Must be imported from a rabies free specified country. Animal must have resided at least 6 months in a rabies free country such as Australia or New Zealand.  Or the animal has resided for at least six (6) months immediately before export, or since birth, in a country other than New Zealand or Australia and completed post-arrival quarantine in New Zealand or Australia.

Must fulfill requirements for Australia or New Zealand which depends on pet’s origin. Transit is permissible only in Australia, New Zealand or New Caledonia (cats only). All domestic dogs and cats must be free of evidence of disease communicable to humans when examined at the port of entry to Vanuatu.

Yes - As soon as any animal arrives in Vanuatu it shall immediately be taken under the control of the veterinary inspector to the quarantine station or to the holding specified on the provisional import authorization. The veterinary inspector may first require the owner to provide security or to deposit with the treasury a sufficient sum to meet the cost and expenses.

 

LENGTH OF QUARANTINE The period of quarantine of an animal upon its entry into Vanuatu, in application of the conditions imposed in the provisional import authorization, may be extended by the veterinary inspector where there is any suspicion of contagious disease affecting such animal.

 

COSTS OF QUARANTINE The costs of keeping an animal in a quarantine station shall be borne by the importer. The charges for keeping an animal in quarantine shall be prescribed by the Minister. Such charges shall not include the cost of any treatment administered by the veterinary inspectors to the animals during their stay at the station, either to affect the cure of any minor ailments or to improve their general condition. Any laboratory tests and controls which are considered necessary shall also be the subject of separate charges.

Australia, New Zealand and New Caledonia – Please note importation from all other countries must be via Australia, New Zealand or New Caledonia. After completion of the required quarantine in these countries an import permit may be applied for.

• The actual date of embarkation and the Airline / Flight number must be advised to:
  The Principal Veterinary Officer,
  Vanuatu Livestock and Quarantine Department,
  Private Mail Bag 9095,
  Port-Vila, Vanuatu
  Tel: +678 23 519,
  Fax: +678 23 185,
  E-mail: vqisvila@vanuatu.com.vu
• The animals must be transported direct without contact with any animal not of equivalent certified health status, from the port of departure in the exporting country to the port of entry in Vanuatu. Trans-shipment or offloading is permissible only in Australia, New Zealand or New Caledonia. In such circumstances the animals must remain in their cages and within the confines of the airport.
• Any animals imported into Vanuatu in contravention of any conditions of the Provisional Import will be seized and may be destroyed or re-exported at the owner's expense.
• In the period of five years preceding export, rabies has not been diagnosed in animals in the country of export.
• Before unloading the animals on arrival, the Provisional Import Permit and the documents required will be inspected by the Veterinary Officer of the Vanuatu Livestock and Quarantine Department.
• The animal(s) will be inspected and treated as necessary on arrival in Vanuatu by a Veterinary Officer and they may not leave the quarantine area of the airport until a Permit to Land (or Quarantine Order) has been issued by the Veterinary Officer.
• Females in advanced pregnancy (not more than 6 weeks pregnant) or suckling young, and weaned animals younger than sixteen weeks of age are ineligible for importation.
• No bedding of plant or animal origin can accompany the animal.

Declaration by Owner or Exporter required as follows:

• The animal has resided in the country of embarkation for at least six months prior to export, or since birth if less than six months of age.  The exception is animals who originate from other countries (ie not Australia, NZ or New Caledonia) that have completed the required quarantine in Australia/ NZ / New Caledonia, these animals are then able to apply for an import permit and comply with the Vanuatu import requirements.
• During the 30 day period immediately preceding the date of export the animal has been free from symptoms of disease and has not been in contact with any animal displaying symptoms of disease.

DOGS

The following dog breeds or cross breeds are not permitted to be imported into Vanuatu:

• Pit bull terrier or American pit bull
• Japanese Tosa
• Fila Brasileiro
• Dogo Argentino
• Presa Canario.

DOGS/CATS

• The dog/cat has resided in Australia/New Zealand/New Caledonia for at least 6 months prior to export, or since birth if less than 6 months of age OR;
• The dog/cat has resided in a country other than Australia/New Zealand/New Caledonia during the 6 months immediately preceding the date of shipment but completed post-arrival quarantine in Australia/New Zealand/New Caledonia.

The following breeds of dog are NOT PERMITTED for importation into Vanuatu:

• Pit bull terrier or American pit bull
• Japanese Tosa
• Fila Brasileiro
• Dogo Argentino
• Presa Canario

Pets must be imported from Australia, New Zealand, or New Caledonia.

 

Upon receipt of an application the person responsible for issuing a movement permit shall decide whether or not it will be necessary for the animals to undergo a veterinary inspection to ensure that they are in good health and free from acaracide.

Customs clearance is required upon arrival.  It is strongly suggested to engage the services of a customs agent to apply for possible exemption from duty or payment of associated customs fees.

Agents familiar with such clearances are:

Agent Gabriel Gauchet
Email: agentgauchet@vanuatu.com.vu

Right Freight Services
Ridley Daniel
Email: rfs@vanuatu.com.vu

For any further clarification please contact:

Customs and Inland Revenue Department
Nesta Shem
Email: nshem@vanuatu.gov.vu

Vanuatu Customs Brokers and Forwarders Association

Email: gauchet@vanuatu.com.vu, portvila@pcfagencies.com

Customs Office in Vanuatu

Customs Vila Air-Cargo Shed

Location: Bauer Field Airport
Port Vila
Tel: +678 22566
VoIP: 5007
Email: customsborder@vanuatu.gov.vu

Customs Vila-International

Location: Bauer field Airport
Port Vila
Tel: +678 23593
VoIP: 5007
Email: customsborder@vanuatu.gov.vu

Customs Santo Terminal

Location: Pekoa Airport
Santo
Tel: +678 33781
VoIP: 6517/6518
Email: customssanto@vanuatu.gov.vu