Briefing de orientación en Vanuatu

Los hablantes austronesios de las Islas Salomón se asentaron por primera vez en Vanuatu alrededor del año 2000 a. C. Hacia el año 1000 comenzaron a desarrollarse en las islas sistemas de jefaturas localizadas. Alrededor del año 1600, el jefe melanesio ROI MATA unificó bajo su mando algunas de las islas de la actual Vanuatu. En 1606, un explorador portugués fue el primer europeo en avistar las islas Banks y Espíritu Santo, en Vanuatu, y estableció un asentamiento de corta duración en esta última. Los siguientes exploradores europeos llegaron en la década de 1760, y las islas, conocidas entonces como Nuevas Hébridas, fueron frecuentadas por balleneros en el siglo XIX. El interés europeo por explotar los árboles de sándalo de las islas provocó conflictos con los habitantes. En la década de 1860, los hacendados europeos de Australia, Fiyi, Nueva Caledonia y Samoa necesitaban mano de obra y secuestraron a casi la mitad de los varones adultos de las islas para trabajar como sirvientes sometidos a contrato.

Con intereses crecientes y superpuestos en las islas, Francia y el Reino Unido acordaron en 1878 que las Nuevas Hébridas serían neutrales y establecieron en 1887 una comisión naval conjunta. En 1906, los dos países crearon el condominio Reino Unido-Francia para administrar conjuntamente las islas, con leyes, fuerzas policiales, monedas y sistemas educativos y sanitarios separados. El régimen de condominio fue disfuncional, y el Reino Unido aprovechó la derrota inicial de Francia en la Segunda Guerra Mundial para afirmar un mayor control sobre las islas. Durante la guerra, Estados Unidos estacionó hasta 50 000 soldados en Vanuatu. En 1945 se retiraron y vendieron su equipo, lo que dio lugar al auge de movimientos políticos y religiosos conocidos como «cultos de carga», como el movimiento John Frum.

El condominio Reino Unido-Francia fue restablecido tras la Segunda Guerra Mundial. El Reino Unido estaba interesado en encaminar el condominio hacia la independencia en la década de 1960, pero Francia se mostraba reticente. Comenzaron a formarse partidos políticos que reclamaban la independencia, divididos en gran medida por líneas lingüísticas. Francia finalmente cedió, se celebraron elecciones en 1974 y la independencia se concedió a la recién nombrada Vanuatu en 1980, bajo el primer ministro de habla inglesa Walter LINI. El Movimiento Nagriamel, con el apoyo de propietarios de tierras francófonos, declaró entonces independiente de Vanuatu la isla de Espíritu Santo, pero el efímero Estado se disolvió doce semanas después. Las divisiones lingüísticas se han reducido con el tiempo, pero los partidos políticos muy conflictivos han dado lugar a gobiernos de coalición débiles que necesitan el apoyo tanto de partidos anglófonos como de partidos francófonos. Desde 2008, los primeros ministros han sido depuestos más de una docena de veces mediante mociones de censura o por cuestiones de procedimiento temporales.

Global travel impacts due to escalation in the Middle East

Escalation in the Middle East has caused widespread travel disruption, including airspace closures, delayed and cancelled flights. 

Your travel plans may be affected, even if your destination is not in the Middle East. Before you travel:

• check travel advice for any countries or territories you are transiting through
• check for the latest updates from your airline or tour operator  
• review your travel insurance policy for coverage
• monitor local and international media for the latest information and sign up for travel advice email alerts

Before you travel

No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide. You may also find it helpful to: 

• see general advice for women travellers
• read our guide on disability and travel abroad
• see general advice for LGBT+ travellers
• read about safety for solo and independent travel
• see advice on volunteering and adventure travel abroad

Travel insurance

If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.

About FCDO travel advice

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) provides advice about risks of travel to help you make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice.

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Terrorism

There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times.

UK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad.

Terrorism in Vanuatu

Although there’s no recent history of terrorism in Vanuatu, attacks cannot be ruled out. 

Crime

Protecting yourself and your belongings

The risk of crime is generally low but there have been:

• burglaries accompanied by violence
• some instances of street crime and attacks on foreign nationals, including on tourists at nightclubs and bars in Port Vila

Take sensible precautions as you would in the UK.

Laws and cultural differences

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.

Read more advice for LGBT+ travellers.

