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

US citizens should make sure their passport will not expire for at least 6 months after they enter the country even if they do not intend to stay that long. They should also make sure they have at least 1 blank page in their passport for any entry stamp that will be required. A visa is not required as long as the stay is less than 30 days.

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

Telephone Code

678

Local Emergency Phone

112

Vaccinations

See WHO recommendations

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 70%, Roman Catholic 12.4%, customary beliefs 3.7% (including Jon Frum cult)

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

Vanuatu's standards of dress and behavior are conservative. Take care not to offend.

Tipping Guidelines

Tipping is not encouraged. Instead tip with a smile and say “tank yu tumas”. 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, October 19, 2022