Do You Need Vaccines to Travel to Vanuatu?

As of late 2022, travellers to Vanuatu no longer need to show proof of COVID-19 vaccination, recovery, or a negative test result. However, completing online travel registration before arrival is still required.

In the event of any policy change, we will update this page as well as our full guide on What Documents Do I Need to Travel to Vanuatu? LINK#TT079

Although the risk of contracting an infectious disease while visiting Vanuatu is low, some illnesses have been reported in rare cases among travellers. Mosquito-borne diseases such as dengue fever and chikungunya are possible, but no vaccines are currently available for prevention.

It’s still wise to ensure that your routine vaccinations are up to date, including boosters for adults, and to consider recommended travel vaccines for Vanuatu to stay protected. Schedule a visit to your travel clinic or GP 4-6 weeks before departure to get tailored advice.

When receiving vaccines for yourself or your children, keep a record, many clinics provide a “Travel Vaccination Passport” for convenience and proof.

Travel Vaccinations for Vanuata

Hepatitis A Vaccine

Hepatitis A spreads through food and water. While most people recover completely from hepatitis A, the vaccine is close to 100% protective.

Hepatitis B Vaccine

Hepatitis B spreads through blood and body fluids and is much more serious than hepatitis A. While treatment is complex, the prevention vaccine is highly effective.

Typhoid Vaccine

Typhoid is a disease spread through food and water where there have been minor typhoid outbreaks in Vanuatu in recent history. The typhoid vaccine typically lasts two years.

COVID-19 Vaccine

Although most of the population in Vanuatu is vaccinated against COVID-19, it can still be prevalent in travellers to and from the country. It's best to be vaccinated to prevent/decrease symptoms.

Routine Vaccinations

Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) Vaccine

The MMR vaccine is given to children as routine in many countries. The vaccine is recommended to anyone unvaccinated, as Vanuatu has experienced a measles epidemic in recent history. An adult booster is also recommended.

Tetanus, Diphtheria and Pertussis (TDAP) Vaccine

These airborne diseases are also spread through wounds. While this is a routine vaccination in children in many countries, an adult booster is recommended, particularly for pertussis.

Polio Vaccine

Polio spreads through food and water. The polio vaccine is considered routine for children in many countries. A single adult booster vaccine is recommended.

Meningitis Vaccine

Meningococcal disease, which causes meningitis, is an airborne disease that has been an issue in local communities in Vanuatu in recent years. The vaccine is recommended to anyone unvaccinated or at an increased risk.

While Vanuatu is generally safe for travellers, there are a few health issues that are slightly more common among visitors. Take a look at the list below to know what to watch out for during your trip. For more information on symptoms, see Vanuatu Safety Tips: Is it Safe to Travel to Vanuatu? LINK#TT046

Dengue Fever

Dengue fever is a mosquito-transmitted disease that has regular outbreaks in Vanuatu. While there is no vaccine for dengue fever, the best way to prevent it is to avoid being bitten by day-biting mosquitoes. See the 10 Best Insect Repellents for Vanuatu + How to Treat & Avoid Bites.

Chikungunya

Another mosquito-transmitted disease, chikungunya, has also had outbreaks in Vanuatu. There is no vaccine for chikungunya, but the best way to prevent it is to avoid mosquito bites. Again, see the 10 Best Insect Repellents for Vanuatu + How to Treat & Avoid Bites for prevention methods.

Zika Virus

Zika virus is a mosquito-transmitted disease that, although producing mild symptoms, can be severe for pregnant or breastfeeding women who can pass on the infection to their child with a risk of serious brain anomalies and microcephaly. Again, see the 10 Best Insect Repellents for Vanuatu + How to Treat & Avoid Bites for prevention methods.

Heatstroke

Heatstroke is caused by long periods of sun exposure. It can be prevented by applying high-factor sunscreen every three hours, covering up exposed skin, staying in the shade at midday, and drinking plenty of water. Check out our recommended sunscreens and sun protection advice in The Best Sunscreens for Vanuatu + Sun Protection Tips.

E. coli (Traveller’s Diarrhoea)

E. coli is a bacterium resulting from contaminated food and water. Precautions to take include boiling water for at least 10 minutes if the water is not from a safe source and washing hands regularly. See more tips for making sure you have access to safe drinking water in our guide, Is the Water Safe to Drink in Vanuatu?

Ciguatera

Ciguatera is fish poisoning caused by eating reef fish that have eaten particular types of seaweed. The best way to prevent it is to avoid eating reef fish; most restaurants and accommodations serve bluewater fish, which are not susceptible to carrying the disease.

Get more tips for staying safe and healthy using our Vanuatu Safety Tips LINK#TT046.