Vanuatu Entry Formalities and
Ports of Entry for Vanuatu

Customs Yacht Clearance Regulations IMPORTANT (Really):

All captains are strongly advised to visit the official Customs Yacht Clearance information site for the latest clearance and restriction regulations and downloadable arrival forms at least 10 days before you plan to arrive.

Click on the following link to go to the official Customs site:

customsinlandrevenue.gov.vu/index.php/travellers/yacht-clearance

There are new regulations and conditions for yacht entry into Vanuatu and yachts  will be fined for not following the regulations.

Customs is working hard to make cruising easier here in Vanuatu while, at the same time, preventing any attempted illegal activities. So if you follow the regulations (and they are easy enough) you will have a very pleasant experience. If you don't ---- look out, you will be subject to up to a fine of 5 million Vatu and up to two years imprisonment for each violation.

Here is a brief summary of the new regulations - visit the official site for the latest updates.

• You must notify Customs by email to : CustomsBorder@vanuatu.gov.vu a minimum of  24hrs prior to arrival of the expected ETA and port of entry. You should do this before you leave your last port. The more notice the better.
• Port Vila is the primary port of entry into Vanuatu, you can also clear in at Lenakel on Tanna, Luganville in Santo and Sola on Vanua Lava.
• If you wish to stop at any port other than these 4 designated anchorages you must request permission from the Director of Customs by email at least 48 hours (on working days) before departure and obtain permission before departing for that port.
• You must fly the quarantine flag when within 200 nautical miles of any Vanuatu Island until your clearance is completed.
• You can download the entry documents from the Official Customs website, fill them in and email them with your notice of arrival - this is especially important if you plan on asking permission to stop at Anatom or Port Resolution. However,you can also download all the forms by clicking here.   

Yachting World suggests that anyone visiting Vanuatu should obtain a copy of the Nautical Rocket Guide to Vanuatu. This Cruising Guide to Vanuatu has detailed information and charts for each entry port (and over a hundred other anchorages).