A Vanuatu transit visa allows travelers passing through the country on a connecting flight to remain within the airport’s proclaimed area for up to 24 hours without needing a full visitor visa. Whether you are flying from Australia to Fiji with a layover in Port Vila, or connecting through Bauerfield International Airport on a regional Pacific route, understanding the transit visa process ensures a smooth journey through Vanuatu’s borders.
This guide covers everything you need to know about the Vanuatu transit visa in 2026 – from fees and required documents to how to apply online or by mail.
What Is a Vanuatu Transit Visa?
A transit visa is a short-term travel document granted to non-citizens who enter Vanuatu solely for the purpose of connecting to another flight and who do not intend to leave the proclaimed area at the airport. It is designed for travelers who need to pass through Vanuatu on their way to a third country.
Key characteristics of the Vanuatu transit visa:
- Duration: Up to 24 hours from the time of entry
- Purpose: Airside transit only – you must remain within the airport’s proclaimed area
- Restrictions: Transit visa holders cannot leave the airport, cannot apply for any other type of visa while in Vanuatu, and must hold valid entry documents for their onward destination
- Legal framework: Issued under the Immigration Act No. 17 of 2010
If your travel plans include leaving the airport at any point during your stopover, even briefly, you will need to apply for a Vanuatu visitor visa instead of a transit visa.
Vanuatu Transit Visa Fee
The transit visa fee is one of the most affordable visa categories for Vanuatu:
| Fee Type | Amount (VUV) | Amount (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Transit visa application charge | 1,800 VUV | ~$15 USD |
The fee must be paid in Vanuatu Vatu (VUV). Payment methods accepted include:
- Bank cheque made out to “Vanuatu Immigration” if applying from within Vanuatu
- International money transfer if you are applying from outside Vanuatu
Note that the fee is non-refundable regardless of the outcome of your application. Compared to other Vanuatu visa types, the transit visa is significantly cheaper – for reference, a Vanuatu tourist visa costs 5,150 VUV (~$43 USD) and a Vanuatu business visa starts at 20,000 VUV (~$167 USD).
Vanuatu Transit Visa Requirements
To apply for a Vanuatu transit visa, you must provide the following documents:
Required Documents
- Completed Transit Visa Application Form – Must be filled out in block letters (printing) with all health and character questions answered. Each applicant must complete one separate form
- Valid passport – Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay. If you are applying from outside Vanuatu, submit a certified copy of the bio-data page and all used pages of your passport
- Travel itinerary – Evidence confirming a booked onward journey from Vanuatu to a destination outside the country (e.g., confirmed flight booking)
- Entry documentation for destination country – A valid visa, permit, or other authorization proving you can enter the country you are traveling to next
- Transit visa fee – 1,800 VUV paid by bank cheque or international money transfer
Important Notes on Requirements
- All documents in a language other than English, French, or Bislama must be translated by a certified translator into one of these three languages
- Incomplete or partially completed applications will not be accepted
- If applying by mail from outside Vanuatu, send certified copies rather than original documents
Who Needs a Vanuatu Transit Visa?
Not every traveler passing through Vanuatu needs a transit visa. The requirement depends on your nationality:
Visa-Exempt Nationals
Citizens of over 100 countries and territories can enter Vanuatu without a visa for stays up to 120 days. If you hold a passport from one of these countries, you do not need a transit visa for a layover in Vanuatu. Visa-exempt nationalities include:
- All European Union member states
- Australia, New Zealand, Canada, United States
- Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Israel
- Most Caribbean, Pacific Island, and Commonwealth nations
Check our complete guide to Vanuatu visa-free countries for the full list.
Non-Exempt Nationals
If your country is not on the visa-exempt list, you need a transit visa for any layover in Vanuatu where you will pass through immigration. This includes citizens of countries that require advance visa applications for Vanuatu entry.
Visa on Arrival
Vanuatu does not offer visa on arrival for non-exempt nationals. All travelers who need a visa must arrange it in advance through the Vanuatu eVisa portal or by applying directly to Vanuatu Immigration.
How to Apply for a Vanuatu Transit Visa
There are two methods to apply for a Vanuatu transit visa: online through the eVisa portal or by mail directly to the Department of Immigration and Passport Services.
Method 1: Apply Online via the eVisa Portal (Recommended)
The fastest and most convenient way to apply is through Vanuatu’s official eVisa system:
- Visit the official portal at evisa.gov.vu
- Create an account or log in to your existing account
- Select “Transit Visa” from the available visa types
- Complete the online application form with your personal details, travel information, and passport data
- Upload scanned copies of your required documents (passport bio-data page, travel itinerary, destination visa)
- Pay the application fee online
- Submit your application and wait for processing
For a step-by-step walkthrough of the entire online process, see our Vanuatu visa application guide.
