Escalation in the Middle East has caused widespread travel disruption, including airspace closures, delayed and cancelled flights.
\n\nYour travel plans may be affected, even if your destination is not in the Middle East. Before you travel:
\n\nNo travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide. You may also find it helpful to:
\n\nIf you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.
\n\nThe Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) provides advice about risks of travel to help you make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice.
\n\nSign up to get email notifications when this travel advice is updated.
\n\nFollow FCDO:
\n\nThis information is for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK. It is based on the UK government’s understanding of Vanuatu’s current rules for the most common types of travel.
\n\nThe authorities in Vanuatu set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the Vanuatu Department of Immigration and Passport Services.
\n\nTo enter Vanuatu, your passport must have an ‘expiry date’ at least 6 months after the date you arrive.
\n\nCheck with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.
\n\nYou 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.
\n\nWhen returning to the UK, British citizens must carry a valid British passport or certificate of entitlement. See Dual citizenship.
\n\nCheck with the Vanuatu Department of Immigration and Passport Services for details of whether you need a visa in advance of travel.
\n\nFor details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see TravelHealthPro’s Vanuatu guide.
\n\nThere 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.
\n\n","slug":"entry-requirements","title":"Entry requirements"},{"body":"There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times.
\n\nUK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe abroad and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad.
\n\nAlthough there’s no recent history of terrorism in Vanuatu, attacks cannot be ruled out.
\n\nThe risk of crime is generally low but there have been:
\n\nTake sensible precautions as you would in the UK.
\n\nYou should respect local customs, which are strictly observed, and religious sensitivities.
\n\nDo not wear beachwear away from beaches and hotels.
\n\nIt 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.
\n\nKava 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.
\n\nAvoid all recreational drugs. Possession of even small quantities can lead to imprisonment and a large fine.
\n\nMost people in Vanuatu will allow you to take their photograph, but you should always get permission first.
\n\nAsk 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.
\n\nLand 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.
\n\nSame-sex relationships are legal in Vanuatu. However, showing affection in public may attract unwanted and negative attention and is likely to offend some people.
\n\nRead more advice for LGBT+ travellers.
\n\nTake care when swimming, diving or snorkelling in the sea as currents can be extremely strong. Coral reefs can easily cause cuts and scrapes. There are reports of water quality issues in some of the lagoons, and there are sharks in Vanuatu waters. Be cautious and follow the advice and instructions of local authorities.
\n\nSee water safety on holiday from the Royal Life Saving Society.
\n\nMany visitors to Vanuatu take part in water sports, including scuba diving and snorkelling without incident. However, water sports activities have on occasion led to injuries and deaths because of a lack of basic safety measures. To reduce risks:
\n\nDiving schools and rescue service standards are not always as high as in the UK. Check the dive operator’s credentials and make sure your insurance covers you.
\n\nTo reduce risks:
\n\nVanuatu has 2 hyperbaric recompression chambers, both in Port Vila.
\n\nSee water safety on holiday from the Royal Life Saving Society and the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents watersports safety abroad guide.
\n\nIf you are planning to drive in Vanuatu, see information on driving abroad.
\n\nYou can use a UK photocard driving licence to drive in Vanuatu. If you still have a paper driving licence, you may need to update it to a photocard licence or get the correct version of the international driving permit (IDP) as well.
\n\nMany roads in Vanuatu are not properly surfaced. A lack of street lighting and the presence of pedestrians and animals makes roads particularly dangerous at night. Take extra care when driving at night, in heavy rain or after a prolonged dry period.
\n\nDriving standards are below those in the UK and many vehicles, including public transport, are in a poor state of repair and may not be insured.
\n\nAir Vanuatu is currently not operating international or domestic flights. Check for messages from your travel agent in case of any changes or cancellations to your travel booking, including for code share tickets. Other airlines continue to operate flights to and from Vanuatu.
\n\nTravel to outer islands is often on small local aircraft. Many domestic airports have basic or no facilities. Schedules may be changed or suspended at short notice due to weather conditions or ash clouds from volcanic activity.
