Getting Here: How to Get to Vanuatu

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

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 hours 15 minutes
• Solomon Airlines - Brisbane to Espiritu Santo - 3 hours 10 minutes
• Solomon Airlines - Auckland to Port Vila - 4 hours 15 minutes
• Fiji Airways - Nadi to Port Vila - 1 hour 45 minutes
• Air Calédonie / Aircalin - Nouméa to Port Vila - 1 hour 15 minutes
• Air Niugini - Port Moresby to Port Vila - 2 hours 30 minutes

Learn more about flights to Vanuatu in Which Airlines Fly Directly to Vanuatu? LINK#T027

Flight times are also listed in What Are the Flight Times to Vanuatu? LINK#T046

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 car rentals or transfers pre-booked. Otherwise, taxis and shuttle services 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 Solomon Airlines. 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), Mystery Island (Aneityum), and Champagne Beach (Espiritu Santo).

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

Find out more about these cruises and where they depart in the 6 Best Cruises that Go to Vanuatu.

Ports of Call in Vanuatu

Key ports of call in Vanuatu include Port Vila Harbor, Luganville, Mystery Island, and Champagne Beach. Cruise ships often dock directly at Port Vila and Luganville, while smaller islands like Mystery Island and Champagne Beach may require tender transfers.

Tours, taxi drivers LINK#T038 and rental vehicles meet passengers at the harbour, 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 traveling 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 the Vanuatu Port Authority of their arrival at least 96 hours prior to their ETA. Port Vila Harbor (Efate) is the main port of entry, with Luganville (Espiritu Santo) serving as a secondary port for yachts.

All clearing-in and clearing-out formalities, including customs, immigration, and biosecurity checks, must be completed at these ports.

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 Air Vanuatu, Jetstar, Virgin Australia, Air New Zealand, and Fiji Airways. Most international flights arrive at Bauerfield Airport in Port Vila.

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.

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 hours, from Melbourne about 3.5 hours, and from Brisbane around 2.5 hours. These are direct flight times to Port Vila.

Can You Fly Directly to Vanuatu from New Zealand?

Yes, you can fly directly to Vanuatu from Auckland with Air New Zealand and Air Vanuatu. The flight takes approximately 2.5 hours. Jetstar also operates seasonal direct flights from Auckland.

What is the Best Time to Book Flights to Vanuatu?

The best time to book flights to Vanuatu is typically 2-3 months in advance for the best prices. Avoid booking during peak seasons like Australian and New Zealand school holidays (December-January and July) when prices are highest. The shoulder seasons of April-May and September-November often offer better flight deals.