Vanuatu Travel Tips: 30 Tips for Travelling in Vanuatu

Vanuatu is a very welcoming country for visitors.

Citizens from more than 121 countries can enter Vanuatu with ease, needing no more than a valid passport to visit.

Those not from a visa-exempt country will need to apply for a Tourist Visa before arrival, which can be easily done through an online form.

What's more, visitors can stay in Vanuatu for a whopping 120 days (4 months)! Extended holiday, anyone?

Find out more about entry in Vanuatu in our guide, Vanuatu Tourist Visa: Do You Need a Visa to Visit Vanuatu?

Nobody wants their holiday to start with a customs headache, so it's worth knowing what you can and can't pack before you fly.

Vanuatu takes biosecurity seriously (and rightly so), which means you'll need to declare anything that could potentially harm the islands' delicate ecosystem or economy. This includes certain foods, plants and other items that might seem harmless but could cause real problems.

The good news? There's still a generous duty-free allowance, so you can bring plenty of treats and gifts without breaking the bank.

From our experience, it's much easier to check the rules beforehand than try to explain why you've packed that questionable snack at the airport. You'll find all the details about what's allowed and what's not in our comprehensive guide: Arriving in Vanuatu: Airport Customs, Biosecurity & Arrival Process.

If you're planning to bring donations for local villages or schools, make sure to declare them clearly on your arrival forms. There's a straightforward process for this, especially important if you're arriving by cruise ship or sailing yacht.

You'll want to state upfront that you're carrying donations; this is completely fine and encouraged! However, from what we've experienced, customs officials may hold onto undeclared donations and only return them when you're departing the country.

For more comprehensive advice, cruise passengers should check out The Complete Guide to the Ports of Call in Vanuatu, whilst sailors will find valuable insights in our Sailing Guide to Vanuatu: Tips for Yachting in Vanuatu.

Most travellers arrive in Vanuatu via Port Vila on the island of Efate. While Port Vila is pretty awesome and has the most services and infrastructure, it’s far from the “real” Vanuatu.

Vanuatu is made up of six provinces with 83 islands, each boasting its own unique experiences and charm. Be sure to do some island-hopping!

For first-time visitors, we recommend experiencing some (or all) of the islands detailed in the following guides:

• The Complete Travel Guide to Port Vila & Efate
• The Complete Travel Guide to Santo
• The Complete Travel Guide to Tanna LINK#D071
• The Complete Travel Guide to Malekula

For a complete comparison of all the provinces, take a look at The Best Islands & Provinces to Visit in Vanuatu.

We always recommend doing your research before you arrive. It'll save you from some common mix-ups that many travellers experience.

Here's what we've learned from our own visits: erupting volcanoes are only found on Tanna and Ambrym, not Santo. The famous blue holes are actually in Santo, whilst the blue lagoon and Riri Blue Hole cascades are near Port Vila (which is on the main island of Efate, by the way).

As for land diving, this incredible tradition only happens on Pentecost Island during certain times of the year, which we'll get to in the point below...

Getting these details sorted beforehand means you'll spend less time working out logistics and more time enjoying Vanuatu's incredible experiences.

Documentaries about Vanuatu have often showcased the world's original bungy jumpers, where Ni-Vanuatu men build structures, tie vines around their ankles and jump from dizzying heights! But there are two things to know about this before you book your trip:

1. It only occurs at the southern villages of Pentecost (this is not a nationwide tradition)
2. Land diving ceremonies only take place between April and July.

So if you want to witness this amazing culturalistic ritual, but sure to visit the right place at the right time. Learn more about seasonal activities in The Best Time to Visit Vanuatu: A Month-by-Month Guide.

Many of us come from countries where paying to visit natural attractions like waterfalls seems like an odd concept! The natural sites we're usually thinking about, however, are on public land maintained by local governments but that's not the case in Vanuatu.

Natural attractions in Vanuatu are often located on kastom land owned by local families and communities who provide infrastructure like paths, viewing platforms and facilities for the public to enjoy these sites. To help fund and maintain these locations you are usually charged a customary fee by the kastom owners.