\n\nBoat services between the islands are infrequent and can be unreliable. Boats travelling between the islands should have current sea-worthiness certificates, but many do not. Look into their safety before taking these services.
\n\nThere was a significant earthquake in Port Vila on 17th December 2024 causing damage to buildings and local infrastructure. Some areas remain closed for safety reasons while assessments of damaged buildings are underway. Follow the advice of local authorities and do not enter closed areas for safety reasons. Some areas remain inaccessible following landslides.
\n\nMany hotels and tourism operators are open for business, but some have been significantly impacted by the earthquake and are temporarily closed. Contact your travel agent, accommodation provider or airline for further information.
\n\nVanuatu is in an active seismic region known as the ‘Ring of Fire’. Volcanic eruptions, earthquakes and tsunamis are possible. Tropical cyclones are also a risk.
\n\nFind out what you can do to prepare for and respond to extreme weather and natural hazards.
\n\nThe tropical cyclone season in Vanuatu normally runs from November to May, but cyclones can happen throughout the year. During the cyclone season there is a greater risk of strong winds, heavy rains, flooding, landslides and road closures.
\n\nMonitor local news and check World Meteorological Organization weather reports for Vanuatu and the Vanuatu Meteorology and Geohazards Department.
\n\nVanuatu is in an earthquake zone and is prone to significant year-round seismic and volcanic activity, with an associated risk of tsunamis. There are over 2,000 seismic events reported each year. Most events are minor, but earthquakes over 5.0 magnitude happen regularly. Make sure you understand local safety procedures for earthquakes and tsunamis.
\n\nCheck Vanuatu Meteorology and Geohazards Department updates on seismic activity.
\n\nThe US Federal Emergency Management Agency has advice about what to do before, during and after an earthquake or tsunami.
\n\nIn Vanuatu there are active volcanoes on the islands of:
\n\nVolcano alert levels can change unexpectedly, and you may not be able to access an island if a volcano is active.
\n\nBefore you travel to an area with volcanoes:
\n\nFor current volcano alert levels, see the Vanuatu Meteorology and Geohazards Department.
\n\n","slug":"safety-and-security","title":"Safety and security"},{"body":"Before you travel check that:
\n\nThis is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant.
\n\nCall 115 and ask for an ambulance.
\n\nFor a fee, Promedical provide a 24-hour ambulance service in Port Vila and Luganville.
\n\nContact your insurance company quickly if you’re referred to a medical facility for treatment.
\n\nAt least 8 weeks before your trip:
\n\nSee what health risks you’ll face in Vanuatu, including:
\n\nThe legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or bought in the UK can be different in other countries.
\n\nRead best practice when travelling with medicines on TravelHealthPro.
\n\nMedical facilities in Vanuatu are basic and limited in range and availability. There are medical clinics in Port Vila, some with Australian-trained GPs, which offer primary care. More serious cases will require evacuation to Australia or New Zealand. Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment abroad, medical evacuation and repatriation.
\n\nRead FCDO guidance on travel and mental health. There is also mental health guidance on TravelHealthPro.
\n\n","slug":"health","title":"Health"},{"body":"The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) cannot provide tailored advice for individual trips. Read this travel advice and carry out your own research before deciding whether to travel.
\n\nIf you are in Port Vila and need assistance from the UK government, call the British High Commission on (02)6270 6666.
\n\nAmbulance: 115
\n\nFire: 113
\n\nPolice: 111 or 22222
\n\nContact 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.
\n\nFor 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.
\n\nFind out more about changing or cancelling travel plans, including:
\n\nFCDO has guidance on staying safe and what to do if you need help or support abroad, including:
\n\nSee how to get help from the UK government abroad including in an emergency.
\n\nYou can call FCDO in London if you need urgent help because something has happened to a friend or relative abroad.
\n\nTelephone: 020 7008 5000 (24 hours)
\n\n\n\nSign up to get email notifications when this travel advice is updated.
\n\nFollow FCDO:
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