Visas and Entry

Most foreign visitors can usually obtain a visa on arrival when traveling to Vanuatu. The permitted length of stay is generally short, and the exact details should be confirmed with the latest announcements from the Vanuatu Immigration Office. Most itineraries involve a connecting flight via Australia, Fiji, or New Zealand, so be sure to check the transit visa requirements and onward ticket regulations for those countries. Upon entry, it’s advisable to have your return or onward ticket and proof of accommodation ready, and to truthfully declare any food, plants, or medications.

Best Time to Visit

• Dry Season (May–October): Lower humidity and stable weather make it the best time for travel, diving, and volcano climbing.
• Rainy Season and Cyclone Season (November–April): Rainfall is heavier, and tropical cyclones may occur, which can lead to sudden changes in flight and ferry schedules.
• Volcano viewing is possible year-round, but night-time lava viewing is best on clear nights during the dry season.

Budget Reference (Per Person)

Etiquette and Taboos

• Always ask for permission before entering a village or taking photos of local people, and respect chiefs and kastom (traditional customs).
• Kava bars are common social venues. When trying kava, follow proper etiquette. Pregnant women, nursing mothers, and those on medication should be cautious.
• Pig tusks and fern leaves are traditional symbols—do not touch or treat them as ordinary souvenirs.
• For volcano and wreck diving, always go with a certified guide and stay within designated safe zones, avoiding restricted or warning areas.

Overall prices in Vanuatu are relatively high, and inter-island transport relies on small planes. It’s recommended to take a slower pace and allow more time to enjoy the volcanoes, underwater world, and village life.