Method 2: Apply by Mail
If you prefer to apply by post or need to submit a paper application:
- Download the Transit Visa Application Form from the Department of Immigration website
- Print clearly in block letters and complete all sections
- Use the date format dd/mm/yyyy (e.g., 20/08/1980)
- Gather certified copies of all required documents
- Include your payment (bank cheque or international money transfer)
- Mail the complete application package to:
Vanuatu Immigration Service
Private Mail Bag 9092
Port Vila, Vanuatu
Allow additional time for postal delivery when using this method. Applications should be submitted well in advance of your travel date.
Processing Time
Transit visa applications are typically processed faster than other visa categories due to their straightforward nature. While the official processing time can vary, most transit visa applications are completed within 3 to 5 business days.
Factors that may affect processing time:
- Incomplete applications will be returned without processing
- Missing documents or uncertified copies may cause delays
- Peak travel seasons (June to October in Vanuatu) may result in slightly longer processing
- Postal delays if applying by mail from outside Vanuatu
For comparison, a standard Vanuatu tourist visa typically takes 5 to 10 business days, while a Vanuatu work visa may take 2 to 4 weeks.
To avoid any issues, apply for your transit visa at least two weeks before your travel date.
Transit Visa vs Other Vanuatu Visa Types
Understanding the differences between Vanuatu’s visa types helps you choose the right one for your trip:
| Feature | Transit Visa | Tourist Visa | Visitor Visa |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fee | 1,800 VUV (~$15) | 5,150 VUV (~$43) | 7,420 VUV (~$62) |
| Duration | Up to 24 hours | Up to 120 days | Up to 30 days |
| Leave airport? | No | Yes | Yes |
| Work permitted? | No | No | No |
| Extendable? | No | No | No |
| Multiple entry? | No | Single entry | Single entry |
If you need to stay longer or leave the airport during a stopover, consider applying for a visitor visa or tourist visa instead. Our Vanuatu eVisa fee guide provides a detailed breakdown of costs for all visa types.
Airports in Vanuatu for Transit
Vanuatu has two international airports where transit may occur:
- Bauerfield International Airport (VLI) – Located in Port Vila on the island of Efate, this is Vanuatu’s main international airport and the most common transit point. Airlines including Air Vanuatu, Virgin Australia, Fiji Airways, and Solomon Airlines operate here
- Santo-Pekoa International Airport (SON) – Located in Luganville on Espiritu Santo island, this is a smaller secondary airport with fewer international connections
Most transit passengers will pass through Bauerfield International Airport in Port Vila.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I leave the airport during a transit in Vanuatu?
No. A transit visa only permits you to remain within the airport’s proclaimed area. If you need to leave the airport – even for a brief stopover or overnight stay – you must apply for a visitor visa instead. Attempting to leave the airport on a transit visa is a violation of your visa conditions.
Do I need a transit visa if I have a valid Vanuatu tourist visa?
No. If you already hold a valid tourist visa for Vanuatu, you do not need a separate transit visa. Your tourist visa allows you to enter and stay in Vanuatu for up to 120 days, which covers any transit stopover.
Can I extend a Vanuatu transit visa?
No, the transit visa cannot be extended. The maximum stay is 24 hours. If you need to remain in Vanuatu longer, you must leave the country and reapply for a different visa type, or apply for a visa extension (available for visitor and tourist visas, not transit visas).
What happens if I miss my connecting flight while on a transit visa?
If you miss your connecting flight and need to remain in Vanuatu beyond the 24-hour transit period, contact Vanuatu Immigration immediately at +678 22354 or email [email protected]. You may need to apply for a different visa type to remain legally in the country while arranging alternative travel.
Do children need a separate transit visa?
Yes. Every traveler, regardless of age, requires their own transit visa. Each applicant must complete a separate application form, including infants and children traveling with their parents.
Is the Vanuatu transit visa available on arrival?
No. Vanuatu does not offer visa on arrival for non-exempt nationals. All visa applications, including transit visas, must be arranged in advance through the eVisa portal or by mail to the Department of Immigration.
Contact Information
For inquiries about transit visas or any other immigration matters, contact the Vanuatu Department of Immigration and Passport Services:
- Phone: +678 22354
- Email: [email protected]
- Office: Kumul Highway, Tamarama Building, Port Vila, Vanuatu
- Mailing Address: Private Mail Bag 9092, Port Vila, Vanuatu
- Office Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Vanuatu time, UTC+11)
- Official Portal: evisa.gov.vu