Expect fees to be approximately 1,000-2,000 VT per person. You'll typically pay the fee to an attendant at the entrance, though there is sometimes an honesty box. When in doubt, ask if it's ok to visit the site. Be sure to bring cash.

Luckily, those on guided tours can relax knowing that all entry fees are typically included in the tour price.

For tips about respecting local customs, check out Vanuatu Etiquette: Local Customs & Traditions.

Cash is the preferred method of payment across Vanuatu and is, in many cases, the only form of payment.

Entry fees to natural attractions, markets, buses, small tour operators, convenience stores, and plenty of accommodation; there are many instances where cash is the only accepted form of payment.

While some restaurants, supermarkets and hotels on Efate and Santo accept card payments, they don't accept all credit cards and there is usually a 3 to 5% fee.

Remember, cash is king, and you'll want to withdraw or exchange as much as you're comfortable carrying AND take enough cash for your entire stay on the outer islands. For example, Malekula only has one ATM and many other islands don't have any!

For more advice on paying your way through American Samoa, check out What is the Best Way to Pay in Vanuatu?

Port Vila is a duty-free paradise, and we're always amazed by the genuine bargains you can find on everything from local souvenirs to locally made gin, rum and chocolate.

Here's the thing though: if you're flying out, don't leave your duty-free shopping until the last minute. You'll want to place your order at least 24 hours before your flight to give the store time to deliver your goodies to the airport, where you can collect them from a convenient kiosk.

For cruise passengers, the deadline is a bit more relaxed—you'll usually need to order at least three hours before departure.

For all the details on what you can bring home and where to find the best deals, check out The Duty-Free Allowances for Vanuatu.

Shopping in Vanuatu is genuinely unique, and you'll love discovering authentic local handicrafts that tell the story of each island group.

We're big fans of the local markets, especially in Port Vila, where community initiatives ensure vendors sell only genuine Vanuatuan handicrafts rather than imported goods. It's refreshing to know that what you're buying is the real deal.

What makes shopping here even more special is that some souvenirs are unique to specific island groups. The Malampa Handicraft Centre in Malekula, for example, offers pieces you simply won't find anywhere else in the archipelago.

Just a heads-up for travellers returning to New Zealand or Australia: remember to declare your handicraft purchases at customs. From our experience, they're usually fine to bring through, but customs officers will want to inspect them to ensure they meet biosecurity requirements.

Check out some of the awesome items you can scout out in the 10 Best Souvenirs & Gifts from Vanuatu.

An iconic accommodation type in Vanuatu is the island bungalow and treehouse experience. These locally-run accommodations are built using traditional kastom-way natural materials, creating an authentic connection to the land and culture. With that, island bungalows and treehouses are made in the most traditional sense.

These basic structures, many suspended in magnificent banyan trees, with natural timber and palm frond construction, are just a step up from camping; more like eco "glamping", considering stays provide the full Vanuatu experience, where hosts prepare meals for full cultural immersion.

With that, there are no hot water showers and often no electricity supply to your room.

If you truly want to experience authentic Vanuatu culture, then stay in a traditional island bungalow or treehouse. We have some of the most breathtaking listed in the 20 Best Island Bungalows and Guesthouses in Vanuatu.

If giving up modern comforts is not for you, however, then you may want to reconsider staying in an island bungalow.

Vanuatu might look like a priceless paradise on your Instagram feed, but the reality is that a trip can range from a backpacking budget to a luxurious resort holiday. That’s why we have both backpacker guides and luxury guides to Vanuatu!

Bearing in mind that we all travel very differently, we’ve compiled a complete Vanuatu Travel Budget listing all of the typical costs of restaurant meals, popular tours and activities, and transport so you can work out your own budget with ease.

And if you want to shave the cents off your holiday, be sure to follow the advice in the 20 Tips to Save Money in Vanuatu.

If you're arriving by cruise ship, here's what we've learned about getting the best value for your money.

