Explore the Beauty and Culture of Vanuatu: A Tropical Paradise
The epitome of the laid-back South Pacific, the island nation of the Republic of Vanuatu encompasses an archipelago of 83 picture-perfect tropical islands, about a thousand miles (1,700km) east of Australia. Originally discovered by Captain James Cook in 1774 the islands, the islands were jointly administered by Britain and France after being settled by Europeans in the late 18th century, and gained independence as recently as 1980.
The native Melanesian people, who now proudly speak their pidgin English tongue, are largely dependent on tourism for their livelihood, and the islands are full of natural attractions that make this a very desirable destination for beach-lovers, scuba divers and adventurers.
Volcanic in origin, the islands are part of the Pacific ‘ring of fire’, with plenty of volcanic activity on the go to astound visitors. The last eruption occurred in 1945, but the volcanoes are continually bubbling and spewing out rocks and lava, adding an enticing element of danger to any visit to Vanuatu.
The capital city, Port Vila, is situated on the main island of Efate, the hub of commerce and tourism, and where most of the population live. The town encircles a natural harbour, offering breathtaking views of offshore islands. A pretty town with a neat waterfront area, it is also a stone’s throw from the main international airport and gateway to the islands. In recent years a number of luxury tourist resorts have been established close to Port Vila, which has developed a reputation as the gourmet capital of the south Pacific, with its dozens of restaurants and cafes, reflecting a variety of cuisines, from French and Italian to Chinese and Thai.
The rest of the island offers a rugged coastline and verdant, green countryside, bisected by rivers and waterfalls, sporting sandy bays and tranquil lagoons where tropical fish dart among the coral reefs. On the other islands it is possible to play at being Robinson Crusoe, leaving footprints on beaches seemingly untouched by man.
One of the main attractions of Vanuatu is an annual event that takes place on Pentecost Island each Saturday between April and June. A legend sparked the tradition of ‘land-diving’, where young men test their mettle by launching themselves from towers constructed of branches, tied by vines at the ankles, and plunge towards the ground. It is the original form of ‘bungee jumping’ and although visitors cannot participate, the spectacle is awesome.
Key Facts
- Language:
- The three official languages of Vanuatu are English, French and Bislama (a pidgin language), and a further 113 indigenous languages are used by local people in the islands.
- Passport/Visa:
Travellers to Vanuatu must hold a passport valid for at least six months beyond the date of arrival. Sufficient funds, all documents for next destination and return or onward tickets are required. Visitors not holding return or onward tickets could be refused entry. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.
- Currency:
The unit of currency in Vanuatu is the Vatu (VUV), although Australian Dollars are widely accepted in Port Vila. The Vatu has no subdivisions. Exchange facilities are readily available at banks and kiosks in Port Vila; major credit and debit cards are widely accepted in Port Vila and Luganville, but cash is required in the countryside away from tourist resorts. MasterCard and Visa are the most widely accepted. There are ATMs that accept most international cards in Port Vila. Banking hours are generally weekdays between 8am and 4pm.
- Electricity:
- The electrical current is 220 to 240 volts, 50Hz; plugs are flat three pins.
Climate in Vanuatu
Winter, between April and October, is a pleasant time to travel to Vanuatu, when temperatures average around 73F (23C) and the sea is a few degrees warmer. Summer is hot and humid, with tropical cyclones probable between November and April with abundant rainfall.
Health Notes when travelling to Vanuatu
Visitors should take precautions against mosquito bites as malaria and dengue fever are prevalent. A hepatitis A vaccination is recommended, as is typhoid immunisation for those planning to consume food outside of the better hotels and restaurants. Urban tap water is safe to drink but, elsewhere, visitors should drink only bottled or purified water, and should ensure food is well-prepared and well-cooked, and served piping hot. Medical facilities on the islands are basic but adequate for routine treatment; more serious cases require evacuation to Australia or New Zealand. Scuba divers should be aware there is one decompression chamber on the islands, at Port Vila, and that sea rescue services are not comprehensive. Comprehensive travel health insurance with evacuation cover is strongly recommended.
Safety Notes when travelling to Vanuatu
Most visits to Vanuatu are trouble-free; the greatest threat to a visitors’ safety comes from nature in the form of earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. Tourists have been injured, even fatally, by volcanic activity on the islands, and visitors should be cautious and heed the advice of local guides when making expeditions to view active volcanoes. The tropical cyclone season normally runs from November to April. The crime rate is low, but is increasing, and visitors are advised to take precautions against burglary and street crime, especially at night. Foreigners, especially women, have been attacked in isolated locations and it is unsafe to visit remote areas or beaches alone.
