vanuatu tourism department

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Vanuatu Tourism Gets a Reboot

Destination stewardship report – autumn 2021 (volume 2, issue 2).

This post is from the Destination Stewardship Report ( Autumn 2021, Volume 2, Issue 2 ), an e-quarterly publication that provides practical information and insights useful to anyone whose work or interests involve improving destination stewardship in a post-pandemic world.

Naluandance, Malekula culture. All photos Courtesy of the Vanuatu Department of Tourism

The pandemic has caused massive disruption to the tourism industry around the world. But it has also created an opportunity for destinations to reboot the sector to move forward in a more thoughtful and sustainable way. Here, Geoff Hyde shares how Vanuatu is doing just that.

Living its Ni-Vanuatu Values: Vanuatu Plans for Resilience, Agritourism, and Cruise Reform

“I rely on volcano tours for my livelihood but I also want to protect my family and community from getting sick from Covid,” said a local guide at a recent tourism workshop in Ambrym, Vanuatu. Indeed, Vanuatu’s Department of Tourism (DoT), in conjunction with public health officials, has been conducting workshops around the country to deliver the twin messages of business survival through financial grants while following health protocols, including vaccinations, to provide safe business and community environments when borders reopen.

Located in the South Pacific, Vanuatu has a strong and authentic Melanesian culture and an abundance of natural assets within its 83 islands. Closure of international borders has plunged the economy into a serious socio-economic crisis. Like most small island states, Vanuatu has been heavily dependent on its tourism sector.

Gaua Beach, Torba Province.

Economic Reliance on Tourism

According to World Bank data , from 2016-18, Vanuatu had the eighth highest proportion of tourism receipts and the seventh-highest direct contribution of tourism to GDP. More recent pre-Covid 2019 tourism statistics from the World Travel and Tourism Council, show the direct and indirect contributions of tourism in Vanuatu accounted for 48% of GDP (Vt 46.8 billion). This data, combined with over 135,000 cruise ship arrivals in 2019 add another Vt 2.1 billion to Vanuatu’s economy (DoT Sustainable Cruise Tourism Plan, 2020 .) All totalled, these statistics reveal a high level of reliance on the tourism sector.

Tam-Tams in the Nasara sacred Rom Dance Ground.

Such a dependency was recognised by the Vanuatu DoT well before the pandemic hit. From 2016, the DoT had been planning for and implementing a more sustainable and diversified approach to tourism development. In 2018, Vanuatu DoT joined the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) as a destination member and signed an MOU to support Vanuatu’s tourism industry on the progress it had made in the path to becoming a sustainable tourism destination. Funded through NZAid, the Vanuatu Strategic Tourism Action Plan produced the Vanuatu Sustainable Tourism Policy 2019-2030 , a key initial project informed by nationwide stakeholder consultation. A vital piece of this policy included its Vision, which states, “To protect and celebrate Vanuatu’s unique environment, culture, kastom [traditional, authentic culture], and people through sustainable and responsible tourism” with its goals and objectives based on a set of these shared values:

“Tourism in Vanuatu embraces the traditional and formal economies; it provides sustainable growth by strengthening national and community resilience with the ultimate goal of delivering equitable economic, social, cultural and environmental benefits for Vanuatu and its people.”

Vanuatu’s Crisis Response in Action

In response to the international border closure, the DoT quickly established the Tourism Crisis Response and Recovery Advisory Committee comprising government representatives, including the Director of Public Health, and private sector stakeholders. Tourism sector policy advice and information was then fed into the National Disaster Management Committee .

This resulted in two planning documents with action plans:

• The Immediate Safety, Response and Economic Recovery Plan, May to December 2020 for short term responses delivered under the five pillars of health, access, product, marketing, and communications; and
• Wellbeing: through High Value, Low Impact Tourism
• Resilience: through Niche Tourism Product Development
• Diversification: through Agritourism
• Sustainability: through Certification, Investment and Ni-Vanuatu Entrepreneurship

Despite the setbacks from the pandemic, the DoT has been further encouraged and inspired to implement this sustainable tourism strategy and program as part of the recovery process. This will help diversify the product and create resilience within the tourism sector. Under the VSTS, DoT and its partners are now implementing sustainable tourism programs, utilising one or more of the above themes.

