Vanuatu Safety Guide
Health, security, and travel safety information
Emergency Numbers
Save these numbers before your trip.
Healthcare
What to know about medical care in Vanuatu.
Healthcare System
Vanuatu's healthcare system is basic with limited facilities, especially outside Port Vila and Luganville. Vila Central Hospital is the main medical facility, but serious medical conditions often require evacuation to Australia or New Zealand. Public healthcare is available but under-resourced, while private clinics offer better service at higher costs.
Hospitals
Vila Central Hospital in Port Vila and Northern District Hospital in Luganville are the primary facilities. Several private clinics operate in Port Vila offering better standards for routine care. Outer islands have basic health centers with limited capabilities and supplies.
Pharmacies
Pharmacies are available in Port Vila and Luganville with reasonable stocks of common medications. Bring sufficient supplies of prescription medications as specific brands may not be available. Pharmacies typically open during business hours Monday to Friday, with limited weekend hours.
Insurance
Comprehensive travel insurance with medical evacuation coverage is essential and strongly recommended. Medical evacuation to Australia or New Zealand can cost $50,000-$100,000 USD.
Healthcare Tips
- Bring a comprehensive first aid kit and any prescription medications in original packaging with prescriptions
- Ensure your travel insurance explicitly covers medical evacuation to Australia or New Zealand
- Consider vaccinations for Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Typhoid, and ensure routine vaccinations are current
- Drink only bottled or boiled water, especially outside main tourist areas
- Use insect repellent and mosquito nets to prevent mosquito-borne diseases including dengue fever and malaria (risk in some areas)
- Keep copies of medical records and prescriptions with you
Common Risks
Be aware of these potential issues.
Opportunistic theft including pickpocketing, bag snatching, and theft from hotel rooms and vehicles occurs, particularly in Port Vila and Luganville markets and crowded areas.
Theft from parked vehicles and rental cars is relatively common, especially at beaches and tourist sites where vehicles are left unattended.
Road conditions are poor outside main towns with potholes, no street lighting, and limited road markings. Driving standards vary, and animals and pedestrians on roads are common hazards.
Drowning incidents occur due to strong currents, coral cuts, and lack of lifeguards at beaches. Stonefish and other marine hazards are present.
Injuries from adventure activities including volcano trekking, diving, and zip-lining occur due to varying safety standards among operators.
Scams to Avoid
Watch out for these common tourist scams.
Some taxi drivers quote inflated fares to tourists or take unnecessarily long routes, especially from the airport or cruise ship terminal.
Unlicensed individuals approach tourists offering cut-rate tours that may not deliver promised services or may lack proper safety equipment and insurance.
Some vendors or money changers offer poor exchange rates or use sleight of hand to short-change tourists unfamiliar with Vatu currency.
Some budget accommodations show better rooms than what guests actually receive, or add unexpected fees at check-in.
Safety Tips
Practical advice to stay safe.
General Safety
- Register with your embassy upon arrival for emergency notifications
- Keep copies of important documents (passport, insurance, tickets) separate from originals
- Share your itinerary with family or friends, especially when visiting remote islands
- Learn basic Bislama phrases - locals appreciate the effort and it can help in emergencies
- Carry a charged phone with local emergency numbers saved
- Be aware that alcohol consumption can lead to safety issues; drink responsibly
Money and Valuables
- Use ATMs during daylight hours in secure locations like banks or shopping centers
- Carry only small amounts of cash and keep larger amounts in hotel safes
- Credit cards are accepted in main tourist areas but cash is essential for markets and remote areas
- Notify your bank of travel plans to avoid card blocks
- Keep emergency cash in a separate location from your main wallet
Cultural Respect
- Dress modestly when visiting villages - shoulders and knees should be covered
- Always ask permission before photographing people, especially in traditional villages
- Remove shoes when entering homes or certain buildings
- Respect kastom (traditional customs) and follow guidance from local hosts
- Sunday is observed as a day of rest; many businesses close and activities are limited
- Avoid public displays of affection, which are not culturally appropriate
Food and Water Safety
- Drink only bottled, boiled, or treated water
- Avoid ice in drinks unless you're certain it's made from purified water
- Eat at busy, reputable restaurants where food turnover is high
- Be cautious with raw seafood and ensure food is thoroughly cooked
- Wash hands frequently or use hand sanitizer before eating
- Peel fruits yourself rather than eating pre-cut fruit
Island Hopping and Remote Travel
- Book domestic flights and boat transfers in advance during peak season
- Be prepared for flight delays and cancellations due to weather
- Carry extra supplies when visiting remote islands with limited facilities
- Inform someone of your plans when traveling to outer islands
- Check weather conditions before boat trips between islands
- Bring sufficient cash as ATMs are scarce on outer islands
Communication
- Purchase a local SIM card for better rates and connectivity in Port Vila or Luganville
- Be aware that mobile coverage is limited on outer islands
- Download offline maps before traveling to remote areas
- Keep your accommodation's contact information written down in case your phone fails
- WiFi is available in most hotels but may be slow or unreliable
Information for Specific Travelers
Safety considerations for different traveler groups.
Women Travelers
Vanuatu is generally safe for women travelers, though it remains a conservative, male-dominated society. Solo female travelers should take standard precautions. While serious incidents are rare, unwanted attention and verbal harassment can occur, particularly in urban areas and nightlife venues. Women are respected in Ni-Vanuatu culture, but traditional gender roles are strong.
- Dress modestly, especially in villages and away from resort areas - cover shoulders and knees
- Avoid walking alone after dark in Port Vila and Luganville
- Use reputable taxi services rather than walking, particularly at night
- Be cautious when accepting drinks from strangers and watch your beverages
- Join group tours rather than hiring individual guides when visiting remote areas
- Stay in well-reviewed accommodations with good security
- Be firm but polite if you receive unwanted attention
- Consider wearing a fake wedding ring if you're comfortable doing so
- Trust your instincts - if a situation feels uncomfortable, remove yourself
- Connect with other travelers, especially when going out in the evening
- Be aware that beaches can be isolated; swim at popular, supervised beaches
LGBTQ+ Travelers
Homosexuality is not illegal in Vanuatu, but same-sex relationships are not legally recognized. There are no specific anti-discrimination protections for LGBTQ+ individuals.
- Exercise discretion with public displays of affection regardless of sexual orientation
- LGBTQ+ travelers may wish to avoid discussing their relationships openly outside of private settings
- International resort areas tend to be more accepting than local communities
- Be aware that local attitudes are generally conservative due to strong Christian influences
- Research LGBTQ+-friendly accommodations in advance if this is a concern
- Consider joining LGBTQ+ travel groups for additional support and community
- Understand that there is no visible LGBTQ+ scene or community venues in Vanuatu
Travel Insurance
Comprehensive travel insurance is absolutely essential for Vanuatu due to limited medical facilities, high costs of medical evacuation, natural disaster risks, and the remote nature of many destinations. Medical evacuation to Australia or New Zealand can cost $50,000-$100,000 USD and is necessary for serious medical conditions. The country's location in the cyclone belt and Ring of Fire means natural disasters can disrupt travel plans.
Travel insurance for adventurous travelers • Coverage in 200+ countries