Oceania · MelanesiaOutline guideCountry in Oceania
Photo: via Wikimedia Commons, Public domain
Vanuatu (previously known as the New Hebrides Islands) is an archipelago nation in the southwest Pacific Ocean. The archipelago more than 80 islands includes deserted sand beaches, remote beauty, tribal communities and world-class deep-sea diving.
Answers to what travellers most often look up about Vanuatu.
Cards and cash
Credit cards and debit cards on the major networks (Cirrus, Maestro, etc.) are accepted by many businesses in Port Vila, but rarely elsewhere.
Tipping
Tipping is not expected in Vanuatu, nor is haggling or bargaining; it is not the custom and only encourages a "master-servant" relationship.
Bislama, English, French
There are three official languages in Vanuatu: English, French and Bislama.
You can buy special visitor SIM cards from TVI, which offer considerable discounts over roaming charges.
Tap water in Port-Vila is clean and potable, but is best avoided elsewhere.
It is advisable to be immunised against Hepatitis A and B and typhoid fever before visiting Vanuatu.
Throughout Vanuatu, and especially outside of Port-Vila in the villages, life is strongly influenced by "kastom", a set of traditional customs and taboos that apply to all kinds of matters.
Covered in the guide
Attractions, food, stays and travel essentials, with ratings, reviews, opening hours and directions.
Epi Island is an island in Vanuatu.
Vanuatu's biggest island, and popular with divers. It boasts shipwrecks for scuba diving, delightful beaches, coconut plantations, jungle and traditional villages where young men still engage in age-old rituals to celebrate their coming of age, and where women are provided with special places to stay for the time they menstruate. Champagne Beach can compete with any other beach in the South Pacific, and is therefore one of the most popular places to visit.
Places in Vanuatu on the World Heritage List.
Chief Roi Mata’s Domain
Listed 2008
List from Wikidata (CC0). Photos from Wikimedia Commons.
Public transport and paid services in Vanuatu.
By boat
Vanuatu's 83 islands are woven together by a web of passenger and cargo ferries. Operators include Vanuatu Ferry (tel.
By bus
Public buses, really shared taxis that take passengers point to point, operate within and around Port Vila and Luganville only. There are no long-distance buses.
By plane
The only scheduled domestic flights are operated by Air Vanuatu.
By car
Renting your own car is the most flexible option for getting around Efate, which has a 140 km paved ring road around the island.
Apps for booking a taxi or a ride in Vanuatu.
Finding apps for Vanuatu…
Choose an airport to see hotels, stations, taxi ranks and car rental desks around it.
Port Vila · International · VLI
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Calculated from climate averages: mild daytime highs and lower rainfall. It does not account for festivals, crowds or prices.
Average conditions in Port Vila
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg. high | 28° | 29° | 28° | 28° | 27° | 26° | 25° | 25° | 25° | 26° | 27° | 28° |
| Avg. low | 27° | 28° | 28° | 27° | 26° | 25° | 24° | 24° | 24° | 25° | 26° | 27° |
| Rainfall (mm) | 197 | 173 | 232 | 204 | 110 | 98 | 69 | 61 | 59 | 94 | 110 | 139 |
| Humidity | 80% | 80% | 81% | 81% | 79% | 80% | 78% | 78% | 78% | 79% | 79% | 79% |
Choose your passport and destination to see whether you need a visa.
Budget
$90
Per person, per day
Mid-range
$255
Per person, per day
Luxury
$665
Per person, per day
| Budget | Mid-range | Luxury | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | $45 | $140 | $385 |
| Food and drink | $25 | $60 | $140 |
| Local transport | $10 | $25 | $60 |
| Activities | $10 | $30 | $80 |
Estimate from World Bank price levels (2025). Actual costs vary by city and season. World Bank
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We do not label countries as safe or unsafe. Below is the official advice from two governments, with the date it was last updated. Always read the full advice before you travel.
US Department of State
Level 1 of 4Exercise normal precautions
Exercise normal precaution in Vanuatu. Vanuatu is generally a safe destination for travelers. Infrastructure and roads in Port Vila and the surrounding area were damaged during the December 2024 earthquake, with repairs in progress.
UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
No advice against travel. Read the full advice before you go.
Global travel impacts due to escalation in the Middle East Escalation in the Middle East has caused widespread travel disruption, including airspace closures, delayed and cancelled flights. Your travel plans may be affected, even if your destination is not in the Middle East. Before you travel: check travel advice for any countries or territories you are transiting through check for the latest updates from your airline or tour operator review your travel insurance policy for coverage monitor local and international media for the latest information and sign up for travel advice email alerts Before you travel No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide. You may also find it helpful to: see general advice for women travellers read our guide on disability and travel abroad see general advice for LGBT+ travellers read about safety for solo and independent travel see advice on volunteering and adventure travel abroad Travel insurance If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency. About FCDO travel advice The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) provides advice about risks of travel to help you make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice. Get travel advice updates Sign up to get email notifications when this travel advice is updated. Follow FCDO: travel advice on X travel advice on Facebook Travel Aware on Instagram
Stories, itineraries and practical advice for travelling in Vanuatu.
Nature & adventureScuba diving is an activity in which you swim underwater for extended periods using self-contained underwater breathing apparatus, hence the acronym scuba.
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