Discover
Vanuatu with this essential travel guide, covering culture, safety,
visas, and the best times to visit. Explore active volcanoes, blue
holes, coral reefs and rich Melanesian traditions across these
stunning South Pacific islands.
Country: Vanuatu
Continent / Region: Oceania / Melanesia
Capital City: Port Vila
Government Type: Parliamentary republic
Population: ~330,000
Official Language(s): Bislama, English, French
Percentage of Population Who Speak English: Around 55–60%
Currency: Vanuatu Vatu (VUV)
Time Zone (GMT): GMT+11
Driving Side: Right
Electric Plug Type / Voltage: Type I plugs, 230V
Adapter Needed: Yes — UK travellers require an adapter
Emergency Numbers: 111 (police), 112 (ambulance & fire)
Travel Time from the UK (London): Approx. 26–32 hours (two or three connections)
Best Time/Months to Travel: May – October (dry season); November – April is cyclone season
Main International Airports:
Visa Requirements: Visa-free entry for UK citizens
Visa Needed for UK Citizens: Not required for visits up to 30 days
Visa Duration / Cost: Free entry upon arrival
Vaccinations Needed: Routine vaccines; hepatitis A, typhoid; dengue precautions advisable
Embassy Information (UK Embassy for Vanuatu):
Average Daily Costs (Budget / Mid-range / Luxury): £40 / £85 / £180+ per person
Tipping Culture: Not expected; tipping is optional and appreciated
Public Transport Options: Buses, taxis, ferries, inter-island flights
Approx. Cost of Single Fare: Bus rides £1–£2; taxi fares vary, typically £5–£15
Internet / SIM Availability: Good in Port Vila and Luganville; Digicel and Vodafone operate nationwide
Main Climate Type: Tropical rainforest climate
Average Temperature Range (by Season):
• Dry Season (May–Oct): 22–29 °C
• Wet Season (Nov–Apr): 24–32 °C, humid with heavy rainfall
Major Cities: Port Vila, Luganville
Natural Attractions: Mount Yasur volcano (Tanna), Champagne Beach, Blue Holes of Santo, Millennium Cave, Mele Cascades
Popular Tourist Destinations: Efate, Tanna, Espiritu Santo, Port Vila, Hideaway Island
Main Religions: Christianity (predominantly Protestant), indigenous beliefs
Cultural Etiquette / Customs: Dress modestly in villages; always ask before photographing locals; avoid entering private land without permission; showing respect to chiefs is important
National Dishes / Cuisine Highlights: Lap-lap, tuluk, coconut crab, island-style fish, taro, yam, fresh tropical fruit
Local Festivals / Public Holidays: Naghol Land Diving (Pentecost), Back to My Roots Festival, Independence Day (July 30), Toka Festival
Famous Landmarks / Heritage Sites: Chief Roi Mata’s Domain (UNESCO), Mount Yasur, Blue Holes, Million Dollar Point
Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe; petty theft possible in urban areas
Common Scams / Warnings: Overpriced taxis, boat trip overcharging, unofficial guides
Health Risks: Dengue, Zika, food- and water-borne illnesses; limited medical facilities on smaller islands
Recommended Travel Clinics: Vila Central Hospital (Port Vila), Northern Provincial Hospital (Espiritu Santo)
Travel Insurance Recommendation: Strongly recommended — include volcanic activity and adventure cover
Internet Speed / Connectivity: Good in main towns; slower on remote islands
Useful Phrases:
Must-See Attractions: Mount Yasur volcano, Blue Holes, Champagne Beach, Mele Cascades, Hideaway Island
Unique Experiences: Volcano viewing at night, land diving (Naghol), cultural village tours, WWII wreck diving, blue hole swimming
Hidden Gems / Off-the-Beaten Path: Gaua Island, Ambrym volcanoes, Millennium Cave, Pele Island, remote kastom villages
Popular Areas to Stay: Port Vila (resorts & hotels), Espiritu Santo (beach retreats), Tanna Island (eco-lodges)
Average Hotel Prices (Budget / Mid-range / Luxury): £30 / £70 / £170+ per night
Book A Hotel: You can book your accommodation right here.
Popular Nightlife Areas: Port Vila waterfront bars, resort lounges, Luganville cafés
Local Drinks / Bars to Try: Kava, Tusker beer, tropical cocktails
Entertainment Options: Fire shows, cultural performances, beach bars, night markets
Car Rental Availability: Available in main cities; roads can be uneven on rural islands
Domestic Flights / Trains: Good inter-island flight network; no rail system
Average Taxi / Ride Share Costs: £3–£12 depending on distance; negotiate fares when possible
Best Markets / Districts: Port Vila Market, Luganville Market, Handicraft Village
Local Crafts / Souvenirs: Wood carvings, woven baskets, jewellery, masks, shells, artisan crafts
Local SIM Card Providers: Digicel, Vodafone
Typical Business Hours: Mon–Fri 8 a.m.–5 p.m.; Sat mornings; small shops vary
Tap Water Safety: Not recommended — use bottled or boiled water
Local Apps to Download:
Did You Know?: Vanuatu is home to one of the world’s most accessible active volcanoes — Mount Yasur, where visitors can safely stand on the rim and watch eruptions.