Port Vila

Passport validity requirements

To enter Vanuatu, your passport must have an ‘expiry date’ at least 6 months after the date you arrive.

Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.

You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.

Dual nationals

When returning to the UK, British citizens must carry a valid British passport or certificate of entitlement. See Dual citizenship.

Visa requirements

Check with the Vanuatu Department of Immigration and Passport Services for details of whether you need a visa in advance of travel.

Vaccine requirements

For details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see TravelHealthPro’s Vanuatu guide.

Customs rules

There are strict rules about goods you can take into or out of Vanuatu. You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.

Customs rules

There are strict rules about goods you can take into or out of Vanuatu. You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.

Emergency services in Vanuatu

Ambulance: 115

Fire: 113

Police: 111 or 22222

Contact your travel provider and insurer

Contact your travel provider and your insurer if you are involved in a serious incident or emergency abroad. They will tell you if they can help and what you need to do.

Refunds and changes to travel

For refunds or changes to travel, contact your travel provider. You may also be able to make a claim through insurance. However, insurers usually require you to talk to your travel provider first.

Find out more about changing or cancelling travel plans, including:

• where to get advice if you are in a dispute with a provider
• how to access previous versions of travel advice to support a claim

Support from FCDO

FCDO has guidance on staying safe and what to do if you need help or support abroad, including:

• finding English-speaking lawyers in Vanuatu
• being arrested or imprisoned in Vanuatu
• getting help if you’re a victim of crime
• what to do if you’re in hospital
• if you’re affected by a crisis, such as a terrorist attack

Contacting FCDO 

Help abroad  

See how to get help from the UK government abroad including in an emergency. 

Help in the UK  

You can call FCDO in London if you need urgent help because something has happened to a friend or relative abroad.  

Telephone: 020 7008 5000 (24 hours)  

Find out about call charges

Get travel advice updates  

Sign up to get email notifications when this travel advice is updated.  

Follow FCDO: 

• travel advice on X

• travel advice on Facebook

Global travel impacts due to escalation in the Middle East

Escalation in the Middle East has caused widespread travel disruption, including airspace closures, delayed and cancelled flights. 

Your travel plans may be affected, even if your destination is not in the Middle East. Before you travel:

• check travel advice for any countries or territories you are transiting through
• check for the latest updates from your airline or tour operator  
• review your travel insurance policy for coverage
• monitor local and international media for the latest information and sign up for travel advice email alerts

Before you travel

No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide. You may also find it helpful to: 

• see general advice for women travellers
• read our guide on disability and travel abroad
• see general advice for LGBT+ travellers
• read about safety for solo and independent travel
• see advice on volunteering and adventure travel abroad

Travel insurance

If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.

About FCDO travel advice

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) provides advice about risks of travel to help you make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice.

Get travel advice updates

Sign up to get email notifications when this travel advice is updated. 

Follow FCDO:   

• travel advice on X

• travel advice on Facebook

• Travel Aware on Instagram

Laws and cultural differences

You should respect local customs, which are strictly observed, and religious sensitivities.

Dress code

Do not wear beachwear away from beaches and hotels. 

Alcohol laws and bans

It is illegal for supermarkets to sell alcohol from midday on Saturday to 7am on Monday. However, clubs, bars and hotels may serve alcohol during these times.

Kava drinking ceremonies

Kava is a traditional drink in Vanuatu used in kava ceremonies, at kava bars (‘nakamals’) and at some hotels. Some nakamals, particularly outside of Port Vila, do not welcome women. Be wary of the effects of kava and consume it responsibly. Kava is banned from entry to the UK due to concerns about its health impacts.

Illegal drugs and prison sentences

Avoid all recreational drugs. Possession of even small quantities can lead to imprisonment and a large fine.

Using cameras

Most people in Vanuatu will allow you to take their photograph, but you should always get permission first.

Mobile phone coverage

Ask your service provider if your mobile will work in Vanuatu. A 4G network is available but coverage varies across the country. You can also buy SIM cards from local phone companies Vodafone or Digicel, including at Port Vila airport.

Visiting fees

Land ownership in Vanuatu is an important and often sensitive issue. If you travel off the beaten track, you may be trespassing unless you pay a ‘visiting fee’ to the landowner. At most beaches you will also be asked to pay an entry fee.

LGBT+ travellers

Same-sex relationships are legal in Vanuatu. However, showing affection in public may attract unwanted and negative attention and is likely to offend some people.

Read more advice for LGBT+ travellers.