The programs are:

Tourism Business Support Program (TBSP) – launched in March 2021 and managed by DoT through a representative Steering Committee. The TBSP provides financial support and technical assistance for eligible tourism businesses to survive the pandemic’s impacts and have them ready to receive tourists when borders reopen. The eligibility criteria encourage tourism businesses to follow the principles of sustainable and responsible tourism by signing a code of conduct promoting product diversification and increasing local benefits. Financial assistance is available in these categories:

• Tourism Business Survival Grants : for costs associated with cleaning, maintenance, gardening, security, safety, and utility bills.
• Renewable Energy Subsidy Scheme : for equipment and appliance purchasing through the National Green Energy Fund.
• Agritourism Support Program : assistance for selected projects that have integrated the tourism and agriculture sectors into their products. For example, the famed Jungle Zipline attraction is now diversifying into cacao and macadamia nut production to supply local chocolate manufacturers and develop tours when borders reopen.

Safe Business Operations (SBO) Training Program – commenced in October 2020, SBO is mandatory industry training across all sectors to ensure workplace compliance with the health and safety protocols for Covid-19. To date, training workshops and awareness sessions have been delivered to over 2,000 participants in 1,323 businesses across all provinces. SBO is managed by DoT in partnership with the Department of Public Health, the Australia Pacific Training Coalition, the Vanuatu Chamber of Commerce and Industry, World Vision Vanuatu, Vanuatu Institute of Technology, and Vanuatu Skills Partnership.

Sign at a handicraft market.

Agritourism Support Program – encourages diversification and resilience by integrating agriculture and tourism products. It attempts to create a point of difference with Vanuatu’s local cuisine through the ‘Traditional Cuisine Revival Program’ and the ‘Slow Food Educational Program.’ The latter aims to increase the use of local, sustainable, and organic produce within the tourism industry and raise the nutritional quality of food served to tourists. The DoT is implementing a business mentoring program for 27 local businesses who have now formed the Vanuatu Agritourism Association. This includes business planning, management and digital marketing, as well as presentations on the SBO and TBSP.

Cruise Tourism Product Development Program – has been implementing the Vanuatu Sustainable Cruise Tourism Plan adopted in March 2020. The Government of Vanuatu is adopting a stronger presence in the management and control of the cruise tourism segment under ‘high value–low impact’ sustainable tourism principles. The DoT has also recently commissioned independent local consultants to undertake a feasibility study for an Expedition ship to be based in Vanuatu to develop a ‘fly-cruise’ product more conducive to sustainable tourism principles and increased Ni-Vanuatu benefits. A more representative management committee, chaired by DoT, has been established to implement a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the two main cruise companies, Carnival and Royal Caribbean. This MOA was independently reviewed by Sustainable Seas Ltd (UK) and includes references to the GSTC Destination Criteria.

About Geoff Hyde

Mr. Geoff Hyde M.Sc. (Tourism Planning/Development Economics), B.A. (Leisure Planning) is the Managing Director and Principal Consultant of Sustainable Tourism International Ltd . (STIL), a tourism consultancy company dedicated to the principles of sustainable tourism as a tool for socio-economic development. He has spent 30 years as a Tourism Sector Adviser and the last five years as the Technical Adviser to the Vanuatu Department of Tourism.

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Vanuatu Tourism Gets a Reboot

Naluandance, Malekula culture. All photos Courtesy of the Vanuatu Department of Tourism

The pandemic has caused massive disruption to the tourism industry around the world. But it has also created an opportunity for destinations to reboot the sector to move forward in a more thoughtful and sustainable way. Here, Geoff Hyde shares how Vanuatu is doing just that. 

Living its Ni-Vanuatu Values: Vanuatu Plans for Resilience, Agritourism, and Cruise Reform

“I rely on volcano tours for my livelihood but I also want to protect my family and community from getting sick from Covid,” said a local guide at a recent tourism workshop in Ambrym, Vanuatu. Indeed, Vanuatu’s Department of Tourism (DoT), in conjunction with public health officials, has been conducting workshops around the country to deliver the twin messages of business survival through financial grants while following health protocols, including vaccinations, to provide safe business and community environments when borders reopen. 

Located in the South Pacific, Vanuatu has a strong and authentic Melanesian culture and an abundance of natural assets within its 83 islands. Closure of international borders has plunged the economy into a serious socio-economic crisis. Like most small island states, Vanuatu has been heavily dependent on its tourism sector.

