- Local time
- 23:39
- Currency
- Vanuatu Vatu (VUV)
- Capital
- Port Vila
- Calling code
- +678
- Drive on the
- right
Overview
Vanuatu is an archipelago of about 83 islands with active volcanoes, strong kastom traditions, wreck diving and quiet beaches. Most visitors stay around Port Vila; the outer islands take time and patience.
Vanuatu stretches across about 83 islands in the south-west Pacific, a 2½-hour flight from Brisbane. Most visitors stay in resorts around Port Vila on Efate, the small capital and tourism hub, or arrive for a day on a cruise ship. Beyond it lie the sights that reward the extra effort: Mount Yasur on Tanna, an active volcano you can approach; the wreck of the SS President Coolidge off Espiritu Santo, at only 21 m; Champagne Beach on Santo; the volcanoes and carvings of Ambrym; and Pentecost, the spiritual birthplace of bungee jumping.
Village life is guided by kastom, a set of traditional customs and taboos, and more than 100 indigenous languages are still spoken; Bislama, a pidgin, is understood everywhere. Travel between islands is slow and irregular, and goods made for tourists cost Australian prices. The rainy and cyclone season runs from November to April.
- Mount Yasur, Tanna: An active volcano that visitors can get close to, on an island with strong traditions.
- SS President Coolidge: A famous wreck dive at a depth of just 21 m off Espiritu Santo.
- Champagne Beach: One of the most popular beaches, on Espiritu Santo.
- Port Vila: The small capital on Efate, with resorts, restaurants and a paved ring road around the island.
- Ambrym: Active volcanoes, lava lakes and village artwork.
- Malekula: Kastom dances of the Small Nambas and Big Nambas peoples.
Places to visit
- City
- Island
Cities
- Port Vila: The small capital on Efate and the main tourism hub, with accommodation in every price range.
- Luganville: The second town and main port, on Espiritu Santo, visited mostly by divers.
Beyond the cities
- Espiritu Santo (island): The biggest island: wreck diving, beaches, plantations, jungle and traditional villages.
- Tanna (island): Home of Mount Yasur, waterfalls and traditional villages.
- Efate (island): The island of Port Vila, where most visitors begin.
- Ambrym (island): Active volcanoes, lava lakes and village artwork, with traditional bungalows.
- Pentecost (island): The spiritual birthplace of bungee jumping.
- Malekula (island): Traditional cultures and kastom dances.
- Gaua (island): The largest of the Banks Islands, with the Siri waterfall fed by Lake Letas.
Regions
- Torba: The Torres and Banks islands in the far north.
- Sanma: Espiritu Santo and Malo.
- Penama: Pentecost, Ambae and Maewo.
- Malampa: Malekula, Ambrym and Paama.
- Shefa: The Shepherd group and Efate.
- Tafea: Tanna, Aniwa, Futuna, Erromango and Aneityum.
Things to do
See
- Mount Yasur Tanna: An active volcano you can approach; day trips by charter from Port Vila are expensive.
- Kastom dances Malekula: Ritual dances of the Small Nambas and Big Nambas; ask about photo fees first.
- Siri waterfall Gaua: Fed by Lake Letas, the country's biggest crater lake.
Do
- Wreck diving Espiritu Santo: The SS President Coolidge lies at just 21 m; check your operator's safety standards.
- Champagne Beach Espiritu Santo: One of the most popular beaches in the country.
- Drive around Efate Efate: A 140 km paved ring road around the island of Port Vila.
Eat
- Local markets Port Vila: Lap lap and tuluk for a few hundred vatu, and cheap tropical fruit.
Drink
- Kava in a nakamal: Strong fresh-root kava, drunk in whispers in dim kava bars; start with small shells.
Climate and best time to visit
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Max °C | 30 | 30 | 30 | 29 | 28 | 27 | 26 | 26 | 27 | 28 | 29 | 30 |
| Min °C | 23 | 24 | 23 | 23 | 21 | 21 | 20 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 22 | 22 |
| Rain mm | 296 | 312 | 330 | 215 | 151 | 161 | 103 | 101 | 87 | 117 | 154 | 196 |
Vanuatu runs from hot and humid in the north to milder and drier in the south. In Port Vila the average maximum is about 30 °C in January and 26 °C in July and August. January to April is the wettest period, with more than 200 mm of rain a month and over 300 mm in March, while September has under 90 mm.
May to October is cooler and drier. The rainy and cyclone season runs from November to April, though cyclones also occur outside it. Tourism peaks from July to December; from January to June prices are often discounted.
