Vanuatu Visa for Families: Children & Group Applications (2026)

Families traveling to Vanuatu can enter visa-free if their nationality is on the exemption list covering over 100 countries. Children need their own valid passport with at least 6 months of remaining validity – they are not covered by a parent’s passport. Families from non-exempt countries must apply for an eVisa through the official portal at evisa.gov.vu before departure.

Do Children Need a Visa for Vanuatu?

Children of visa-exempt nationalities do not need a separate visa to enter Vanuatu, but every child must carry their own individual passport. Vanuatu does not allow children to be listed on a parent’s passport – each traveler, regardless of age, requires a valid travel document.

The key rules for children entering Vanuatu are:

• Every child must have a passport valid for at least 6 months beyond the date of arrival
• A completed passenger arrival card is required for each child (distributed by the airline or at the port of entry)
• Children of visa-exempt nationalities enter under the same exemption as adults – no separate visa needed
• Children from non-exempt countries need their own eVisa application submitted through the official portal

Age Requirements and Definitions

Vanuatu’s immigration framework defines a dependent child as a person under the age of 18, or a student under the age of 25 who is financially dependent on their parents. For visa purposes, the following age brackets apply:

Infant and Newborn Entry Rules

Newborns and infants require their own passport to enter Vanuatu – there are no exceptions for very young children. Parents should apply for the infant’s passport well in advance, as processing times vary by country. A birth certificate is recommended as supporting documentation, even though it is not a substitute for a passport.

For nursing mothers, Vanuatu immigration does not impose separate requirements. The infant’s passport and a completed arrival card are the only documents needed at the border checkpoint.

Vanuatu Close Family Visa – What It Covers

The Close Family Visa is a specific visa category under Vanuatu’s Immigration Act (Cap 180) designed for non-citizens who are the spouse or dependent child of a Vanuatu citizen or a non-citizen holding a valid residence permit. This visa offers advantages over a standard tourist visa, including multiple entry rights and the ability to extend the stay beyond the initial period.

Eligibility: Spouse and Dependent Children

To qualify for the Close Family Visa, applicants must prove their relationship to the Vanuatu citizen or resident:

• Spouse: Legally married partner – a marriage certificate is required as proof. De facto partners may need additional documentation.
• Dependent children: Biological or legally adopted children under the age of 18. Children aged 18-24 who are full-time students and financially dependent may also qualify.
• Proof of sponsor’s status: The Vanuatu-based sponsor must provide evidence of citizenship or valid residence permit.

Applications for the Close Family Visa are submitted through the Vanuatu eVisa guide portal, with supporting documents uploaded digitally.

Close Family Visa vs Tourist Visa for Families

Families visiting Vanuatu for a holiday should compare both options before applying:

For most family holidays, the standard tourist visa (or visa exemption) is sufficient. The Close Family Visa is relevant when a family member is a Vanuatu citizen or resident, or when frequent visits are planned.

How to Apply for a Vanuatu eVisa as a Family

Each family member needs a separate eVisa application submitted through the official Vanuatu eVisa portal at evisa.gov.vu. There is no combined family application – every person, including infants, requires their own application and supporting documents.

Step-by-Step Family Application Process

1. Create an account on evisa.gov.vu using one parent’s email address
2. Select the visa type – Tourist Visa for most families, or Close Family Visa if applicable
3. Complete the first application for the principal applicant (usually one parent)
4. Add additional applications – create a separate application for each family member using the same account
5. Upload documents – passport scan and photo for each person individually
6. Pay the fee – payment is processed per application
7. Submit and track – monitor the status of each application through the portal dashboard

Processing typically takes 3-5 business days per application. Families should apply at least 2-3 weeks before their intended departure date to allow time for all applications to be processed.

Required Documents for Each Family Member

Every family member’s application must include:

• Passport scan – bio page, valid for at least 6 months beyond the intended arrival date
• Passport-style photograph – recent, white background, meeting ICAO standards
• Proof of accommodation – hotel booking confirmation or host invitation letter
• Return or onward ticket – showing departure from Vanuatu within the visa validity period
• Financial proof – bank statement or proof of sufficient funds for the stay

For children, the same documents are required. Some nationalities may need additional documentation – check the requirements on the Vanuatu entry requirements page.

Family Visa Costs and Processing Times

Vanuatu eVisa fees depend on the visa type and the applicant’s nationality. For citizens of visa-exempt countries – which include Australia, New Zealand, the United States, the United Kingdom, and all EU member states – entering Vanuatu for tourism is free of charge for stays up to 120 days.

For applicants from non-exempt countries who require an eVisa, a processing fee applies per application. Since each family member needs a separate application, the total cost is multiplied by the number of travelers.

For the most current fee information, visit the official eVisa portal. Families should budget for per-person application fees if they are from non-exempt countries.

Traveling as a Group to Vanuatu

Vanuatu does not offer a specific group visa category. Whether you are traveling as an extended family, a school group, or an organized tour, each traveler must meet individual entry requirements. For visa-exempt nationalities, this means each person needs a valid passport and completed arrival card – no additional group documentation is required.

Group Tour Documentation

Travelers on organized group tours through a licensed tour operator typically have their logistics handled by the operator, including:

• Pre-arrival coordination with Vanuatu immigration
• Distribution of arrival cards before landing
• Group transportation arrangements

However, each individual traveler remains responsible for carrying their own valid passport and completing their own arrival card. Tour operators cannot submit immigration documents on behalf of passengers.

Independent Family Travel Requirements

Families organizing their own trip to Vanuatu should prepare the following for every traveler:

• Valid passport (6+ months validity)
• Completed arrival card (distributed on the flight or at the port)
• Proof of accommodation in Vanuatu
• Return or onward travel ticket
• Proof of sufficient funds (recommended: credit card or bank statement)

For practical entry information, see our guide on Vanuatu visa on arrival or check Vanuatu visa requirements for detailed document checklists.

Single Parent Travel – Additional Documentation

Single parents traveling with children to Vanuatu should carry a notarized consent letter from the absent parent. While Vanuatu immigration may not always request this document, airlines frequently require it before allowing a child to board.

The consent letter should include:

• Full name of the absent parent and their relationship to the child
• Child’s full name, date of birth, and passport number
• Travel dates and destinations
• Contact details of the absent parent
• Notarized signature or witnessed signature

If the other parent is deceased, a death certificate should be carried. If one parent has sole custody, a court order granting custody should be presented. Single parents should also check airline-specific requirements, as some carriers have stricter policies than immigration authorities.

Frequently Asked Questions