23 March 2021
There's a ban on overseas travel from Australia. You can’t leave Australia unless you have an exemption from the Department of Home Affairs, or are travelling to a destination that is exempt from the ban.
Our global travel advice remains at 'Do not travel' due to the health risks from the COVID-19 pandemic and the significant disruptions to global travel. Some destinations were already set at Do Not Travel prior to COVID-19 due to the extreme risk to your safety.
If you’re overseas and wish to return to Australia, be prepared for delays and read our advice on trying to get home.
When you arrive in Australia you must quarantine for 14 days at designated facilities in your port of arrival, unless you have an exemption or are travelling on a quarantine-free flight from a green zone destination. At this time, vaccination against COVID-19 does not change this quarantine requirement. You may be required to pay for the costs of your quarantine. View State and Territory Government COVID-19 information for information about quarantine and domestic borders.
If you're staying overseas, make plans to stay for an extended period. Follow the advice of local authorities and minimise your risk of exposure to COVID-19. Stay in touch with family and friends so they know you're safe.
Our network of embassies and consular posts around the world will provide you with up-to-date local advice and support throughout this difficult period. Be aware consular services may be limited due to local measures.
For the latest information, read and subscribe to our news and travel advice. Also see our COVID-19 information pages.
Call 113.
Call 115 or go to a hospital.
Call 111 or 22222, or go to the local police station.
Do not travel to Vanuatu.
Do not travel overseas due to the health risks from the COVID-19 pandemic and the significant disruptions to global travel.
Full travel advice: Safety
Full travel advice: Health
Full travel advice: Local laws
Full travel advice: Travel
Full travel advice: Local contacts
Crime against travellers in Vanuatu is rare.
However, travellers and foreign residents have been robbed, assaulted and sexually assaulted in Vanuatu.
Incidents in homes are becoming more common, even when people are there.
The risk of violent crime is higher:
Crime in Vanuatu increases on weekends and in the weeks leading up to holidays, such as Christmas, Easter and Independence Day (30 July).
To protect yourself from crime:
Civil unrest isn't common in Vanuatu. However, public protests and events that draw large groups of people can turn violent.
To protect yourself during periods of unrest:
More information:
Tour operators don't always follow safety and maintenance standards.
If you plan to do a tour or adventure activity:
If proper safety equipment isn't available, use another provider.
Natural disasters and severe weather in Vanuatu includes:
Get updates on weather conditions, forecasts, natural disaster watches and warnings before and during your stay.
Monitor local and regional weather and disaster sites, and then plan accordingly.
If a natural disaster occurs:
More information:
Cyclones and other natural disasters may affect tourist services. Ask your tour operator about services at your destination.
The cyclone season is from November to May. Tropical storms and cyclones can also happen in other months.
Flooding and landslides can damage infrastructure and disrupt essential services.
The direction and strength of tropical cyclones can change suddenly.
The Vanuatu Natural Disaster Management Office has a colour-coded cyclone alert system which was updated in October 2020. This includes safety procedures to follow during a cyclone threat. You can also find this advice in the Vanuatu telephone directory.
If a cyclone or tropical storm occurs:
To prepare for a cyclone or tropical storm:
Monitor advice from the Vanuatu Natural Disaster Management Office.
Earthquakes occur regularly in Vanuatu. Tsunamis happen but are infrequent.
A tsunami can arrive within minutes of a nearby tremor or earthquake.
You can follow:
If there's a tsunami warning or you hear tsunami warning sirens in Port Vila or you feel a long and strong tremor:
Vanuatu has several active volcanoes, including several under-sea volcanoes.
Volcanoes are active on the islands of:
Visiting an active volcano is risky.
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. Contact the Vanuatu Meteorological and Geo-Hazards Department or the Vanuatu Tourism Office for advice before travelling to volcanic areas.
If there's a volcanic eruption:
Get comprehensive travel insurance before you leave. A ban on overseas travel from Australia remains in place. You can’t leave Australia unless you get an exemption from the Department of Home Affairs.
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 1000s of dollars up-front for medical care.
Confirm:
Consider your physical and mental health before you travel, especially if you have an existing medical condition. Consider whether you may be in a vulnerable category for COVID-19.
See your doctor or travel clinic to:
Do this at least 8 weeks before you leave.
More information:
Not all medication available over the counter or by prescription in Australia is available in other countries. 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:
More information:
COVID-19 remains a risk to Vanuatu. The Government of Vanuatu has imposed additional health screening and quarantine measures on travellers to Vanuatu. See Travel.
Keep informed about the current status and the Vanuatu Government's response to COVID-19 at the Ministry of Health COVID-19 Updates website and Health Promotions Vanuatu Facebook page.
You should consult your local health professional for advice on vaccine options, including assistance that may be available locally. The Australian Government cannot provide advice on the safety, quality and efficacy of vaccines that have been approved for use outside of Australia's regulatory process.
More information:
Malaria occurs in some areas, particularly the north.
Outbreaks of other insect-borne diseases also occur. These include:
To protect yourself from disease:
Consider taking medication to prevent malaria if you plan to travel to affected areas. Discuss options with your doctor.
