Vanuatu Home

Vanuatu Events Calendar

Vanuatu Facts

Vanuatu Islands:

Ambrym Island

Aneityum Island

Banks & Torres Islands

Espiritu Santo Island

Efate Island/Port Vila

Epi Island

Erromango Island

Malakula Island

Pentecost/Maewo Islands

Tanna Island

New Caledonia:

Le Meridien Noumena

Le Meridien Ile Des Pins

Loyalty Islands

Geography:
Vanuatu is a chain of 83 islands in the heart of Melanesia, lying 500 miles west of Nadi, Fiji. The islands range from volcanic cones to dense rainforest, and others are raised coral islands with wide expansive beaches.

Entry Requirements:
U.S. citizens visiting Vanuatu must possess a valid passport and an onward/return ticket. Visas are not required for stays up to 30 days.

Customs:
For passengers over 15 years, in addition to personal effects, 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars, 1.5 liters of alcoholic liquor, 2 liters of wine may be brought into Vanuatu.

Language:
Bislama, English and French are spoken.

People:
While the people of Vanuatu are primarily Melanesian, it is a diverse culture, with communities of French, British, Australian, New Zealand, Vietnamese, Chinese and other Pacific Islanders in habiting the region.

Clothing:
Dress is light and casual, but not too brief. Tropical clothes are appropriate for evening wear.

Money:
The local currency is Vatu. The conversion rate is approximately 109 Vatu for 1 U.S. Dollar.

Tipping:
Neither tipping nor bargaining is considered civilised behaviour. If you would like to express your gratitude for service, you might like to send a postcard or perhaps give a 't' shirt as a gift from your country. It is neither necessary, nor expected, but such small items are received with much appreciation.

Taxes:
Visitors 12 and over have a departure tax of 2500 Vatu, which is approximately $23-24 USD, payable in local currency.

Transportation:
Visitors to Vanuatu arrive at the international airport of Bauerfield at the capital of Port Vila via Air Pacific from Nadi, Fiji.

Electricity:
A converter/adaptor is recommended, since most hotels use mainly 220-230 volts AC with three-point plugs.

Water:
The water in hotels and restaurants is safe to drink.

Weather/Climate:
Summer is from November to March, with average temperatures of 82°F, and winter is from April to October, with temperature averages of 73°F. The climate is tropical, with abundant rainfall during the summer season. Temperature and humidity are very similar from one island to another, but the amount of rainfall varies with altitude and with exposure of the coast to the dominant southeast trade winds.