Port Resolution - Clearance

Clearance Formalities at Port Resolution

Customs, Immigration and Quarantine are all based in Lenakel on Tanna’s SW coast. The harbour at Lenakel, however, is small and fairly open, so in the past boats would anchor at Port Resolution and take a car over to Lenakel, which is on the other side of the island, to clear in.

Clearance into Vanuatu at Port Resolution is possible and the process has been improved with cruising yachts reporting success with clearing in here during the 2025 cruising season.

However, you must request permission to do so with Customs officials in Port Vila and send all your advance notice of arrival and documentation (outlined below) to CustomsBorder@vanuatu.gov.vu:

1. Vessel name, call sign and gross/net tonnage
2. Expected date of arrival/number of persons on board
3. Request to clear in at Port Resolution
4. Agreement to pay clearance costs in cash
5. Photo of the vessel
6. Photo of the clearance document from your last port (note:  the request to enter at Port Resolution can only be made after clearing out from your port/country of departure so you can send this photo).
7. Previous three ports visited
8. Photo of vessel's registration certificate
9. Vessel Declaration forms from the Vanuatu Customs and Inland Revenue website
10. Vanuatu Passenger Arrival Cards (for all on board)
11. Vanuatu Biosecurity Yacht Masters Certificate

The skipper/captain making the application also needs to provide their full name, email address, phone number and vessel flag.

The request must be made at least 24 hours before arrival, but it is best to make the request immediately after clearing from your previous port as you need to send the photo of that clearance document with your request.  You should get a response within 24 hours.  According to Vanuatu Customs, once you have sent the request with the required forms, you may proceed to Port Resolution unless you receive an immediate refusal.  Be sure to have a copy of the email or proof that you sent the documents and request to show officials when you arrive in Port Resolution.

The cost for officials from Health, Customs and Immigration to come over from Lenakel (two hours each way) can be found in Vanuatu Fees.  Yachts arriving at the same time can share the cost.

Notes:

• Fees are per boat and can be paid in US or NZ dollars if you don't have any Vatu.
• While clearance can be paid for in foreign currency as stated above, the fee for tours up the volcano must be paid in Vatu.
• There are no banks or ATMs in Port Resolution, but there is an ATM in Lenakel where you can obtain Vatu.  However, it might be wise to arrive with some local currency.

Last updated:  October 2025