Customs in Vanuatu
Local traditions and customs should be respected, and this includes not wearing very revealing clothing away from the beaches and hotels. It’s important to note that land-ownership is a sensitive issue in Vanuatu, and that those who venture onto someone’s land may be asked to pay a ‘visitor fee’. Visitors should also ask permission before taking photographs of local people. The Polynesian herbal ‘feel-good’ drink, kava, is widely drunk by the locals, particularly at cultural ceremonies.
Duty Free in Vanuatu
Travellers arriving in Vanuatu may bring in the following goods without paying customs duty: 250 cigarettes or 250g tobacco or 25 cigars or 100 cigarillos; 2.25 litres of spirits and 2.25 litres of wine; 250ml of eau de toilette and 100ml of perfume.
Doing Business in Vanuatu
Vanuatu has no personal income tax, capital gains tax or company restrictions, so it is a popular haven for international offshore investment companies. Business attire is smart-casual, and meetings are usually held in French or Bislama (the local pidgin English). Office hours are generally 7.30am to 11.30am, and then 1.30pm to 5pm on weekdays.
Communication in Vanuatu
The international direct dialling code for Vanuatu is +678, and the outgoing code is 00 followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 0044 for the United Kingdom). Pay-as-you-go SIM cards are available from the local network provider, Telecom Vanuatu Limited (TVL); most hotels and resorts offer WiFi.
Tipping in Vanuatu
Tipping is not expected in Vanuatu as it is traditionally unacceptable. A smiling thank you is sufficient gratuity.
Passport/Visa Note
Travellers to Vanuatu must hold a passport valid for at least six months beyond the date of arrival. Sufficient funds, all documents for next destination and return or onward tickets are required. Visitors not holding return or onward tickets could be refused entry. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.
Entry Requirements
- Entry requirements for Americans:
United States citizens require a passport valid for six months beyond date of arrival, but do not require a visa to stay in Vanuatu for up to 30 days.
- Entry requirements for Canadians:
Canadians do not require a visa to stay in Vanuatu for up to 30 days. They do require a passport valid for six months beyond arrival date.
- Entry requirements for UK nationals:
British citizens, regardless of their national status, do not require a visa to stay in Vanuatu for up to 30 days. They do require a passport valid for six months beyond arrival date.
- Entry requirements for Australians:
Australians do not require a visa to stay in Vanuatu for up to 30 days. They do require a passport valid for six months beyond arrival date.
- Entry requirements for Irish nationals:
Irish citizens require a passport valid for six months beyond date of arrival, and do not require a visa to stay in Vanuatu for up to 30 days.
- Entry requirements for New Zealanders:
New Zealand citizens require a passport valid for six months beyond arrival date. They do not require a visa to stay in Vanuatu for up to 30 days.
- Entry requirements for South Africans:
South Africans do not require a visa to stay in Vanuatu for up to 30 days. They do require a passport valid for six months beyond date of arrival.
Tourist Offices
National Tourism Office, Port Vila: +678 22658/ 22515; or http://www.vanuatutravel.info
Vanuatu Embassies
- In New Zealand:
Vanuatu Consulate, Auckland, New Zealand: (+64) 9 918 6327 or (+64) 21 216 4722.
- In South Africa:
Vanuatu Honorary Consulate, Cape Town, South Africa: +27 (0)21 434 6570.
Foreign Embassies in Vanuatu
- American Embassy
United States Embassy, Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea (also responsible for Vanuatu): +675 321 1455.
- Canadian Embassy
Canadian High Commission, Canberra, Australia (also responsible for Vanuatu): +61 (0)2 6270 4000.
- British Embassy
British High Commission, Suva, Fiji (also responsible for Vanuatu): +679 322 9100.
- Australian Embassy
Australian High Commission, Port Vila: +678 22777.
- New Zealand Embassy
New Zealand High Commission, Port Vila: +678 22933.
- South African Embassy
South African High Commission, Canberra, Australia (also responsible for Vanuatu): +61 (0)2 6272 7300.
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Planning your year? Knowing public holidays in different countries can help you plan trips, schedule events, or understand global schedules. Below, find a comprehensive list of public holidays sorted by country.
