What to Pack for Vanuatu: Vanuatu Packing List

Vanuatu enjoys warm tropical weather year-round LINK#TT093, with average daytime highs around 28-30 °C (82-86 °F) and nighttime lows around 22-24 °C (72-75 °F), so light, breathable clothing is perfect for packing.

During the cooler, drier months from May LINK#TT089 to October LINK#TT091, the southeast trade winds can make coastal areas feel breezier, so if you tend to get chilly, consider bringing a light extra layer for comfort.

Vanuatu also has local customs when it comes to clothing, particularly in villages and cultural sites, avoid overly revealing outfits. That’s why our packing list includes items to “cover up” respectfully while still staying cool in the tropical climate.

Learn more about the local customs regarding clothing in Ni-Vanuatu Etiquette: Vanuatu Customs & Traditions LINK#TT053.

What Should I Pack for 5 Days, 1 Week, or 2 Weeks in Vanuatu?

If staying in Vanuatu for less than a week LINK#TI048, we recommend packing enough clothes for each day. If in Vanuatu for more than a week LINK#TI046, then pack a week’s worth of clothes and make use of the laundry facilities in your accommodation.

If there are no laundry facilities available at your accommodation, you can use one of the many laundromats on Port Vila or pack some handwashing fabric detergent.

Now, here’s a quick overview of what clothes to pack for Vanuatu.

Vanuatu Casual Clothing

• 4 Singlets/T-Shirts
• 2 Blouses/Shirts to cover the shoulders for church, visiting villages and exploring
• 2 Shorts/Skirts which are not too short, so you can enjoy wearing them at both your resort and when out exploring
• 1 Light evening dress to impress at dinner
• 1 Dress/Skirt below the knee for church, going to town or villages, etc. We recommend light fabrics such as the sustainable bamboo dresses and skirts by Moso Morrow
• 1 Sarong (Lavalava) will be your best friend for hitting the beach and covering your swimwear in between swimming.
• 1 or 2 Light sleepwear if you're against sleeping in your undies
• 1 Light Cardigan/Pashmina/Poncho for windy/rainy days
• 1 Sports shorts/Leggings for hiking/active activities
• 1 Sports T-shirt/Singlet for hiking/active activities
• 1 Outfit to travel between Vanuatu and home
• 3 Bras including strapless, sports and comfortable bras
• 6 Underwear
• 4 Socks.

Vanuatu Swimwear

• 1 Bikini for resort beach/pool
• 1 One-piece for swimming tours/public beaches
• 2 Boardshorts for guys
• 1 Rash vest (we like sustainable Sharkskin rashies).

Vanuatu Protective Clothing

• Sunhat
• Sunglasses
• Light shirt to cover arms and back
• Light rain jacket.

Vanuatu Footwear

• Flip-flops/Sandals
• Walking shoes/Sneakers
• Reef shoes/Water shoes.

From the absolutely essential travel documents to the not-so-essential-but-good-to-have e-reader, this list of travel accessories has something for everyone but not necessarily everything for everyone.

While we all have our preferences, here are some ideas on what travel accessories to pack for Vanuatu.

Pick and choose what applies to you!

Vanuatu Travel Essentials and Paperwork

• Passport
• Entry Permit print-out LINK#TT077
• Boarding pass/booking paperwork
• Travel ticket/booking paperwork for travel out of Vanuatu
• Accommodation contact details
• Credit/debit card LINK#TT011
• US Dollars LINK#TT018 (or cash to exchange LINK#TT019 in Vanuatu)
• Driver's license (if renting a car)
• Medical prescription
• Travel insurance policy (optional).

Head to What Documents Do I Need to Travel to Vanuatu? LINK#TT079 for all the details on this all-essential paperwork.

