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Travel Alert: Limited Outbound International Flight Options from Port Vila, Vanuatu
14 MINUTE READ
August 10, 2020

LOCATION: Vanuatu

U.S. citizens, U.S. permanent residents, and holders of valid U.S. visas who are currently in Vanuatu and wish to return to the United States—or transit the United States en route to the third country—are advised to read this message carefully.

Air Vanuatu recently announced the resumption of very limited international passenger services for outbound travelers in conjunction with the government of Vanuatu’s repatriation flights for Vanuatu citizens.

U.S. citizens, U.S. permanent residents, and U.S. visa holders who wish to depart Vanuatu en route to the United States—or to another country to which there are viable commercial connections—are advised to take advantage of these flights to the greatest extent possible, as there is no guarantee on when Vanuatu will re-open its international borders.

If you choose not to take advantage of these flights, you should be prepared to remain in Vanuatu indefinitely until regular non-repatriation commercial flights resume.

All prospective outbound travelers are advised to go in person to Vanuatu’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Port Vila to register their interest in the flights, and then make their booking directly with Air Vanuatu.

Travelers must make their bookings in person at Air Vanuatu’s offices. Online booking services are not expected to be available.

U.S. citizens, U.S. permanent residents, and U.S. visa holders are also urged to complete our Repatriation Interest Form, if they have not done so already.  This will enable the Embassy to follow up with you directly and, if needed, to liaise with government officials regarding travel on the outbound flights.

Please note that all travelers are responsible for making their own arrangements and for ensuring they are eligible to transit any third country.  The U.S. Embassy is not coordinating these flights, and is not liable for any delays or disruption in travel.

AIR VANUATU FLIGHT SCHEDULE:

Please see the official schedule here.

Wednesday, 12th August 2020
NF850 – Port Vila to Auckland, New Zealand
Departs Port Vila at 0700

Thursday, 13th August 2020
NF850 – Port Vila to Auckland
Departs Port Vila at 0700

Saturday, 15th August 2020
NF820 – Port Vila to Brisbane, Australia
Departs Port Vila at 0700

Monday, 17th August 2020
NF850 – Port Vila to Auckland, New Zealand
Departs Port Vila at 0700

Wednesday, 19th August 2020
NF850 – Port Vila to Auckland, New Zealand
Departs Port Vila at 0700

Thursday, 20th August 2020
NF850 – Port Vila to Auckland, New Zealand
Departs Port Vila at 0700

Saturday, 22nd August 2020
NF820 – Port Vila to Brisbane, Australia
Departs Port Vila at 0700

Monday, 24th August 2020
NF850 – Port Vila to Auckland, New Zealand
Departs Port Vila at 0700

Wednesday, 26th August 2020
NF850 – Port Vila to Auckland, New Zealand
Departs Port Vila at 0700

TRANSIT OPTIONS FROM AUCKLAND AND BRISBANE:

There are multiple international transit options available for qualified travelers who wish to take use the above-referenced flights to return to the United States or transit the United States en route to another country.

The flights to Auckland are likely the best option for most travelers, as Air New Zealand offers onward flights to Los Angeles daily.  However, there are also multiple options for onward flights from Brisbane.

Please pay close attention to transit requirements further below.

From Auckland

Air New Zealand – Auckland (AKL) to Los Angeles (LAX)

Flights available on August 12, 13, 17, 19, 20, 24, 26
Departs Auckland at 2130

From Brisbane

Air New Zealand – Brisbane (BNE) to Auckland (AKL) and Auckland to Los Angeles (LAX)

Flights available on August 15 and 22
Departs Brisbane at 1215
Departs Auckland at 2130

Qatar Airways – Brisbane (BNE) to Doha (DOH) and Doha to multiple U.S. destinations

Flights available on August 16 and 23
Departs Brisbane at 2130
Please note: This option would require a Subclass 771 visa, an overnight stay, and quarantine for the duration of transit in Brisbane

Emirates – Brisbane (BNE) to Dubai (DXB) and Dubai to multiple U.S. destinations

Flights available on August 16 and 23
Departs Brisbane at 2120
Please note: This option would require a Subclass 771 visa, an overnight stay, and quarantine for the duration of transit in Brisbane

TRANSIT REQUIREMENTS FOR NEW ZEALAND AND AUSTRALIA:

New Zealand

  • Transiting U.S. citizens must have a valid NZeTA
  • Transiting passengers must be able to complete their transit in less than 24 hours and are not allowed to leave the airport
  • See New Zealand Immigration for authoritative information

Australia

  • U.S. citizens may transit Australia without a visa if their transit time is less than eight (8) hours. Transit times of greater than eight (8) hours require a valid Subclass 771 visa
  • Any passenger whose transit is greater than 72 hours must obtain an exemption from the Australian Border Force. Transit times of less than 72 hours do not require an exemption
  • Any passenger whose transit is greater than eight (8) hours will be directed to quarantine in a designated hotel for the duration of their transit. Quarantines of greater than 24 hours or more will be billed to the traveller
  • See Australia Home Affairs for authoritative information

ACTIONS TO TAKE:

  • If you intend to depart Vanuatu on the above-referenced flights, register your interest with Vanuatu’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs
  • Consult directly Air Vanuatu, with other airlines, and/or with a travel agent to find commercial options and make reservations to the United States or another final destination, as applicable
  • If your itinerary transits New Zealand, obtain a New Zealand Electronic Travel Authorization, and note that you must complete your transit in less than 24 hours and you are not allowed to leave the airport
  • If your itinerary requires a transit time in Australia of more than eight hours and you do not already have and ETA or valid visa, obtain a Subclass 771 transit visa
  • If your itinerary transits Australia and you cannot complete your transfer within an 72 hour window, obtain an exemption from the Australian Border Force in advance of your travel based on a confirmed reservation
  • Consult the CDC website for the most up-to-date information
  • For the most recent information on what you can do to reduce your risk of contracting COVID-19, please see the CDC’s latest recommendations
  • Visit the COVID-19 crisis page on travel.state.gov for the latest information.
  • Visit our Embassy webpage on COVID-19 for information on conditions in Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, and Vanuatu

ASSISTANCE:

U.S. Embassy Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea

Phone number: +675 308 2100

Email address: ConsularPortMoresby@state.gov

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/usembassyportmoresby/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/usembassypom?lang=en

 

U.S. Consular Agency in Honiara, Solomon Islands

Phone number: + 677 27429 or + 677 74 94731

Email address: us_consular@usconsular.com.sb and keithieusa@usconsular.com.sb

 

U.S. State Department – Consular Affairs
+1 888 407 4747 or +1 202 501 4444

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