVisaOfficial portal: Vanuatu eVisa Portal
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa application Visa required | You need a visa to enter Vanuatu. Apply through the Vanuatu Immigration Department's official portal at immigration.gov.vu. Processing times vary — start at least 4 weeks before travel.Apply for visa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of stay | Your Madagascar passport must be valid for the entire period you plan to stay in Vanuatu. Vanuatu does not enforce a strict 6-month validity rule, but airlines may check for at least 6 months validity at check-in. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | Immigration officers at Port Vila and Santo airports routinely ask for proof of onward travel. Have a printed or digital copy of your return or onward ticket ready. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended to have ready | While not always requested, having a hotel booking or invitation letter with a local address speeds up the immigration process. Carry a printed copy or have it accessible on your phone. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended to have ready | Immigration may ask for evidence of sufficient funds for your stay. Carry bank statements or a credit card showing access to at least 50,000 VUV (approx. $420 USD) per week. | Recommended |
Visa required — apply early
Madagascar passport holders cannot enter Vanuatu without a pre-approved visa. No visa on arrival, no visa waiver. Start the application at least 3 weeks before your trip.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for the visa
Submit your visa application online or at the nearest Vanuatu embassy. Include your passport copy, photo, flight itinerary, and accommodation booking. Processing usually takes 5–10 business days.
2
Receive visa approval
Once approved, you'll get a visa approval letter or sticker. Print a copy and keep it with your passport. Some airlines check this before letting you board.
3
Arrive at Bauerfield International Airport (VLI)
At immigration in Port Vila, present your passport, visa approval, return ticket, and accommodation confirmation. The officer will stamp you in. The queue moves quickly — usually under 15 minutes.
4
Collect luggage and exit
After immigration, grab your bags from the carousel and walk through customs. There's usually no baggage check unless you're carrying restricted items.
Download Vanuatu Entry Checklist
PDF · Madagascar 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, not extendable
Validity30 days from date of issue
CostFree (visa on arrival)
Available to Madagascar passport holders on arrival at Port Vila or Santo airports.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Visa on arrival is free for stays up to 30 days. | Free (visa on arrival for Madagascar holders, no fee) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Only single-entry visa on arrival is offered. | Not available |
| Stay extensionStandard 30-day stay cannot be extended. | Free (not extendable) |
| Overstay fineOverstay penalties are not officially published; avoid overstaying. | Unknown |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds proof30%
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
Madagascar passport holders transiting through Vanuatu do not need a transit visa if 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
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever transmission risk.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedTetanus-diphtheriaEssentialMeasles-mumps-rubella (MMR)Essential
Health risks
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne disease present in urban and rural areas.
Zika virusLow risk
Occasional cases reported; 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 Office
PMB 9019, Port Vila, Vanuatu
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:30
Main office for visa inquiries and permits.
Luganville
Vanuatu Immigration Office – Santo
Luganville, Espiritu Santo
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:30
Secondary office for northern islands.
Practical information for MG 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 Malagasy citizens. You must get a visa before you travel.
Typically 5 to 10 business days. Apply at least 3 weeks before your trip to be safe.
Visa fees vary by type and where you apply. Expect around 5,000–10,000 VUV (roughly $40–$85 USD). Check with the embassy or online portal for the exact amount.
No. The visa is not extendable for Madagascar passport holders. You must leave before it expires.
Renew your passport first. Vanuatu immigration strictly requires 6 months of validity from your entry date. They may deny boarding or entry if it's less.
Only if you're arriving from a country with yellow fever risk. Madagascar is not on the list, so you likely don't need it. But check current requirements before you go.
Not strictly required for entry, but strongly recommended. Medical care in Vanuatu is limited and can be expensive. A basic policy covers hospital stays and evacuation.
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.