The Vanuatu visa fee for tourists is 40 USD, which equals 5,150 VUV (Vanuatu Vatu). This fee applies to both tourist and business visas for citizens of non-exempt countries. Payment is made online by credit or debit card through the official eVisa portal. For a complete overview of the visa process, see our Vanuatu eVisa guide.
Vanuatu Visa Fee by Type – Complete Breakdown
The Vanuatu government charges different visa fees depending on the visa category. Below is a complete breakdown of all Vanuatu visa fees as of 2026.
| Visa Type | Fee (USD) | Fee (VUV) | Duration | Entries |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tourist Visa | 40 | 5,150 | 120 days | Single |
| Business Visa | 40 | 5,150 | 120 days | Single |
| Employment Visa | Varies | Varies | Duration of contract | Single/Multiple |
| Student Visa | Varies | Varies | Duration of studies | Single/Multiple |
| Development Support Visa (DSV) | Investment-linked | Investment-linked | Varies | Multiple |
| Diplomatic Visa | Exempt | Exempt | Official travel | Multiple |
| Children (under 18) | 40 | 5,150 | Same as parent | Same as parent |
Tourist Visa Fee
The standard tourist visa costs 40 USD (5,150 VUV) and allows a single entry for up to 120 days. This is the most common visa type for travelers visiting Vanuatu for leisure, sightseeing, or visiting friends and family.
Children under 18 pay the same fee as adults. If you are a citizen of a visa-exempt country (such as the United States, Australia, United Kingdom, or any EU member state), you do not need to pay this fee – you receive a free tourist visa on arrival.
For the full list of documents needed alongside the fee payment, see our Vanuatu visa requirements checklist.
Business Visa Fee
The business visa also costs 40 USD (5,150 VUV). It allows entry for business meetings, conferences, and professional activities. Employment is not permitted on a business visa.
Employment Visa Fee
Employment visa fees vary depending on the duration and type of employment. These visas require employer sponsorship and a valid work permit from the Vanuatu Department of Labour. Contact the immigration department directly for current employment visa fees.
Student Visa Fee
Student visa fees vary based on the length of the academic program. Applicants must provide proof of enrollment at a recognized Vanuatu educational institution. Contact the institution or immigration department for current student visa fees.
Development Support Visa (DSV) Fee
The Development Support Visa is linked to investment in Vanuatu’s development. The fee structure depends on the investment amount and type. This visa category is primarily for investors and business developers contributing to Vanuatu’s economy.
Vanuatu Visa Currency Conversion
Vanuatu visa fees are charged in VUV (Vanuatu Vatu) through the online payment system. The table below shows approximate conversions for the standard 40 USD tourist visa fee.
| Currency | Amount |
|---|---|
| USD (US Dollar) | $40.00 |
| VUV (Vanuatu Vatu) | 5,150 |
| AUD (Australian Dollar) | ~$62.00 |
| NZD (New Zealand Dollar) | ~$67.00 |
| EUR (Euro) | ~€37.00 |
| GBP (British Pound) | ~£32.00 |
Exchange rates fluctuate daily. The exact amount charged in your local currency depends on the exchange rate at the time of payment and any foreign transaction fees your bank may apply.
How to Pay the Vanuatu Visa Fee
The Vanuatu visa fee is paid online during the eVisa application process at evisa.gov.vu. There is no option to pay in person at an embassy or upon arrival for non-exempt countries.
Accepted Payment Methods
The eVisa portal accepts the following payment methods:
- Visa credit or debit card
- Mastercard credit or debit card
- Other major credit cards accepted by the payment gateway
The payment is processed in VUV (Vanuatu Vatu). Your bank will convert the amount to your local currency at the current exchange rate. Some banks charge a foreign transaction fee of 1 to 3 percent for international payments.
Payment Process at evisa.gov.vu
The payment step occurs after you have completed the application form and uploaded all required documents. For a detailed walkthrough of the full application process including the payment step, see our step-by-step Vanuatu visa application guide.
The process works as follows:
- Complete all application steps (registration, form, document upload)
- Review your application summary
- Click “Pay” to proceed to the secure payment gateway
- Enter your card details (card number, expiry date, CVV)
- Confirm the payment amount (5,150 VUV)
- Wait for payment confirmation
- Receive confirmation email with your application reference number
If payment fails, you can retry with the same or a different card. Do not create a new application – log back in to your existing account and retry the payment. If you continue to experience payment issues, try using a different card or contact your bank to authorize the international transaction.
Vanuatu Citizenship by Investment Cost
For those considering permanent residency or citizenship, Vanuatu offers a Citizenship by Investment (CBI) program. These costs are significantly higher than standard visa fees:
| Program | Cost (USD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Citizenship (Individual) | $130,000 | One-time donation |
| Citizenship (Couple) | $150,000 | One-time donation |
| Citizenship (Family of 4) | $180,000 | One-time donation |
| Permanent Residence | $350,000+ | Proof of assets required |
| Decent Visa (10-year) | $173 (VT 20,600) | For 10-year PR holders |
The CBI program grants Vanuatu citizenship within 1 to 2 months of approval. It is one of the fastest citizenship programs in the world. These costs do not include government processing fees, due diligence fees, or legal representation costs.
Is the Vanuatu Visa Fee Refundable?
No, the Vanuatu visa fee is non-refundable. Once payment is processed through the official eVisa portal, you will not receive a refund even if your application is denied, withdrawn, or if you decide not to travel. The same refund policy applies to all visa types, including tourist, business, and transit visas.
This is standard practice for most countries worldwide. The fee covers the cost of processing your application, regardless of the outcome. To maximize your chances of approval:
- Ensure all documents are complete and accurate before submitting
- Double-check that your passport meets the 6-month validity requirement
- Provide clear, legible scans of all documents
- Make sure your bank statements show sufficient funds
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How much does a Vanuatu visa cost?
The standard Vanuatu tourist visa costs 40 USD (5,150 VUV). This fee applies to both tourist and business visas for citizens of non-exempt countries. Payment is made online by credit or debit card.
Do US citizens need to pay for a Vanuatu visa?
No, US citizens are on Vanuatu’s visa-exempt list. They receive a free tourist visa automatically upon arrival and can stay up to 120 days without paying any visa fee.
Can I pay the Vanuatu visa fee in cash?
No, the visa fee can only be paid online by credit or debit card through the evisa.gov.vu portal. There is no cash payment option at embassies or upon arrival.
How much is permanent residency in Vanuatu?
Permanent residency in Vanuatu requires proof of assets worth at least $350,000 USD. Citizenship by investment costs $130,000 for an individual or $180,000 for a family of four.
Is the Vanuatu visa fee the same for all nationalities?
Yes, the standard visa fee of 40 USD (5,150 VUV) applies to all non-exempt nationalities. Citizens of visa-exempt countries (Commonwealth nations, EU, US, Japan, and others) do not pay any fee.
What happens if my Vanuatu visa application is denied?
If your application is denied, the visa fee is not refunded. You will receive an email explaining the reason for denial. You can address the issue and reapply, but you will need to pay the fee again.