First up, currency exchange. Skip the marquee by National Bank of Vanuatu out front – when we were there last time, they told us the best rates are actually in town, which is only a short walk from the park where tenders dock.

For more money tips, don't miss The Best Place to Exchange Currency in Vanuatu.

Another smart move? Book your excursions before you arrive. We've seen taxi drivers waiting outside who'll charge much more than reasonable rates, whilst cruise ships themselves can charge over 300% of normal prices. It's coming from all sides!

Our recommendation is to book with tour companies before arrival. You can use book.vanuatupocketguide.com where we work with local operators to provide fair prices to all – something we're passionate about, ensuring every traveller gets great value.

Check out our favourite tours in the 12 Best Shore Excursions in Vanuatu.

Speaking of money, if you are trying to make sense of local prices in your head, here’s a super-easy trick we personally use to convert Vanuatu Vatu (VT) into Australian dollars (AUD) on the go.

The simplest method is to divide the amount by 100, then add 25 per cent. It sounds a bit technical at first, but after doing it once or twice, it becomes second nature and works really well for quick decisions at markets, tours or restaurants.

For example, if something costs 1,000 VT, divide by 100 to get 10, then add 25 percent which brings it to 12.50 AUD. If it’s 5,000 VT, that becomes 50, then 62.50 AUD. It’s a really handy way to keep track of your spending without pulling out your phone every time.

If you want an even faster shortcut, you can simply divide the VT amount by 80 to get a close estimate in AUD. It’s not exact, but it’s perfect when you’re moving quickly and just need a rough idea.

We all have visions of an idyllic sunny holiday when jetting off to a tropical country but, well, "tropical" climates also mean that there is rain involved – sometimes a substantial amount!

Simply taking it on the chin and moving on with your day is the best way to handle when the heavens open, as it's likely that the shower will pass quickly anyway.

If it doesn't, well, at least you have 20 Things to Do in Vanuatu on a Rainy Day.

If you want to decrease your chances of getting rained on while in Vanuatu, you should consider visiting during the "drier season".

See Vanuatu Weather, Seasons & Climate + Vanuatu Weather by Month to learn more about the weather patterns.

If you're staying in Port Vila, we highly recommend skipping the resort meal plans and venturing out to explore the incredible local food scene instead. Trust us on this one—you'll be rewarded with so much more flavour and authenticity.

The culinary landscape here is wonderfully diverse, ranging from traditional Vanuatuan snacks you'll discover at Port Vila Central Market to charming French restaurants that'll transport you straight to the streets of Paris. You'll find everything from sizzling stone grill restaurants and upscale waterfront dining to quirky cafés where you can actually get your face printed on your latte (yes, really!).

For our top dining recommendations, check out The Best Places to Eat in Port Vila & Efate: 10 Best Restaurants.

Speaking of Port Vila, here's something we discovered that might surprise you: buses are actually more reliable than taxis in this charming town.

We're big fans of the local bus system because there are so many of them running that you'll only wait 40 seconds to two minutes before one shows up. These minivans provide door-to-door service for just 150 VT across the 13 km radius of Port Vila!

Taxis, on the other hand, are much more expensive, harder to hail down and even when you call them, they're often late (something we've learned along the way).

Learn more about the difference in our guide to Taking the Bus in Vanuatu: Bus Fares, Routes & More.

Let's be honest, Vanuatu's roads are an adventure in themselves, and not always the good kind! The potholes here are absolutely legendary, something we discovered first-hand during our last trip.

If you're planning to rent a car, you'll definitely need a high-clearance vehicle just to tackle the Efate Ring Road—that's the main road around the main island. We're not exaggerating when we say this dramatically increases your travel times around the island.

From our own experience, expect to crawl along at 15-20 kph for most of the journey as you carefully navigate around potholes. What Google Maps cheerfully suggests is a 1 hr 40 mins road trip? Think again—it's going to take you much longer.

