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Airgun law · World
Are Airguns Legal in Vanuatu?
Yes, but heavily regulated.
Legal in principle, yet the compliance burden is high — often firearm-grade steps for the airguns most people actually want.
Tier 2 — Major Restrictions
Full firearms-licence regime for the airguns most enthusiasts would actually buy.
VU
The picture at a glance
Each measure below scores how restrictive Vanuatu is on that part of owning or transferring an airgun, from permissive (green) to firearm-level (red).
ClassificationUnclear
Age rule18+
PossessionVariable
Transfer / saleVariable
TransportVariable
AuthorityUnclear
Before you buy or sell
- Air weapons are included in the customs firearms definition.
- Firearms import licence required for firearms/ammunition.
- Visitor import without written authority is high-risk.
The rules in detail
Classification
Unclear
Vanuatu's Firearms Act regulates possession, purchase, manufacture, sale, and import of firearms and ammunition. Customs Prohibited Import Regulations define firearms to include air weapons and components/accessories.
Age rule
18+
18+ practical adult baseline; exact firearms/air-weapon licence age should be locally confirmed.
Possession
Variable
Because air weapons are included in the customs definition of firearms, treat airguns as permit/licence-controlled rather than free possessions.
Transfer / sale
Variable
No person may import firearms or ammunition without a firearms import licence; sale and purchase are regulated under the Firearms Act.
Transport
Variable
Transport only with licence/permit documentation, unloaded and secured. Do not public-carry or display airguns.
Authority
Unclear
National Firearms Act and customs regime; police/customs authorities control import and licensing.
Hunting with an airgun
Unresolved.
Deer
Unresolved / not addressed
—
Turkey
Unresolved / not addressed
—
Small game
Unresolved / not addressed
—
Predators
Unresolved / not addressed
—
Other big game
Unresolved / not addressed
—
Import & travel
Local & import notes
Visitor procedure
Do not import an airgun without a permit/licence from the relevant authority. Vanuatu customs rules bar import of restricted goods, and the prohibited-import regulations include air weapons within the firearms definition.
This is a plain-language summary compiled from primary statutes and official guidance, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules vary, so verify the current rules with the relevant authority before buying, selling, or hunting.