Last update: 12 Oct 2026
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Vanuatu Summary
These place ratings give you a quick overview of how well a destination matches different types of trips.
‘Best for’ scores:
The specific interest scores show where this place really shines – whether it's ideal for hiking, food & drink experiences, museums or other activities. These highlights help you understand what makes the destination special at a glance.
‘Your personal’ scores:
This reflects how well a place matches your personal preferences. You can adjust the importances of travel topics or other personal requirements categories in your account settings.
‘Suited for’ badges:
These give you a quick overview of how well a destination suits specific types of travellers, to help you find the places that match your lifestyle, preferences or travel situation.
Suited for
Vanuatu – Quick facts
| Power Grid: |
240 V, 50 Hz Plug: Type I
Type I:
 Read about power adapters |
|---|---|
| Currency: |
Vanuatu Vatu (VUV) £1 ≈ VUV 158 |
| Cashless info: |
Rating 3/5
Cashless payments are accepted in larger businesses, but cash is widely used in Vanuatu.
Save with a travel credit card |
| eSIM providers: |
Best value: Saily Flexibility: Airalo Read our in-depth comparison |
| Tipping: | Tipping is not mandatory in Vanuatu, but small tips are appreciated in restaurants and for hotel service. |
|---|---|
| Public drinking: | Public drinking is allowed in Vanuatu, though it is recommended to drink alcohol in designated areas or licensed venues. |
| Public smoking: | Smoking is allowed in designated smoking areas, but smoking indoors in public spaces is prohibited. |
| Independence Day (30 July) |
Commemorates Vanuatu’s independence from Britain and France |
|---|---|
| Labour Day (1 May) |
Celebrates workers’ rights |
| Emergency contact: | Emergency Number: 112 |
|---|---|
| Taxi apps: | Bolt |
| Other: | Vanuatu is known for its pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and volcanic landscapes, offering a serene and remote travel experience. |
Best times to travel
The best times to travel section shows how the months compare for a visit, so you can find the time of year that fits what you want to do.
Background colours of the months:
The colour shows the typical temperature: yellow (hot), green (mild) and blue (cold). How strong the colour is shows the travel season: full colour means high season, soft colour means shoulder season and soft-striped means off season.
Weather symbols:
Each month has one symbol showing what the weather is typically like, such as hot and sunny, freezing or a rainy or snowy season. Use them to quickly spot months that match the weather you want, or to avoid the ones that don't.
Crowdedness:
The people icon shows how busy the place usually is. The more people, the more crowded it gets.
Additional notes:
The grey info boxes point out special things worth knowing, like recurring weather issues or seasonal events.
for Vanuatu, Vanuatu
Cyclone season November to April, highest risk January to March, flight and ferry disruptions are common
Dry season May to October is best for beaches, diving and hiking; wet season brings heavy rain and humidity
Land diving (Pentecost Island) takes place on Saturdays from April to June
Don't miss
- 🌋 Hike to the rim of Mount Yasur, the world’s most accessible volcano
- 🤿 Snorkel the blue waters and coral reefs of Champagne Beach
- 💧 Swim in the magical blue holes near Espiritu Santo
- 🥥 Experience a traditional village dance and kava ceremony
- ⚓ Dive World War II wrecks in the waters off Santo
- 🏖️ Relax on the palm-lined beaches of Efate Island
You've been here?
Log in to manage your own bucket list! Why travel to Vanuatu?
What makes Vanuatu truly special is its remarkable combination of natural wonders and cultural authenticity with relatively few tourists – only about 45,000 visitors annually. The islands offer everything from world-class diving and snorkeling in crystal-clear waters to hiking through lush rainforests and witnessing the power of active volcanoes. The Ni-Vanuatu people are known for their warm hospitality and maintaining strong traditional customs across the archipelago's diverse islands. However, travelers should be aware that Vanuatu faces significant challenges from natural disasters, which cost the country approximately 6% of its GDP annually. The nation is among the most vulnerable to climate change globally, with cyclones posing a particular threat during the wet season from October to March. Additionally, while the natural beauty is abundant, the cost of living isn't cheap – many products must be imported due to the country's small size, making some everyday items quite expensive compared to neighboring destinations.
