Latest News:
International Restrictions:
*International travel: Commercial flights to and from Vanuatu are very limited. Air Vanuatu are running a small number of cargo services with some seats for passengers, to Brisbane, Auckland and Noumea. For travellers wishing to leave Vanuatu, the final outbound flight in 2020 will be a service to Brisbane, departing on 19 December. Air Vanuatu advise they will then re-open for bookings in January, with the first flight with passenger availability scheduled to depart for Auckland on Wednesday 13 January. Before making your onward flight booking from your transit point, you should check with your airline if you require a COVID-19 test, as these are not currently available in Vanuatu.
*Entry to Vanuatu: Borders are closed to non-residents. Air Vanuatu are running a small number of scheduled repatriation flights from Auckland, Brisbane and Noumea between September and December 2020 for Vanuatu citizens and permanent residents. Places on these flights need to be pre-approved by the Vanuatu authorities. Arriving passengers are required to undergo 14 days’ quarantine at a government approved location at their own expense. The Government of Vanuatu has also issued specific instructions to crew on aircraft and foreign going sea vessels. Given the fast moving situation, you should familiarise yourself with controls in place and to check with your airline before you travel.
*Travel via Australia and New Zealand: The government of Australia has announced that entry to the country will only be permitted to Australian citizens or permanent residents unless an exemption is granted. This follows a similar announcement by New Zealand from 19 March. If you’re resident in Vanuatu, you should be aware of the potential impact of the border closures and flight restrictions on future travel plans. To transit through Australia you may need to apply for a visa and/or exemption from the mandatory 14 day quarantine arrangements currently in place for all international travellers entering Australia. States and Territories are introducing charges for quarantine. These are already in place in New South Wales, the Northern Territory, Queensland and South Australia and are likely to be introduced to other states. For further information on the strict measures in place for travel and transit via Australia. The New Zealand border is currently closed to almost all arrivals. The government of New Zealand has put in place strict measures to limit transit through their airports. For further information on the strict entry and transit requirements. More information is also available from Immigration New Zealand. Internal Restrictions:
*Travel in Vanuatu: Domestic travel may be affected by COVID-19. Passengers should check with their airline about any restrictions on flights operating between islands.
*Public places and services: A State of Emergency is in place in Vanuatu until 31 July 2021, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. There are no restrictions in place on social gatherings. Restaurants, bars and supermarkets are permitted to open as usual, although some are operating a restricted service or have closed altogether in response to falling trade.