Briefing d'orientation au Vanuatu

Des locuteurs austronésiens originaires des îles Salomon se sont installés pour la première fois au Vanuatu vers 2000 av. J.-C. Vers 1000, des systèmes de chefferies localisées commencèrent à se développer sur les îles. Vers 1600, le chef mélanésien ROI MATA réunit sous son autorité certaines des îles de l'actuel Vanuatu. En 1606, un explorateur portugais fut le premier Européen à apercevoir les îles Banks et Espiritu Santo au Vanuatu, et y établit une colonie de courte durée sur cette dernière. Les explorateurs européens suivants arrivèrent dans les années 1760, et les îles, alors connues sous le nom de Nouvelles-Hébrides, furent fréquentées par des baleiniers au XIXe siècle. L'intérêt européen pour l'exploitation des santaliers des îles provoqua des conflits avec les habitants. Dans les années 1860, des planteurs européens établis en Australie, à Fidji, en Nouvelle-Calédonie et aux Samoa, ayant besoin de main-d'œuvre, enlevèrent près de la moitié des hommes adultes des îles pour les faire travailler comme engagés sous contrat.

Face à des intérêts croissants et qui se chevauchaient dans les îles, la France et le Royaume-Uni convinrent en 1878 que les Nouvelles-Hébrides seraient neutres, et instituèrent en 1887 une commission navale conjointe. En 1906, les deux pays créèrent le condominium franco-britannique chargé d'administrer conjointement les îles, avec des lois, des forces de police, des monnaies et des systèmes d'éducation et de santé distincts. Ce régime de condominium fonctionnait mal, et le Royaume-Uni profita de la défaite initiale de la France pendant la Seconde Guerre mondiale pour affirmer davantage son contrôle sur les îles. Pendant la guerre, les États-Unis stationnèrent jusqu'à 50 000 soldats au Vanuatu. En 1945, ils se retirèrent et vendirent leur matériel, ce qui favorisa l'essor de mouvements politiques et religieux connus sous le nom de « cultes du cargo », comme le mouvement John Frum.

Le condominium franco-britannique fut rétabli après la Seconde Guerre mondiale. Le Royaume-Uni souhaitait faire évoluer le condominium vers l'indépendance dans les années 1960, mais la France était réticente. Des partis politiques militant pour l'indépendance commencèrent à se former, largement divisés selon des lignes linguistiques. La France finit par céder, des élections eurent lieu en 1974, et l'indépendance fut accordée au pays, qui prit le nom de Vanuatu, en 1980, sous la direction du Premier ministre anglophone Walter LINI. Le mouvement Nagriamel, soutenu par des propriétaires terriens francophones, déclara alors l'île d'Espiritu Santo indépendante du Vanuatu, mais cet État de courte durée fut dissous douze semaines plus tard. Les clivages linguistiques se sont atténués avec le temps, mais des partis politiques très divisés ont conduit à des gouvernements de coalition fragiles, qui doivent obtenir le soutien à la fois des partis anglophones et francophones. Depuis 2008, les Premiers ministres ont été renversés plus de douze fois, par des motions de censure ou à la suite de problèmes de procédure temporaires.

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.