Vanuatu

Översikt

Capital: Port Vila (pop. 53,000)
Population: 335,169 (2025 est.)
Religions: Protestant 39.9%, Roman Catholic 12.1%, Apostolic 2.3%, and Church of Jesus Christ 1.8%
Languages: Local languages (more than 100), Bislama (creole), English, French
Time Zone: UTC+11
Driving side: Right
Calling code: +678
Electrical plug(s): Type I

Pengar

The local currency in Vanuatu is Vatu (VUV). As of 6 October 2026 100 VUV is equal to 0.83 USD. In addition to the local currency, AUD may be accepted for payment in some places.

Currency exchange can be done at airports and banks.

Travellers should be prepared to use credit or debit card payments in urban areas and cash in rural areas. Credit cards are widely accepted in urban areas, however many establishments in rural areas operate on a cash-only basis. Credit cards are accepted in urban areas only. ATMs are only available in urban and/or tourist areas.

Banking hours typically run from 0800 until 1500 Monday to Friday.

Tipping is not encouraged. Ask the taxi driver for a rate before hopping in.

El

The power supply in Vanuatu is less than reliable. Electricity operates on 220V at 50Hz or on 240V at 50Hz using plug type(s) I. Electricity may not be widely available outside of urban centres such as Port Vila and Luganville.

Pass

Most travellers will need a passport to enter Vanuatu. The passport must be valid for at least six months after the date of arrival.

Visum

A visa on arrival scheme is in place for select travellers, but often depends on nationality, purpose of travel and port of entry. All other travellers will need to obtain a visa from the nearest embassy or consulate or apply online (e-visa) prior to travel.

Entry visa requirements vary based on nationality, purpose of travel and other factors. Individual travellers are responsible for ensuring that they comply with all visa requirements, which should be confirmed with authorities at their destination prior to travel.

Visas on Arrival

Visa on Arrival: Nationals from select countries can obtain a visitor visa for up to 30 or 90 days on arrival to enter Vanuatu. However, they must meet the conditions of a visitor visa on arrival. Generally, travellers may only enter visa-free for tourism-related visits.

Visas

Entry Visa (tourism): Foreign nationals intending to enter Vanuatu for up to 120 days for the purpose of tourism may apply for a Tourist Visa.

Lokal resor

Overview

Vanuatu's main airport is Bauerfield International Airport (VLI/NVV), located in the capital Port Vila. The second largest airport is Santo-Pekoa International Airport (SON/NVSS), located in Luganville. Minibuses and taxis are available in urban areas. It is possible to self-drive, but the road network is mostly unpaved. To travel between the islands, small boats and passenger ships operate regular services.

Travel Safety

Air Travel

Vanuatu's main airport and primary access to the rest of the country is Bauerfield International Airport (VLI/NVVV), located in the capital Port Vila. The second-largest airport is Santo-Pekoa International Airport (SON/NVSS), located in Luganville on Espiritu Santo island. Virgin Australia Airlines, Fiji Airways, Solomon Airlines and Aircalin offer direct flights between Vanuatu, Australia, New Zealand and other Pacific islands.

Air Vanuatu, the national carrier based at Port Vila’s Bauerfield International Airport (VLI/NVVV), was liquidated. The airline suspended international flights but has resumed chartered flights on domestic routes.

Identification

Most travellers will need a passport to enter Vanuatu. The passport must be valid for at least six months after the date of arrival.
Travellers with passports where gender is indicated as "neutral" may be denied entry. Contact the nearest embassy, high commission or consulate to confirm if entry is allowed with passports where gender is indicated as "neutral". The country's laws on LGBTQ people are conservative, and overall social acceptance is low. Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer travellers in Vanuatu might face legal and social difficulties.

Road Travel

Traffic moves on the right in Vanuatu. The speed limit is 50 kph (30 mph) in urban areas and 80 kph (50 mph) in rural areas. It's illegal to drive with a blood alcohol level above zero. The network of paved roads in Vanuatu is concentrated around the larger towns of Luganville and Port Vila. Efate Island has a good paved road, known as a ring road, that goes around the island. Most of Vanuatu's roads are not paved, narrow and unlit, making night driving dangerous.

Rail Travel

There is no rail transport on any of Vanuatu’s islands.

Public Transport

Minibuses and taxis offer efficient services for travelling within the islands. Travellers have to rely on boats or passenger ships to move between the islands.

Ferries and Boats: Small dinghies with outboard motors and banana boats make some trips between the islands. The passenger ships, Vanuatu Ferry and Big Sista, run regular services between Port Vila and Luganville, stopping at Malekula along the way, with trips lasting about 24 hours.

Taxis: Taxis are identified with a "T" on the number plate. Taxis are plentiful in the capital Port Vila. DJ Taxi Services is a taxi company operating 27/7 in Port Vila.

Vehicle Hire: Local and international car hire firms have offices in major urban centres and airports. A valid driving licence from your country is required to rent a vehicle. Due to the state of the roads, which are mostly unpaved, a 4WD vehicle is recommended.

Minibuses: The most common form of Vanuatu’s public transport is minibuses, identified with a "B" on the number plate. They constantly patrol all roads in Port Vila and Luganville. Minibuses generally operate near the main resorts in Vanuatu but they can also be flagged down anywhere on the road.