Vanuatu

Violent crime

Crime against travellers in Vanuatu is rare. 

However, travellers and foreign residents have been robbed, assaulted and sexually assaulted in Vanuatu.

The risk of violent crime is higher:

• after dark
• in isolated places
• when you're alone

Like elsewhere, crime in Vanuatu tends to increase on weekends and in the weeks leading up to holidays, such as Christmas and Independence Day (30 July).

To protect yourself from crime:

• watch your belongings on buses and taxis, especially at night
• don't go out alone after dark or to isolated places, especially on foot
• always keep your vehicle and accommodation locked
• be alert to suspicious behaviour
• be aware of opportunistic theft. Secure belongings in locked luggage or hotel safe when unattended. 

More information:

• Advice for women travellers

Cyber security

You may be at risk of cyber-based threats during overseas travel to any country. Digital identity theft is a growing concern. Your devices and personal data can be compromised, especially if you're connecting to Wi-Fi, using or connecting to shared or public computers, or to Bluetooth. 

Social media can also be risky in destinations where there are social or political tensions or laws that may seem unreasonable by Australian standards. Travellers have been arrested for things they have said on social media. Don't comment on local or political events on your social media. 

More information:  

• Cyber security when travelling overseas 

Civil unrest and political tension

Civil unrest isn't common in Vanuatu. However, public protests and events that draw large groups of people have on occasion turned violent.

To protect yourself during any periods of unrest:

• avoid large crowds and big public gatherings
• monitor local media for possible unrest, protest locations or roadblocks
• follow the advice of local authorities

More information:

• Demonstrations and civil unrest

Terrorism is a threat worldwide.

More information:

• Terrorism

Not all tour operators follow safety and maintenance standards.

If you plan to do a tour or adventure activity:

• check if your travel insurance policy covers it
• ask about and insist on minimum safety requirements
• always use available safety gear, such as life jackets or seatbelts.

If proper safety equipment isn't available, use another provider.

Tropical Cyclones Judy, Kevin and Lola

Vanuatu continues to recover from the impacts of Cyclones Judy, Kevin and Lola, which have caused widespread damage. There still may be disruptions to infrastructure, services and telecommunications in some locations. 

Natural disasters and severe weather in Vanuatu includes:

• cyclones
• flooding
• volcanic activity
• earthquakes
• tsunamis

Get updates on weather conditions, forecasts, natural disaster watches and warnings before and during your stay.

Monitor local and regional weather and disaster sites (see below), and plan accordingly.

If a natural disaster occurs:

• secure your passport in a safe, waterproof place
• monitor local media and other sources
• follow the advice of local authorities
• keep in contact with your friends and family at home

More information:

• Vanuatu Meteorological and Geo-Hazards Department​
• Vanuatu National Disaster Management Office
• Fiji Meteorological Service
• Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System
• Joint Typhoon Warning Center, US Navy

Tropical storms and cyclones

The cyclone season is from November to April. Tropical storms and cyclones can also occur in other months. They can disrupt essential services and cause property damage, injuries, and loss of life. The direction and strength of a tropical cyclone can change suddenly. Cyclones can bring:

• torrential rains
• storm surges
• flash flooding
• winds up to 300km/h

The Vanuatu National Disaster Management Office has a colour-coded cyclone alert system that includes safety procedures to follow during a cyclone.

If a cyclone or tropical storm occurs:

• you may get stuck where you are
• flights could be delayed or suspended
• available flights may fill quickly
• the storm may affect access to seaports
• safe shelter may not be available

To prepare for a cyclone or tropical storm:

• know the evacuation plan for your hotel, cruise ship, or other accommodation
• identify your local shelter
• follow the instructions of local authorities

Monitor advice from the Vanuatu National Disaster Management Office and the Vanuatu Meteorological and Geo-Hazards Department​.

Flooding

Flooding can occur in Vanuatu during and after cyclones and severe rain events, including:

• flash floods - from heavy rains, and overflowing/burst dams
• river floods - often from seasonal rains or severe rain events
• coastal floods - from tsunamis, storm surges and severe weather events such as cyclones

If flooding occurs:

• take official warnings seriously
• follow the advice of local authorities

Earthquakes 

Earthquakes occur regularly in Vanuatu. Minor tremors, under a magnitude of 4.0, are very common and usually have minimal impact on people and property.

