Vanuatu

Travel Facts

US State Dept Travel Advisory

The US Department of State currently recommends US citizens exercise normal precautions in Vanuatu. Consult its website via the link below for updates to travel advisories and statements on safety, security, local laws, and special circumstances in this country.

https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories.html

Passport/Visa Requirements

For the latest passport and visa requirements for this country, please consult the U.S. State Department’s “Learn About Your Destination” search tool, available through the link below.
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages.html

US Embassy/Consulate

US does not have an embassy in Vanuatu; the US Ambassador to Papua New Guinea is accredited to Vanuatu; +(675) 321-1455; EMER: +(675) 7200-9439; US Embassy Port Moresby, Douglas Street, adjacent to the Bank of Papua New Guinea, Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea

LGBTQIA+ Travelers

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, and asexual (LGBTQIA+) travelers can face unique challenges when traveling abroad. Laws and attitudes in some countries may affect safety and ease of travel. Legal protections vary from country to country. Many countries do not legally recognize same-sex marriage. Approximately seventy countries consider consensual same-sex sexual relations a crime, sometimes carrying severe punishment.
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/before-you-go/travelers-with-special-considerations/lgbtqi.html

Telephone Code

678

Local Emergency Phone

112

Vaccinations

The CDC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Vanuatu: hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, meningitis, polio, measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis), chickenpox, shingles, pneumonia, COVID-19, and influenza.

http://www.who.int/

Climate

Tropical; moderated by southeast trade winds from May to October; moderate rainfall from November to April; may be affected by cyclones from December to April

Currency (Code)

Vatu (VUV)

Electricity/Voltage/Plug Type(s)

230 V / 50 Hz / plug types(s): I

Plug Type I

Major Languages

Local languages (more than 100), Bislama (creole), English, French

Major Religions

Protestant 39.9%, Roman Catholic 12.1%, Apostolic 2.3%, and Church of Jesus Christ 1.8%

Time Difference

UTC+11 (16 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)

Potable Water

Opt for bottled water

International Driving Permit

Suggested

Road Driving Side

Right

Tourist Destinations

SS President Coolidge Dive Site; Millennium Cave; Nanda Blue Hole; Mount Yasur Volcano; Chief Roi Mata's Domain

Major Sports

Soccer

Cultural Practices

In Vanuatu, the pace of life is very slow. It is referred to as island time. The culture here is very relaxed and laidback. Informal tropical wear is the norm. However, people being very conservative or, in the case of small villages, very traditional, modesty in appearance is advised. This means no beach wear away from the beaches.

Tipping Guidelines

Tipping is not encouraged. Ask the taxi driver for a rate before hopping in.

Souvenirs

Wood carvings, shell and coconut handicrafts, liquor, sarongs

Traditional Cuisine

Laplap — various roots such as taro, yam, or breadfruit are pounded into a dough that is wrapped with leaves from the lap lap plant and cooked in an underground oven with spinach leaves, coconut cream, and pieces of chicken, pork, or corned beef


Please visit the following links to find further information about your desired destination.

World Health Organization (WHO) - To learn what vaccines and health precautions to take while visiting your destination.

US State Dept Travel Information - Overall information about foreign travel for US citizens.

To obtain an international driving permit (IDP). Only two organizations in the US issue IDPs:
American Automobile Association (AAA) and American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA)

How to get help in an emergency? 
Contact the nearest US embassy or consulate, or call one of these numbers:
from the US or Canada - 1-888-407-4747 or from Overseas - +1 202-501-4444


Page last updated: Wednesday, March 27, 2024