This is one of the four official clearance ports for Vanuatu. See Vanuatu Formalities for detailed information on Clearance.
All vessels en route to Vanuatu MUST provide a minimum of 24 hours advance notice of arrival to Customs. Clearance formalities in Port Vila are reported to be simple, fast, friendly and painless.
When you arrive in Port Vila, anchor in the quarantine zone near the YELLOW buoy at 7°44.275 S 168°18.597 E and fly the yellow quarantine flag.
Call Vanuatu "Customs" on VHF Channel 16 to organise clearance formalities. They keep radio watch from 07:30 to 16:30. If they do not answer, try Yachting World on VHF Channel 16 or 60. They will contact Customs and Quarantine for you.
If you plan to arrive on a Friday after 17:00, Saturday or Sunday, the boat must remain in the quarantine area until Monday. This means staying on the boat all weekend. Do not go ashore without first clearing in or without explicit instructions by radio or telephone from Customs officials instructing you otherwise.
If you or a member of your crew expect to fly out of Port Vila on a Sunday, be sure to see Immigration and Customs on the previous Friday before closing at 17:00.
Customs, quarantine and immigration are reported to be very helpful, as are the Yachting World crew. See Vanuatu Fees for Clearance costs.
Customs are only open 08:00 to 17:00 Mondays to Fridays. They also may close for lunch between 11:30 and 13:00 to 13:30. For requesting clearance at the weekend see the main Formalities Clearance section.
Customs and Quarantine at located at the Star Wharf. Quarantine and port dues are payable at the respective offices behind the Customs office. This is just a 10-minute dinghy ride from the mooring field.
The Immigration office is now located near the centre of town in the old French Embassy building.
Last updated: July 2025
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