Vanuatu

Safety and security

Emergency phone numbers

Local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crimes and providing emergency services. 

• Dial 111 for police.  
• Dial 115 for ambulance.  
• Dial 161 for toll-free domestic violence hotline.   

Crime

Violent crime is relatively rare in Vanuatu. However, there is risk of becoming 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 U.S. embassy has 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, monitor your accounts after using your ATM or credit cards in Vanuatu for any unauthorized activity. 

Scams

Follow the Department of State guidelines to protect yourself from scams. 

If you are a victim of a scam, learn how the FBI can help.    

Financial scams or internet romance scams are common in Vanuatu. Be careful of anyone asking for money, especially those who start a "romantic" relationship online or claim local authorities want money. Scams often begin through online posts, emails, or letters. Scammers pretend to be U.S. citizens in need of help.  

Common scams include:  

• People claiming to be U.S. military personnel 
• People claiming to be detained or hospitalized abroad 
• Romance and online dating  
• Money transfers  
• Grandparent and relative targeting  
• Free trip or luggage  
• Lotteries  
• Inheritance notices  
• Work permits and job offers 

If using dating apps or websites in Vanuatu:  

• Criminals may use dating apps to target potential victims for robbery or assault. 
• Let your friends and family know where you are and consider sharing your location on your phone.   
• Meet in a popular public place.  
• Tell your family or friends all the details about the person you are meeting and how you met them (which app). 
• Set up and talk using a video call before agreeing to meet in person.  
• Avoid locations where you can be isolated, like hotel rooms, private apartments or houses. 
• Never leave food or drinks unattended at a bar or restaurant. 
• Observe the preparation of your food or drink order when possible. 
• Refuse offers of food or drinks from strangers. 
• Have a communication plan with friends or family. Send updates to them on an agreed schedule.  

Victims of crime

Local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crime. You may report crimes to the local police by dialing 111. 

• Review our information for Victims of Crime.   

The U.S. embassy or consulate can:  

• Replace a stolen or lost passport. 
• Help you find medical care.   
• Assist you in how to report a crime to the police.  
• Contact relatives or friends with your written consent.  
• Provide general information regarding the criminal justice system.   
• Provide a list of local attorneys. We do not endorse or recommend any specific attorneys.  
• Provide information on victim’s compensation programs in the United States.  
• Provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States or limited medical support in cases of need.  
• Help you find accommodation and options to travel home. 

Sexual assault and domestic violence 

U.S. citizen victims of sexual assault or domestic violence are encouraged to contact the U.S. embassy and local law enforcement for assistance.  

Technology use abroad

Mobile devices are vulnerable to compromise, theft, and damage anywhere in the world. Follow these safe practices: 

• Update all software (operating system and apps) before leaving the United States.  
• Use reputable, U.S.-based VPN or VoIP applications.   
• Don’t connect to public Wi-Fi networks.  
• Research the safety and accuracy of routes recommended by GPS. The fastest route is not always the safest. 
• Be cautious using dating apps abroad, as scammers often target U.S. citizens. 
• Drones must be registered with the Civil Aviation Authority Vanuatu, who will issue a permit prior to arrival. 
• Satellite phones also require individual import permits for use. 

Tourism safety

The tourism industry is not well regulated: 

• Safety inspections for equipment and facilities are rare.  
• Dangerous areas and activities are not always marked with signs.  
• Staff may not be trained or certified.  
• If you get injured, you will likely need to travel to a location outside of Vanuatu for appropriate medical care.  
• First responders cannot reach remote areas in case of emergencies.  
• U.S. citizens are encouraged to have medical evacuation insurance.  
• Review our information on Travel Insurance.  

Adventure travel 

Diving safety 

Recreational diving in Vanuatu can 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. 
• Review the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) tips for Adventure Travel. 

Local laws and customs

Criminal penalties

U.S. citizens must follow local laws.  

• If you break local laws, even by mistake, you could be deported, arrested, or imprisoned.   
• Travelers who accidentally break local laws have been detained. Sometimes, this can be for a long time. They may also face criminal charges and even be convicted of a crime. 
• You may be prosecuted in the United States for crimes committed abroad regardless of the local law. Review the information provided by the U.S. Department of Justice about crimes against minors abroad. 
• Before you start a business or a profession in Vanuatu, seek information from the local authorities about what permits or licenses are required.   

Arrest notification 

If you are arrested or detained, ask officials to notify the U.S. embassy or consulate immediately.   

Counterfeit and pirated goods

Counterfeit and pirated goods are common in many destinations.  

• They may be illegal according to local laws.   
• Counterfeit and pirated goods may pose significant risks to consumer health and safety.   
• You may be subject to fines or have to surrender counterfeit and pirated goods to authorities if you bring them back to the United States.   

