Why Vanuatu
Eighty-three volcanic islands across thirteen hundred kilometres, sixty-five of them inhabited. It is one of the most linguistically rich countries in the world — over a hundred and twenty languages for three hundred thousand people — and one of the most exposed to natural disasters.
Efate holds Port Vila, the capital. Tanna, in the south, has Mount Yasur, one of the few volcanoes in the world whose active crater can be approached on foot, at night, to watch the ejecta. Espiritu Santo, in the north, has freshwater blue holes and the wreck of the SS President Coolidge, a dive reachable from the shore.
May to October: dry, cool, the good season. From November to April it is hot, humid, and it is cyclone season — the country regularly tops world disaster risk rankings.
Entry and stay
Requirements depend on nationality. Check yours with the local authorities before booking.
No duration is quoted here, for want of an official source verified at the time of writing — 22 September 2026.
Getting around
Everything goes by domestic flight between the islands, on small aircraft prone to weather disruption and schedule changes. Ferries exist but are slow and irregular.
On Efate, one road loops the island. Minibuses, recognisable by their B plate, stop on request and run without a fixed route: you state your destination and the driver works it out.
Tanna requires a four-wheel drive: the track to Yasur is difficult.
Money
The vatu. Cash dominates heavily outside Port Vila; cash machines are scarce beyond the capital and Luganville.
Health
No vaccination generally required from Europe. Malaria is present on most islands, and dengue circulates. Prophylaxis should be discussed with a doctor.
Medical facilities are very limited and a serious case goes to New Caledonia or Australia. Insurance covering evacuation is essential.
Before you go
Yasur is under a volcanic alert level that can close access overnight. Check before taking the flight to Tanna, not on arrival.
Kastom, the body of traditional custom, governs many places: certain beaches, springs and areas are under customary ownership and access requires permission and often a contribution. That is not a shakedown, it is local law.
The Gol jump on Pentecost, from which bungee jumping originates, is a rite that takes place only between April and June.
The country has suffered several major cyclones and a destructive earthquake in Port Vila in December 2024. Infrastructure remains fragile.