Gaua Beach, Torba Province.

Economic Reliance on Tourism

According to World Bank data ,  from 2016-18, Vanuatu had the eighth highest proportion of tourism receipts and the seventh-highest direct contribution of tourism to GDP. More recent pre-Covid 2019 tourism statistics from the World Travel and Tourism Council, show the direct and indirect contributions of tourism in Vanuatu accounted for 48% of GDP (Vt 46.8 billion). This data, combined with over 135,000 cruise ship arrivals in 2019 add another Vt 2.1 billion to Vanuatu’s economy (DoT Sustainable Cruise Tourism Plan, 2020 .) All totalled, t hese statistics reveal a high level of reliance on the tourism sector.  

Tam-Tams in the Nasara sacred Rom Dance Ground.

Such a dependency was recognised by the Vanuatu DoT well before the pandemic hit. From 2016, the DoT had been planning for and implementing a more sustainable and diversified approach to tourism development. Funded through NZAid, the Vanuatu Strategic Tourism Action Plan produced the Vanuatu Sustainable Tourism Policy 2019-2030 , a key initial project informed by nationwide stakeholder consultation. A vital piece of this policy included its Vision, which states, “To protect and celebrate Vanuatu’s unique environment, culture, kastom [traditional, authentic culture], and people through sustainable and responsible tourism” with its goals and objectives based on a set of these shared values :

“Tourism in Vanuatu embraces the traditional and formal economies; it provides sustainable growth by strengthening national and community resilience with the ultimate goal of delivering equitable economic, social, cultural and environmental benefits for Vanuatu and its people .”

Vanuatu’s Crisis Response in Action

In response to the international border closure, the DoT quickly established the Tourism Crisis Response and Recovery Advisory Committee comprising government representatives, including the Director of Public Health, and private sector stakeholders. Tourism sector policy advice and information was then fed into the National Disaster Management Committee . 

This resulted in two planning documents with action plans: 

• The Immediate Safety, Response and Economic Recovery Plan , May to December 2020 for short term responses delivered under the five pillars of health, access, product, marketing, and communications; and 
• Wellbeing: through High Value, Low Impact Tourism 
• Resilience: through Niche Tourism Product Development
• Diversification: through Agritourism
• Sustainability: through Certification, Investment and Ni-Vanuatu Entrepreneurship

Despite the setbacks from the pandemic, the DoT has been further encouraged and inspired to implement this sustainable tourism strategy and program as part of the recovery process. This will help diversify the product and create resilience within the tourism sector. Under the VSTS, DoT and its partners are now implementing sustainable tourism programs, utilising one or more of the above themes. 

The programs are:

Tourism Business Support Program (TBSP) – launched in March 2021 and managed by DoT through a representative Steering Committee. The TBSP provides financial support and technical assistance for eligible tourism businesses to survive the pandemic’s impacts and have them ready to receive tourists when borders reopen. The eligibility criteria encourage tourism businesses to follow the principles of sustainable and responsible tourism by signing a code of conduct promoting product diversification and increasing local benefits. Financial assistance is available in these categories:

• Tourism Business Survival Grants : for costs associated with cleaning, maintenance, gardening, security, safety, and utility bills.
• Renewable Energy Subsidy Scheme: for equipment and appliance purchasing through the National Green Energy Fund.
• Agritourism Support Program: assistance for selected projects that have integrated the tourism and agriculture sectors into their products. For example, the famed Jungle Zipline attraction is now diversifying into cacao and macadamia nut production to supply local chocolate manufacturers and develop tours when borders reopen.

Safe Business Operations (SBO) Training Program – commenced in October 2020, SBO is mandatory industry training across all sectors to ensure workplace compliance with the health and safety protocols for Covid-19. To date, training workshops and awareness sessions have been delivered to over 2,000 participants in 1,323 businesses across all provinces. SBO is managed by DoT in partnership with the Department of Public Health, the Australia Pacific Training Coalition, the Vanuatu Chamber of Commerce and Industry, World Vision Vanuatu, Vanuatu Institute of Technology, and Vanuatu Skills Partnership.

