Vanuatu
Vanuatu's 80-odd islands deliver rare natural drama: walk to the rim of Mount Yasur on Tanna to watch lava bursts at dusk, dive the vast wreck of the SS President Coolidge off Santo, swim at Champagne Beach and, in season, watch Pentecost's land divers leap from wooden towers. Kastom villages and kava bars keep island culture strong.
Overview
Vanuatu is a Y-shaped chain of 83 islands stretching some 1,300 km from north to south. Most trips start on Efate, where Port Vila has the main international airport, the best restaurants, and waterfalls and lagoons along the island's ring road. From there, short domestic flights reach Tanna for Mount Yasur and kastom villages, and Espiritu Santo for blue holes, Champagne Beach and the Coolidge. Pentecost (for land diving, April to June), Malekula and Ambrym add deeper culture for those with time. Ten days covers Efate, Tanna and Santo comfortably.
Vanuatu is not a budget destination, as most goods are imported and prices are close to Australian levels, but it has far less resort development than Fiji, with simple bungalows on the outer islands and a strong sense of customary land ownership: expect to pay small kastom fees to visit waterfalls, blue holes and villages. Island time is real, and flights change at short notice. Visitors are often surprised by how close they can get to an active volcano, and by the fact that more than 100 languages are spoken. It suits divers, adventurous couples and culturally curious travellers.
Map of Vanuatu
Top 5 highlights
- 1Adventure
Mount Yasur
On Tanna, one of the world's most accessible active volcanoes. After a 4WD ride across the ash plain, a short walk leads to the crater rim to watch and hear lava bursts, best at dusk. Access depends on the alert level.
- 2Adventure
SS President Coolidge
A 200 m liner turned troopship that struck mines off Santo in 1942 and now lies on her side from about 20 m down. Shore dives reach 'The Lady' statue, guns and holds full of wartime equipment.
- 3Beach
Champagne Beach
A curve of powder-white sand and glassy water on Santo's north-east coast near Hog Harbour, named after the volcanic gas bubbles that rise through the sand at low tide. Arrive early on cruise-ship days.
- 4Culture
Land diving on Pentecost
From about April to June, men in south Pentecost leap from wooden towers up to 30 m high with vines tied to their ankles, a yam-harvest ritual called naghol that inspired bungee jumping. Day trips run from Port Vila.
- 5Nature
Mele Cascades
A stepped series of turquoise pools and limestone cascades about 10 km north-west of Port Vila. Follow the path up through the rainforest to the main waterfall, swimming in the natural pools on the way.
Biggest cities
Port Vila
The small, easy-going capital on Efate's harbour, with a waterfront market, French-influenced cafés and the national museum; a comfortable base for waterfalls, snorkelling and the ring road.
Luganville
Vanuatu's second town, laid out along a broad main street built for US forces in the Second World War. The base for diving the Coolidge and Million Dollar Point, and for Santo's blue holes.
Vanuatu has only two towns, Port Vila and Luganville (2020 census figures, rounded); every other settlement is a village of a few thousand people at most.
When to go to Vanuatu
Best time: May–Oct.
Average climate in Port Vila
Festivals & events
- Apr–JunNaghol land diving season
South Pentecost's land diving season follows the yam harvest from about April to June; book through a Port Vila operator, as flights and dives are scheduled together.
- JulIndependence Day
On 30 July, Port Vila celebrates independence from Britain and France in 1980 with parades, string-band music, sports and fireworks, with events throughout the preceding week.
How much does Vanuatu cost?
Estimates per person per day, excluding flights. Prices vary by season and city.
Food to try
Lap lap
The national dish: grated yam, taro or manioc mixed with coconut cream, wrapped in leaves and baked in an earth oven, sometimes with pork, chicken or fish.
Santo beef
Cattle graze beneath Santo's coconut plantations, producing famously tender grass-fed steak; order it in Luganville or at Port Vila's restaurants.
Kava
Among the strongest in the Pacific: a muddy, peppery drink served in coconut shells at nakamals around dusk. Drink it in one go, then sit quietly.
Getting around
Domestic flights link Port Vila with Tanna, Santo, Pentecost and other islands, but schedules are thin and change often, so reconfirm bookings. On Efate, minibuses with a 'B' on the number plate run hail-and-ride routes for a flat fare, and car hire is easy. Outer islands rely on trucks, boats and lodge transfers; interisland cargo ships are slow but cheap.
Practical information
- Plugs & voltage
- I230V — bring a UK-to-I adapter
- Emergency numbers
Source: FCDO “Getting help”
- Dialling code
- +678
- Time zone
- UTC+11 (standard time)
- Tap water
- Varies — bottled or filtered is safer
- Driving
- On the right
- Tipping
- Tipping is not part of local custom and is not expected, though a small tip for exceptional service in Port Vila restaurants is appreciated.
