£1 VUV 162
Today
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Weather & climate
Weather in Vanuatu
Vanuatu
30°
Slight rain showers
Thu
27°
30°
Fri
27°
29°
Sat
27°
29°
Sun
27°
30°
Mon
26°
29°
Tue
26°
28°
Wed
26°
28°
SPF level in Vanuatu
Recommended: SPF 50+ (extreme)
Spring
SPF 50+
Summer
SPF 50+ (extreme)
Autumn
SPF 50+
Winter
SPF 50+
Suncream is often more expensive in tourist zones. Pack your preferred SPF from the UK, especially for beach holidays. Always carry travel-size (100ml max) for hand luggage.
Before you go
Entry requirements for Vanuatu
What British travellers need to know
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months after the date you arrive in Vanuatu.
Check whether you need a visa by contacting the Vanuatu Department of Immigration and Passport Services before travel.
You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document.
You will be denied entry if you try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.
Check that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements with your travel provider before departure.
Good to know:
You must declare any goods that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty when entering Vanuatu.
When returning to the UK, you must carry a valid British passport or certificate of entitlement.
Safety in Vanuatu
Tips when travelling
Vanuatu is tourist-friendly but has some key cultural and legal rules:
Do not wear swimwear or beachwear away from the beach or your hotel, as it is culturally inappropriate.
Supermarkets are prohibited from selling alcohol from midday Saturday until Monday morning, though bars and hotels may serve it.
Take extra care when swimming as currents are strong, coral can cause injuries, and sharks are present in the waters.
Always use licensed operators for water sports and ensure you receive a safety briefing and check their credentials before starting.
Many roads are poorly surfaced and dangerous at night due to lack of lighting, pedestrians, and animals, so drive with caution.
Bonus tips:
If you travel to outer islands or remote beaches, you may need to pay a visiting or entry fee to the landowner.
Boats between islands are often unreliable and may lack proper safety certificates, so check before travelling by sea.
More information
Driving in Vanuatu
A UK driving license is valid for tourists for up to 30 days. An International Driving Permit is recommended if staying longer.
Side of road
right
Motorway speed limit
80 km/h
Urban speed limit
50 km/h
Alcohol limit
0%
Remember: Vanuatu drives on the right. Take extra care at junctions if you normally drive on the left.
Health in Vanuatu
Ensure you have comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical expenses, including repatriation, as healthcare facilities in Vanuatu may be limited, especially outside of Port Vila. Check your policy covers adventure activities if you plan to participate in them.
Consult your doctor regarding recommended vaccinations and malaria prevention before travelling to Vanuatu. Dengue fever and Zika virus are present, so take precautions to avoid mosquito bites. Drink bottled water, and ensure food is properly prepared to avoid stomach upsets. Medical facilities are limited, so travel insurance is essential.
Cards & payments
Credit card acceptance is limited, especially outside of Port Vila and Luganville. Major hotels, resorts, and some restaurants in tourist areas will accept cards. It is advisable to carry cash, particularly when visiting smaller islands or rural areas.
Visa
Medium
Mastercard
Medium
American Express
Low
Lost card? Call Visa: +1-303-967-1096
Tipping in Vanuatu
Tipping is not a widespread practice in Vanuatu, and it is generally not expected. However, it is becoming increasingly common in tourist-oriented establishments, especially with the rising number of international visitors. While not obligatory, a small tip for good service is always appreciated.
Restaurant
5-10% for exceptional service
Bar/Café
Small change or rounding up the bill for good service
Taxi
Rounding up the fare is appreciated, but not required
Hotel Porter
500-1000 VUV per service (~£3-£6)
Hotel Housekeeper
500-1000 VUV per day (~£3-£6), left at the end of the stay
Tour Guide
5-10% of the tour cost for excellent service
Mobile & roaming
Roaming charges can be very high in Vanuatu. Contact your mobile provider before travelling to understand the costs. EU roaming rules no longer apply post-Brexit, so standard international roaming rates will apply.
Local SIM
5GB for 5000 VUV (~£30)
Network coverage
4G, 3G, 2G
Electrical in Vanuatu
Voltage
220V / 50Hz
Plug types
Type I
WiFi & internet
WiFi is available in hotels, resorts, cafes and restaurants in Port Vila and Luganville. Coverage outside these main centres is limited.
Average speed
5 Mbps
While WiFi is available, speeds and reliability can vary. Purchasing a local SIM card for data access may provide a more consistent connection, especially if travelling outside of major towns.
Emergency numbers
Universal emergency
112
Police
22222
Ambulance
22222
Fire
22222
Save 112 in your phone before travelling.
Calling Vanuatu
Country code
+678
To call the British High Commission in Port Vila from the UK, you would dial 00 678 23100.
The country code for Vanuatu is 678. When calling from abroad, dial your international exit code (00 in the UK), then 678, followed by the local number.
UK Embassy
British High Commission Port Vila
Lolam House, Lini Highway, Port Vila, Vanuatu
Phone
Website
Frequently asked questions
While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, AtoBeach cannot be held responsible for any inaccuracies. We recommend verifying details with official sources before travelling.