See a doctor if you have a fever, muscle pain, a rash or a bad headache.
Infectious diseases in Vanuatu include:
Discuss options with your doctor if:
Waterborne, foodborne, parasitic and other infectious diseases occur in Vanuatu. These include:
Serious outbreaks can occur.
Tap water in the major urban centres of Port Vila and Luganville is generally safe to drink. Water in other areas may be contaminated by debris and disturbance of water sources following Tropical Cyclone Harold and the effects of volcanic ash-fall runoff.
To protect yourself from illness:
See a doctor if you develop a fever or diarrhoea.
More information:
Eating reef fish can result in ciguatera poisoning. Ciguatera is a naturally occurring seafood toxin.
Get urgent medical help if you suspect poisoning.
Hospital and medical facilities in Vanuatu are limited.
Costs for treatment, including medication, can be high. Doctors and hospitals often require immediate cash payment.
If you become seriously ill or injured, you'll need to be evacuated to a place with better facilities, such as Australia. Medical evacuation can be very expensive and may be possible only by air ambulance as all commercial flights have been suspended.
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, including those that may appear harsh by Australian standards. 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. But we can't get you out of trouble or out of jail.
If you commit a drug offence, penalties can include fines and jail sentences.
More information:
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.
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:
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:
Vanuatu has modest standards of dress and behaviour. Take care not to offend.
Same-sex relationships are legal, but attitudes are conservative. Avoid public displays of affection.
More information:
If you remain in Vanuatu without a residency status and are unable to depart Vanuatu prior to the expiry of your visa you must contact the Department of Immigration to renew your visa while you're in Vanuatu.
You can apply for a visa when you arrive if:
Otherwise, you'll need to get a visa before you travel.
Under the State of Emergency for COVID-19, persons seeking to travel to Vanuatu must seek pre-approval for departure from the Vanuatu Department of Immigration, even those holding valid visas for Vanuatu.
Entry and exit conditions can change. Contact an embassy or consulate of Vanuatu for details about visas, currency, customs and quarantine rules.
More information:
Entry to Vanuatu
The State of Emergency in Vanuatu has been extended to 31 July 2021 and all ports of entry remain closed. Entry requires specific permissions from Vanuatu authorities.
Additional Immigration border and health measures have been introduced.
Confirm all immigration requirements with the Vanuatu Department of Immigration and Passport Services prior to making flight arrangements, even if you're an existing visa holder.
You must review and complete all pre-departure health requirements outlined by the Vanuatu Ministry of Health COVID-19 Updates - Travelling to Vanuatu (gov.vu).
This information also details quarantine and health screening that you'll be required to undergo on your arrival in Vanuatu, such as providing local authorities a negative COVID-19 test within 72 hours of departure, and 14 days quarantine on arrival.
You can find details on the status of the state of emergency, border closures and entry restrictions for Vanuatu on the National Disaster Management Office Facebook page or the Ministry of Health COVID-19 website.
Departure from Vanuatu
Commercial flights to and from Australia are suspended.
Staying in Vanuatu
Updates on the status of COVID-19 in Vanuatu can be found at the Ministry of Health COVID-19 Updates website and Health Promotions Vanuatu Facebook page.
If you're staying in Vanuatu:
More information:
Customs authorities enforce strict rules on importing items, such as:
More information:
Processing of Australian Passport applications is continuing at the Australian High Commission. Delivery of Australia passports may be delayed due to the limited commercial delivery options to Vanuatu. You should seek to renew your passport well before expiry of your passport.
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.
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.
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:
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.
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 in Vanuatu is dangerous. Roads are often:
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:
More information:
Check if your travel insurance covers you for riding a motorbike, quad bike or similar vehicle.
Always wear a helmet.
Only use registered taxis. Try to arrange these through your hotel or resort.
There's no formal public transport system in Vanuatu.
In some areas, transport is available through privately owned:
Public transport vehicles are often poorly maintained. Many don't have insurance.
By law, inter-island boats and ferries must have a current seaworthy certificate. However, many don't. Don't trust their safety.
Several international cruises schedule stopovers in Vanuatu. These are currently suspended due to COVID-19.
Arrival into Vanuatu by private yacht is subject to approval processes and quarantine. See the Travel COVID-19 section.
More information:
Small local aircraft travel to outer islands. The Australian High Commission utilizes twin engine aircraft only for official travel.
Airports only have basic facilities.
Airstrips are generally short. Runways are mostly unsealed.
Schedules may be changed or suspended at short notice due to:
DFAT doesn't provide information on the safety of individual commercial airlines or flight paths.
Check Vanuatu's air safety profile with the Aviation Safety Network.
More information:
Depending on what you need, contact your:
Call 113.
Call 115 or go to a hospital.
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.
Contact your provider with any complaints about tourist services or products.
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. If you're an Australian in Vanuatu and wish to return to Australia, we recommend you consider registering your details with DFAT via our registration portal.
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.
In a consular emergency, if you can't contact an embassy, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on:
Be the first to know official government advice when travelling.