Vanuatu Travel Accessories and Electronics

• Snorkelling gear
• Beach/Travel towel
• Waterproof camera
• Books/e-reader
• Phone
• Chargers for electronic devices
• Type I travel adapter
• Lifestraw water bottle

Vanuatu Travel Accessories for Kids

• Baby mosquito net
• Waterproof kids camera
• Go!: Kids Interactive Travel Diary
• Reusable Swim Diaper Training Pants
• GPS tracker/child locator
• Travel games
• Baby carrier
• Portable steriliser
• Preferred baby formula
• Inflatables

See the 15 Tips for Your Family Vanuatu Vacation with Kids LINK#TT067 for more information on some of the items mentioned.

Vanuatu Food Packing List

While we don't generally recommend that you pack food for Vanuatu, if you have dietary needs that are often hard to cater for abroad (aside from vegan/vegetarian LINK#TTD054 and gluten-free LINK#TTD056 - we've got you covered), then you may want to bring a few essential ingredients.

Everyone has their own morning routine and different toiletries they use, so this list may well have a few things you don’t use, as well as a few things missing.

If you’re trying to pack light and are staying in resorts and hotels, know that many accommodations in Vanuatu provide shampoo, conditioner and soap in ensuite bathrooms.

A first aid kit is also important to address medical problems that commonly occur when holidaying in Vanuatu, such as sunburn, heatstroke and mosquito bites. For more information on packing your own first aid kit, see What Medication to Pack in Your First Aid Kit for Vanuatu.

Vanuatu First Aid Kit

• Travel vaccine passport (vaccinations record LINK#TT045)
• Paracetamol
• Antihistamine pills or cream
• Oral rehydration sachets (medical electrolytes)
• Baby electrolytes
• Antacids
• Antidiarrhoeal pills e.g. loperamide
• Nasal drops
• Band-aids/plasters
• Butterfly closures
• Disinfectant wipes
• Gauzes
• Gloves
• Tweezers
• Thermometer
• Elastic wraps
• Flight socks
• Antiseptic cream/spray
• Hydrocortisone cream
• Aloe vera soothing cream
• Hand sanitiser
• Multivitamins
• A copy of the emergency numbers in Vanuatu
• Antibiotics if recommended by your GP.

For information on what each medication is for, again, check out What Medication to Pack in Your First Aid Kit for Vanuatu LINK#TT048.

Vanuatu Toiletries and Other Medication

• Reef-safe sunscreen LINK#TT040
• SPF lip balm
• Insect repellent LINK#TT039
• Seasickness pills
• Prescription medication
• Shampoo/conditioner (if not staying in a resort/hotel)
• Toothbrush
• Toothpaste
• Feminine hygiene products
• Soap (if not staying in a resort/hotel)
• Razor/hair removal
• Glasses/contact lenses
• Hairbrush/comb
• Tweezers
• Nail clippers
• Deodorant.

For more health tips for travelling, see Vanuatu Safety Tips: Is it Safe to Travel to Vanuatu? LINK#TT046

Finally, what are you going to pack it all into? Everyone has their preferences for luggage, but for Vanuatu, your choice depends on your route and destinations.

If you’re flying internationally into Port Vila LINK#D017 or Espiritu Santo LINK#D053 and sticking mainly to larger towns and resorts, a wheeled suitcase usually works just fine. Roads are generally sealed in urban areas, and airport transfers are straightforward.

However, if you’re planning to travel onward to outer islands like Tanna LINK#D071, Malekula LINK#D071 or Pentecost, or taking domestic flights, it’s best to choose the lightest bag possible. Domestic airlines in Vanuatu often have strict baggage limits (commonly around 10-15 kg / 22-33 lbs), and luggage may be offloaded if weight limits are exceeded and sent on a later flight—which can be a real hassle.

If you prefer travelling with a backpack, we don't need to convince you how versatile they are, they'll certainly work in Vanuatu.

Luggage to Take to Vanuatu

• Beach bag/day pack that fits within the carry-on allowance of your chosen airline (usually 55cm x 40cm x 23cm / 21″ x 15″ x 9″) - we usually travel with Herschel's backpacks and tote bags
• Suitcase/backpack
• Small purse/camera bag
• Packing cubes.