Vanuatu is a "Y"-shaped chain of 83 islands lying 2500km northeast of Sydney (Australia), 2000km north of Auckland (New Zealand), and 800km west of Nadi (Fiji). The total land mass is around 13,000 sq. km. The islands range in topography from towering volcanic cones to others covered in dense rainforest to yet others which are raised coral islands with wide beaches and deep natural harbours.
The people of Vanuatu, a name which means 'Land Eternal', are predominantly Melanesian. The Ni Vanuatu have populated these islands for centuries and with more than 115 distinctly different cultures and languages still thriving here, Vanuatu is recognised as one of the most culturally diverse countries in the world. There are small communities of French, British, Australian, New Zealand, Vietnamese, Chinese and other Pacific Islands people living in harmony with the Ni Vanuatu. Until 1980 Vanuatu, then known as the New Hebrides, was jointly administered by France and Great Britain as a 'Condominium'.
International: Air Vanuatu from Auckland, Brisbane, Melbourne, Sydney, Noumea and Nadi. Air Caledonie from Noumea with connections from Australia, New Zealand and Tahiti. Air Pacific from Nadi with connections from New Zealand, Japan and the U.S.A. Solomon Airlines from Honiara and Port Moresby.Domestic: Vanair services all major islands in the country.
The international port of entry is Bauerfield, only 10 minutes from the capital, Port Vila.
The introduction in 1993 of the International Companies Act made Vanuatu one of the most attractive and competitive financial centres in the world.Trading banks are ANZ, Bank of Hawaii Vanuatu, Westpac and the National Bank of Vanuatu. Banking hours are 8.30am to 3.00pm Monday to Friday. Westpac's airport office is open for all flight arrivals. Vanuatu is a tax haven, there is no income tax. Foreign currency is readily transacted. The local currency unit is the Vatu.
You are advised not to exchange money into Vanuatu currency before you leave home. Travellers cheques or cash is easily converted into the local currency during your visit and can be exchanged upon leaving at the airport.
Camping is not encouraged in Vanuatu.
Summer is from November to March, average temperature is 28°C. Winter is from April to October, temperature average 23°C.
Passengers over 15 years - 200 cigarettes or 250g of tobacco or 50 cigars or 100 cigarillos, 1.5 litres alcohol and 2L wine, and 25cl litre eau de toilette and 10 centilitres perfume plus a total of 20,000 vatu in unused goods. Visitors' personal effects are entered duty free.
2000 vatu per person (except children under two), payable in local currency.
Mainly agriculture - copra, cattle, cocoa, coffee still largely undeveloped. The Ni Vanuatu in outlying areas rely on traditional subsistence farming, clearing patches of bush or jungle to meet basic daily requirements.
Australian High Commission, British High Commission, French Embassy, New Zealand High Commission, and Chinese Embassy.
Light and casual, but not too brief in public places please. Tropical clothes for evening wear - no ties.
210 volts AC, mainly three-point plugs in hotels.
Fire telephone 22 333, Police telephone 22 222, Ambulance telephone 22 100.
All major hotels have regular entertainment. In the evenings men drink kava at local kava bars or Nakamals. Regular Melanesian cultural shows are available.
For stays not exceeding 30 days, bona fide visitors who are nationals of the following countries do not require a visa: Nationals of Commonwealth countries, EU countries, Fiji, Japan, Norway, Philippines, South Korea, Switzerland and the U.S.A. Visas are only obtainable from The Immigration Department, Port Vila, Vanuatu. PMB 014, Tel: 22 354, Fax: 25 492.
Dining is a highlight in Vanuatu. Fresh local fish, beef, fruit and vegetables are in plentiful supply. Top class restaurants offer Melanesian, French, Polynesian, Indian, Chinese, Thai-Vietnamese, English and Japanese specialties.
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In the heart of Melanesia, Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands to the north-west, Fiji to the east and New Calendonia to the south-west.
Most of the islands in the group were formed by volcanic action along a major fault in the shape of a 'Y'. Growth of the islands is largely the result of coral build-ups around the edges. Numerous active volcanoes - notably "Yusur" on Tanna.
Handicraft Blong Vanuatu, located in the centre of Port Vila provides a wide selection of authentic handicrafts from many islands of Vanuatu. You will also find handicraft at Art Blong Yumi and Goodies.
No vaccinations are required but antimalarial precautions are recommended for visits to outer islands.
Formerly the New Hebrides. The first European visitor was De Quiros (Spanish explorer) in 1606. Also visited in 1768 by Bougainville, in 1774 by Captain Cook, in 1789 by La Perouse, in 1793 by D'Entrecasteaux and by other noted explorers such as Bligh (of the Bounty), Dumont d'Urville, Belcher and Markham.Independent since July 1980, Vanuatu is a self-governing Republic and a member of the Commonwealth of Nations. The President is the Head of State. The government is based on the Westminster System.
Bislama, English and French. The 115 'Mother tongues' are in common use.
Hospital facilities exist in Port Vila and at Luganville, Espiritu Santo. There are no dangerous animals or insects.
Melanesian people born in Vanuatu are known as Ni Vanuatu. The total population is approximately 160,000. Many other nationalities are found in the urban areas of the country.
Foreign cash, travellers cheques and major international credit cards (Amex, Diners, JCB, Mastercard and Visa) are widely accepted. Bankcard is not normally accepted. Most shops close for 'siesta' 11.30am to 1.30pm. Eating places, banks, supermarkets and the Post Office do not observe siesta. Shops open on Saturday morning and some speciality shops and supermarkets open on Sunday morning. Suburban general stores open early and close late seven days a week. The colourful market in the town centre operates every day except Sundays for flowers, fruit, vegetables and handicrafts.
A great variety of watersports. Excellent reef and wreck diving in Efate and Santo (live-aboard diveboats) Hideaway Marine Sanctuary. Four excellent golf courses in Port Vila, tennis courts, fitness centres, jazzercize, squash. Excellent big game fishing. Hash House Harriers, horse riding schools, cycling, annual triathlon. The annual picnic horse race day is a must, regular Amateur Theatrical Society productions are staged, the international class Palms Casino is open and has poker machines. Watch the notice boards outside the supermarkets for up-coming events. Club Vanuatu and Club 21 also have poker machines and entertainment.
Plus 11 hours UTC.
No tipping or bargaining please, it goes against local tradition.
Driving is on the right-hand side of the road. Cars, 4WDs and jeeps are available for hire. Taxis are plentiful and are all metered. Mini buses offer a frequent though not timetabled service - merely flag one down and tell the driver where you want to go, the fare is 100 vatu a trip. Inter-island travel is mainly by air, inter-island boats taking deck passengers are irregular. Cruise ships regularly call at Port Vila.
The urban water supplied is safe to drink.
Islands of Vanuatu |
Things To Do |
Air Vanuatu |
National Tourism Office
Untouched Paradise |
Business Centre |
Department of Trade
Philatelic Information |
Dining |
Calendar of Events |
Diving
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