Vanuatu
Phone Code
+678
Capital
Port Vila
Population
320,000
Native Name
Vanuatu
Region
Oceania
Melanesia
Timezone
Vanuatu Time
UTC+11:00
On This Page
Vanuatu stands as one of the South Pacific's most adventurous destinations—a Y-shaped archipelago of 83 islands where you can stand on the rim of an active volcano watching molten lava erupt below, witness the traditional land diving ritual that inspired modern bungee jumping, dive pristine coral reefs and World War II wrecks, and experience authentic Melanesian kastom culture barely touched by global homogenization. Gained independence in 1980, this former New Hebrides maintains a unique trilingual character (Bislama, English, French) alongside hundreds of indigenous languages. Port Vila, the capital on Efate Island, provides a comfortable base with decent hotels, restaurants, and services. Beyond Vila, outer islands from volcanic Tanna to remote Banks Islands offer genuine adventure for travelers willing to embrace basic conditions. Vanuatu attracts adventure travelers, divers, volcano enthusiasts, and those seeking Pacific islands beyond the usual tourist circuits.
Vanuatu Visa & Immigration System
Vanuatu operates a visitor-friendly visa-free entry system for citizens of most countries. Nationals of major Western countries including Australia, New Zealand, UK, US, Canada, and EU member states receive 30-day visitor permits upon arrival at Bauerfield International Airport (Port Vila) or Pekoa International Airport (Santo). Passports must be valid for at least six months beyond the intended departure date. Immigration officials require confirmed return or onward flight tickets and may request evidence of sufficient funds and accommodation details. The initial 30-day permit can be extended to 120 days total through application to the Immigration Department in Port Vila, typically granted for tourism purposes with payment of extension fees. Business visas for extended activities, work permits for employment, and residence permits for long-term stay require advance arrangements. Vanuatu offers a citizenship-by-investment program enabling qualifying applicants to obtain citizenship and passports through financial contributions, though this differs from standard tourist entry. Travelers transiting through Vila to reach outer islands should verify any specific requirements, though most domestic travel is straightforward.
Common Visa Types
Visa-Free Entry
Tourism, visiting friends/family, business meetings
Visitor Permit Extension
Extending tourist stay beyond initial 30 days
Business Visa
Extended business activities, project work
Work Permit
Employment in Vanuatu
Essential Information for Vanuatu Travelers
Vanuatu offers a range of experiences from comfortable resort-based holidays to challenging outer island adventures. Port Vila on Efate Island serves as the main hub, with international flights from Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, and New Caledonia. Vila provides good hotels ($100-300/night), diverse restaurants, tour operators, and easy access to nearby attractions including Mele Cascades waterfall, Ekasup Cultural Village, and excellent diving. Beyond Vila, the standout attraction is Mt. Yasur volcano on Tanna Island—one of the world's most accessible active volcanoes where visitors stand meters from the rim watching strombolian eruptions spew lava into the night sky. Tanna also hosts the land diving ritual (April-June), where men leap from tall wooden towers with vines tied to their ankles—the precursor to modern bungee jumping. Espiritu Santo, Vanuatu's largest island, attracts divers to the SS President Coolidge, one of the world's most accessible large shipwrecks. Outer islands like Pentecost (land diving), Ambae, Ambrym, and the remote Banks and Torres groups offer authentic kastom village experiences, basic guesthouses, and genuine adventure for independent travelers. English is widely spoken alongside French and Bislama (an English-based creole). Infrastructure is adequate on main islands but basic on outer islands. Vanuatu is expensive by Pacific standards due to import costs and island isolation. The cyclone season (November-April) poses significant risks—devastating cyclones have hit recently, causing major damage.
Discover Vanuatu
Ways to Experience This Destination
Focus on Mt. Yasur volcano on Tanna Island. Combine with Port Vila base, possibly add Santo diving or land diving (seasonal). Classic 7-10 day itinerary. Moderate adventure level with good accommodation available.
Base on Espiritu Santo for SS President Coolidge wreck diving and reef dives. Excellent for wreck diving enthusiasts. Combine with Port Vila and possibly Tanna. 10-14 days recommended.
Visit multiple islands for kastom village experiences. Include Pentecost for land diving (April-June), Ambrym for volcanic landscapes, Banks Islands for remoteness. Requires weeks, flexibility, and adventure spirit.
Stay in Port Vila area resorts, day trips to Mele Cascades and cultural villages, diving/snorkeling excursions, beach relaxation. Less adventurous option with good infrastructure. 5-7 days sufficient.
Explore different regions and their cities.
Embassies in Vanuatu
These foreign embassies and consulates are based here. Choose a mission to open its in-depth guide and contact details.
Key origin countries
All countries by continent
Vanuatu offers South Pacific adventure for travelers seeking more than beaches—where you can stand on the rim of an erupting volcano, witness the original bungee jump ritual, dive world-class wrecks, and experience authentic Melanesian kastom culture. From Mt. Yasur's lava eruptions to remote island villages, Vanuatu delivers genuine adventure.
Check Vanuatu Visa Requirements