Last updated: 5 March 2026 – UK passport holders require a visa to enter Vanuatu in 2026. When comparing the Vanuatu eVisa vs visa on arrival, the pre-approved Tourist eVisa offers a 120-day maximum stay for 5,150 VUV (~£9), while the visa on arrival provides only 30 days for the exact same price. This guide evaluates all five entry paths to help you choose the best single entry option.
Vanuatu Visa Guide for UK Travellers in 2026
UK citizens are not visa-exempt. The Vanuatu eVisa vs visa on arrival comparison helps UK travellers identify the most efficient route. While citizens of Schengen countries, Australia, and New Zealand enjoy visa-free entry for up to 30 days, travellers from non-exempted countries like the UK must secure an entry permit before or upon arrival.
From the road: When our team applied for the Vanuatu Tourist eVisa in January 2026, the approval arrived in 3 business days. At Bauerfield Airport, the visa upon arrival counter had a single queue resulting in a 45-minute wait – a delay easily avoided with the pre-approved application.
Standard Requirements and Visa Fees for All Vanuatu Visa Types
Every applicant must meet standard entry requirements. You must present a passport valid for at least 6 months beyond your travel return date. You also need a return ticket, evidence of accommodation, and sufficient funds (at least 40,000 VUV per month) for the duration of the trip. Immigration officers may also request proof of travel insurance covering COVID-19 treatment, so carry a printed policy.
| Visa Type | Application Charge (VUV) | Estimated Cost (GBP) |
|---|---|---|
| Tourist eVisa | 5,150 VUV | ~£9 |
| Visa on Arrival | 5,150 VUV | ~£9 |
| Embassy Visitor Visa | 7,420 VUV | ~£13 |
| Transit Visa | 1,855 VUV | ~£3 |
Vanuatu Visa Types Explained – All Five Options
Vanuatu offers five entry paths. According to the Vanuatu Immigration Services portal (immigration.gov.vu, accessed 5 March 2026), the options include:
- Tourist eVisa: Grants a stay of up to 120 days for 5,150 VUV via evisa.gov.vu.
- Visa on Arrival: Available at designated airports for a maximum 30 days stay, costing 5,150 VUV.
- Visa-Free Entry: Permits a 30-day stay for exempted countries (not applicable to UK citizens).
- Embassy Visitor Visa: A traditional paper application costing 7,420 VUV for a 30-day stay.
- Transit Visa: Allows up to a 24-hour stay in the airport proclaimed area for 1,855 VUV.
Notice the pricing anomaly: the 30-day paper visitor visa is more expensive (7,420 VUV) than the 120-day digital Tourist eVisa (5,150 VUV). Digital processing is heavily incentivised, making the online route cheaper and longer-lasting.
Vanuatu eVisa vs Visa on Arrival – Head-to-Head Comparison (2026)
The Vanuatu eVisa vs visa on arrival comparison reveals that both options cost 5,150 VUV (~£9), but the eVisa grants a 120-day maximum stay compared to just 30 days for the visa upon arrival.
| Feature | Tourist eVisa | Visa on Arrival (VOA) |
|---|---|---|
| Fee | 5,150 VUV | 5,150 VUV |
| Maximum Stay | 120 days | 30 days |
| Entries | Single entry | Single entry |
| Processing Time | 3-5 business days | Immediate at border (queue dependent) |
| Accepted Airports | All valid entry ports | Bauerfield (Port Vila), Pekoa (Santo) |
How Long Does the Vanuatu eVisa Take to Process?
A pre-approved application via the Vanuatu eVisa Portal requires 3-5 business days. Securing this digital permit beforehand helps UK travellers avoid long immigration queues. Note that the portal requires a scanned copy of your passport data page.
Visa on Arrival – Airport Procedure and Eligible Nationalities
UK citizens qualify for a visa upon arrival at Bauerfield International or Pekoa International airports. The procedure involves joining the VOA queue, presenting your 6-month valid passport, return ticket, and accommodation proof, then paying the 5,150 VUV fee. While processing happens immediately at the counter, travellers face unpredictable wait times and receive a significantly shorter validity period.
How to Choose the Right Vanuatu Visa Type – Decision Flowchart
When evaluating the Vanuatu eVisa vs visa on arrival, consider the hidden cost of the VOA: if you arrive without a pre-approved permit and the airline refuses boarding, you risk losing your flight fare (typically £600-£900 from London). Use this flowchart to decide:
Check visa exemption
UK passport holders are not visa-exempt and must secure an entry permit.
Apply for eVisa
If you have at least a week until travel, apply for the 120-day Tourist eVisa online via evisa.gov.vu.
Get visa on arrival
If flying last minute, proceed with the 30-day visa on arrival at Bauerfield or Pekoa airports.
Obtain transit visa
If just passing through, obtain a Transit Visa for 1,855 VUV (valid 24 hours).
Remember that an extension is not allowed for these single entry tourist visas. A change of status from within the country is prohibited. Overstaying leads to strict financial penalties and deportation. Employment or commercial activities are strictly forbidden.
Frequently Asked Questions About Vanuatu Visas
Do UK citizens need a visa for Vanuatu in 2026?
Yes, UK citizens are not eligible for visa-free entry and must obtain a visa to visit Vanuatu in 2026. Travellers from non-exempted countries can choose between a Tourist eVisa, a visa upon arrival, or a traditional embassy visa depending on their travel needs.
Which is better: Vanuatu eVisa vs visa on arrival?
The Vanuatu eVisa is generally the better choice for most tourists. When comparing the Vanuatu eVisa vs visa on arrival, both cost 5,150 VUV, but the pre-approved application grants a 120-day stay and avoids airport queues. The visa on arrival only permits a 30-day stay.
How much does the Vanuatu Tourist eVisa cost?
The application charge for a single entry Tourist eVisa is 5,150 VUV, which is approximately £9 for UK travellers. This fee applies to tourists visiting for leisure or seeing family and friends.
How long does the Vanuatu eVisa take to process?
A pre-approved application for the Vanuatu Tourist eVisa typically takes 3 to 5 business days to process. Travellers should apply via the evisa.gov.vu portal well in advance of their departure date to ensure timely approval.
Can I extend my Vanuatu Tourist eVisa or visa on arrival?
No, an extension is not allowed for the Tourist eVisa. Furthermore, a change of status to another visa category is prohibited once you enter the country. It is crucial to adhere to your 120-day or 30-day limit to avoid overstaying penalties.
What are the accepted ports of entry for a Vanuatu visa on arrival?
Travellers can obtain a visa upon arrival at designated international airports. The primary accepted entry points are Bauerfield International Airport in Port Vila and Pekoa International Airport in Santo.
Why is the Embassy Visitor Visa more expensive than the eVisa?
The traditional embassy visitor visa costs 7,420 VUV (around £13) for a 30-day stay, whereas the 120-day digital Tourist eVisa is only 5,150 VUV. The electronic portal offers an efficiency premium, making the online process cheaper and providing a longer stay than paper processing.
What documents do I need for a Vanuatu visa upon arrival?
Standard entry requirements dictate that you must present a passport valid for at least 6 months beyond your return date. You also need to show a return ticket or onward flight, proof of accommodation, and evidence of sufficient funds for your stay.
