Due to the spread of the coronavirus, the authorities have implemented measures for visitors, among other things. a. Entry restrictions. It is per. March 20 introduced an entry ban for foreign nationals (with some exceptions). For more information about coronavirus, see the section Health.
Safety
Most trips to Vanuatu are completed without any special problems. There is no Norwegian foreign service station on Vanuatu.
The risk of terrorist incidents on Vanuatu is considered low. There is little crime, but minor thefts occur.
Travelers, and especially women, are advised not to travel alone to remote areas and beaches. It is also not advisable to walk alone in the evening.
Normal reservations are recommended. Vanuatu is regularly exposed to earthquakes and volcanic activity. There are active volcanoes on Ambae, Ambrym, Gaua, Lopevi and Tanna.
Cyclones are most common between November and April, but can also occur otherwise in the year. Floods and landslides can cause major traffic problems.
Norwegian citizens staying for a shorter or longer period in Vanuatu are encouraged to register on reiseregistrering.no.
Norwegian citizens are encouraged to have valid travel insurance.
Local emergency numbers: Fire 112/22333, police 112/22222, ambulance is not recommended.
In case of crisis or emergency, you can contact the Ministry of Foreign Affairs 24-hour operating center on tel. +47 23 95 00 00 or e-mail UDops@mfa.no
Entry
Coronavirus: In connection with the outbreak of coronavirus (covid19), Vanuatu has decided that anyone traveling to Vanuatu must fill out the “Incoming Passenger Health Declaration” form before boarding the aircraft. Furthermore, it is stated that all travelers arriving in Vanuatu and who have departed from, or transit via mainland China/Taiwan/Hong Kong/or Macao will be denied access to the country.
It is also stated from Vanuatu that travelers who have been leaving, or transit through, the above locations since December 31, 2019, but have been staying outside these locations for the past 14 days, must complete “Medical Clearance Form 1”, where they confirms that they have no respiratory disease. Persons arriving in Vanuatu who have symptoms of respiratory disease (flu, runny nose, fever, headache, chest pain or difficulty breathing) are advised to postpone the trip to Vanuatu as they may be denied entry into the country.
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Please note that entry regulations may change. The Foreign Service is not responsible if the following information on entry regulations or visa requirements is changed at short notice. It is the responsibility of the traveler to ensure that travel documents are valid for entry and to familiarize themselves with the current entry rules for each country.
Norwegian citizens do not need a visa if they stay up to 30 days. A visitor’s permit is issued on arrival upon presentation of a valid departure ticket and proof that one has the means to pay for the stay. The passport must be valid for at least six months after the departure date.
If you want to stay at Vanuatu for more than 30 days, you must apply for a visa. More information about Vanuatu visas can be found here.
Only passports are accepted as identification documents.
It is the traveler’s responsibility to ensure that travel documents are valid. It is recommended to check in advance if it is allowed to visit islands and beaches.
Health
Coronavirus (covid-19): Due to the spread of the virus, the authorities of March 20 have introduced a ban on foreign nationals (with some exceptions). Information on the measures can be read on the Ministry of Health website. It is the authorities of Vanuatu who are responsible for updating the websites.
Norwegian travelers should also keep abreast of the development of the coronavirus, as well as keep up to date with guidance and instructions from the authorities at Vanuatu.
You can find more information and guidance from the Norwegian health authorities on the website of the Norwegian Institute of Public Health. See also UD’s answers to frequently asked questions about travel and coronavirus.
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The US Center for Disease Control and Prevention recommends vaccines against malaria, hepatitis A and typhoid before entering Vanuatu. Read more on Traveler’s health.
Practical information
Vanuatu has three official languages: Bislama, English and French.
The currency is vatu, but Australian dollars are also accepted in some places, mainly in Port Vila and Luganville. Credit cards can be used in Port Vila and Luganville. ATMs can be found in Port Vila, Efate and Santo.
Vanuatu is nine hours ahead of Norway.
The area code for calls from Norway to Vanuatu is +678. The telephone network is stable and there are internet cafes in Port Vila and Luganville.
Normal opening hours are from 10am. 07:30 – 17:00 Monday to Friday. Banks have business hours 07:30 – 15:30. 230 volts is standard for electrical outlets. Tipsing is considered rude.
The temperature at Vanuatu varies from 18 to 28 degrees. January to March are the wettest months.
Public Holidays: January 1 – New Year’s Day, February 21 – Father Lini Day, March 5 – Custom Chief’s Day, Good Friday, Easter 2, May 1 – Workers Day, July 24 – Children’s Day, July 30 – Liberation Day, August 15 – Assumption Day, October 5 – Constitution Day, November 29 – Unity Day, December 25 – Christmas, December 26 – Family Day.