Holidays and events
- 1 January 2026 · New Year's Day
- 21 February 2026 · Father Walter Lini Day
- 5 March 2026 · Custom Chief's Day
- 3 April 2026 · Good Friday
- 6 April 2026 · Easter Monday
- 1 May 2026 · Labour Day
- 14 May 2026 · Ascension Day
- 24 July 2026 · Children's Day
- 30 July 2026 · Independence Day
- 15 August 2026 · Assumption Day
- 5 October 2026 · Constitution Day
- 29 November 2026 · National Unity Day
- 25 December 2026 · Christmas Day
- 26 December 2026 · Family Day
Getting around
| Main airports | VLI, SON |
|---|
Getting around is always an adventure, so leave slack in your plans. Domestic flights are sparse and can change at short notice because of weather or volcanic ash; charter airlines run day tours, for example to Tanna, at high prices. Ferries link the islands roughly weekly, with irregular departures and few comforts: bring food, water and a sleeping mat, pay in vatu cash, and check the boat's safety before boarding. Shared-taxi buses run only around Port Vila and Luganville; taxis are metered.
On Efate a rental car is the most flexible option; traffic drives on the right and foreign licences are accepted for up to 3 months, though Canada advises carrying an International Driving Permit. Roads outside Efate and Santo are gravel or dirt tracks, with pedestrians and animals on the road: avoid driving at night.
Flying to Vanuatu? PartnerCompare fares and find the cheapest datesSearch flightsWhere to stay
- Resorts: Western-branded resorts around Port Vila cost about A$200 to A$400 a night; luxury villas much more.
- Guest houses: On the outer islands, around 2,000 VT a night, often with meals and laundry included.
- Motels: Budget options in Port Vila and Luganville.
- Traditional bungalows: On islands such as Ambrym.
Port Vila has accommodation in all price ranges; Tanna and Santo have a few hotels and resorts, and elsewhere you will mostly find basic guest houses. Packages and the low season, January to June, bring better deals. Some hotels let you pay in Australian dollars, which can save on exchange.
Eat and drink
Dishes to try
- Lap lap: The national dish: grated root vegetables baked in banana leaves on hot stones.
- Tuluk: Lap lap rolled around meat, sold warm at markets.
- Simboro: A vegetarian version with coconut milk, wrapped in taro leaves.
- Steak: Local beef is naturally reared and highly regarded.
- Reef fish and lobster: Excellent seafood; snapper is called poulet fish.
Drinks
- Kava: Made from fresh root and much stronger than elsewhere in the Pacific; do not mix it with alcohol.
- Tusker: The local beer.
| Tipping | Not expected, and neither is haggling. Small gifts are appreciated. |
|---|
Port Vila has many restaurants, with French cooking common. Coconut crabs are protected in most areas, with a minimum legal size. Take-away alcohol cannot be sold from Saturday midday until Monday morning, though bars and hotels still serve.
Entry requirements and visas
| Passport validity | At least 6 months after the date you arrive |
|---|
| Passport | Entry | Max stay | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canada | Visa free | 30 days | No tourist visa for up to 30 days; show an onward ticket and proof of funds. |
| United Kingdom | Visa free | 30 days | Commonwealth citizens are visa-exempt according to Wikivoyage; the UK government says to check with Vanuatu Immigration. |
| EU / EEA | Visa free | 30 days | Visa-exempt according to Wikivoyage. |
| Australia | Visa free | 30 days | Commonwealth citizens are visa-exempt according to Wikivoyage. |
Other nationalities: check the official source below.
Many nationalities, including Commonwealth and EU citizens, get an initial stay of up to 30 days on arrival, which can be extended a month at a time up to 4 months. You need a passport valid for 6 months, an onward ticket and confirmed accommodation, and Canada adds proof of funds. Declare anything prohibited or dutiable. Rules depend on your passport and can change: check with the Vanuatu Department of Immigration and Passport Services before you book.
Money and payments
| Currency | Vanuatu Vatu (VUV) |
|---|---|
| Cards | Limited |
The currency is the vatu (VUV, VT), which is hard to exchange outside Vanuatu, so change only what you need. Cards work in many businesses in Port Vila and Luganville, often with a surcharge of 3 to 5%, but rarely elsewhere. ATMs are in Port Vila and Luganville; banks charge a flat 700 VT fee for foreign cards. Some places in Port Vila accept Australian dollars. Prices for tourists are at Australian levels: in 2025 a basic burger meal cost about 2,000 VT.
Health
| Recommended vaccines | Routine vaccines, including measles (MMR), Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Typhoid, Rabies, only for some travellers: ask a travel clinic |
|---|---|
| Malaria | Widespread |
| Tap water | Varies |
The CDC recommends malaria prevention for travel to Vanuatu: talk to a travel health professional before you go. Dengue and chikungunya are also present, especially in the wet season. Tap water in Port Vila is drinkable, but avoid it elsewhere, and bottled water is hard to find outside the towns. Clean and cover small cuts, which infect easily.
Medical facilities are basic; serious cases are evacuated to Australia or New Zealand. Divers should know that the two recompression chambers are both in Port Vila. For an ambulance, call 115.
This is general information, not medical advice: check with a travel health professional before you go.