Extreme shaking from major earthquakes above a magnitude of 6.0, can:

• cause tsunamis
• cause landslides and mudslides
• collapse buildings
• break gas and water lines, underground and in buildings
• knock down electricity lines

Tsunamis 

Tsunamis can occur in Vanuatu and are caused by strong and sudden movement in the ocean. This usually happens when there's an undersea earthquake, landslide, or volcanic eruption.

A tsunami can arrive within minutes of a nearby tremor or earthquake. It can also occur if no earthquake is felt.

Vanuatu has tsunami warning sirens in Port Vila and Luganville. If you hear tsunami warning sirens or feel a long or strong tremor (lasts more than a minute or makes it hard to stand up). You should:

• move to high ground or as far inland as possible, if you are near the coast or in a low-lying area 
• follow the advice of local authorities (Vanuatu Natural Disaster Management Office and the Vanuatu Meteorological and Geo-Hazards Department).

You can follow: 

• the Pacific/U.S. Tsunami Warning System 
• the Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System; and/or
• Vanuatu Meteorological and Geo-Hazards Department

Volcanoes

Vanuatu has several active volcanoes, including several under-sea volcanoes. Volcanoes are active on the islands of:

• Tanna
• Ambae
• Ambrym
• Lopevi
• Vanua Lava
• Gaua

Visiting an active volcano can be dangerous.

Pay attention to alerts. Alert levels go from 0 (normal, low-level activity) to 5 (very large eruption, island-wide danger).

A Level 3 alert triggers warnings to avoid the volcano summit and nearby areas. Even at lower levels, explosions and injuries from volcanic debris are possible.

Alert levels and access to volcanoes can change quickly. Before traveling to volcanic areas, visit the Vanuatu Meteorological and Geo-Hazards Department website for the latest volcanic activity advice. If there is a volcanic eruption:

• take official warnings seriously
• follow the advice of local authorities

Get comprehensive travel insurance before you leave. 

Your policy needs to cover all overseas medical costs, including medical evacuation. The Australian Government won’t pay for these costs.

If you can't afford travel insurance, you can't afford to travel. This applies to everyone, no matter how healthy and fit you are.

If you're not insured, you may have to pay many thousands of dollars up-front for medical care.

Confirm:

• what activities and care your policy covers
• that your insurance covers you for the whole time you'll be away

Consider your physical and mental health before you travel, especially if you have an existing medical condition.

See your doctor or travel clinic to:

• have a basic health check-up
• ask if your travel plans may affect your health
• plan any vaccinations you need

Do this at least 8 weeks before you leave.

If you have immediate concerns for your welfare, or the welfare of another Australian, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on +61 2 6261 3305 or contact your nearest Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate to discuss counselling hotlines and services available in your location.

More information:

• General health advice
• Healthy holiday tips (Health direct Australia)

Not all medication available over the counter or by prescription in Australia is available in Vanuatu. Some may even be considered illegal or a controlled substance, even if prescribed by an Australian doctor.

You'll find pharmacies in urban centres or at local clinics. They normally only open during business hours. A few urban pharmacies may open on Sunday or public holidays.

If you plan to bring medication, check if it's legal in Vanuatu. Take enough legal medication for your trip.

Carry a copy of your prescription or a letter from your doctor stating:

• what the medication is
• your required dosage
• that it's for personal use

More information:

• Medication

Health risks

Malaria occurs in some areas of Vanuatu, particularly in the north. Consider taking medication to prevent malaria if you plan to travel to affected areas. Discuss options with your doctor.

Outbreaks of other insect-borne diseases also occur across Vanuatu. These include:

• dengue
• filariasis
• Zika virus

To protect yourself from these diseases:

• make sure your accommodation is insect-proof
• use insect repellent
• wear long, loose, light-coloured clothing

See a doctor if you have a fever, muscle pain, a rash or a bad headache.

