Vanuatu

Violent crime

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:

• after dark

• in isolated places

• when you're alone

Crime in Vanuatu increases 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

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:

• avoid large crowds and big public gatherings

• monitor local media for possible unrest, protest locations or road blocks

• follow the advice of local authorities

More information:

• Demonstrations and civil unrest

Terrorism is a threat worldwide.

More information:

• Terrorism

Tour operators don't always 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.

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, and then 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 Natural Disaster Management Office

• Fiji Meteorological Service

• Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System

• Joint Typhoon Warning Center, US Navy

Cyclones and other natural disasters may affect tourist services. Ask your tour operator about services at your destination.

Tropical storms and cyclones

The Vanuatu Natural Disaster Management Office has a colour-coded cyclone alert system. This includes safety procedures to follow during a cyclone threat. You can find this advice in the Vanuatu telephone directory.

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.

If a cyclone or tropical storm occurs:

• you may get stuck in the area

• flights could be delayed or suspended

• available flights may fill quickly

• the storm may affect access to seaports

• adequate shelter may not be available

To prepare for a cyclone or tropical storm:

• know the evacuation plan for your hotel or cruise ship

• identify your local shelter

Monitor advice from the Vanuatu Natural Disaster Management Office.

Earthquakes and tsunamis

Earthquakes occur regularly in Vanuatu. Tsunamis happen but are infrequent.

A tsunami can arrive within minutes of a nearby tremor or earthquake.

To receive tsunami alerts, register with:

• the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center 

• the Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System; and/or

• Vanuatu Meteorological and Geo-Hazards Department

If there's a tsunami warning or you hear tsunami warning sirens in Port Vila or you feel a long and strong tremor:

• move to high ground if you're near the coast or a low-lying area

• follow advice of local authorities

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 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:

• 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 1000s 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.

More information:

• General health advice

• International travel and health

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:

• what the medication is

• how much you'll take

• that it's for personal use

More information:

• Medication

Insect-borne diseases

Malaria occurs in some areas, particularly the north.

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

• dengue

• filariasis

• Zika virus

To protect yourself from disease:

• make sure your accommodation is insect-proof

• use insect repellent

• wear long, loose, light-coloured clothing

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.

Other health risks

Infectious diseases in Vanuatu include:

• rubella

• mumps

• measles

• diphtheria

• pertussis (whooping cough)

• varicella (chickenpox)

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 occur in Vanuatu. These include:

• hepatitis

• tuberculosis

• sexually transmitted infections

Serious outbreaks can occur.

Tap water in the major urban centres of Port Vila and Luganville is generally safe to drink.

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 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.

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.

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 attitudes are conservative. Avoid public displays of affection.

More information:

• Advice for LGBTI people

Every country or territory decides who can enter or exit through its borders.

Make sure you meet all entry and exit conditions. If you don't, the Australian Government can't help you.

Visitor visas

You can apply for a visa when you arrive if:

• you're visiting Vanuatu for up to 30 days

• you have a return or onward ticket

Otherwise, you'll need to get a visa before you travel.

Entry and exit conditions can change. Contact an embassy or consulate of Vanuatu for details about visas, currency, customs and quarantine rules.

More information:

• Vanuatu Department of Immigration

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

• food

• weapons

• obscene material

More information:

• Vanuatu Customs and Inland Revenue Department

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.

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

• 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 is 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 some areas, transport is available through privately owned:

• vans

• small buses

• trucks

Public transport vehicles are often 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. Don't trust their safety.

Several international cruises stop over in Vanuatu.

More information:

• Travelling by boat

Air travel

Small local aircraft travel to outer islands. Airports only have basic facilities.

Airstrips are generally short. Runways are mostly unsealed.

Operations can be limited by:

• weather conditions

• ash clouds from volcanic activity

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:

• 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 115 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.

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.

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