There are 3 ports of entry in Vanuatu.

 

1. Port Vila, on Efate Island:

When arriving in Mele Bay, you should call "Port Vila Customs" on Channel 16 to request permission to enter the port. If they do not respond, call "Yachting World" on VHF Channel 16, and Lemara will arrange for Customs and Quarantine officers to visit your vessel.

The entry channel is well marked with visible buoys, but please stay vigilant (especially early in the morning and in the evening) as there are many small boats navigating the bay.

Upon arrival, you should anchor near the yellow quarantine buoy located in the northern part of the bay, hoist the yellow "Q" flag along with the Vanuatu courtesy flag, and display your national flag at the stern of your boat. After receiving your entry form, complete the remaining formalities as soon as possible. Once you have your clearance, you may leave the quarantine area and anchor elsewhere in the bay.

Port Vila is the capital of Vanuatu, where you will find the central government offices and relevant agencies. The Immigration office is located in the town centre. The Customs office is at the main wharf, accessible by dinghy, taxi, or bus. You will need to bring the crew’s passports to complete immigration formalities.

When you decide to depart from Port Vila to explore the rest of the archipelago, you must obtain an Inter-Island Cruising Permit from Customs.

 

2. Luganville on Espiritu Santo:

The quarantine area is marked on nautical charts. While the anchorage is good, trade winds can make it uncomfortable in the afternoon. Be sure to hoist the "Q" flag, the Vanuatu courtesy flag, and display your national flag at the stern.

Customs and Immigration do not respond to VHF calls, so the skipper must go in person to the offices at the main town wharf to complete the formalities. The Immigration office is located a short distance from the wharf.

When you are ready to leave Luganville to visit other islands, you must obtain an Inter-Island Cruising Permit from Customs.

 

3. Lenakel on Tanna

After anchoring and hoisting the "Q" flag, you must go ashore to meet with Customs and Immigration officers. Once ashore, ask for directions to the office.

As of now, Anatom is not a port of entry, but the police station in Anelgauhat can issue a temporary permit for a small fee. However, you must proceed to an official port of entry to complete your clearance.

Port Resolution in eastern Tanna is not a port of entry unless you obtain written permission from the Lenakel office at least 48 hours before your arrival. Without this special authorization, you risk a heavy fine and legal action for illegal entry into the country.

Customs and Immigration offices are very strict about yacht arrival and departure procedures, so we strongly recommend that you adhere to these international regulations to avoid any issues.

 

Immigration and customs

Once customs clearance is completed, the captain must go to the Immigration office with the passports of all crew members to obtain the necessary visas for their stay.

This visa is valid for one month, requires that you reside on your boat, and prohibits working in the country. An entry fee must be paid to finalise your arrival. As of 2018, these fees are 4000 Vatu for quarantine, 3000 Vatu for customs, and 2000 vatu per passport. These amounts are subject to revision.

If you wish to stay longer, you must submit your visa extension request at least 4 weeks in advance (e.g., upon arrival) at any port of entry. The maximum stay duration is 4 months, with the option to extend up to one year upon request and for an additional fee.
If a crew member needs to disembark in Vanuatu, the skipper, who is responsible for their crew, must immediately present a return flight ticket for that crew member to their country of origin.

Visit the customs website for the latest updates: https://customsinlandrevenue.gov.vu/

You can download the Inter-Island Permit and arrival/departure documents via the following link:
http://www.customsinlandrevenue.gov.vu/index.php/travellers/yacht-clearance