COVID-19 Precautionary Measures in Vanuatu (18 November Update)

Can a resident enter the country?

• Yes

• Citizens and legal residents are allowed to enter the country.

Can a foreigner enter the country?

• No

• Foreign travellers are not allowed to enter. The country is closed for tourism.

Test certificate required?

• Yes

• Arrivals must provide a negative COVID-19 certificate issued up to 72 hours before departing for Vanuatu.

Is quarantine required on arrival?

• Yes

• The government has revised the quarantine measure to a 14-day period.

• Travellers are subject to medical screening.

Entry form required?

• Yes

• Passengers must complete an online health form 24-72 hours before their departure for Vanuatu. The form can be found here.

Airline restrictions

• Significant

• All international commercial flights are suspended.

• Air Vanuatu is operating limited number flights scheduled for repatriation from Auckland, Brisbane and Noumea until December 2020 for Vanuatu citizens and permanent residents.

• Flights are operating between islands but frequency is reduced due to limited demand.

Border restrictions

• Total

• Borders have closed until at least 31 December. Additional border protection and disease surveillance measures have been introduced. No commercial services may operate until further notice.

Curfew restrictions

• Moderate

• The state of emergency remains in effect until 31 December.

• Vanuatu lifted the COVID-19 lockdown on 18 November except for the island of Tanna, in which restrictions are still imposed.

Social distancing restrictions

• Minimal

• There are no restrictions on social gatherings.

Internal travel restrictions

• Moderate

• Domestic travel to the island of Efate has been suspended.

Restaurants open?

• Yes

• Restaurants, bars, and supermarkets are permitted to open.

Bars and cafes open?

• Yes

• Bars and cafes are permitted to open. However, some are operating a restricted service or have closed altogether due to decreased demand.

Masks required in public?

• Yes

• The use of face masks is advised.

Consigli

The COVID-19 epidemic is constantly changing worldwide. This information is subject to change as the situation evolves. Travel and border restrictions may change with little or no notice. Some countries are beginning to remove some restrictions gradually. Check with your airline, booking agent, or country’s embassy for information on your specific travel plans.

To reduce the risk of infection by this virus if travelling in or from affected areas:

• Avoid close contact with people suffering from acute respiratory infections.

• Wearing a mask (face covering) is recommended in public places and when social distancing is not possible.

• Wash hands frequently, especially after direct contact with ill people or their environment. Use soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.

• Travellers with symptoms of acute respiratory infection should practice cough etiquette (maintain distance, cover coughs and sneezes with disposable tissues or clothing, and wash hands).

• Older travellers and those with underlying health issues may be at risk for more severe disease and should discuss travel to affected areas with their healthcare provider.

• Seek medical attention immediately if symptoms develop after visiting affected areas where transmission is occurring