What some of our customers say
Let us help you plan your Vanuatu holiday
Get in touch
Vanuatu Travel Tips
We hope this page gives you a better idea of what to expect when traveling to Vanuatu. Let us help you design a personalized itinerary based on your interests, travel style, and timeline — using our local knowledge and trusted networks.
Flights
Travel between islands is mainly by Air Vanuatu. The main domestic routes (Tanna, Santo, Port Vila) are serviced by a 72-seat aircraft, and sometimes by a smaller 18-seater Twin Otter. Tanna and Santo flights to/ from Port Vila operate daily except Thursdays (current schedule). Flights to Tanna are often heavily booked so booking well in advance is recommended!
Smaller islands are accessed by 18-seater Twin Otter aircraft (regular flights) and Islander aircraft via air charter companies (8-seater, generally private hire). Flights to smaller islands can be irregular depending on weather or operating conditions. Be flexible, and allow for possible schedule changes.
We recommend you keep a buffer day (or two) between domestic and international flights.
There are limited luggage allowances on all flights so pack light or store your extra luggage at your accommodation, or at our office (free-of-charge for booked guests). Excess baggage is available for pre-purchase on most flights, just advise our friendly team when you book.
Charter flights give you access to more remote islands, but you’ll usually need to cover the full charter cost. While coastal shipping is also an option, just remember the schedules can vary according to weather conditions and operational factors.
Accommodation
On the main islands of Efate and Santo, there is a wide range of accommodation styles to choose from, from island resorts to city hotels and budget motels. On Tanna there are only three established resorts.
Outside of Efate, Tanna, and Santo, there are no resorts. Instead, you’ll find village bungalows and locally run guesthouses — ideal for travellers seeking authentic, immersive experiences. We carefully choose which of these bungalows and guesthouses to sell, to ensure the best experience for our guests.
Time of Year to Visit
December through to April is warmer and wetter. You will often enjoy beautiful still weather in this time, and although there is a chance of cyclones you will generally know well in advance if a cyclone is to pass through Vanuatu waters.
From May to November it is cooler and drier, with tradewinds from the southeast. These winds can be fresh and bring passing showers.
The busiest time of the year coincides with Australian school holidays as families come to Vanuatu to enjoy a week in paradise!
Visas
Vanuatu welcomes visitors! Applying for a tourist visa to Vanuatu depends on your home country’s status:
- If you are from an exempted country, you can obtain a tourist visa upon arrival in Vanuatu, provided you meet the criteria
- If you are from a non-exempted country, you must apply for the visa in advance and obtain approval before traveling to Vanuatu
- A list of non-exempted countries can be found at Visa exempted countries – Department of Immigration and Passport Services
What some of our customers say