What the governments of the United Kingdom, the United States and Canada tell their own citizens about travelling to Vanuatu, in their own words, plus practical help with packing.
Travel advice levels
Each government rates the risks for its own citizens, on its own scale. The levels are shown exactly as published; they are not equivalent to each other and are not combined here.
UK
United KingdomForeign, Commonwealth & Development Office
Does not advise against travel
No numbered levels
Updated 19 March 2026
Latest change, in the source's words:Updated information about global travel impacts due to escalation in the Middle East (‘Warnings and insurance’ page).
The official source shows no update to this advice in over 12 months. Check the official page for the current version.
Trip Rulebook could not refresh this source since 30 September 2026. The official website may have newer advice.
Emergency numbers
From the section “Emergency services in Vanuatu” of the UK government's travel advice for Vanuatu, written for British travellers. Reproduced without changes to the wording; formatting adapted.
Ambulance: 115
Fire: 113
Police: 111 or 22222
Local laws and customs
From the section “Laws and cultural differences” of the UK government's travel advice for Vanuatu, written for British travellers. Reproduced without changes to the wording; formatting adapted.
You should respect local customs, which are strictly observed, and religious sensitivities.
Dress code
Do not wear beachwear away from beaches and hotels.
Alcohol laws and bans
It 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.
Kava drinking ceremonies
Kava 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.
Illegal drugs and prison sentences
Avoid all recreational drugs. Possession of even small quantities can lead to imprisonment and a large fine.
Using cameras
Most people in Vanuatu will allow you to take their photograph, but you should always get permission first.
Mobile phone coverage
Ask 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.
Visiting fees
Land 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.
LGBT+ travellers
Same-sex relationships are legal in Vanuatu. However, showing affection in public may attract unwanted and negative attention and is likely to offend some people.
From the section “Medication” of the UK government's travel advice for Vanuatu, written for British travellers. Reproduced without changes to the wording; formatting adapted.
The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or bought in the UK can be different in other countries.
From the section “Extreme weather and natural disasters” of the UK government's travel advice for Vanuatu, written for British travellers. Reproduced without changes to the wording; formatting adapted.
There 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.
Many 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.
Vanuatu 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.
The 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.
Vanuatu 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.
Practical suggestions from Trip Rulebook, based on open data and fixed rules. They are not safety or legal advice: rules on clothing, medicines and restricted items are covered only by the official text on this page.
Chargers and plugs
Plug typesI
Voltage230/400 V
Frequency50 Hz
Plug and voltage data: Wikipedia, “Mains electricity by country”, CC BY-SA 4.0 (licence), retrieved 2026-09-29. Sockets in hotels can differ; the label on your charger (for example “INPUT 100–240V”) tells you which voltages it accepts.
Clothes for the weather
Rainfall Average temperature
January
Average
26 °C (78 °F)
Lows
22 °C (72 °F)
Highs
30 °C (85 °F)
Rain
311 mm (12.2 in)
Light, breathable clothes, sun hat and sunscreen.
Very wet month on average: waterproof jacket, quick-dry clothes and a dry bag.
February
Average
26 °C (79 °F)
Lows
22 °C (72 °F)
Highs
30 °C (86 °F)
Rain
276 mm (10.9 in)
Light, breathable clothes, sun hat and sunscreen.
Very wet month on average: waterproof jacket, quick-dry clothes and a dry bag.
March
Average
26 °C (78 °F)
Lows
22 °C (72 °F)
Highs
29 °C (85 °F)
Rain
365 mm (14.4 in)
Light, breathable clothes, sun hat and sunscreen.
Very wet month on average: waterproof jacket, quick-dry clothes and a dry bag.
April
Average
25 °C (77 °F)
Lows
22 °C (71 °F)
Highs
29 °C (84 °F)
Rain
225 mm (8.9 in)
Light, breathable clothes, sun hat and sunscreen.
Very wet month on average: waterproof jacket, quick-dry clothes and a dry bag.
May
Average
24 °C (75 °F)
Lows
21 °C (69 °F)
Highs
28 °C (82 °F)
Rain
195 mm (7.7 in)
Light, breathable clothes, sun hat and sunscreen.
Frequent rain on average: a rain jacket or umbrella.
June
Average
24 °C (74 °F)
Lows
20 °C (68 °F)
Highs
27 °C (81 °F)
Rain
168 mm (6.6 in)
Light clothes, with a light layer for the evenings.
Frequent rain on average: a rain jacket or umbrella.
July
Average
23 °C (73 °F)
Lows
20 °C (67 °F)
Highs
26 °C (80 °F)
Rain
159 mm (6.2 in)
Light clothes, with a light layer for the evenings.
Frequent rain on average: a rain jacket or umbrella.
August
Average
23 °C (73 °F)
Lows
20 °C (67 °F)
Highs
26 °C (79 °F)
Rain
161 mm (6.3 in)
Light clothes, with a light layer for the evenings.
Frequent rain on average: a rain jacket or umbrella.
September
Average
23 °C (74 °F)
Lows
20 °C (67 °F)
Highs
27 °C (80 °F)
Rain
162 mm (6.4 in)
Light clothes, with a light layer for the evenings.
Frequent rain on average: a rain jacket or umbrella.
October
Average
24 °C (75 °F)
Lows
21 °C (69 °F)
Highs
27 °C (81 °F)
Rain
151 mm (6.0 in)
Light clothes, with a light layer for the evenings.
Frequent rain on average: a rain jacket or umbrella.
November
Average
25 °C (77 °F)
Lows
21 °C (70 °F)
Highs
28 °C (83 °F)
Rain
215 mm (8.4 in)
Light, breathable clothes, sun hat and sunscreen.
Very wet month on average: waterproof jacket, quick-dry clothes and a dry bag.
December
Average
25 °C (78 °F)
Lows
22 °C (72 °F)
Highs
29 °C (84 °F)
Rain
213 mm (8.4 in)
Light, breathable clothes, sun hat and sunscreen.
Very wet month on average: waterproof jacket, quick-dry clothes and a dry bag.
National averages for 1991-2020. Coasts, mountains and regions can be very different, and any given year can be warmer, colder or wetter. Suggestions come from fixed rules based on these averages. Climate data: World Bank Climate Change Knowledge Portal, observed climate data (CRU TS), CRU TS (cru_ts4.09), Climatic Research Unit, University of East Anglia, CC BY 4.0 (licence).
Visa and entry rules depend on your nationality and change often, so Trip Rulebook does not summarise them. Each government explains the rules for its own citizens. If you travel on another passport, check with the embassy or the official immigration website of Vanuatu.
This page is guidance, not legal advice. Laws and advice change without notice and are written for each government's own citizens, so they may apply to you differently. Confirm everything with the official source before you travel. Terms of use.