TRAVELLING TO VANUATU
We are so excited to welcome our international travelers back to our shores since the 1st of July, 2022. Our beautiful smiles await you, and we invite you to Answer the Call of Vanuatu once again!
Here’s what you need to know about visiting Vanuatu as a tourist.
BEFORE YOU TRAVEL:
There is no requirement for travellers to Vanuatu to be fully vaccinated against Covid-19 although this will be strongly encouraged for all those who are eligible.
All travellers are encouraged to be:
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Fully vaccinated against COVID-19 but not required
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Testing for COVID-19 before travelling to Vanuatu has been removed. However, those who are sick with COVID-19 or other symptoms are encouraged to postpone their travel.
No countries are exempt from these requirements.
IMMIGRATION REQUIREMENTS:
1. Travellers on tourist visa must:
a. have a confirmed returned ticket to country of origin
b. a confirmed accomodation at an accredited tourist facility: hotel, motel, bungalow, resort,...OR
c. a letter of invitation from sponsor in Vanuatu
For more information, please check here.
An accredited tourism property or facility means it was certified by the Vanuatu Government Department of Tourism, with a valid tourism permit. See attached the list of the accredited tourism businesses - 2022_Tourism_Accommodation.pdf
For more information on the list of the Exempt and non-Exempt countries to the Vanuatu Tourism Visa, please click on the link, Countries_requiring_visa_or_No_Visa_for_Vanuatu_2022.pdf
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Only citizens from NON-EXEMPT countries will be required to apply for a Tourism Visa, by completing the attached form and returning it to the Vanuatu Department of Immigrations and Passport Services prior to travel, for approval.
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Tourism Visa will be granted upon arrival by the Vanuatu Department of Immigrations and Passport Services to all traveling citizens of EXEMPT countries.
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To download the Tourism Visa form, please click on the link, Tourism_Visa.pdf.
Failure to provide a confirmed booking, with an accredited tourism property may results to denied boarding or refusal by the Vanuatu Government Department Immigration.
2. Travellers and/or Vanuatu residents on residence visa, student visa, business visa or special category visa MUST have a valid existing visa before boarding any flight to Vanuatu.
For any further information on these additional border measures and conditions, please contact,
DURING TRAVEL TO VANUATU:
A well-fitted mask is no longer required to be worn on flights to Vanuatu and at the airport upon arrival to Vanuatu.
However, the Ministry of Health continue to recommend their use, especially for those who are vulnerable to severe COVID-19. Airlines and vessels may request masks be worn under specific conditions.
WHEN YOU ARRIVE:
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You won’t need to quarantine or do any testing upon arrival.
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Testing upon or after arrival is not required if there are no symptoms and there has been no exposure to COVID-19. Travellers who experience COVID-19 sign or symptoms are encouraged to isolate, OR can undertake aCOVID test*.
*Testing is available at health facilities and pharmacies for those with symptoms.
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Arrival by Sea:The above requirements also apply to those entering Vanuatu by sea, if there are no symptoms and there has been no exposure to COVID-19.
IF YOU TEST POSITIVE FOR COVID-19 WHILE IN VANUATU:
Travellers to Vanuatu including tourists who test positive to COVID-19 while in Vanuatu will be requested to isolate until there has been no fever and no worsening or new symptomsfor a least 48 hours. Medical care should be sought if symptomshave not improved within 5 daysor if you experience any danger sign
For tourists, this can be done at a hotel or resort. Visitors are encouraged to have travel insurance.
Further information is available on the COVID-19 website atwww.covid19.gov.vu, through the 119 Health Information Hotline, or at the Health Promotions Vanuatu Facebook page.
OTHER IMPORTANT INFORMATION:
Provinces and islands are open to international visitors. We encourage travellers to visit covid.19.gov.vu to view the most up to date information on specific provinces/islands and their statuses.
• The safety of both locals and visitors remains paramount, and these entry requirements are subject to change.
o We advise you to click here for the most up to date information.
o We will also publish relevant updates on the Vanuatu Tourism Office Facebook page (linked here).
GETTING TO VANUATU
Air Vanuatu will be operating 17 flights a week to and from Port Vila, out of Auckland(4) , Sydney(5), Brisbane,(3) Melbourne(1), Noumea(3), Nadi(1).
In addition to Air Vanuatu:
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Aircalin is operating only one flight per week on Saturdays between Noumea and Port Vila. From the 19th December 2022, Air Calin will be operating on Mondays as well.
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Fiji Airways operates 6 flights per week between Nadi and Port Vila.
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Solomon Airlines operates one flight per week on Tuesdays between Honiara and Port Vila, including a Port- Vila to Nadi flight.
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Virgin Australia operates 5 flights per week, directly from Brisbane.
Please click here to find out more about Air Vanuatu, here for Aircalin, here for Fiji Airways, and here for Solomon Airlines.
Other regional airlines have also confirmed their interest to return to Vanuatu, currently under Government regulatory review and approval.
TRAVELLING SAFELY IN VANUATU
The Vanuatu Government and the Vanuatu Tourism Office have been working with the tourism industry throughout the country to ensure the safety of the People of Vanuatu and travelers once borders can safely reopen.
We have introduced the Safe Business Operations (SBO) initiative.
SAFE BUSINESS OPERATIONS INITIATIVE
The Vanuatu tourism industry is working hard to welcome international travellers back to Vanuatu in a Covid safe way, and the Vanuatu Government's Safe Business Operations guidelines are in place to address any business health protocols. This is currently being rolled out across the country.
WHAT IS IT?
The Safe Business Operations program trains Vanuatu's tourism and hospitality businesses to ensure enhanced cleaning, personal hygiene, and protection measures are in place to combat the spread of Covid-19 and ensure the safety of visitors and locals once borders open.
Similar to the programs in place in Australia and New Zealand, all accredited Safe Business Operations tourism businesses will:
• Have a dedicated Covid-19 safety officer that is up to date on the Ministry of Health guidelines and the Vanuatu Alert Outbreak system, who will act as a point of contact and authority for visitors and employees on any questions to do with travel and tourism in Vanuatu and Covid-19.
• Be "Triple C Certified". Triple C stands for clean, caring and checked, and it's a signifier for travellers that the business has undertaken the Safe Business Operations training program and offers enhanced safety measures for guests and employees. Certified businesses will be allowed to use a "Triple C Certified" logo on their websites and social media and to display it at the entry of their businesses. It will also be shown on business listings on our website as guidance for travellers.
WHAT DOES IT MEAN FOR TRAVELLERS?
Vanuatu is committed to the protection of guests and locals alike as borders open, and we know safety will be a key consideration for travellers when choosing where they venture, stay, eat and play.
Completion of the Safe Business Operations program includes a compliance audit ensuring full implementation of the program. This means that you can travel with peace of mind, knowing you have an informed and trained point of contact that can provide Covid-19 advice while you're in Vanuatu. Look out for the logo to easily identify which accommodation providers and tour operators offer this enhanced level of safety and protection.
The Safe Business Operations program commenced earlier this year and will continue to run until each of Vanuatu's more than 300 tourism and hospitality businesses are certified.
Stay tuned to our website and social media pages (Facebook and Instagram) for updates on protection and safety measures in Vanuatu as borders open.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS – GO HERE.