Outdoor activities and adventure tourism

Swimming safety

Take care when swimming, diving or snorkelling in the sea as currents can be extremely strong. Coral reefs can easily cause cuts and scrapes. There are reports of water quality issues in some of the lagoons, and there are sharks in Vanuatu waters. Be cautious and follow the advice and instructions of local authorities.

See water safety on holiday from the Royal Life Saving Society.

Water sports and scuba diving activities

Many visitors to Vanuatu take part in water sports, including scuba diving and snorkelling without incident. However, water sports activities have on occasion led to injuries and deaths because of a lack of basic safety measures. To reduce risks:

• use licensed water sports centres or operators
• get any paperwork signed in advance
• make sure you get a safety briefing before starting

Diving schools and rescue service standards are not always as high as in the UK. Check the dive operator’s credentials and make sure your insurance covers you.

To reduce risks:

• ask your dive operator to explain what cover they offer before signing up
• check safety equipment is available on the boat
• check the operator’s plans for emergencies, including their ability to evacuate divers to the nearest hyperbaric chamber

Vanuatu has 2 hyperbaric recompression chambers, both in Port Vila.

See water safety on holiday from the Royal Life Saving Society and the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents watersports safety abroad guide.

Transport risks

Road travel

If you are planning to drive in Vanuatu, see information on driving abroad.

You can use a UK photocard driving licence to drive in Vanuatu. If you still have a paper driving licence, you may need to update it to a photocard licence or get the correct version of the international driving permit (IDP) as well.

Driving conditions

Many roads in Vanuatu are not properly surfaced. A lack of street lighting and the presence of pedestrians and animals makes roads particularly dangerous at night. Take extra care when driving at night, in heavy rain or after a prolonged dry period.

Driving standards are below those in the UK and many vehicles, including public transport, are in a poor state of repair and may not be insured.

Air travel

Air Vanuatu is currently not operating international or domestic flights. Check for messages from your travel agent in case of any changes or cancellations to your travel booking, including for code share tickets. Other airlines continue to operate flights to and from Vanuatu.

Travel to outer islands is often on small local aircraft. Many domestic airports have basic or no facilities. Schedules may be changed or suspended at short notice due to weather conditions or ash clouds from volcanic activity.

Sea travel

Boat services between the islands are infrequent and can be unreliable. Boats travelling between the islands should have current sea-worthiness certificates, but many do not. Look into their safety before taking these services.

Extreme weather and natural disasters

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.

Find out what you can do to prepare for and respond to extreme weather and natural hazards.

Tropical cyclones

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.

Monitor local news and check World Meteorological Organization weather reports for Vanuatu and the Vanuatu Meteorology and Geohazards Department.

Earthquakes and tsunamis

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.

Check Vanuatu Meteorology and Geohazards Department updates on seismic activity.

The US Federal Emergency Management Agency has advice about what to do before, during and after an earthquake or tsunami.

Volcanoes

In Vanuatu there are active volcanoes on the islands of:

• Ambae
• Ambrym
• Epi
• Gaua
• Lopevi
• Tanna
• Vanua Lava

Volcano alert levels can change unexpectedly, and you may not be able to access an island if a volcano is active.

Before you travel to an area with volcanoes:

• contact the Vanuatu Tourism Office for the latest advice
• make sure your travel and medical insurance covers you
• monitor local news and follow the advice of the local authorities

For current volcano alert levels, see the Vanuatu Meteorology and Geohazards Department.

Before you travel check that:

• your destination can provide the healthcare you may need
• you have appropriate travel insurance for local treatment or unexpected medical evacuation

This is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant.

Emergency medical number

Call 115 and ask for an ambulance.

For a fee, Promedical provide a 24-hour ambulance service in Port Vila and Luganville.

Contact your insurance company quickly if you’re referred to a medical facility for treatment.

Vaccine recommendations and health risks

At least 8 weeks before your trip:

• check the latest vaccine recommendations for Vanuatu
• see where to get vaccines and whether you have to pay on the NHS travel vaccinations page

See what health risks you’ll face in Vanuatu, including:

• malaria
• dengue
• chikungunya

Medication

The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or bought in the UK can be different in other countries.

Read best practice when travelling with medicines on TravelHealthPro.

Healthcare in Vanuatu

Medical facilities in Vanuatu are basic and limited in range and availability. There are medical clinics in Port Vila, some with Australian-trained GPs, which offer primary care. More serious cases will require evacuation to Australia or New Zealand. Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment abroad, medical evacuation and repatriation.

Travel and mental health

Read FCDO guidance on travel and mental health. There is also mental health guidance on TravelHealthPro.