Getting Here: How to Get to Vanuatu

Direct international flights to Vanuatu come from Australia, New Zealand, Fiji and New Caledonia. Most long-haul connections can be made via Australia, New Zealand or Fiji, while regional connections are available from New Caledonia.

Airlines, Routes and Duration of Flights to Vanuatu

The following airlines fly to Vanuatu on the following routes:

• Virgin Australia - Brisbane to Port Vila - 3 hours
• Qantas - Brisbane to Port Vila - 3 hours
• Jetstar Airways - Sydney to Port Vila - 3 hrs 15 mins
• Solomon Airlines - Brisbane to Espiritu Santo - 3 hrs 10 mins
• Solomon Airlines - Auckland to Port Vila - 3 hrs 15 mins
• Fiji Airways - Nadi to Port Vila - 1 hr 45 mins
• Air Calédonie / Aircalin - Nouméa to Port Vila - 1 hr 15 mins

Learn more about flights to Vanuatu in Which Airlines Fly Directly to Vanuatu?

Flight times are also listed in What Are the Flight Times to Vanuatu?

The International Airport in Vanuatu

The main international airport in Vanuatu is Bauerfield International Airport (VLI), located in the capital, Port Vila on Efate Island. Learn about the facilities and location of this airport in Airports in Vanuatu: Where Can You Fly to in Vanuatu?

Those arriving on an international flight at Bauerfield International Airport need to go through the standard arrivals process, including customs, immigration, and biosecurity.

Learn more about the formalities in our guide, Arriving in Vanuatu: Airport Customs, Biosecurity & the Arrival Process LINK#TT003.

Car rentals and airport transfers are available just outside the arrivals area at Bauerfield International Airport. It’s best to have transfers pre-booked, though car rental kiosks remain open for incoming flights. Otherwise, taxis and buses are readily available to take you to your accommodation.

Check out the 10 Best Airport Transfers in Vanuatu for all of your options.

You can also make domestic connections to Espiritu Santo (Santo) or smaller islands such as Tanna, Malekula or Efate outer islands through Bauerfield International Airport or via regional carriers like Air Vanuatu and Belair Airways, as well as with charter flight providers, like Unity Airlines and Air Taxi.

More information can be found in Domestic Flights in Vanuatu: Your Guide to Interisland Flights.

Vanuatu is on the itinerary of several South Pacific cruises from New Zealand, Australia and the US, as well as round-the-world cruises from Europe. There are several ports of call in Vanuatu, including Port Vila (Efate), Luganville (Espiritu Santo) and Mystery Island (Aneityum).

Cruises to Vanuatu

The following cruise companies offer cruises to Vanuatu:

• Royal Caribbean
• Carnival Cruise Line
• Princess Cruises
• Norwegian Cruise Line
• Holland America Line
• Oceania Cruises
• Seabourn
• Celebrity Cruises
• Cunard Cruises
• Regent Seven Seas Cruises
• MSC Cruises
• National Geographic - Lindblad Expeditions

Find out more about these cruises and where they depart in the 10 Best Cruises that Go to Vanuatu.

Ports of Call in Vanuatu

Key ports of call in Vanuatu include Port Vila Harbour, Luganville and Mystery Island. Cruise ships often dock directly at Luganville, while smaller islands like Mystery Island require tender transfers. While harbour facilities are under construction due to damage from the 2024 earthquake, tender transfers are also typically provided in Port Vila.

Tours, taxi drivers LINK#T038 and rental vehicles meet passengers outside of the cruise ship area, giving you plenty of options for getting around and discovering some of the Best Things to Do in Vanuatu LINK#TTD066 should you not want to venture too far.

Learn more about planning your visit to Vanuatu from a cruise ship with The Complete Guide to the Ports of Call in Vanuatu LINK#T012.

Finally, another way you can get to Vanuatu is on a sailing yacht. Vanuatu is ideally situated in the South Pacific, making it a popular stop for yachts travelling between Australia, New Zealand, Fiji and other Pacific islands.

The yachting season is generally between May and October, when the weather is drier and seas are calmer.

Vanuatu Sailing Formalities

All yachts arriving from overseas need to inform Customs of their arrival at least 24hours prior to their ETA. There are four ports of entry in Vanuatu:

• Port Vila: Port Vila Harbour (Efate) – 17o 44′ South, 168o 19′ East
• Luganville: Segond Channel (Espiritu Santo) – 15o 31′ South, 167o 11′ East
• Lenakel: Lenakel (Tanna) – 19o 32′ South, 169o 16′ East
• Sola: Sola (Vanua Lava, Banks Islands) – 13o 52′ South, 167o 33′ East

Yachts clearing in at unofficial ports like Port Resolution (Tanna) must arrange with Customs first and arrange the necessary fees.

All yachts must go through a clearance process, flying the yellow Q flag and reporting to Customs immediately before being granted an Inter-Island Cruising Permit.

For more details on sailing formalities, see our Sailing Guide to Vanuatu: Tips for Yachting in Vanuatu.

Now that you know about how to get to Vanuatu, here are the answers to the internet's frequently asked questions about travelling to Vanuatu!

What Airlines Fly to Vanuatu?

Several airlines operate flights to Vanuatu, including New Caledonie / Air Calin, Jetstar Airways, Virgin Australia, Solomon Airlines, Qantas and Fiji Airways. Most international flights arrive at Bauerfield Airport in Port Vila.

For a detailed guide on routes, airlines, and direct flights, check out our article Which Airlines Fly Directly to Vanuatu?

Do I Need a Visa to Visit Vanuatu?

Most visitors can enter Vanuatu visa-free for stays up to 30 days, including citizens from Australia, New Zealand, the UK, and many other countries. You'll need a valid passport with at least six months' validity and proof of onward travel.

Check out Vanuatu Tourist Visa: Do You Need a Visa to Visit Vanuatu? to learn more.

How Long is the Flight to Vanuatu from Australia?

Flight times to Vanuatu vary depending on your departure city. From Sydney, it's approximately 3 hrs 5 mins and from Brisbane around 2 hrs 45 mins. These are direct flight times to Port Vila.

For more details on flight durations from other cities and tips for planning your trip, check out our article What are the Flight Times to Vanuatu?

Can You Fly Directly to Vanuatu from New Zealand?

Yes, you can fly directly to Vanuatu from Auckland with Solomon Airlines. The flight takes approximately 3 hrs 15 mins.

For more information on direct flight options from New Zealand and other countries, see our article Which Airlines Fly Directly to Vanuatu?

When is the best time to find cheaper flights to Vanuatu?

For lower airfares, consider travelling during the shoulder months of May, September, or October. Flights from Australia, New Zealand, or Fiji are typically more affordable outside peak school holidays and festive periods. Booking in advance can also help secure better deals.

For more tips on timing your trip, see our guide: The Best Time to Visit Vanuatu: A Month-by-Month Guide.