Agritourism Support Program – encourages diversification and resilience by integrating agriculture and tourism products. It attempts to create a point of difference with Vanuatu’s local cuisine through the ‘Traditional Cuisine Revival Program’ and the ‘Slow Food Educational Program.’ The latter aims to increase the use of local,

Sign at a handicraft market.

sustainable, and organic produce within the tourism industry and raise the nutritional quality of food served to tourists. The DoT is implementing a business mentoring program for 27 local businesses who have now formed the Vanuatu Agritourism Association. This includes business planning, management and digital marketing, as well as presentations on the SBO and TBSP. 

Cruise Tourism Product Development Program – has been implementing the Vanuatu Sustainable Cruise Tourism Plan adopted in March 2020. The Government of Vanuatu is adopting a stronger presence in the  management and control of the cruise tourism segment under ‘high value–low impact’ sustainable tourism principles. The DoT has also recently commissioned independent local consultants to undertake a feasibility study for an Expedition ship to be based in Vanuatu to develop a ‘fly-cruise’ product more conducive to sustainable tourism principles and increased Ni-Vanuatu benefits. A more representative management committee, chaired by DoT, has been established to implement a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the two main cruise companies, Carnival and Royal Caribbean. This MOA was independently reviewed by Sustainable Seas Ltd (UK) and includes references to the GSTC Destination Criteria.

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The official website of the Vanuatu Department of Immigration and Passport Services

• Mon-Fri 8:00am - 17:00pm
• (+678) 22354
• [email protected]

Department of Immigration & Passport Services

Tourist visa.

A Tourist visa is intended for short-term travelers who genuinely intend to visit Vanuatu for tourism, leisure purposes, or social visits

Please ensure that you have all the required documents in order to facilitate the processing of your Tourist Visa application.

Tourist Visa Information

The following visa conditions apply:

• The applicant must be outside of Vanuatu at the time of application.
• The period of stay allowed is 120 days without the possibility of extension.
• There should be no change of status under a tourist visa.
• The holder of the visa is not permitted to engage in any commercial, employment, or business activities in Vanuatu.
• The visa holder must exit the country before the expiry of the 120-day period.

Tourist Visa Grant Criteria

Tourist visas can be obtained upon arrival for travelers from exempted countries (see list of exempted countries) who meet the following grant criteria:

• Not a prohibited immigrant.
• Not prevented by the Minister from returning to Vanuatu.
• Pass the character test.
• Free from contagious diseases, mental conditions, or any health issues that pose a risk to the Vanuatu community’s health.
• Provide satisfactory security as required under section 8 of the Immigration Act.
• Have the financial means to support oneself and dependents (if any) in Vanuatu.
• Have a genuine intention to visit and depart from Vanuatu within 120 days.
• Possess a return ticket or satisfactory means of traveling from Vanuatu to a destination outside Vanuatu that allows entry.
• If under 18 years of age, provide written consent from parents or legal guardians.

Click the link below to download the business visa application form.

Tourist Visa Checklist

• You are outside Vanuatu.
• Completed and signed Visitor Application form, with health and character questions answered on the application form.
• Visa application charge paid for non-exempted countries, which is 5,000 VT.
• Certified copy of the valid passport bio data page (Passport must be the one you will use upon entry to Vanuatu).
• Return ticket or evidence of other arranged transport from Vanuatu within 120 days of arrival.
• Evidence of funds/income to support the applicant for a duration of stay of 60,000 VT per month, or support that the applicant will receive from family/friends in Vanuatu.
• Evidence of a genuine intention to depart Vanuatu within 120 days, which can include a letter from your employer confirming leave, proof of booking with an accredited tourism facility in Vanuatu, proof of a return ticket, or other information indicating an incentive to depart Vanuatu (e.g., completing studies, caring for children, etc.).
• If the applicant is under 18 years of age, proof that both of the applicant’s parents or legal guardians have consented to the grant of the visa.
• If the applicant is under 18 years of age, is not a member of an organized tour, and will not be accompanied by at least one parent or guardian while in Vanuatu, provide an undertaking from a Vanuatu citizen or a visa holder valid during the applicant’s stay, to provide accommodation, food, and general welfare during the stay in Vanuatu.