Other infectious risks

• rubella
• mumps
• measles
• diphtheria
• pertussis (whooping cough)
• varicella (chickenpox)
• COVID-19

Discuss options with your doctor if:

• your vaccinations aren't up to date
• you're travelling with children or babies who haven't finished their recommended vaccinations

Waterborne, foodborne, parasitic and other infectious diseases can occur in Vanuatu. These include:

• hepatitis
• leptospirosis
• tuberculosis
• sexually transmitted infections

Tap water in the major urban centres of Port Vila, and Luganville is generally safe to drink. Water may be affected following cyclones, heavy rain or volcanic ash fall.

To protect yourself from illness:

• avoid raw or undercooked food, such as salads
• outside of Port Vila and Luganville, drink boiled water or bottled water with sealed lids
• avoid ice cubes

See a doctor if you develop a fever or diarrhoea.

More information:

• Infectious diseases

Fish poisoning

Eating reef fish can result in ciguatera poisoning. Ciguatera is a naturally occurring seafood toxin.

Get urgent medical help if you suspect poisoning.

Medical facilities

Hospital and medical facilities in Vanuatu are limited.

Costs for treatment, including medication, can be high. Doctors and hospitals often require immediate cash payments.

If you become seriously ill or injured, you'll need to be evacuated. Medical evacuation is expensive and hard to organise. 

The only hyperbaric chamber in Vanuatu is in Port Vila. Many popular dive sites are located on other islands.

If you're in a diving accident, it may take hours or days to reach the necessary medical facilities. The standard of rescue and emergency services is not as high as in Australia.

You're subject to all local laws and penalties. Research local laws before travelling.

If you're arrested or jailed, the Australian Government will do what it can to help you under our Consular Services Charter. However, we can't get you out of trouble or out of jail.

Drugs

If you commit a drug offence, penalties can include fines and jail sentences. 

More information:

• Carrying or using drugs

Obscene publications

It's illegal to import, possess, distribute, display or produce obscene publications. The rules about what is obscene are stricter than in Australia. Penalties include prison sentences.

Alcohol sales

Selling alcohol in supermarkets and similar outlets between midday Saturday and 7am Monday is illegal.

During these times, alcohol may still be served at clubs, bars and hotels.

Some Australian criminal laws still apply when you're overseas. If you break these laws, you may face prosecution in Australia.

More information:

• Staying within the law and respecting customs

Vanuatu recognises dual nationality.

If you're a dual citizen, this limits the consular services we can provide if you're arrested or detained.

Always travel on your Australian passport.

More information:

• Dual nationals

Vanuatu has modest standards of dress and behaviour. Take care not to offend.

Same-sex relationships are legal but aren't widely accepted. Avoid public displays of affection.

More information:

• Advice for LGBTI travellers

Visas

You can apply for a tourist visa on arrival if:

• you're visiting Vanuatu purposely for tourism and leisure for up to 120 days 
• you have a booking with an accredited tourism facility or carry a letter of support from family/friends if staying at private accommodation
• you hold a return ticket
• your passport is valid for a minimum period of 6 months from the date of entry to Vanuatu.

Tourist visas are subject to the following conditions:

• engaging in employment, commercial or business activities is not permitted.
•  is valid for single entry only.
• may not be converted to a different visa status, e.g. business visa, while in Vanuatu.
• On-shore extension of tourist visas is not permitted.

More information:

• Vanuatu Department of Immigration and Passport Service

Customs and Biosecurity

Customs authorities enforce strict rules on importing items, such as:

• food
• weapons
• obscene material

More information:

• Vanuatu Customs and Inland Revenue Department
• Biosecurity Vanuatu
• Vanuatu Department of Immigration 

Validity

Some countries won't let you enter unless your passport is valid for 6 months after you plan to leave that country. This can apply even if you're just transiting or stopping over.

Some foreign governments and airlines apply the rule inconsistently. Travellers can receive conflicting advice from different sources.

You can end up stranded if your passport is not valid for more than 6 months.

The Australian Government does not set these rules. Check your passport's expiry date before you travel. If you're not sure it'll be valid for long enough, consider getting a new passport. 

Lost or stolen passport

Your passport is a valuable document. It's attractive to people who may try to use your identity to commit crimes.

