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10,020 mi away
£1 VUV 161
Today
9:24 pm
+11h from you
Weather & climate
Weather in Vanuatu
Vanuatu
28°
Light drizzle
Sat
23°
28°
Sun
23°
27°
Mon
22°
26°
Tue
24°
27°
Wed
24°
27°
Thu
24°
27°
Fri
24°
27°
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 away from beaches and hotels.
Supermarkets are not allowed to sell alcohol from midday Saturday to 7am Monday.
Always ask permission before taking someone's photograph.
Be prepared to pay an entry fee at most beaches and a 'visiting fee' to landowners when travelling off the beaten track.
Use only licensed operators for water sports and check their safety credentials and insurance cover before signing up.
Bonus tips:
Some local kava bars, particularly outside Port Vila, do not welcome women.
Avoid driving at night due to poor road surfaces, a lack of street lighting, and the presence of pedestrians and animals.
Stay connected on your trip
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.
No vaccinations required
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
UK adapter needed
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.
Languages in Vanuatu
UK Embassy
British High Commission Port Vila
Lolam House, Lini Highway, Port Vila, Vanuatu
Phone
Website
Recent updates
Airports in Vanuatu
Beaches in Vanuatu
Frequently asked questions
British citizens can enter Vanuatu without a visa for stays of up to 30 days. Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay and that you have proof of onward travel.
Vanuatu is generally a safe place to visit. However, petty crime can occur, especially in urban areas. Take precautions like not leaving valuables unattended and avoiding walking alone at night. Vanuatu is prone to natural disasters, especially cyclones and earthquakes, so monitor local news and follow any official advice.
The best time to visit Vanuatu is during the dry season, which runs from May to October. The weather is cooler and drier, making it ideal for outdoor activities like hiking and diving. The wet season (November to April) can be hot and humid, with a higher risk of cyclones.
Lightweight, breathable clothing is recommended due to the tropical climate. Pack swimwear, shorts, t-shirts, and a light rain jacket. If visiting villages, dress modestly, covering your shoulders and knees out of respect for local customs. Sun protection is also essential.
It is generally not recommended to drink tap water in Vanuatu. Stick to bottled water, which is readily available in most tourist areas. When eating out, ensure that food is properly cooked and prepared to avoid any stomach upsets.
While Vanuatu is generally safe, be aware of potential scams. Overcharging for goods or services, especially at markets or by taxi drivers, can occur. It's a good idea to agree on a price beforehand. Also, be wary of overly friendly locals offering unsolicited assistance, as they may be looking to take advantage of you.
Vanuatu offers a range of activities including diving and snorkelling in its clear waters, exploring active volcanoes like Mount Yasur on Tanna Island, visiting cultural villages to learn about local traditions, relaxing on beautiful beaches, and hiking through lush rainforests. There is something for every traveller.
Respect local customs by dressing modestly when visiting villages. Ask for permission before taking photographs of people. Kava is a traditional drink with cultural significance; if offered, accept it respectfully. Avoid loud or disruptive behaviour in public places, especially at night.
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.