🏯Places worth seeing
🎡Places for activities
🏞️Natural landmarks
-
1
Mount Yasur
Active volcano Mount Yasur erupts constantly, spewing ash and lava into the night sky. The crater glows red-orange, surrounded by lush rainforest and dramatic volcanic landscapes that feel otherworldly and alive. -
2
Champagne Beach
-
3
Lelepa Island
-
4
Lonnoc Beach
-
5
Matevulu Blue Hole
-
6
Mele Cascades
-
7
Nanda Blue Hole
🛍️Shopping
🎈Events
-
Naghol Land Diving Festival
-
Toka Festival
-
Back to My Roots Festival
-
Vanuatu Arts Festival
-
Independence Day Celebrations
-
Yam Festival
-
Fanla Rom Dance
-
Nekowiar Festival
-
Vanuatu Cultural Festival
-
Vanuatu Agricultural Show
Knowledge before you go
- Visa-free 30 days. Many nationalities enter without prior tourist visa approval.
- Book flights early; limited connections through Fiji or New Caledonia to Port Vila.
- Pack mosquito repellent and reef-safe sunscreen for island hopping and diving adventures.
- Join local kastom ceremonies on Tanna Island for authentic fire-ceremony and village life.
How to travel to Vanuatu
Most international visitors arrive in Vanuatu through Bauerfield International Airport in Port Vila on Efate Island. Direct flights connect from Australia, New Zealand, Fiji and New Caledonia, with airlines including Virgin Australia and Air Vanuatu (though note that Air Vanuatu has recently faced liquidation issues as of 2024, so check current status). From the airport, taxis to Port Vila cost approximately VUV 2,000 (£12.55). Cruise ships also dock at Port Vila, offering another way to visit the main island. For travelers planning to visit multiple islands, it's advisable to arrange domestic connections in advance, as flights between islands can have limited schedules and fill up quickly during peak tourist season.
Access summary
- Fly Port Vila VLI from Australia/NZ; taxis to city.
- From Fiji/New Caledonia: Direct flights to VLI/Sono.
- Air Vanuatu based VLI; no major alliance, regional flights.
Check your route from anywhere
Where to stay in Vanuatu
Accommodation in Vanuatu ranges from luxury resorts to mid-range hotels and budget guesthouses, with options concentrated in Port Vila and other tourist areas. Prices are relatively high compared to some Asian destinations, with basic rooms starting around VUV 5,000 – 8,000 (£31.38 – 50.20) per night and resort rooms ranging from VUV 17,000 – 24,000 (£106.68 – 150.60). Outside the main islands, options become more limited and basic. For a unique experience, some islands offer traditional-style bungalows or homestays in villages, providing cultural immersion alongside basic amenities.
Hotel recommendations
*by rating and popularity. Commissions have no influence on the rankings.
How to get around Vanuatu
Getting around Vanuatu requires some planning due to its archipelago nature. For inter-island travel, domestic flights operated by local airlines connect the major islands, though schedules can be limited and a provincial departure tax of VUV 200 (£1.26) must be paid at the airport. Boats and ferries also connect some islands, particularly those closer to Efate. Within islands, taxis are available in Port Vila and some larger towns, with a typical ride in Port Vila costing around VUV 500 (£3.14). Local buses (actually minivans with a 'B' on the license plate) are an affordable option in Port Vila at VUV 150 (£0.94) per ride. For exploring more remote areas, consider renting a car or joining organized tours.
Budget snapshot
Costs compared to home
We calculate the average costs when travelling to destinations and compare those with the living costs at your home. With this you can get an estimate of how expensive or cheap the destination is for you.
To customise this, you can set up which location and price level are used for the calculations in your account settings.
Daily expenses in Vanuatu are around 23% lower than the average across United States. That means you'll spend considerably less on meals and getting around.
Exchange rate trend
The exchange rate price factor shows how expensive or cheap a currency currently is compared to its historical average. It's a quick way to see if a country is currently more or less affordable due to exchange rate changes.
Your exchange rate (GBP to VUV) is 6% better than in recent years. That means travelling now is cheaper compared to the past.