For any enquiries related to this application, visa requirements, or visa conditions, please contact Vanuatu Immigration at:

• Telephone: +678 22354
• Email: [email protected]

Department of Vanuatu Immigration and Passport Services

• Kumul Highway, Tamarama Building, Port Vila, Vanuatu
• Postal Address: Po Box 9092

Useful Link

• Pacific Islands Legal Information Institute (PacLII)
• Immigration Act no.17 of 2010

Government Link

• Vanuatu Investment Promotion Authority (VIPA)
• Finance And Treasury
• Department of Labour & Employment Services(DOL)
• Vanuatu Financial Service Commission(VFSC)
• Vanuatu Citizenship Office
• Vanuatu Police Force(VPF)

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Travel Advisory July 24, 2023

Vanuatu - level 1: exercise normal precautions.

Reissued with obsolete COVID-19 page links removed.

Exercise normal precautions in Vanuatu.

Read the  country information page  for additional information on travel to Vanuatu.

If you decide to travel to Vanuatu:

• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)  to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.   
• Follow the Department of State on  Facebook  and  Twitter .   
• Review the  Country Security Report  for Vanuatu.   
• Visit the CDC page for the latest  Travel Health Information  related to your travel. 
• Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the  Traveler’s Checklist .    

Embassy Messages

View Alerts and Messages Archive

Quick Facts

1 page per stamp.

Not required for stays under 30 days.

All travelers must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. No other vaccinations are currently required.

Amounts over VUV 1,000,000 (USD 10,000) in local or foreign currency equivalent must be declared.

Embassies and Consulates

U.s. embassy port moresby.

The Embassy maintains no permanent presence in Vanuatu. Harbour City Road, Konedobu Port Moresby, NCD, 121 Papua New Guinea Telephone : +(675) 308-9100 Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(675) 7200-9439 Fax: +(675) 321-1593 Email:   [email protected]

Destination Description

Learn about the U.S. relationship to countries around the world.

Entry, Exit and Visa Requirements

U.S. citizens need a valid passport, onward ticket, and proof of sufficient funds in order to enter Vanuatu. Tourist visas are not required for stays of up to 30 days. If you plan to stay longer than 30 days, you may apply for a standard residence permit or for an extension of stay for up to 120 days at the Immigration Office. You should do so before your initial 30-day period expires. Please contact the Principal Immigration Officer, Immigration Department, at (+678) 22354.

For further information on entry requirements, particularly if you are planning to enter on a private sailing vessel, please visit the  Permanent Mission of the Republic of Vanuatu to the United Nations website , 800 Second Avenue, Suite 400B, New York, NY 10017, Telephone: (+1) 212 661 4303; fax: (+1) 212 422 3427, (+1) 212 661 5544. The Mission may also be contacted via e-mail at [email protected] .

The U.S. Department of State is unaware of any HIV/AIDS entry restrictions for visitors to or foreign residents of Vanuatu.

Find information on dual nationality , prevention of international child abduction and customs regulations on our websites.

Safety and Security

Public Safety:  Civil disorder in Vanuatu is relatively rare; however, you should avoid public demonstrations and/or political rallies if they occur.

Crime:  Although violent crime is relatively rare in Vanuatu, there is always a risk that you could be a victim of theft, burglary, sexual harassment, or sexual assault. Take reasonable precautions to avoid undue risk, especially in tourist areas. Women should avoid going out alone at night or to isolated locations. The Embassy has also received some reports of ATM or credit card number theft after a card was used in Vanuatu. While this does not appear to be widespread, travelers are advised to monitor their accounts after using their ATM or credit cards in Vanuatu for any unauthorized activity.

International Financial Scams:  See the  Department of State  and the  FBI  pages for information.

Victims of Crime: U.S. citizen victims of sexual assault should contact the U.S. Embassy in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea for assistance at (+675) 308 2100.

Report crimes to the local police at 1111 or non-emergency (+678) 2222 in Port Vila and (+678) 36222 in Santo, and contact the U.S. Embassy in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea at (+675) 308 2100. Remember that local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crime.

See our webpage on help for U.S. victims of crime overseas .

• Help you find appropriate medical care
• Assist you in reporting crime to the police
• Contact relatives or friends with your written consent
• Provide general information regarding the victim’s role during the local investigation and following its conclusion
• Provide a list of attorneys
• Provide our information on victim’s compensation programs in the United States
• Provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States and/or limited medical support in cases of destitution
• Help you find accommodation and arrange flights homes
• Replace a stolen or lost passport.

