Canada Visa RequirementsFor Vanuatu passport holders
Vanuatu citizens must obtain a Temporary Resident Visa (visitor visa) before travelling to Canada. The fee is CAD 100 and permits stays of up to 6 months.
Vanuatu passport holders require a visa to enter Canada.
Apply online through the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website. You will need a valid passport, digital photo, proof of funds (typically CAD 2,500-10,000 depending on length of stay), travel itinerary, return ticket, and accommodation details. Biometrics are also required - visit the nearest Visa Application Centre (VAC). The nearest VACs to Vanuatu are in Australia. Processing takes 4-8 weeks.
Entry Requirements
Passport Validity
6 months beyond date of entry
Blank Pages
2 blank pages required
Multiple Entry
Single entry only
Work Permitted
No - requires work visa
Biometrics
Required at first application
Required Documents
For Your Visa Application
Valid Passport
Passport valid for at least 6 months beyond the intended period of stay.
Online Visa Application (IMM 5257)
Completed and submitted online through the IRCC portal.
Digital Photograph
Recent digital photo meeting IRCC specifications.
Biometrics
Fingerprints and photo taken at a Visa Application Centre.
Proof of Financial Support
Bank statements, pay stubs, or financial guarantor documents.
Return Air Ticket or Travel Itinerary
Evidence of onward or return travel from Canada.
Accommodation Proof
Hotel reservations or invitation letter from a host in Canada.
Required at Entry
Passport
Original passport with valid visa.
Customs Declaration Card
Completed customs and immigration declaration form distributed on the flight.
Current Travel Situation
Vanuatu to Canada: What You Need to Know
Canada requires Vanuatu passport holders to apply for a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) before travelling. As a Commonwealth nation, Vanuatu has cultural links with Canada, but a visa is still required for tourism. Canada is a popular destination for Vanuatu citizens seeking extended family visits or tourism.
How to Get There
The USA requires a similar visa process. New Zealand is easier to reach from the Pacific and has different entry requirements. Australia is the most accessible English-speaking country for Vanuatu citizens.
Money & Banking
Canada uses the Canadian Dollar (CAD). Cards are accepted almost universally. ATMs are widely available. Currency exchange is available at airports, banks, and exchange offices. Tipping (15-20%) is customary in restaurants.
Practical Tips
Canada is a vast country - decide in advance whether you are visiting major cities (Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal) or natural attractions (Banff, Niagara Falls). The best time to visit depends on your preferences: summer (Jun-Aug) for outdoors, winter for skiing. Book accommodation well in advance for popular national parks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Vanuatu citizens need a visa to visit Canada?
Yes, Vanuatu passport holders must obtain a Temporary Resident Visa (visitor visa) before travelling to Canada.
How much does the Canadian visitor visa cost?
The application fee is CAD 100 (approximately USD 75-100). Biometrics fees (CAD 85) are additional if required.
How long can Vanuatu citizens stay in Canada on a visitor visa?
A visitor visa typically allows stays of up to 6 months (180 days) per entry, though the border officer determines the actual length.
Where do Vanuatu citizens apply for a Canadian visa?
Apply online through the IRCC website. Biometrics must be submitted at a Visa Application Centre (VAC) - the nearest ones to Vanuatu are in Australia (Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane).
How long does Canadian visa processing take for Vanuatu applicants?
Processing times vary but typically take 4-8 weeks. Apply well in advance of your travel date and check current processing times on the IRCC website.
What funds do I need to show for a Canadian visitor visa?
You should demonstrate sufficient funds to cover your stay - a general guideline is CAD 2,500 or more for a short visit, with more required for longer stays.
Are there direct flights from Vanuatu to Canada?
No direct flights exist. Common routes go via Sydney or Auckland to Vancouver (YVR) or Toronto (YYZ). Total journey time is approximately 22-30 hours.