Vanuatu Travel Tips: 17 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 LINK#TT003.

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.

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 of the islands detailed in the following guides:

• The Complete Travel Guide to Port Vila & Efate LINK#D017
• The Complete Travel Guide to Espiritu Santo LINK#D053
• The Complete Travel Guide to Tanna LINK#D071
• The Complete Travel Guide to Malekula LINK#D035

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

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 VT$500-$1,500 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 LINK#TT053.

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 LINK#TT011, 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.

For more advice on paying your way through American Samoa, check out What is the Best Way to Pay in Vanuatu? LINK#TT016

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.

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 LINK#TT061 and luxury guides to Vanuatu LINK#TT163!

Bearing in mind that we all travel very differently, we’ve compiled a complete Vanuatu Travel Budget LINK#TT017 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.

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 LINK#TTD064.

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.

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 LINK#TT017!

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 LINK#TI045
• Vanuatu Itinerary: 10 Days LINK#TI046
• Vanuatu Itinerary: 7 Days / 1 Week LINK#TI047

We also have itineraries for three days LINK#TI049 and five days LINK#TI048, 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! You won't find menus clearly labelled 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 LINK#TTD054 and The Gluten-Free Guide to Vanuatu LINK#TTD056 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!

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?!

Free WiFi connection is not always a given in Vanuatu. Only accommodations offer free WiFi, while other odd locations like the Port Vila Airport have WiFi available.

If you absolutely need to connect while on your island vacation, it’s best to get a local SIM card or portable modem with one of the local network providers. More advice can be found in How to Get Internet & WiFi in Vanuatu LINK#TT023.

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!