Domestic Violence: U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence should contact the Embassy for assistance.

Tourism: The tourism industry is unevenly regulated, and safety inspections for equipment and facilities do not commonly occur. Hazardous areas/activities are not always identified with appropriate signage, and staff may not be trained or certified either by the host government or by recognized authorities in the field. In the event of an injury, appropriate medical treatment is typically available only in/near major cities. First responders are generally unable to access areas outside of major cities and to provide urgent medical treatment. U.S. citizens are encouraged to purchase medical evacuation insurance . 

Local Laws & Special Circumstances

Criminal Penalties:  You are subject to local laws. If you violate local laws, even unknowingly, you may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned. 

Furthermore, some laws are also prosecutable in the U.S., regardless of local law. For examples, see our website on  crimes against minors abroad  and the  Department of Justice  website.

Arrest Notification:  If you are arrested or detained, ask police or prison officials to notify the U.S. Embassy immediately. See our  webpage  for further information.

Customs:  Vanuatu customs authorities may enforce strict regulations on importing or exporting items such as firearms, certain prescription drugs, wooden artifacts, exotic animals, food items, and sexually explicit material. Other products may be subject to quarantine. For specific information regarding customs requirements, contact the  Permanent Mission of the Republic of Vanuatu  to the United Nations, 800 Second Avenue, Suite 400B, New York, NY 10017, Telephone: (212) 661-4303; fax: (212) 422-3427, (212) 661-5544.

Natural Disasters:  The United Nations University Institute for Environment and Human Security (UNU-EHS) has consistently ranked Vanuatu number one on the World Risk Index for its many different types of natural disasters and its difficulties in recovering from them.  Visitors need to be aware of disasters which can occur at any time.

Cyclones:  Cyclones can occur suddenly in Vanuatu. Cyclone season usually lasts from November to April, and severe flooding, landslides, and disruptions to services may occur. Local media and hotels will convey cyclone alerts issued by local authorities.

Volcanoes/Earthquakes:  Vanuatu is subject to volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, and tsunamis. If you plan to visit volcanic areas, contact the Department of Geology and Mines at (677) 22423 or the  Vanuatu Tourism Office  at [email protected] prior to traveling to areas where volcanic activity may occur. Detailed information about earthquakes is available from the  National Earthquake Information Center of the United States Geological Survey . If a natural disaster occurs, follow the advice of local authorities. Visit the Vanuatu Meteorology and Geo-Hazards page to obtain current climate advisories, including volcano activity levels All of Ambae Island and parts of Ambrym Island have been evacuated due to high and on-going volcanic activity. Avoid areas being evacuated.

Faith-Based Travelers:  See the  Department of State’s International Religious Freedom Report .

LGBTI Travelers : Same-sex sexual relations are criminalized in Vanuatu. However, there are no known incidents of the prosecution, targeting, or harassment of consenting adults. Vanuatu is a conservative country, and we recommend that you avoid public displays of affection. See our  LGBTI Travel Information  page and the Vanuatu Human Rights Report for further details.

Travelers Who Require Accessibility Assistance : There is no law specifically prohibiting discrimination against persons with physical, sensory, intellectual, or mental disabilities. There are no special programs to assist persons with disabilities and no legislation mandating access to buildings, information, and communications. In practice, most buildings in Vanuatu are not accessible to persons with disabilities, and disabled persons often rely on assistance from friends and family.

Recreational Diving:  Diving in Vanuatu has the potential to be dangerous. We suggest the following tips for visitors who plan to dive while in Vanuatu:

• Verify that your dive operator is currently certified through one of the international diving associations (PADI, NAUI, BSAC, CMAS, etc.).
• Ensure that rental equipment is in good working condition, with up-to-date inspection stamps.
• Make sure your equipment fits properly.
• Postpone or cancel diving activity if any equipment is faulty.
• Try to remain in pairs or in a group that includes a dive guide.
• Determine your level of training before engaging in deep water or wreck dives.
• Confirm that dive operators have adequate onsite emergency equipment and diver-recall systems.
• Know that the nearest hyperbaric chamber might be hours away, or require a plane flight. There is one hyperbaric facility in Port Vila, Vanuatu, far from some of the more remote dive sites. Due to the high costs for decompression services and associated emergency transportation, divers are strongly advised to obtain adequate medical evacuation and diver’s insurance.
• Please report any unsafe conditions or diving practices to either the certifying diving association or the local authorities.

