The Vanuatu eVisa fee starts at VUV 5,150 (approximately $43 USD) for tourist visas, with costs varying by visa type and paid exclusively online through the official portal at evisa.gov.vu using credit or debit cards. Understanding the complete fee structure helps you budget accurately and avoid surprises during your application process.
Vanuatu eVisa Fees by Visa Type
Tourist visas cost VUV 5,150 (~$43 USD), while business, work, and student visas carry higher fees based on authorization complexity. The Vanuatu Department of Immigration and Passport Services sets fees for each visa category, with prices displayed in Vanuatu Vatu (VUV) on the eVisa portal.
Tourist Visa Fees
The standard tourist eVisa costs VUV 5,150 (approximately $43 USD). This visa allows stays of up to 120 days and is valid for single entry. Tourist visas are the most common choice for vacationers and short-term visitors exploring Vanuatu’s 83 islands.
Business Visa Fees
Business visas cost more than tourist visas due to additional processing requirements. The exact fee depends on the duration and nature of business activities. Business travelers should expect to pay approximately VUV 7,420 (~$62 USD) or more, similar to the visitor visa category.
Work and Student Visa Fees
Work permits and student visas involve higher fees reflecting the extended authorization and additional documentation requirements. These visa types may require supplementary processing fees beyond the base government charge. Applicants should verify current fees during the application process, as amounts may be updated periodically.
Transit Visa Fees
Transit visas for travelers passing through Vanuatu en route to another destination typically have lower fees than tourist visas. These short-stay visas (usually 72 hours) serve travelers with connecting flights or brief layovers in Vanuatu.
How to Pay Your Vanuatu eVisa Fee
Payments are processed online via Visa or Mastercard credit/debit cards through the secure eVisa portal at evisa.gov.vu.
Accepted Payment Methods
The Vanuatu eVisa portal accepts major credit and debit cards, including Visa and Mastercard. The portal processes payments in Vanuatu Vatu (VUV), with your card issuer handling currency conversion automatically. American Express and other card networks may not be accepted – verify your card type before starting the application.
Payment Step-by-Step Process
- Complete your visa application form on evisa.gov.vu
- Upload all required documents (passport scan, photo, supporting documents)
- Review your application summary and fee amount
- Enter your credit or debit card details on the secure payment page
- Confirm the payment and await processing
- Receive payment confirmation and application receipt via email
The payment process typically takes 2-3 minutes. If your payment fails, you can retry with the same or different card. Applications remain pending until payment is successfully processed.
Additional Costs Beyond the Visa Fee
Budget for departure tax (included in airline tickets), document preparation, and optional travel insurance beyond the base visa fee.
Departure Tax
Vanuatu’s departure tax is included in most international airline tickets, so travelers typically do not need to pay this separately at the airport. The tax amount varies by destination but is generally incorporated into your ticket price when booking. Confirm with your airline that departure tax is included before traveling.
Document Preparation Costs
Applicants may incur costs for passport photos, certified document translations, and photocopying. All supporting documents must be translated into English, French, or Bislama if originally in another language. Professional translation services typically cost $20-50 USD per document, depending on length and complexity.
Travel Insurance
While not always mandatory for Vanuatu eVisa applications, travel insurance is strongly recommended. Insurance costs vary by provider, coverage level, and trip duration, typically ranging from $30-100 USD for a two-week trip. Some visa types may require proof of insurance coverage as part of the application.
Vanuatu eVisa Fee Refund Policy
The eVisa fee is non-refundable once submitted, regardless of application outcome, making accuracy essential before payment.
When Refunds Apply
The Vanuatu eVisa fee is generally non-refundable. If your application is rejected, you will not receive a refund of the government fee. However, if you experience a technical error during payment (charged but application not submitted), you may contact the Department of Immigration to request investigation and potential resolution.
How to Handle Rejections
If your visa application is rejected, you will receive an email notification stating the reason. Common rejection grounds include incomplete documentation, insufficient passport validity, or failure to meet specific visa requirements. You can reapply after addressing the cited issues, but you must submit a new application and pay the fee again. There is no formal appeal process – the recommended approach is to correct deficiencies and submit a fresh application.
Applications that remain incomplete for more than 30 days may be automatically closed, requiring you to start a new application and pay the fee again. This policy encourages timely completion and helps manage portal resources.
Fee Comparison: eVisa vs Embassy Application
The online eVisa eliminates embassy visit costs and is generally faster, though base government fees remain comparable.
Cost Differences
The eVisa system eliminates several costs associated with embassy applications: transportation to the embassy, potential courier fees for document submission, and time off work for appointments. While the base government visa fee is similar whether applied online or through an embassy, the total cost of an embassy application can be $50-200 USD higher when including these incidental expenses.
Time and Convenience Factors
eVisa applications are processed within 3-5 business days on average, compared to 7-14 business days for embassy applications. The online system allows applications from anywhere with internet access, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Embassy applications require physical presence during business hours, which may involve travel to another city or country for applicants not located near a Vanuatu diplomatic mission.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How much does a Vanuatu eVisa cost?
A Vanuatu tourist eVisa costs approximately VUV 5,150 (around $43 USD). Business, work, and student visas may cost more depending on the visa category and processing requirements. Payment is made online via credit or debit card during the application process on the official portal at evisa.gov.vu.
Is the Vanuatu eVisa fee refundable?
No, the Vanuatu eVisa fee is non-refundable once submitted, regardless of whether your application is approved or rejected. This policy applies to all visa types. If your application is rejected, you can reapply after addressing the issues cited in the rejection notice, but you will need to pay the fee again for the new application.
What payment methods are accepted for Vanuatu eVisa?
The Vanuatu eVisa portal accepts Visa and Mastercard credit and debit cards. The payment is processed in Vanuatu Vatu (VUV), and your card issuer handles the currency conversion automatically. American Express and other card networks may not be accepted, so verify your card type before beginning the application process.
Are there additional fees for visa extensions?
Vanuatu tourist visas and visitor visas are non-extendable and valid for single entry only. If you wish to stay longer, you would need to apply for a different visa category (such as a self-funded residency visa) before your current visa expires. Overstaying your visa results in fines of approximately VUV 5,000 per day, potential detention, and deportation at your own expense.
How does the Vanuatu eVisa fee compare to other Pacific island nations?
Vanuatu’s eVisa fee is competitive with other Pacific island destinations. Fiji, for example, offers free tourist visas for stays under 4 months for many nationalities, while Papua New Guinea charges approximately $50 USD for tourist visas. Vanuatu’s $43 USD tourist visa fee is mid-range for the region, offering good value given the 120-day validity period.
Can I pay the Vanuatu eVisa fee in my local currency?
The eVisa portal processes payments in Vanuatu Vatu (VUV), but your credit or debit card issuer will automatically convert the amount to your local currency using their exchange rate. The approximate USD equivalent is listed for reference, but the actual amount charged to your card may vary slightly based on current exchange rates and any foreign transaction fees your bank may apply.
