Vanuatu

Source: New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade – Safe Travel

We currently advise that all New Zealanders do not travel overseas at this time due to the COVID-19 pandemic, associated health risks and widespread travel restrictions.

The global situation remains complex. International travel can be complicated with fewer international flights available and disruptions to transit routes and hubs. Any destination could experience a sudden increase in cases of COVID-19 and a heightened risk to travellers of contracting the virus. Strict health measures and movement restrictions could be imposed suddenly, particularly in response to new variants of concern. Should you decide to travel overseas at this time, be prepared to remain overseas longer than you intended. You should also be aware that your travel insurance may not cover travel disruption or medical expenses. Talk to your insurer about how sudden changes to the international travel environment might affect your insurance.

Managed Isolation and Quarantine in New Zealand
Travellers to New Zealand may be required to enter government-provided managed isolation and quarantine (MIQ). The length of your stay in MIQ may depend on where you are travelling from. Detailed information about MIQ requirements in New Zealand can be found at www.miq.govt.nz.

Pre-departure testing requirements for travellers to New Zealand
Most travellers must have a negative pre-departure test result and approved documentation to enter New Zealand. Detailed information about pre-departure testing requirements can be found on the Unite Against COVID-19 website here.

We recognise that some New Zealanders do continue to live and travel overseas. We continue to provide destination-specific advice about other safety and security risks below.

Crime
The crime rate in Vanuatu is low; however, robberies, assaults and sexual assaults against foreigners do occur, including in their homes, particularly in the capital Port Vila. Risks increase after dark, in isolated locations and if you’re alone.

New Zealanders are advised to pay close attention to their security, ensuring that all doors and windows are locked at night and while absent and that valuables are kept in a safe and secure place.

Seismic activity
Vanuatu is in an active seismic zone and prone to earthquakes and volcanic activity, with an associated risk of tsunamis. A state of emergency (now lifted) was declared for Ambae Island in April 2018 due to volcanic activity from Manaro Voui volcano. More recently, in December 2018, there was significant volcanic activity on Ambrym Island.

There are a number of active volcanoes in Vanuatu. The Vanuatu Meteorology and Geo-hazards Department assess that the volcanos located on the islands of Ambae, Lopevi, Tanna, Ambrym and Gaua are in a major state of unrest (Alert Level 2). The volcano on Vanua Lava is assessed as in a state of unrest (Level 1).  Relevant information and the latest reports on volcanic activity throughout Vanuatu (and any current cyclone or tsunami warnings), is available from the Vanuatu Meteorology and Geo-hazards Department website. Travellers can also check with the Vanuatu Tourism Office or the Tafea Provincial Council Office for Mount Yasur in Tanna. New Zealanders in Vanuatu are advised to follow the advice of local authorities at all times, including ensuring awareness of, and adherence to, any designated volcano exclusion zones or evacuation orders.  

General travel advice
New Zealanders travelling or living in Vanuatu should have a comprehensive travel insurance policy in place that includes provision for medical evacuation by air.

Travel tips

The New Zealand High Commission Port Vila, Vanuatu

Street Address La Casa D’Andrea E Luciano, Rue Pierre Lamy St, Port Vila, Vanuatu Postal Address PO Box 161, Port Vila, Vanuatu Telephone +678 22 933 Fax +678 22 518 Email nzvanuatu@mfat.govt.nz Web Site http://www.nzembassy.com/vanuatu Hours Mon-Fri 0900-1200, 1300-1500 hrs

See our regional advice for the Pacific

MIL OSI