Vanuatu visa options for Switzerland passport holders

Visa types & longer-stay routes for Vanuatu

Rules are written for non-citizens of Vanuatu; entry conditions differ sharply between visa-exempt nationalities (most EU/EEA, UK, US, Canada, Australia, NZ and many others) and non-exempt nationalities who must obtain an eVisa before travel.

• Most nomadsTourist

  Visa-Free Entry (visitor permit)

  Free visitor permit stamped on arrival; commonly 30 days, with longer for some nationalities (e.g. approx 90 days reported for some passports). Visa-exempt travellers may also be granted a tourist-style stay of up to 120 days. Verify your nationality's exact allowance.

  Insurance

  RecommendedNot required by law for short tourist stays. Strongly recommended: Vanuatu has limited medical facilities and hospitals often require upfront cash payment, so travel medical cover with evacuation/repatriation is advised.

  Good for

  Nationals of visa-exempt countries (most EU/EEA states, UK, US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan and many others) arriving for tourism, family visits or business meetings.

  Requirement

  Passport valid at least 6 months from arrival, plus proof of onward/return travel and sufficient funds. No application, form or fee for exempt nationals (this is visa-free entry, not a visa on arrival).

• Most nomadsTourist

  Visitor eVisa (non-exempt nationals)

  Up to 30 days (single entry).

  Insurance

  RequiredNot stated as mandatory. Recommended given limited local healthcare and cash-upfront hospitals.

  Good for

  Travellers from countries NOT on Vanuatu's visa-exempt list, visiting for tourism, family, meetings/conferences or other short stays.

  Requirement

  Online eVisa application before travel via evisa.gov.vu, valid passport (6+ months), proof of onward travel and funds. Reported fee approx 5,150-7,420 VUV (approx USD 42-60) - verify current amount.

• Tourist

  Tourist Visa (120-day)

  120 days in a calendar year; cannot be extended.

  Insurance

  RequiredNot stated as mandatory. Recommended (travel medical cover with evacuation).

  Good for

  Visitors wanting a longer holiday/leisure or social stay than the standard visitor permit; available to exempt nationals and, via pre-approval, to non-exempt nationals.

  Requirement

  Valid passport, proof of funds and onward travel; application via the immigration/eVisa system for those not entering visa-free. No right to work or commercial activity. Reported fee approx 7,420 VUV - verify.

• Work

  Employment Visa (work permit holders)

  Typically 12 months, renewable. A short-term employment visa (approx 1-4 months) also exists for temporary skilled work.

  Insurance

  RecommendedVerify with immigration: residence-type visas generally require proof of adequate health insurance. Employer-arranged or private medical cover strongly recommended.

  Good for

  Foreign nationals offered an employment contract with a Vanuatu business; a separate work permit from the Department of Labour is mandatory for any paid work.

  Requirement

  Valid employment contract plus a work permit issued by the Department of Labour; passport, police/health checks as required. Reported visa fee approx 257,500 VUV for the 12-month employment visa - verify.

• Study

  Student Visa

  Duration of the study programme (commonly up to 1 year; a new visa is needed for each subsequent year).

  Insurance

  RequiredAdequate health insurance is generally required for residence/student-category visas (verify exact terms). Private medical cover recommended.

  Good for

  International students enrolled in a recognised Vanuatu course of study.

  Requirement

  Proof of enrolment, a security deposit equal to a return air ticket to the applicant's home country, and evidence of funds/income of at least approx 40,000 VUV per applicant per month for the visa duration.

• Most nomadsResidence

  Self-Funded Resident Visa (incl. retirement)

  Renewable long-stay residence (typically issued for 1 year and renewable); can lead to permanent residency after 12 months.

  Insurance

  RecommendedVerify: Vanuatu immigration generally requires proof of adequate health insurance (including repatriation) for residence visas. Private health/medical evacuation cover strongly recommended.

  Good for

  Financially independent individuals (including retirees) who wish to live in Vanuatu for more than 12 months without working locally.

  Requirement

  Certified income paid into a Vanuatu bank of at least approx 250,000 VUV/month (approx 500,000 VUV/month including a spouse/de-facto partner); valid passport and police clearance. Figures vary - verify.

• Residence

  Investor / Business Visa

  Provisional Investor Visa approx 1 year, then a renewable Business Investor Visa (approx 3 years); higher investment tiers grant longer residence (reported up to 8-15 years).

  Insurance

  RecommendedVerify: adequate health insurance generally expected for residence visas. Private medical cover recommended.

  Good for

  Non-citizens investing in or operating a Vanuatu business.

  Requirement

  Foreign Investment Approval Certificate and a qualifying investment (reported tiers from approx 15,000,000 VUV for 3 years up to approx 100,000,000 VUV for 15 years). Amounts and tiers vary - verify current rules.

• Residence

  Permanent Residence Visa

  10 years, renewable. Eligible after holding a self-funded or work visa for 12 months, or via qualifying investment/ancestry.

  Insurance

  RequiredVerify: proof of adequate health insurance generally required for residence categories. Private medical cover recommended.

  Good for

  Long-term investors and descendants of Ni-Vanuatu nationals seeking permanent resident status.

  Requirement

  Prior qualifying residence, investment, or Ni-Vanuatu ancestry; valid passport and police clearance. Reported fee approx 206,000 VUV - verify.

• Transit

  Transit Visa

  Up to 24 hours; no extension and no exit from the airport area.

  Insurance

  OptionalNot required.

  Good for

  Travellers passing through Vanuatu who remain inside the airport proclaimed area during a stopover.

  Requirement

  Onward ticket and valid travel documents; eVisa application where required. Reported fee approx 1,855 VUV.

Figures are indicative and change without notice; always verify with the Vanuatu Department of Immigration (immigration.gov.vu / evisa.gov.vu) before travel. Last checked: 2026-06.

Last verified June 2026

Switzerland → Vanuatu: frequently asked

Do Switzerland passport holders need a visa to visit Vanuatu?

Visa-free · up to 120 days. Enter without a visa, usually for a set number of days. Always confirm with the official source before booking.

Can a Switzerland passport holder live or work long-term in Vanuatu?

Yes, via a long-stay visa. Vanuatu has 9 documented visa types covering work, study, residence and — where it exists — digital-nomad routes.

Do I need travel insurance for Vanuatu?

Entry to Vanuatu never includes health cover, so travel medical insurance is strongly recommended. Several Vanuatu visas also require proof of insurance before they're granted.