Students:  See our  Students Abroad  page and  FBI travel tips .

Women Travelers:  See our travel tips for  Women Travelers

Criminal Penalties: You are subject to local laws. If you violate local laws, even unknowingly, you may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned. Individuals establishing a business or practicing a profession that requires additional permits or licensing should seek information from the competent local authorities, prior to practicing or operating a business.

Local customary law is observed in Vanuatu especially in rural areas. Disputes based in customary law are generally resolved through a compensation-based settlement mediated by law enforcement or law government officials.

Furthermore, some laws are also prosecutable in the United States, regardless of local law. For examples, see our website on crimes against minors abroad and the Department of Justice website.

Arrest Notification: If you are arrested or detained, ask police or prison officials to notify the U.S. Embassy immediately. See our webpage for further information.

Natural Disasters:  Vanuatu is among the most natural disaster prone countries in the world. Visitors should be aware that natural disasters can occur at any time with little or not notice. For general information on disaster preparedness visit the Department of State Crisis and Disaster Preparedness  webpage.

Cyclones:  Cyclones can occur suddenly in Vanuatu. Cyclone season usually lasts from November to April. Damaging winds, rough seas, intense rain and flash flooding, landslides, and disruptions to services may occur. Local media and hotels will convey cyclone alerts issued by local authorities.

Volcanoes/Earthquakes:  Vanuatu is frequently subject to volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, and tsunamis. If you plan to visit volcanic areas, contact the Department of Geology and Mines at (677) 22423 or the  Vanuatu Tourism Office  at prior to traveling to areas where volcanic activity may occur.

Detailed information about earthquakes is available from the  National Earthquake Information Center of the United States Geological Survey . If a natural disaster occurs, follow the advice of local authorities. Visit the  Vanuatu Meteorology and Geo-Hazards page  to obtain current climate advisories, including volcano activity levels. All of Ambae Island and parts of Ambrym Island have been evacuated permanently due to regular volcanic activity. Avoid these areas and others under evacuation orders.

Faith-Based Travelers: See the following webpages for details:

• Faith-Based Travel Information
• International Religious Freedom Report – see country reports
• Human Rights Report – see country reports
• Best Practices for Volunteering Abroad

LGBTI Travelers: Same-sex sexual relations are criminalized in Vanuatu. See our LGBTI Travel Information page and section 6 of our Human Rights report for further details.

Travelers with Disabilities:

The law in Vanuatu does not prohibit discrimination against persons with physical, sensory, intellectual, or mental disabilities. Social acceptance of persons with disabilities in public is not as prevalent as in the United States. Expect accessibility to be limited in public transportation, lodging, communication/information, and general infrastructure. Accessibility is generally more prevalent in the capital city, Port Vila. The availability of rental, repair, replacement parts for aids/equipment/devices, or service providers, such as sign language interpreters or personal assistants is extremely limited.

Students:  See our Students Abroad page and FBI travel tips .

Women Travelers: See our travel tips for Women Travelers .

Travel and Transportation

Road Conditions and Safety: Travel by road can be hazardous. Always use your seatbelt. Roads are generally narrow and in poor repair. Only the capital city of Port Vila and the town of Luganville have consistently paved roads, which have a maximum speed limit of 30 miles per hour (50 kilometers per hour). On all roads, give way to traffic coming from the right, and to traffic coming from the left at roundabouts. To avoid trespassing, seek permission from local landowners before accessing non-public areas, including beaches. Some landowners may charge a fee for access.

Traffic Laws: If you are involved in a road accident, local law requires you to stop and stay at the scene until the police arrive. If a crowd gathers after an accident and you feel threatened, proceed directly to a police station. Incidents of individuals being harmed by crowds as a result of a traffic accident are rare.

Many local drivers are not well trained and do not follow basic traffic laws. Be aware of drivers under the influence of alcohol, pedestrians who are not aware of traffic, and children running into the road. Drivers have very limited visibility due to a lack of roadway illumination. Police control of traffic is limited, even in Port Vila. When driving, be alert at all times. Street signs and traffic lights are scarce or may not be in working order. 

