Oceania
Vanuatu
Adventurous islands: Tanna's active volcano, wreck diving off Santo, kava bars and strong kastom culture. Port Vila is still repairing damage from the December 2024 earthquake, and domestic flights are unreliable.
- US travel advisoryLevel 1Exercise normal precautionsDetails
- Visa119 of 198passports can visit visa-freeDetails
- CurrencyVUVUS$1 ≈ VT119.91Details
- Price level90%of US prices (World Bank PPP)
- English3/5Common in tourist areas
- PlugsType I220 V, 50 HzDetails
- Emergency111Police 111 · Ambulance 115 · Fire 113
- Tap waterFilter or boilTap water in Port Vila and Luganville is generally safe except after cyclones or ashfall; elsewhere drink boiled or bottled water.Details
- LGBTQ+LegalLegal but not widely accepted; there's no visible scene and public affection draws negative attention.Details
- DrivingOn the rightDrive on your home licence for up to 3 months; carry the physical card. Avoid driving at night.
Where to go in Vanuatu
1 place with full guides. Comfortable monthly budget for one person, rent included.
| Place | Safety | Month, comfortable | Best months | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Port VilaCapital city | 3/5 | $1,670–2,500 | May–Oct | 34/100 |
When to visit Vanuatu
May–October is cooler and drier; Pentecost land diving runs April–June. November–April is hot, wet cyclone season.
Good to know
Entry
- Many passports get a free tourist visa on arrival with a return ticket, booked accommodation and 6 months' passport validity; others apply online first.
- Tourist visas allow no work and can't be extended in Vanuatu.
Laws visitors break by accident
- Supermarkets can't sell alcohol from Saturday midday to Monday 7am
- Most land is customary: pay landowners' fees for beaches and sites
- Obscenity laws are strict; wear beachwear only at beaches and hotels
Etiquette
- Ask before entering villages, beaches or kastom sites; fees are normal
- Keep voices low in nakamals; kava drinking is quiet
- Cover shoulders and knees away from beaches
- Ask before photographing people and ceremonies
Tipping
Not expected and not part of local custom.
Sources
- US State Department travel advisory
- Vanuatu Department of Immigration
- Vanuatu Tourism Office
- UK FCDO travel advice: Vanuatu
- Smartraveller: Vanuatu
- World Bank open data
Country facts are researched by SoloSquare; advisory levels, crime, health and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.