Pet import requirements for Vanuatu

Vanuatu at a glance

The detail

Best Airport: Air Vanuatu is a popular airline. Vanuatu (of ficially the Republic of Vanuatu), is an island country in Melanesia located in the South Pacific Ocean. The animal for export is at least sixteen (16) weeks of age.

Import requirements

The animal for export is at least sixteen (16) weeks of age.

Import - Dogs Import - Cats

Additional Requirements

Import of Live Animals requirements;

• Health Certificate
• Import Permit (if applicable to destination)
• Vaccination Record

Note: Live Animals MUST NOT be imported as baggage. Live Animals are not permitted for carriage in the passenger cabin, this in cludes service dogs. All Live Animals must travel as Cargo only.

You will want to follow this protocol to begin the process - https://tradeportal.gov.vu/objective/6?l=en&embed=true&includeSearch=true#smenu69

Please refer to this document for an overview - https://faolex.fao.org/docs/pdf/van37977.pdf

• The animal must be consigned to Vanuatu by air as manifested cargo.
• The actual date of embarkation and the Airline / Flight number must be advised to the Principal Veterinary Officer, Biosecurity Vanuatu, Private Mail Bag 9086, Port-Vila, Vanuatu Telephone (678) 33580, E-mail: biosecurity@vanuatu.gov.vu at the earliest opportunity and at least one working day before embarkation.

• The animals must be transported in accordance with the recommendations for Transport of Live Animals of the Office International des Epizooties (OIE) and the International Air Transport Association (IATA) Live Animal regulations as appropriate.
• 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.

• Females in advanced pregnancy or suckling young, and weaned animals younger than sixteen weeks of age are in eligible for importation.
• The animal(s) will be in spected 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 him/her.

• Any animals imported into Vanuatu in contravention of any conditions of the Provisional Import Permit (of which this schedule forms a part) will be seized and may be destroyed or re-exported at the owner's expense.
• The Provisional Import Permit is valid only for the importation/s specified in Appendix 1. Any change in details or circumstances must be notified to the Principal Veterinary Officer, who may endorse the Provisional Import Permit accordingly.

• The Provisional Import Permit may be cancelled at any time before shipment should the animal health and quarantine status of the exporting country change.

You must follow all guidelines.

The commercial importation of *live animals* is restricted and limited to certain *species* only into *Vanuatu*. An import permit is required. Contact the island directly for more in formation.

Live Animals must be imported from Australia, New Zealand, or New Caledonia. The importation into Vanuatu through any customs channel, in cluding transit of dogs or cats whose country of origin is in fected with rabies is hereby prohibited. Any country which does not appear on the list at Schedule 1 of territories free from these in fections for at least 3 years shall be deemed to be in fected with rabies and boophilusmicroplus.

Pet travelers are required to apply for a Permit of Import or Export to be allowed to enter or leave Vanuatu with a pet. Actual date of embarkation and the airline / flight must be advised to the Principal Veterinary Officer at least one working day before embarkation.

Identification and microchip

Yes, Cats and dogs in tended for import must be identified by a microchip that can be read by an ISO compatible reader. It is vital that you ensure accurate recording of microchip numbers in cats and dogs in tended for import. Identity verification, in cluding scanning of the microchip, by the exporting country’s competent authority as part of the import permit application process.

Also Australia, New Zealand and New Caledonia all require that your pet be microchipped.

Rabies and vaccinations

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.

Vaccination dates must be at least 14 days and not more than twelve months prior to export. The minimum period of 14 days does not apply in the case of revaccination. The previous vaccination history must be attached to this health certificate.

IN THE CASE OF A DOG: Is fully vaccinated against distemper, hepatitis, canine parvovirus and parainfluenza in fection according to the manufacturer’s in structions. The vaccination was given at least fourteen (14) days prior to export, and not more than twelve (12) months prior to export in the case of a primary course the final vaccination was given at twelve (12) weeks of age or older.