- Etiquette
- Ask permission before entering villages or taking photographs, and pay the small kastom fees asked at natural sites. Dress modestly away from resorts; on outer islands, nakamals are often men-only.
- Main airports
- Bauerfield International Airport (VLI), Port Vila; Santo-Pekoa International Airport (SON), Luganville
Visas & entry for Vanuatu
Shown for a British passport.
Check the entry requirements
Check with the Vanuatu Department of Immigration and Passport Services for details of whether you need a visa in advance of travel.
From the UK government's FCDO entry requirements for British passport holders — read the full page for passport validity, permits and exceptions.
Health & vaccinations
- Recommended for most travellers
- Hepatitis ATetanusTyphoid
- Sometimes advised — depends on your trip, activities and health
- DengueHepatitis BBat LyssavirusTuberculosis
- Yellow fever certificate
- No yellow fever certificate is required to enter.
- Malaria
- Malaria risk in some areas
- There is a risk of malaria in the whole of Vanuatu: antimalarial tablets recommended.
Source: TravelHealthPro (National Travel Health Network and Centre), checked 21 October 2026. This is a summary, not medical advice.
Public holidays in Vanuatu
The next 12 months. Banks, offices and some sights may close, and transport and hotels get busy around these dates.
| Sun 29 Nov 2026 | Unity Day |
| Mon 30 Nov 2026 | Unity Day (observed) |
| Fri 25 Dec 2026 | Christmas Day |
| Sat 26 Dec 2026 | Family Day |
| Fri 1 Jan 2027 | New Year's Day |
| Sun 21 Feb 2027 | Father Lini Day |
| Mon 22 Feb 2027 | Father Lini Day (observed) |
| Fri 5 Mar 2027 | Custom Chief's Day |
| Fri 26 Mar 2027 | Good Friday |
| Mon 29 Mar 2027 | Easter Monday |
| Sat 1 May 2027 | Labour Day |
| Thu 6 May 2027 | Ascension Day |
| Sat 24 Jul 2027 | Children's Day |
| Fri 30 Jul 2027 | Independence Day |
| Sun 15 Aug 2027 | Assumption Day |
| Mon 16 Aug 2027 | Assumption Day (observed) |
| Tue 5 Oct 2027 | Constitution Day |
National holidays only. Dates based on lunar calendars can move by a day or two depending on official announcements.
Useful phrases in Bislama
| English | Bislama | Say it |
|---|---|---|
| Hello | Halo | HAH-loh |
| Thank you | Tankyu tumas | TANK-yoo too-MAHS |
| Please | Plis | pleess |
| Excuse me | Skiusmi | SKYOOS-mee |
| How much is this? | Hamas long hem? | HAH-mahs long hem |
Know before you go
- Carry vatu in small notes for kastom fees, markets and minibuses: ATMs are concentrated in Port Vila and Luganville, and cards are rarely accepted on outer islands.
- Book domestic flights and Tanna accommodation early for the dry season, and leave a buffer day before your international flight home, as schedules change at short notice.
- Mount Yasur's access depends on the volcanic alert level set by the Vanuatu Meteorology and Geo-hazards Department; check the current level before booking Tanna.
Vanuatu travel FAQs
When is the best time to visit Vanuatu?
The best time to visit Vanuatu is generally May–Oct. Peak months are June, July, August, September and October. Average highs in Port Vila range from 25°C to 30°C across the year.
How much does a trip to Vanuatu cost per day?
Roughly £60 a day on a tight budget, £130 mid-range and £260+ for comfortable travel, per person including accommodation, food and local transport. Flights are extra.
What currency is used in Vanuatu?
Vanuatu vatu (VUV).
What plug type does Vanuatu use?
Type I sockets at 230V. UK visitors need a travel adapter — UK Type G plugs will not fit.
Which side of the road do they drive on in Vanuatu?
Traffic drives on the right in Vanuatu, unlike the UK.
Is tap water safe to drink in Vanuatu?
Varies — bottled or filtered is safer.
Do I need a visa for Vanuatu?
For British passport holders, the FCDO says: Check with the Vanuatu Department of Immigration and Passport Services for details of whether you need a visa in advance of travel. Entry rules change, so check the official FCDO entry requirements for Vanuatu before you travel: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/vanuatu/entry-requirements
What vaccinations do I need for Vanuatu?
TravelHealthPro recommends Hepatitis A, Tetanus and Typhoid for most travellers, with Dengue, Hepatitis B, Bat Lyssavirus and Tuberculosis sometimes advised depending on your trip. Make sure routine UK vaccinations are up to date and see a travel health professional 6–8 weeks before you go.
