←Vanuatu travel guide
Efate, Shefa Province, Vanuatu
Port Vila
Capital of Vanuatu on the island of Efate
AdventureBeachesFood & DrinkNature & Outdoors
Port Vila is the capital and largest city of Vanuatu, set on the south coast of Efate island around a natural harbour. It is the country's commercial and administrative centre, with a waterfront market, restaurants and ferry connections. The city is the main arrival point and base for trips across the archipelago.
Check Vanuatu visa requirements →
Best time to visit
April to October
Region
Efate, Shefa Province
Main airport
Port Vila (VLI)
Beyond the City
Day Trips from Port Vila
Nature
Mele Cascades
A short drive from Port Vila, the Mele Cascades tumble through a series of turquoise pools beneath the rainforest. A climb to the top rewards visitors with a swim and views over the coast.
UNESCO World HeritageCulture
Chief Roi Mata's Domain
A trio of sites across Efate, Lelepa, and Artok islands tied to the legendary 17th-century Melanesian leader Roi Mata, including his residence, the place of his death, and his burial island. The landscape preserves living oral traditions alongside its archaeology.
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Plan Your Trip
Getting Around Port Vila
Tours, stays, transfers, and flights — curated partner options are on the way.
Tours & Activities
Skip-the-line tickets, guided tours, and day experiences — curated partner options are on the way.
Coming soonWhere to Stay
Hotels, apartments, and guesthouses across every neighbourhood — booking options are on the way.
Coming soonAirport Transfers
Private and shared rides between the airport and the city centre — partner options are on the way.
Coming soonFlights
Compare fares from hundreds of airlines to find the best route in — search options are on the way.
Coming soonTravel Guide
Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting Vanuatu
Entry requirements depend on your passport. Check your specific requirements on the Vanuatu page at Yoogo.
Vanuatu uses the Vanuatu vatu (VUV). Cash is important outside Port Vila and Luganville. Cards are accepted at hotels and restaurants in Port Vila, but ATMs are limited on outer islands. Bring sufficient cash when leaving the main centres.
Vanuatu is generally safe for tourists. Petty theft occurs occasionally in urban areas. The country has active volcanoes, including Yasur on Tanna Island, which requires guided visits and monitoring. Cyclones are a significant hazard, typically between November and April. Check your government's travel advisory before visiting.
Domestic flights connect Port Vila (Efate) with Tanna, Espiritu Santo, and other islands. Ferries serve some island routes but can be slow and weather-dependent. On the main islands, taxis and minibuses are available. Outer island travel typically requires a local guide and forward planning.
April to October is the cooler and drier season, generally considered the best time to visit. November to March is hotter and wetter, with cyclone risk. The Naghol land diving ceremony on Pentecost Island takes place in April and May and is one of the world's most dramatic cultural events.
Vanuatu has three official languages: Bislama (a creole language serving as the national lingua franca), English, and French. It also has over 100 indigenous languages, giving it one of the highest language-to-population ratios in the world. English and French are both used in tourism and government.
No vaccinations are required for most travellers, but routine immunisations should be up to date. Malaria is present on some islands, particularly in the north; consult a travel health clinic for advice. Dengue fever is present. Medical facilities outside Port Vila are very limited.
Tipping is not a traditional custom in Vanuatu but is appreciated in tourist settings. Rounding up the bill at a restaurant or leaving a small tip for a guide is a kind gesture. There are no rigid expectations.
Mobile coverage is available in Port Vila and Luganville, and has expanded to many outer islands. Digicel Vanuatu is the main provider. Local SIM cards are available. Internet speeds are slow by international standards. Wi-Fi is available at hotels in Port Vila but limited elsewhere.
Kastom (custom) is central to ni-Vanuatu identity and varies between islands. Always ask before entering a village and seek permission before photographing people. Dress modestly outside beach areas, particularly in rural and inland communities. The Naghol ceremony and other traditional rituals are sacred; observe them with respect. Kava, the traditional drink made from the kava plant, is an important part of social life and is shared at nakamals (kava bars).