Learn more about U.S. restrictions on counterfeit and pirated goods:  

• U.S. Customs and Border Protection  
• U.S. Department of Justice

Faith-based travelers

Faith based travel includes pilgrimages, service projects, and mission work. Prepare for your travel using these resources:   

• Faith-Based Travel
• Volunteering Abroad
• International Religious Freedom Reports 

Gay and lesbian travelers

Same-sex sexual relations are illegal in Vanuatu. Vanuatu is a conservative country where same-sex marriage is legally banned. Vanuatu laws do not prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation or identity. 

• Review our information for Gay and Lesbian Travelers

Travelers with accessibility needs

• The law in Vanuatu does not prohibit discrimination against people with physical, sensory, intellectual, or mental disabilities.  
• There are no special programs to assist people with disabilities and no legislation mandating access to buildings, information, and communications. 
• The most common types of accessibility issues may include accessible facilities, information, and ease of movement or access.  
• Expect accessibility to be limited in public transportation, lodging, communication, and general infrastructure. 
• Accessibility infrastructure, though limited nationwide, tends to be more developed in Port Vila than in outer islands and rural areas, where paved roads, accessible facilities, and support services are largely unavailable. 
• Attitudes toward disability in Vanuatu are shaped by strong communal and family support structures, and travelers with disabilities may find that local communities are generally welcoming and willing to assist when asked. However, formal accommodations and awareness of specific accessibility needs may be limited, so travelers should be prepared to communicate their needs directly. 
•  Review our information on Accessibility Needs. 

Students

• Review our information on Studying Abroad.   

Women travelers  

• Review our information for Women Travelers.  
• Review our information for Victims of Crime. 

Human rights

Review the Department of State’s Human Rights Report for your destination prior to traveling. 

Health

Health resources

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Vanuatu Traveler Information 
• CDC Medical Tourism information  
• World Health Organization
• Medicine and Health
• Travel Insurance

Emergency phone numbers

• Dial 115 for emergency medical services.   

Ambulance services

Ambulance services are not widely available and may not be equipped with advanced medical equipment.  

• Regular ambulance service is unavailable outside of Port Vila and Luganville. 
• Training and response time of emergency responders may be poor.  
• Injured or very ill travelers might prefer to take a taxi or their own car to the nearest major hospital. This option can be faster than waiting for an ambulance. 

Medical payments and insurance

Make sure you know if your health insurance plan covers any medical expenses abroad. Most U.S. plans do not.  

• The U.S. government does not pay medical bills. 
• U.S. Medicare and Medicaid do not cover expenses or bills abroad. 
• Most hospitals and doctors abroad do not accept U.S. health insurance. 
• Medical care is not free in Vanuatu. If you require medical attention, you will incur expenses, even if you are treated in a public healthcare facility. 
• Lack of payment may bar future travel to Vanuatu. 
• Most care providers overseas only accept cash payments. 
• Hospitals often need payment up front or proof of good insurance before providing treatment or admitting a patient.   
• Make sure you know if your health insurance plan provides coverage abroad or reimbursement of payments. The CDC provides more information on types of insurance. 
• We strongly recommend supplemental insurance to cover medical evacuation. 
• If you purchase supplemental insurance, you are responsible for seeking reimbursement from the insurance provider. Follow their instructions for filing claims.  

Vaccinations

Stay up to date with the vaccines recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 

• CDC Travelers’ Health
• World Health Organization Travel Advice

Healthcare facilities  

Health facilities are generally limited or inadequate in Vanuatu. 

• The U.S. embassy maintains a list of doctors and hospitals. We do not endorse or recommend any specific medical provider or clinic. 
• Public medical clinics lack basic resources and supplies.   
• Hospitals and doctors often require payment upfront prior to service or admission.  
• Before agreeing to any medical care, travelers should gather full details on billing, pricing, and proposed medical procedures.    
• Medical staff may speak little or no English.  
• Generally, in public hospitals, only minimal staff is available overnight. Consider hiring a private nurse. Another option is to have family stay the night with the patient, especially a child. 
• Patients must cover all costs for transfer to or between hospitals.  
• Psychological and psychiatric services are limited, even in larger cities. 
• Hospital-based care is only available through government institutions. 

Prescription medications

Always carry your prescription medication in original packaging, along with your doctor’s prescription.  

• Check with the Ministry of Health to ensure the medication is legal in Vanuatu.  
• Exercise caution when purchasing medication abroad. Pharmaceuticals are usually easy to buy with few controls.  
• Counterfeit medication is common and may not work, have the wrong strength, or have dangerous ingredients. You should buy medication with the help of a medical professional and from trusted places. 

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have rules for bringing medication back into the United States. If you buy medications abroad, the medications must meet CBP’s and the FDA’s requirements to bring them back legally.  

The medications must also be for personal use and approved for use in the United States.  

For more information:  

• U.S. Customs and Border Protection  
• Food and Drug Administration

Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) and surrogacy

There are no clinics or medical infrastructure in Vanuatu for ART or surrogacy. Please review our information on ART and Surrogacy Abroad.  

