Vanuatu — Visas and Healthcare
Passports and Visas
Travelers to Vanuatu must hold a passport valid for six months beyond the date of arrival. Sufficient funds, all documents for next destination and return or onward tickets are required. It is highly recommended that passports have at least six months validity remaining after your intended date of departure from your travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.
Americans
United States citizens require a valid passport; do not require a visa to stay in Vanuatu for up to 30 days.
UK Nationals
British citizens, regardless of their national status, do not require a visa to stay in Vanuatu for up to 30 days. They do require a valid passport.
Canadians
Canadians do not require a visa to stay in Vanuatu for up to 30 days. They do require a valid passport.
Australians
Australians do not require a visa to stay in Vanuatu for up to 30 days. They do require a valid passport.
South Africans
South Africans do not require a visa to stay in Vanuatu for up to 30 days. They do require a valid passport.
Irish Nationals
Irish citizens require a valid passport; do not require a visa to stay in Vanuatu for up to 30 days.
New Zealanders
NZ citizens require a valid passport; do not require a visa to stay in Vanuatu for up to 30 days.
Healthcare
There has been an increase in the number of dengue fever cases in Vanuatu. Malaria prophylaxis is highly recommended because malaria is also common in the region. It is vital to take precautions against mosquito bites because dengue fever is prevalent. Hepatitis A vaccination is recommended, as well as typhoid immunization for those planning to consume food outside of the better hotels and restaurants. Urban tap water is safe to drink, but elsewhere drink only bottled or purified water, and ensure food is well-prepared and well-cooked, and served piping hot. Medical facilities on the islands are basic but adequate for routine treatment. More serious cases require evacuation to Australia or New Zealand. Scuba divers should be aware there is one decompression chamber on the islands, at Port Vila, and sea rescue services are not comprehensive. There have been fatal shark attacks in the island waters and it is best to seek local advice before swimming. Comprehensive travel health insurance with evacuation cover is strongly recommended.
Safety
Most visits to Vanuatu are trouble-free; the greatest threat to a visitors' safety comes from nature in the form of earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. The islands have experienced more than 40 earthquakes in the past two years, some measuring over seven on the Richter scale. Tourists have been injured, even fatally, by volcanic activity on the islands, and visitors are advised to be cautious and heed the advice of local guides when making expeditions to view active volcanoes. The tropical cyclone season normally runs from November to April. The crime rate is low, but is increasing. Take precautions against burglary and street crime, especially at night. Foreigners, especially women, have been attacked in isolated locations and it is advisable not to visit remote areas or beaches alone.