On Santo, you'll absolutely need a 4WD if you're brave enough to take the south coast road. The Santo East Coast Road is actually the best road in the whole country (we joke that it only has 50 potholes!).

As for the outer islands, car rental simply isn't an option because the roads get even more challenging. It makes for a great adventure, but we wouldn't recommend it if you have back problems or mobility issues.

For more detailed information about getting around, check out our Vanuatu Travel Times & Distances: How Long Does it Take to Travel Around Vanuatu? guide.

When it comes to getting around, the ferry networks have really expanded across the islands recently. You'll love the new "fast ferry" services; they've cut what used to be a gruelling 24-hour journey between Santo and Port Vila down to just under 11 hours.

From what we've experienced, weather can throw a real spanner in the works for flights, so having ferries as your backup (or even your primary transport) is a game-changer. Not only will you save money, but you'll also have a reliable way to hop between islands that doesn't leave you stranded at the airport.

Learn more about taking the ferry in Vanuatu Ferry Guide: How to Use the Ferry for Interisland Travel in Vanuatu.

Bottled water in Vanuatu is surprisingly expensive, and you'll be drinking a lot more than usual thanks to the tropical heat and humidity.

The challenge? There aren't any filtered water refill stations around the islands, and we wouldn't recommend drinking straight from the tap. When you're buying multiple bottles daily, those costs add up faster than you'd expect!

Our solution has been a game-changer. We now travel the islands without constantly hunting for bottled water, thanks to water purification bottles like LifeStraw. Yes, they're more expensive upfront, but they pay for themselves time and time again (and eliminate the stress of finding shops when you're parched).

Simply fill up from any tap, and you're good to go. It's one of those travel hacks that makes island life so much easier.

For more water safety insights, check out Is the Water Safe to Drink in Vanuatu? and our comprehensive Vanuatu Safety Tips: Is it Safe to Travel to Vanuatu? Plus, you'll love our 31 Ways to Travel More Sustainably in Vanuatu for more eco-friendly travel tips.

Mosquitoes aren't just a minor annoyance that can leave an itchy bite, but day-biting mosquitoes have been known to spread dengue fever and even malaria in some parts of Vanuatu – a major blow to your holiday if you contract the virus!

With that in mind, don't cheap out on your mosquito protection method, whether it's an effective but safe mosquito repellent or simply covering up with clothing.

Check out the 10 Ways to Avoid Mosquito Bites in Vanuatu for all of our tips on managing bites.

Sunscreen is obviously essential for your trip to Vanuatu, but the marine ecosystem surrounding the islands is badly threatened by sunscreen-induced bleaching.

The problem is easy to fix, however, by opting for "reef-safe" sunscreen rather than the standard stuff.

Unfortunately, the supply of reef-safe sunscreen in Vanuatu is extremely limited, so we highly recommend bringing enough for you and your whole crew for the entire trip.

See The Best Sunscreens for Vanuatu + Sun Protection Tips for more on the subject!

How long should you spend in Vanuatu? Well, this depends on a number of factors, from budget to how many islands you want to visit. However, a minimum amount of time to do the popular route of visiting Port Vila with a quick visit to Tanna is seven days, or 10-14 days to comfortably explore Port Vila and Tanna or the exciting outer islands like Santo and Malekula!

With visitor permits allowing you to stay for up to 120 days, you could even stretch your stay further if you have the time. There's plenty to do!

Otherwise, check out our itineraries for the most popular durations to stay in Vanuatu:

• Vanuatu Itinerary: 14 Days / 2 Weeks
• Vanuatu Itinerary: 10 Days
• Vanuatu Itinerary: 7 Days / 1 Week

We also have itineraries for three days and five days, should things be really desperate, but we strongly recommend that you spend more time in Vanuatu. You won't regret it!

For those with limited time, we highly recommend taking a guided tour to see the highlights in one day. Check out the 10 Best Sightseeing Tours in Vanuatu for our personal recommendations.