Safety
- United States: Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions (2026-10-20)
- Canada: Take normal security precautions (2026-10-20)
- United Kingdom: No advice against travel (2026-10-20)
Crime is generally low, but there have been burglaries with violence and attacks on tourists at bars and nightclubs in Port Vila. Women should avoid travelling alone at night, on public transport and on isolated beaches. Watch for card and ATM fraud.
Sea currents can be very strong, there are sharks, especially around Espiritu Santo and Malekula, and stonefish on the reefs. Use licensed dive and water-sports operators. Inter-island boats often lack safety equipment. Vanuatu is on the Ring of Fire, with earthquakes and active volcanoes; an earthquake damaged Port Vila in December 2024. Check volcano alert levels before visiting Tanna or Ambrym, and follow local authorities in the cyclone season.
Customs and etiquette
Life outside Port Vila follows kastom, traditional customs and taboos: respect any request made in its name. Land ownership matters, and off the beaten track, or at many beaches, you may be asked for a visiting fee. Dress conservatively and keep beachwear for the beach; women should cover shoulders and knees in villages. Ask before photographing anyone, and ask about fees before filming ceremonies.
Stay calm: showing anger gets you nowhere. Ask open questions ("Where is the road to X?"), because people tend to agree rather than contradict you. Some nakamals, especially outside Port Vila, do not welcome women. Kava is banned from entry to the UK.
Language
| Official languages | Bislama, English, French |
|---|---|
| English | Common |
| I can't speak Bislama | Mi no save tok Bislama mee no SAH-veh tok bis-LAH-ma |
|---|
What to pack
- Malaria prevention and repellent: The CDC recommends malaria medicine for Vanuatu.
- A torch and spare batteries: Only about 30% of the country has reliable mains power.
- Light clothes, a pullover and a rain jacket: Practical, modest clothes suit the islands.
- Food, water and a sleeping mat for ferries: Inter-island boats offer few comforts.
- Vatu in cash: Cards rarely work outside Port Vila and Luganville.
Quick reference
Country facts
| Capital | Port Vila |
|---|---|
| Population | 335,169 (2025) |
| Area | 12,189 km² |
| Time zone | Pacific/Efate (UTC+11) |
| Calling code | +678 |
| Driving side | right |
Staying connected
| SIM and eSIM | SIM cards from Vodafone and Digicel are sold at Port Vila airport; a 4G network exists but coverage varies across the country. |
|---|---|
| Roaming | Ask your provider whether your phone will work; roaming from Australia and New Zealand is available. |
| Wi-Fi | Internet cafés are found in Port Vila and Luganville. |
Emergency numbers
| Police | 111 or 22222 |
|---|---|
| Ambulance | 115 |
| Fire | 113 |
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a visa for Vanuatu?
Many visitors, including Canadians and Commonwealth and EU citizens, get up to 30 days on arrival with an onward ticket and booked accommodation. Check with Vanuatu Immigration before you book.
Is there malaria in Vanuatu?
Yes. The CDC recommends preventive medicine; ask a travel health professional.
Can I drink the tap water?
In Port Vila, yes. Elsewhere avoid it, and remember bottled water is scarce outside the towns.
How do I get between the islands?
By irregular domestic flights, charter flights or slow weekly ferries. Leave plenty of slack in your plans.
When is the best time to visit Vanuatu?
May to October is cooler and drier; November to April is the rainy and cyclone season, with lower prices from January to June.
Sources This guide was last checked on · 16 sources
- Wikivoyage: Vanuatu · Overview, Places to visit, Things to do, Climate and best time to visit, Getting around, Where to stay, Eat and drink, Entry requirements and visas, Money and payments, Health, Safety, Customs and etiquette, Language, What to pack, Staying connected, Frequently asked questions
- UK FCDO: Vanuatu safety and security · Things to do, Getting around, Safety, Customs and etiquette, Staying connected
- WMO World Weather Information Service: Port Vila · Climate and best time to visit
- Government of Canada: Vanuatu travel advice (updated 13 October 2026) · Climate and best time to visit, Getting around, Entry requirements and visas, Money and payments, Safety, Customs and etiquette, Frequently asked questions
- Nager.Date: public holidays in Vanuatu, 2026 · Holidays and events
- UK FCDO: Vanuatu entry requirements · Entry requirements and visas, Frequently asked questions
- Wikidata · Money and payments, Country facts
- ISO 4217 (SIX), published 2026-09-17 · Money and payments
- CDC Travelers' Health: Vanuatu · Health, Frequently asked questions
- UK FCDO: Vanuatu health · Health, What to pack
- US Department of State: Vanuatu travel advisory · Safety
- UK FCDO: Vanuatu travel advice · Safety
- World Bank, SP.POP.TOTL · Country facts
- World Bank, AG.LND.TOTL.K2 · Country facts
- IANA Time Zone Database, zone.tab · Country facts
- UK FCDO: Vanuatu getting help · Emergency numbers
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