Travel costs
To help you plan your trip, we provide estimated daily costs per person (when travelling as a pair) for different travel styles. These numbers give you an idea of what you might spend each day at this destination, including accommodation, food, transport and activities.
Additionally, we also provide average hotel costs for different travel styles to give you an estimate for the accommodation only.
Please note that these are only estimates. The real costs depend on booking times, season and other factors.
To help you plan your trip, we provide estimated daily costs per person (when travelling as a pair) for different travel styles. These numbers give you an idea of what you might spend each day at this destination, including accommodation, food, transport and activities.
Additionally, we also provide average hotel costs for different travel styles to give you an estimate for the accommodation only.
Please note that these are only estimates. The real costs depend on booking times, season and other factors.
Daily cost summary
Travel style categories explained:
Backpacker:
Staying in hostels or budget hotels, cooking your own meals or eating cheap and choosing low-cost activities.
Mid-range:
Staying in mid-range hotels, eating at a mix of restaurants and casual spots and enjoying a variety of activities.
Luxury:
Staying in luxury hotels, dining out at high-end restaurants and enjoying premium experiences without worrying about the price.
Travel style categories explained:
Backpacker:
Staying in hostels or budget hotels, cooking your own meals or eating cheap and choosing low-cost activities.
Mid-range:
Staying in mid-range hotels, eating at a mix of restaurants and casual spots and enjoying a variety of activities.
Luxury:
Staying in luxury hotels, dining out at high-end restaurants and enjoying premium experiences without worrying about the price.
| Backpacker | Mid-range | Luxury | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 💵 Total costs per day, including accommodation | |||
| 🏨 Accommodation per night, per person | |||
| 🍝 Food per day | |||
| 🚕 Transportation per day |
Food & Drink
| 🍽️ Restaurant Dinner, per person | |
|---|---|
| 🍛 Lunch Set, per person | |
| 🍟 Fast food combo | |
| 🍝 Preparing your own food, per day | |
| ☕ Cappuccino | |
| 🍺 Beer in a restaurant, 0.5 l |
Transportation
| 🚌 Public transport ticket | |
|---|---|
| 🚕 Taxi Ride, 10 km / 6 mi | |
| ⛽ Petrol, 1 l |
Other
| 🎞️ Cinema ticket | |
|---|---|
| 👩⚕️ Doctor's consult | |
| 🤧 Cold medication | |
| 💇 Basic haircut |
Safety information overview
General safety
Vanuatu is generally safe with low crime rates, though petty theft can occur in urban areas. The main safety concerns relate to natural hazards including cyclones, volcanic activity and earthquakes. Always follow local advice regarding natural disaster warnings and evacuation procedures.
Health & Medical
Medical facilities in Vanuatu are limited, with basic care available in Port Vila but few resources on outer islands. Comprehensive travel insurance with evacuation coverage is essential. Mosquito-borne illnesses including dengue fever are present, so take precautions against insect bites.
Accessibility
Accessibility infrastructure is minimal throughout Vanuatu. Major resorts may offer basic accommodations for mobility-impaired travelers, but most natural attractions, villages and transportation options present significant challenges. Advance planning and possibly hiring assistance is recommended.
Tap water
Tap water quality varies throughout Vanuatu and is generally not recommended for drinking. Stick to bottled water, which is widely available in tourist areas but may be harder to find on remote islands. When traveling to outer islands, carry water purification tablets.
Packing recommendations for Vanuatu
Log in to add this place to a travel list and get a summary of all recommended items for your whole trip.
📷
Camera
👟
Comfortable walking shoes
🌞
Sun cream
high SPF
👕
Light, breathable clothing
🧥
Waterproof jacket
🕶️
Sunglasses
🪰
Insect repellent
🧕
Modest clothing covering shoulders and knees
for village visits
🤿
Snorkelling gear
🔋
Power bank
🩹
Basic first aid kit
👒
Sun hat
📃
Travel insurance
🪪
Copies of passport and important documents
💤
Sleeping bag
📱
Travel eSIM
🔌
Universal travel adaptor
🩺
Prescription medicines
💳
Credit card with no foreign transaction fees
🛂
Passport
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