IN THE CASE OF A CAT: Is fully vaccinated against feline enteritis (panleukopenia), feline calicivirus and feline herpesvirus 1 according to the manufacturer’s in structions: the vaccination was given at least fourteen (14) days prior to export, and not more than twelve (12) months prior to export. In the case of a primary course the final vaccination was given at twelve (12) weeks of age or older.

Tests and treatments

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.

Pet was treated twice at the manufacturer’s recommended dosage by a veterinarian with a product (or combination of products) registered for the control of nematodes and cestodes. The first treatment was given in the thirty (30) days immediately before shipment and at least two (2) weeks before a second treatment, which was given within three (3) days of the date of departure; Within three (3) days of departure the animal was treated at the manufacturer’s recommended dose by a veterinarian for in ternal parasites with a product (or combination of products) registered for the control of nematodes and cestodes: treated at the manufacturer’s recommended dose within three days of departure with an approved to pical ectoparasiticide capable of killing ticks, lice and fleas. In addition the pet was examined within three days of departure and found to be free of clinical signs of in fectious disease and visibly free of ectoparasites (especially ticks).

Health certificate and permits

DOCUMENTS FOR IMPORT OF CATS OR DOGS. Dogs and cats imported from countries whose names appear on the list at Schedule 1 shall be accompanied by-(a)a statutory declaration by the owner giving a description of each animal and naming the district of origin and attesting that-each animal has been free from disease during the 12 months before shipment or since birth;(ii)each animal has not during the 12 months before shipment been in contact with dogs or cats suffering or suspected of suffering from any contagious disease; a health certificate issued less than 5 days before the embarkation of the animal by the of ficial veterinary department of the country of origin con-firming the above description and attesting that-(a)each animal has been examined and found to be in a good state of health and free of any skin disease and parasites;(b) in the case of any dogs over 4 month's old, that it has been vaccinated against canine distemper and in fectious canine hepatitis;(c) in the case of any cat over 2 month's old, that it has been vaccinated against typhus (in fectious leucopenia)

Yes required.

Import fees - https://biosecurity.gov.vu/index.php/fees-charges/biosecurity-fees

https://tradeportal.gov.vu/procedure/516/step/898?l=en&embed=true&includeSearch=true

Import Permit

https://biosecurity.gov.vu/index.php/imports/obtain-an-important-permit

Australia

Health Certificate - Dogs

Health Certificate - Cats

*Please note these Health Certificates mention pets from the UK but they are no longer to come directly into Vanuatu.

Quarantine

Yes - As soon as any animal arrives in Vanuatu it shall immediately be taken under the control of the veterinary in spector to the quarantine station or to the holding specified on the provisional import authorization. The veterinary in spector 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 in spector 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 in clude the cost of any treatment administered by the veterinary in spectors 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.

Restrictions and banned breeds

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 of floading 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 in spected by the Veterinary Officer of the Vanuatu Livestock and Quarantine Department.
• The animal(s) will be in spected 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 in eligible 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 in spection to ensure that they are in good health and free from acaracide.

Customs, agents, and airports

Yes, required and you will want to follow this protocol - https://tradeportal.gov.vu/objective/6?l=en&embed=true&includeSearch=true#smenu69

Best Airport: Air Vanuatu is a popular airline. International flights into Vanuatu arrive at the Baurfield International Airport on the island of Efate, approximately 10 minutes from Port Vila. Taxis and shuttle transfers available from the airport to nearby resorts around the island. Bauerfield International Airport is the largest airport in Vanuatu. In total there are 21 airports around the world that have direct flights to Port Vila, spread around 21 cities in 5 countries. Currently, there are 14 domestic flights to Port Vila. VLI is the airport code.

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

Export notes

Apply for a Permit of Export to the Biosecurity Department of Vanuatu.

The vet below may be able to assist with health requirements - https://www.samsanimalwelfare.com/

https://www.facebook.com/p/Veterinary-Clinic-Vanuatu-100057568204691/

Other pets / CITES / extra rules

Yes. Refer to CITES for more in formation.

