Is Cannabis / THC legal in Vanuatu?
- Legal status
- Cannabis is a controlled drug under the Dangerous Drugs Act (Cap. 12) — trafficking carries imprisonment plus a fine; no legal recreational or medical regime; the maximum penalty is imprisonment
- Consequences if caught
- Cannabis is a controlled drug in Vanuatu under the Dangerous Drugs Act (Cap. 12) (Vanuatu), with no legal recreational regime. In Vanuatu, drugs fall under the Dangerous Drugs Act (Cap. 12). Trafficking carries imprisonment together with a fine; the precise terms are left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment. A primary statute portal for the current Ni-Vanuatu drug law was not located; this cell is sourced via the UNODC legal database (unodc.org/cld) and the Library of Congress pending a primary portal.
- If prescribed or medical
- Not a prescribed traveller medicine in this form.
- Documentation
- In Vanuatu, drugs fall under the Dangerous Drugs Act (Cap. 12). Trafficking carries imprisonment together with a fine; the precise terms are left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment. A primary statute portal for the current Ni-Vanuatu drug law was not located; this cell is sourced via the UNODC legal database (unodc.org/cld) and the Library of Congress pending a primary portal. Cannabis is a controlled drug under the same Act, with no legal recreational or medical regime. Carry any controlled medicine with its prescription and confirm requirements with your embassy before travel.
Drug laws and enforcement change and vary within a country. This is not legal advice. Always confirm with Vanuatu’s embassy or official drug authority before traveling; penalties can be severe, including imprisonment.
Before you travel
Verify current rules with the destination country’s official drug authority and your own country’s embassy before traveling. Find the destination’s U.S. embassy & official country guidance →
Non-U.S. travelers: check your own government’s travel advisory and embassy.
If you’re detained or arrested abroad
Contact your own country’s embassy or consulate in the destination immediately — not the destination’s authorities. U.S. citizens: contact the nearest U.S. embassy/consulate and the U.S. State Department at +1-202-501-4444 (from abroad). If a U.S. citizen is arrested or detained abroad →