Some people may try to trick you into giving them your passport. Always keep it in a safe place.

If your passport is lost or stolen, let the Australian Government know as soon as possible:

• In Australia, contact the Australian Passport Information Service.

If you're overseas, contact the nearest Australian embassy or consulate.

Passport with 'X' gender identifier 

Although Australian passports comply with international standards for sex and gender, we can't guarantee that a passport showing 'X' in the sex field will be accepted for entry or transit by another country. Contact the nearest embassy, high commission or consulate of your destination before you arrive at the border to confirm if authorities will accept passports with 'X' gender markers. 

More information:  

• LGBTI travellers 

The local currency is the Vanuatu Vatu (VUV). Small shops and local market stalls only accept Vatu.

In Port Vila, you can use Australian dollars at some: shops, restaurants, and hotels.

You can use credit cards in Port Vila, but they're less widely accepted elsewhere.

Ask your bank if your ATM card will work in Vanuatu.

Beach and land access

To avoid trespassing, ask local landowners before going to non-public areas, including beaches.

Some landowners may charge a fee for access.

Driving permit

You can drive in Vanuatu on an Australian driver's licence for up to 3 months.

After that, you'll need a local licence.

Road travel

Road travel in Vanuatu can be dangerous. Roads are often:

• poorly maintained
• unsealed
• poorly lit

Pedestrians often walk on roads and can be hard to see, especially at night.

Vehicles in Vanuatu drive on the right-hand side of the road.

If you plan to drive in Vanuatu:

• check your travel insurance covers you
• learn local traffic laws and practices before driving
• follow the instructions of local authorities

More information:

• Driving or riding

Motorcycles

Check if your travel insurance covers you for riding a motorbike, quad bike or similar vehicle.

Always wear a helmet.

Taxis

Only use registered taxis. Try to arrange these through your hotel or resort.

Public transport

There's no formal public transport system in Vanuatu.

In Port Vila and some areas, transport is available through privately owned:

• vans
• small buses
• trucks

Public transport vehicles can be poorly maintained. Many don't have insurance.

Sea travel

By law, inter-island boats and ferries must have a current seaworthy certificate. However, many don't. Look into their safety before taking these services.

Several international cruises schedule stopovers in Vanuatu.

Arrival into Vanuatu by private yacht is subject to approval processes and quarantine. See the Travel section.

More information:

• Travelling by boat

Air travel

International and domestic flights can be disrupted at short notice by natural disasters, aircraft issues and other events. Contact your airline or travel agent if your flight is affected. Air Vanuatu publishes flight schedules on their Facebook page.

Travel to outer islands is often on small local aircraft. DFAT doesn't provide information on the safety of individual commercial airlines or flight paths. However, travelling between islands on small aircraft with two engines and on aircraft with scheduled flights is recommended.

Many domestic airports have basic or no facilities.

Airstrips are generally short. Runways are mostly unsealed.

Schedules may be changed or suspended at short notice due to the following:

• weather conditions
• ash clouds from volcanic activity

Check Vanuatu's air safety profile with the Aviation Safety Network.

More information:

•  Air travel

Depending on what you need, contact your:

• family and friends
• travel agent
• insurance provider
• employer
• airline

Fire and rescue services

Call 113.

Medical emergencies

Call the ProMedical Ambulance Service on 115 (Port Vila and Luganville only) or go to a hospital.

Police

Call 111 or 22222, or go to the local police station.

Always get a police report when you report a crime.

Your insurer should have a 24-hour emergency number.

Check the Consular Services Charter for what the Australian Government can and can't do to help you overseas.

For consular help, contact the Australian High Commission in Port Vila. 

Australian High Commission, Port Vila

Winston Churchill Avenue

Port Vila, Vanuatu

Phone: (+678) 22 777

Website: vanuatu.embassy.gov.au

Email: consular.portvila@dfat.gov.au

Facebook: @AustralianHighCommissionVanuatu

Twitter: @AusHCVanuatu

Check the High Commission website for details about opening hours and any temporary closures.

24-hour Consular Emergency Centre

In a consular emergency, if you can't contact an embassy, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on:

• +61 2 6261 3305 from overseas
• 1300 555 135 in Australia