Vanuatu
Melanesia · Oceania
- Capital
- Port Vila
- Currency
- Vanuatu Vatu (VUV Vt)
- Language
- Bislama, English, French
- Timezone
- UTC+11
- Safety rating
- 7/10
- Best time to visit
- The dry season from April to October offers pleasant weather for hiking and diving. The November-to-April period is hotter, wetter, and cyclone-prone.
Overview
This Y-shaped archipelago of 80-plus islands offers some of the South Pacific's most dramatic adventures, from peering into the glowing crater of Mount Yasur on Tanna to land diving on Pentecost. Blue holes, WWII wrecks, kastom villages, and laid-back Port Vila make Vanuatu a vivid blend of nature and living tradition.
Visa requirements
Many nationalities enjoy visa-free entry for stays of up to 30 to 90 days. A passport valid for six months and proof of onward travel are required.
Safety information
Vanuatu is relatively safe with low violent crime, though petty theft can occur in Port Vila. The country is in a seismic and cyclone zone, so know your accommodation's emergency plan during the wet season.
Travel tips
Carry vatu in cash since cards are accepted mainly in Port Vila and Luganville. Domestic flights on Air Vanuatu link the islands, but expect delays. Buy a Digicel or Vodafone SIM for coverage that fades fast outside main towns.