• Surrogacy is unregulated in Vanuatu with no clear legal protections for foreign intended parents.   
• Surrogacy agreements may not be enforced by Vanuatuan courts. 

Water quality and food safety 

Tap water in Port Vila and Luganville is treated, but may be contaminated after treatment. Travelers, especially young children or older adults, should drink bottled or boiled water. 

• Bottled water and beverages are generally safe. Use major brands and ensure the seal is intact. 
• Many restaurants and hotels serve tap water unless bottled water is specifically requested.  
• You may want to request no ice in your drinks since it may be made using tap water.  
• Make water safe by filtering, boiling, disinfecting, or distilling.  
• Impure water can cause diseases like typhoid, cholera, hepatitis, and dysentery. 
• Eating uncooked vegetables and fruits can make you sick. 

Air quality

Air pollution can be a significant problem in many destinations abroad.  

• For information about common air pollutants, check the CDC’s Air Quality page.  
• For information about the U.S. Air Quality Index and health guidance, check out the EPA’s AirNow.  
• For general health information, visit the Medicine and Health page. 

Transportation

Road conditions and safety

Roads are generally narrow and in poor repair.  

• Travel by road can be hazardous. Always wear a seatbelt.  
• Roads are generally narrow and poorly maintained, without consistent pavement, and with a maximum speed limit of 30 miles per hour (50 kilometers per hour).  
• Police control of traffic is limited, even in Port Vila. When driving, always be alert.  
• Traffic signage is generally limited and inconsistent. While major roads feature basic pictorial signs, many rural areas lack adequate warning signage, and existing signs frequently suffer from weather damage and vandalism.   
• Unpaved surfaces may also form deep potholes or face erosion damage in heavy storms. 

Traffic laws  

• A U.S. driver’s license is not sufficient on its own in Vanuatu. You must carry an International Driving Permit (IDP) along with your U.S. license to legally drive in Vanuatu. 
• On all roads, give way to traffic coming from the right; at roundabouts give way to traffic coming from the left.  
• To avoid trespassing, seek permission from local landowners before accessing non-public areas, including beaches. Some landowners may charge a fee for access. 
• If you are involved in a road accident, local law requires you to stop and stay at the scene until the police arrive.  
• Travelers should identify emergency services and roadside assistance options before driving. Rental car companies, such as World Car Rental Vanuatu (+678 7726515), may offer support, and local workshops like Autozone Vanuatu (+678 7743166 or +678 28166) provide towing, flat tire repair, and jump-start services for travelers stranded on the island of Efate. 
• Onlookers frequently assist at the scene of automobile accidents by securing the area, directing traffic, helping injured passengers, or moving vehicles blocking the roadway. 
• If a crowd gathers after an accident and you feel threatened, proceed directly to a police station. Incidents of people being harmed by crowds because of traffic accidents 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 onto the road.  
• Travelers are strongly encouraged to carry spare tires, fuel, and basic tools. Outside central Port Vila, Vanuatu's road network consists mostly of unpaved, potholed dirt tracks, and rural routes are prone to severe washouts during heavy tropical rains. Fuel stations are sparse outside Port Vila and Luganville, so travelers should carry spare fuel in securely mounted, approved jerry cans. 

Taxis and ride-shares

• Taxi services are available in Port Vila and Luganville and are generally safe.  
• International ridesharing apps do not operate in Vanuatu. 

Public and commercial transportation 

Public bus and mini-bus services are available, but safety standards may vary widely.  

• Information on routes are not available in a published form.  
• Cases of petty theft are generally rare but are more frequent on public transportation. Negotiation should be expected.   
• Visit the website of Vanuatu’s tourist office and national authority responsible for road safety.  
• Review our information on Driving and Transportation Safety Abroad.  

Aviation safety oversight 

The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has not assessed Vanuatu’s Civil Aviation Authority for compliance with international standards for aviation safety oversight. FAA's website includes more information on its assessment program. 

Maritime travel

Mariners and passengers planning travel to Vanuatu should check the following: 

• U.S. Maritime Advisories
• U.S. Maritime Alerts
• Maritime Safety Office Navigational Warnings 
• U.S. Coast Guard Maritime Commons

Mariners and passengers in Vanuatu ports should be careful and utilize strong security measures.

Weather and natural disasters

Weather conditions

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 notice. 

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 share cyclone alerts issued by local authorities. 

Volcanoes and earthquakes

• Vanuatu frequently faces 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 before traveling to areas where volcanic activity may occur. 

U.S. citizens living abroad

Living abroad resources

If you live outside the United States for a long time, you or your family may experience various life events, wish to exercise U.S. citizenship rights, or need to meet U.S. legal obligations while abroad.

• Learn how to prepare for voting in U.S. elections, the birth of a child, or getting married.
• Ensure you have a plan for healthcare and medical insurance abroad.
• Even abroad, you still have certain obligations such as paying your U.S. taxes or registering for military selective service.
• Review information on federal benefits, such as Social Security and Veterans Affairs benefits.

Embassies and consulates