Entry Requirements
Visa requirements for Vanuatu depend on which passport you hold. Check the Traveller visa tool to see whether your passport needs a visa and, if so, how long you can stay.
Check if you need a visa for VanuatuEmergency Numbers
- Police
- 22222
- Ambulance
- 22100
Currency
- Name
- Vanuatu Vatu
- Code
- VUV
- Symbol
- Vt
ATMs in Port Vila. Cash preferred on outer islands. AUD and NZD accepted in tourist areas. Cards accepted at main hotels.
Power Outlets
- Outlet type
- Type I
- Voltage
- 230V
- Frequency
- 50Hz
Time Zone
VUT (UTC+11) — no daylight saving
Best Time to Visit
April–September is the cooler, drier season. April–June is prime for the Naghol (land diving) ceremony on Pentecost Island — the inspiration for bungee jumping. Mount Yasur on Tanna Island (one of the world's most accessible active volcanoes) is dramatic year-round. Cyclone season runs November–April.
Tipping Customs
| Venue | Typical | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Restaurants | 10% | Not strongly expected but appreciated |
| Village guides | $10 USD per day | — |
| Volcano tours (Yasur) | $5–10 USD | — |
Dress Code
- Modest dress in villages — Vanuatu people are traditional and conservative outside Port Vila
- Cover up when leaving beach areas
- Naghol ceremony: spectators should dress modestly
Social Etiquette
- Kastom (custom) — traditional Melanesian culture and law — governs life outside the cities; always follow local guidance
- Naghol (land diving) is a sacred male rite of passage on Pentecost, performed April–June; watch with genuine respect
- Mount Yasur is one of the few places on earth where you can stand at the rim of an active volcano safely — an unforgettable experience
- Kava bars (nakamals) open at sunset throughout the islands — kava is Vanuatu's social and ceremonial drink
Local Laws
Laws change. Verify current rules with your country's official travel advisory before departure.
- Kastom law operates alongside civil law in villages — disputes may be resolved by village chiefs
- LGBTQ+ activity is not explicitly criminalised under national law but kastom rules in many communities are conservative
- Photography of Naghol and some custom ceremonies requires permission and may require a fee
Common Phrases
| English | Local | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| Hello (Bislama) | Halo! / Gud moning! | HAH-loh / good MOR-ning |
| Thank you (Bislama) | Tankyu tumas | TANK-yoo TOO-mahs |
| Please (Bislama) | Plis | PLEES |
| How are you? (Bislama) | Yu orait? | yoo oh-RITE |
| Beautiful (Bislama) | Nais tumas | NICE too-MAHS |
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