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
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
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: Thursday, October 05, 2023
