Vanuatu : Formalities

Clearance

There are four ports of entry into Vanuatu; Port Vila on the island of Efate, Luganville on Santo, Sola on Vanua Lava, and Lenakel on Tanna. Yachts may not stop at any other island or anchorage in Vanuatu until first clearing in at one of these four ports.

Port Vila and Luganville are the main ports of clearance and most yachts clear into Port Vila. Obtain instructions on VHF Channel 16 for inward clearance procedures in Lenakel, Luganville or Sola.

The international and inter-island outward clearance will be granted only on Monday to Friday from 07:30 to 11:00 hours and 13:30 to 16:00 hours. The offices are closed on public holidays and weekends.

If visiting any other islands, permission must be first obtained from the authorities. A cruising permit is issued before leaving Port Vila and this allows the boat to stop at other places before clearing out of Vanuatu at Santo.

Last updated May 2010.

Immigration

On arrival Immigration will issue an entry permit for one month. Extensions must be applied for to the Immigration Authorities, the maximum permitted stay being four months.

Anyone who leaves the yacht must obtain an air ticket out of the country immediately. The captain is responsible for notifying immigration when a crew member wishes to leave a yacht, and he will be liable for their repatriation unless released from this obligation.

For skippers/crew arriving or returning to the island by air, it is now no longer possible (as of March 2010) to arrive in Vanuatu on a one-way flight ticket, and entry will be denied. The one exception to this rule is for skippers/crew who leave their vessel under the care of Port Vila Boatyard. If returning to the island and departing on their yacht within the prescribed timelines, Port Vila Boatyard can assist with a letter for immigration. Contact portvilaboatyard@vanuatu.com.vu for further information.

No visas are required for visits of up to 30 days for nationals of Commonwealth countries, EU countries, Cameroon, People's Republic of China, Cuba, French overseas territories and departments, Fiji, Japan, South Korea, Maldives, Marshalls, FSM, Niue, Norway, Palau, Pakistan, Philippines, Singapore, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand and the USA.

All others must obtain a visa in advance, valid up to three months, either from a British high commission or embassy, or direct from the Immigration Office in Vila. The fee is VT2500 which is approximately US$25.

Last updated May 2010.

Immigration Office
Private Bag, 014, Vila.
Tel:+678 22345

Customs

Automatic and semi automatic weapons are not to be brought into the country at all as these are strictly prohibited and severe penalties are in place for any breach of these prohibitions.

You may not have onboard obscene publications, or videos, narcotics (other than genuine medical emergency drugs).

Private yachts are considered to be temporarily imported into Vanuatu and do not have to pay duty provided the yacht is owned by the importer and a stay of 18 months in a two-year period is not exceeded. Yachts must not be used commercially if temporarily imported, or they will become liable for duty.

Duty-free goods may be taken on board after clearance or when about to clear out in Port Vila, but not Luganville. One can take on duty-free in Port Vila, have it sealed until clearance outwards in Luganville. Customs may check it before clearance and the penalty for breaking the seal is a fine. One can order duty-free diesel fuel on clearing out both in Luganville and Vila. Quarantine: Strict quarantine regulations are in force in Vanuatu and no animals, birds, reptiles, fresh meat, fruit or vegetables may be taken ashore. Also some of these goods may not be allowed to remain on board; the agricultural officer will decide this at the port of entry.

On arrival, the agriculture quarantine service's permission must be obtained to land garbage.

Last Updated May 2010.

Health

Malaria prophylaxis is essential as malaria is endemic in Vanuatu. Conjunctivitis and the rapid infection of small cuts are a problem.

Documents

The Vanuatu Customs and Inland Revenue Website has a "Yacht Clearance" section with downloads for the required forms. It also has information related to permits, length of stay and local regulations.

Fees

Clearance fees: 3000 VATU for quarantine and 3000 customs.

All visiting small craft must pay port dues of 7,000 Vatu for the first 30 days or any part thereof. After 30 days from the date of first arrival, the vessel is liable for an additional charge of 100 Vatu per day. Port Dues are paid at the customs office at the final port of departure.

Crew change fee: 2000 Vatu per change, plus 5000 Vatu for new crew arriving by airplane.

It is also reported that in some villages cruising boats are asked to pay $5 or $10 for the right to anchor. This appears to be the case especially nearer Port Vila, and not so much in more remote places. However, visiting yachts should always check with the local chief for permission.

Restrictions

When visiting the islands, the village chief must be asked for permission to anchor, fish and other activities such as snorkelling.

Sharks are a serious danger in some islands, such as at Port Sandwich on Malekula, where visitors are warned not to swim. Swimming off black sand beaches should be avoided. Elsewhere it is advisable to consult the locals before swimming in the vicinity of villages. In some places, a red float close to the shore is baited with meat to catch sharks.

A taboo exists in Malekula which forbids a male to swim under a boat or canoe with women or girls on board. Those who break this strict taboo will have to pay a substantial fine to the village chief.

Port Vila Regulations:

An overhead electric cable extends from the eastern side of Iriki island and Vila. No vessel with a mast exceeding 25 metres height from the waterline may attempt to pass under the cable. The maximum clearance is 28 metres close to the Vila side of the channel. Violation of this restriction is subject to penalties plus costs of any damages. Yachts with taller masts can tie stern to the quay or anchor in the quarantine buoy area.

All vessels in Vila Harbour must show a riding light if at anchor, between the hours of sunset and sunrise.

Anchoring near Efila Island is prohibited due to a land dispute between the islanders and the authorities, so this area should be avoided.

Communications

It is not possible to make collect calls from anywhere in Vanuatu.

Pets

PET REGULATIONS
Very strict quarantine regulations and Import Permit required from The Vanuatu Livestock and Quarantine Department (VLQD), PMB 095 Port Vila, Vanuatu. Tel: (678) 23519, Fax: (678) 23185, E-mail: vqisvila@vanuatu.com.vu

If animals are landed, the owner will have to pay a substantial fine and the animal will be destroyed. (It has been reported that animals may be allowed to land, at the discretion of the VLQD Veterinary Officer).

Last updated September 2008.

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