Special diets in Vanuatu require a bit of detective work, but don't let that put you off! Only menus in more upscale resorts and restaurants clearly label dishes with vegan, vegetarian or gluten-free options, so be prepared to have some friendly conversations with restaurant staff.

From what we've experienced, many locals aren't familiar with terms like "gluten-free" or specific dietary restrictions, so patience and clear communication go a long way. We've found that explaining what you can and can't eat works better than using technical terms.

The good news? We've done the legwork for you in our Vanuatu for Vegans & Vegetarians + 10 Best Restaurants and The Gluten-Free Guide to Vanuatu guides.

Self-catering is also a brilliant option if you want more control over your meals (and we've included plenty of shopping tips in those guides too).

With temperatures reaching average highs of 29°C (84°F) and high humidity all year round, Vanuatu calls for a tropical wardrobe to say the least!

Light clothing, sun protection, swimwear and sandals/flip-flops are all essentials, whilst other useful items like snorkelling gear, rash vests and walking shoes are optional extras.

Don't worry, we've got every item covered in What to Pack for Vanuatu: A Full Vanuatu Packing List.

Needless to say, we’re big fans of “the internet” – we mean, how else are you going to access VanuatuPocketGuide.com?!

You'll be pleased to know that most accommodations throughout Vanuatu offer complimentary WiFi, giving you excellent value for staying connected. The exceptions are typically remote island bungalows and local homestays, where the digital world feels wonderfully distant.

If you're craving a caffé and WiFi combo, several spots in Port Vila serve up both; we've listed our favourites in How to Get Internet & WiFi in Vanuatu.

On the other hand, the local providers, Digicel and Vodafone, offer rather patchy service that can leave you playing digital hide-and-seek, even around the main islands.

We'd only suggest splashing out on their pricey plans if you absolutely need mobile connectivity. In that case, do what the savvy locals do: grab a SIM card from each network to double your chances of getting a signal when you need it most.

If you've travelled around other South Pacific countries, you'll know that Sundays can be pretty quiet affairs with everything shutting down. Well, here's some great news: Vanuatu doesn't follow that pattern!

While Vanuatu is still a Christian nation, the Sunday rules just aren't as strict as you might expect. Yes, some shops and services do close, but most restaurants stay open, and you'll definitely find natural attractions and guided tours available.

This means you can make the most of your Sunday without worrying about everything being closed. From our experience, it's actually a lovely day to explore the islands without the usual hustle and bustle.

As Vanuatu's largest travel guide, we're here for you every step of the way!

Get inspired by our Destinations guides to each island and see where your wanderlust will take you.

Our Travel Tips section gives you all the practical advice you will need when planning your trip to Vanuatu. All your Vanuatu questions will be answered so you know what to expect when you arrive.

Looking for places to stay? Check out our Accommodation section where you'll find the best options across all islands and for various styles of travel: budget accommodation, family accommodation, hotels and more!

Whatever your tastes, you're bound to find your dream bucket list of activities in our Things to Do section. Our Things to Do page is split up into easy-to-digest sections where you can browse the activities that you are interested in, including water activities, walking, tours, shopping, nature, food and drink, golf, fishing, culture, adventure and more! We have now even made it possible to book personally trialled and tested tours online via our Booking Page, so secure your adventure today!

We make getting around easy with our Transport section, where you can find more information on buses, ferries, vehicle rental, public transport, international connections and more.

Finally, whether you're visiting for one or 14 days, we've made the perfect Vanuatu itineraries in our Trip Ideas section. All the work has been done for you!

Picking up a few words in Bislama during your visit is hugely appreciated by the locals, especially in the outer islands. If you're reading this in English, you'll love how approachable this language is; locals often describe it as "broken English," but we think it's much more colourful than that!

Start with simple phrases like tankyu tumas (thank you very much) and lukem yu (see you later). From our experience, even attempting a few words brings instant smiles from locals.

This fascinating creole language connects the island nation's more than 130 dialects into one unified tongue. For a deeper dive into this unique language, check out What is the Vanuatu Language? + Basic Phrases in Bislama.