For import requirements on Bovines, Sheep, Rabbits, Horses, Pigs, Goats and Birds please refer HERE for more specific in formation and details.

List of steps

• Contact a Registered VeSW user
• Submit application ( Single Window System)

• Receive Import Permit
• Submits application - Concession 220

• Receive Concession 220 Approval Letter
• Obtain airway bill

• Contract a Customs Broker
• Declare cargo (Single Window System)

• Obtain clearance (green)
• Obtain in voice

• Pay Vanuatu Terminal service discharge fees
• Submit release documents

Animals which do not comply with the conditions laid down in this Act by the country’s biosecurity may not be unloaded in Vanuatu. If they arrive by air they shall either be sent back to their country of origin or slaughtered in accordance with the in structions of a veterinary in spector. The cost of transport, slaughter and destruction of animals shall be paid by the importer without prejudice to any penalties to which he may be liable.

Apply for a Permit of Export to the Biosecurity Department of Vanuatu.

The vet below may be able to assist with health requirements - https://www.samsanimalwelfare.com/

https://www.facebook.com/p/Veterinary-Clinic-Vanuatu-100057568204691/

Official contacts

Mr. Sam Armstrong

• Principal Biosecurity Officer *

Department of Biosecurity Vanuatu, Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries, Forestry and Biosecurity

PMB 9086 Port Vila Vanuatu

Phone: 678-23519

Mobile: 678-7638902

Email: asam@vanuatu.gov.vu

Alternate Email: astaio9@gmail.com

Preferred languages: English

Website: http://biosecurity.gov.vu

biosecurity@vanuatu.gov.vu

biosecurity.gov.vu

Biosecurity Vanuatu

Airport, road Port Vila, Port Vila

Tel: +678 23519

Email: biosecurity@vanuatu.gov.vu

Website: https://biosecurity.gov.vu/

Biosecurity Offices in Vanuatu

Port Vila Headquaters

Biosecurity Vanuatu

PMB 9086, Tagabe Road, Port Vila.

(678) 33 580 | (678) 23519

biosecurity@vanuatu.gov.vu

(678) 23185

Customs Vila-International

Biosecurity North

P O Box 271, Luganville.

(678) 33818 | (678) 36223

biosecurity@vanuatu.gov.vu

Department of Agriculture and Rural Development

Airport Road, P.M.B 9040,

Port Vila, Vanuatu

Tel: +678 33 550 / 22 432 / 22 525

Email: agriculturestaff@vanuatu.gov.vu

Website

Biosecurity Vanuatu

P.M.B 9095, Airport Road,

Port Vila, Vanuatu

Tel: +678 23 130 / 23 519

Email: benquiry@vanuatu.gov.vu

or

Port Vila Headquarters, Luganville Office

PMB 9086, Tagabe Road, Port Vila.

Biosecurity North,

Po Box 271, Luganville.

Tel: +678 33 580 / 23 519

Santo phone: +678 33 818

Email: biosecurity@vanuatu.gov.vu

Livestock Department

P.M.B 9095, Airport Road,

Port Vila, Vanuatu

Tel: +678 23 519 / 33 585

Email: livestockstaff@vanuatu.gov.vu

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

Senior Veterinary Officer

Biosecurity Vanuatu

Roger Phillips

Port Vila

PMB 9086

VANUATU

Tel: +678 23 519 Mob: 775 1353

Email: rphillips@vanuatu.gov.vu

Principal Veterinary Officer

Biosecurity Vanuatu

Ian Peebles

Port Vila

PMB 9086

VANUATU

Tel: +678 23 519 Mob: 736 5091

Email: ipeebles@vanuatu.gov.vu

Current as of 2019

Disclaimer

Import rules change without much warning. Confirm every vaccine date, test, permit, and crate routing with the destination veterinary authority before you travel. This page is a planning brief for Furry Freight customers, last checked against the IPATA country profile dated 2025-01-09.

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