Public Transportation: Taxi services are widely available in Port Vila and Luganville and are generally safe. Public bus and mini-bus services are also available, but safety standards may vary widely and information on routes may not be available in a published form. Incidences of petty theft are generally rare by are more frequent on public transportation.

See our Road Safety page for more information.

Contact Vanuatu’s national tourist office or the Vanuatu Police Force Traffic Section for more information on road safety.

Aviation Safety Oversight: As there is no direct commercial air service to the United States by carriers registered in Vanuatu, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has not assessed the Government of Vanuatu’s Civil Aviation Authority for compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards. Further information may be found on the FAA’s safety assessment page .

Maritime Travel: Mariners planning travel to Vanuatu should also check for U.S. maritime advisories and alerts . Information may also be posted to the U.S. Coast Guard homeport website , and the NGA broadcast warnings .

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For additional IPCA-related information, please see the  International Child Abduction Prevention and Return Act (ICAPRA)  report.

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• Industry News

Vanuatu Tourism: Data And Insights Are Crucial Elements Of Decision-Making

Data and insights are crucial elements of the decision-making and the team at the Vanuatu Tourism Office (VTO) is introducing new initiatives to gather data and insights in strengthening this area for the tourism and hospitality industry. 

The Office is working in collaboration with the Vanuatu National Statistics Office (VNSO), Department of Tourism (DoT), Airports Vanuatu Ltd (AVL) and the Vanuatu Skills Partnership (VSP) to coordinate and deliver a consumer feedbacks, insights and data to assist the industry, government and stakeholders on what has been the impact of the arrival of the visitors since July 2022 into the country. 

With August and September 2022 data still to be processed & verified, the group has shared July statistics showing that out of the 3,501 visitors in July alone, 80% of the visitors travelled to Vanuatu for the purpose of Holiday with 55% of the visitors coming from Australia; 13% from New Zealand; 13% from Europe; 8% from Asia and other Pacific countries; and finally 5% from New Caledonia and 2% from North America. 

Source: Vanuatu National Statistics Office

It is noted that the delay in the issuance of monthly statistics, since the reopening of the borders on 01 July 2022, have been a point of concern, however, resources are being mobilized to properly equip VNSO for future updates.  For more information on the statistic updates: https://vnso.gov.vu/index.php/en/statistics-by-topic/tourism

Atama Tamanilo

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      Below Is a list of Presentations presented at Emua

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Building an inclusive and sustainable tourism industry

Working in collaboration with the Department of Tourism and the Vanuatu Tourism Office , the Vanuatu Skills Partnership supports tourism in Vanuatu through a range of skills development activities focusing on quality product development, sustainable business practices, and market access.

With a focus on strategic, national level engagement, the Skills for Tourism work stream supports key partners, including government, community and private sector entities, along the value chain to ensure skills development activities promote positive social and economic outcomes for rural tourism business and their communities.

Vanuatu Tourism Operator Minimum Standards

The Partnership has supported the Department of Tourism to develop and promote the Vanuatu Tourism Operator Minimum Standards, a national quality benchmark for tourism businesses. 

Successfully implementing this process has resulted in a robust and genuine standard of accreditation for sustainable tourism businesses from product development to market access.

The Partnership is now supporting the Department in the auditing and implementation of these standards.

Tanna Tourism Recovery Project

The Tanna Tourism Recovery Project (TTRP) aims to improve the quality of tourism accommodation on Tanna post-Cyclone Pam.

Developed by the Department of Tourism in the wake of Tropical Cyclone Pam in 2015, TTRP is funded by the Australian Government to support to the recovery effort through the Vanuatu Skills Partnership.

TTRP has provided business development support and subsidised materials to local tourism operators, including the setup of the Tanna Travel Centre.

Accessible Tourism

Projections indicate increased demand for accessible tours and activities across Vanuatu due to the increase in leisure travellers via cruise ships including older travellers and families with relatives with disability.

The Vanuatu Skills Partnership, through its Skills for Tourism and Disability Inclusion teams, have been working in collaboration with the Department of Tourism and the Vanuatu Tourism Office to facilitate the mainstreaming of disability inclusive and accessible tourism strategies since 2016.

The Partnership has seen the introduction of accessible design principles into tourism product development and operator minimum standards as well as destination management through the national tourism website .

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