Vanuatu FAQs
Pre-Arrival - Boat: Vanuatu Customs require an Advance Notice of Arrival at lest 24 hours prior to entering Vanuatu. See Formalities for all the details.
Pre-Arrival - Crew: All crafts, yachts and vessels must submit a pre-arrival form to the Vanuatu Immigration office before arriving at a port of entry or when entering the Vanuatu Maritime Zone. See Immigration for details.
Where can I enter? Currently there are four authorized ports of entry and departure in Vanuatu: Lenakel (Tanna Island), Port Vila (Efate Island), Luganville (Santo) and Sola in the Banks Islands. It is possible to enter at a non-authorized port of entry such as Port Resolution on Tanna Island, but prior approval must be obtained. See Formalities for all the details.
Are fees high to enter by yacht? There are no Customs fees payable, unless you arrive out of office hours. There are Biosecurity/Quarantine, Immigration and Port Fees to pay. See Fees for details.
What security concerns should I know about? Vanuatu is a relatively safe place to visit. However, drug smuggling by yachts is increasing in this area of the Pacific, so cruisers should be aware of this. See Security for more details.
Vanuatu Facts for Sailors
- Vanuatu, formerly called the New Hebrides, is an archipelago of 83 islands in the Western Pacific around 1,750 km east of Australia, lying at the end of a chain of volcanic peaks stretching southeast from Papua New Guinea.
- Espiritu Santo, Malekula, Efate, Erromango, Ambrym and Tanna are the main islands.
- Cruising-wise, the prevailing winds allow you to sail downwind from Tanna all the way to the Torres Island and due to the shape of the island chain much of the sailing is in calm seas relative to the wind strength.
- With the exception of the northern islands, the number of natural harbours is rather limited, with the notable exception of the main island Efate which has several attractive bays.
- Left alone by the Europeans for longer than other parts of the Pacific, Vanuatu leapt into the modern age quickly, while remaining a place where the rich Melanesian culture is kept very much alive. It is the chance to experience a little of this fascinating culture that brings most sailors to this country which has been endowed with less cruising attractions than its neighbours.
- With a unique blend of Melanesian (Ni-Vanuatu) tribal communities, Vanuatu has some of the world's rarest cultural festivals, rituals & events. Don't miss the death-defying Pentecost Land Diving (nagol), the Tanna Toka Dance which goes on for days, the mystical Rom dance of Ambrym Island of magic and fire, and Water Music custom festival performed by the women of Gaua Island.
- One of the greatest attractions of the islands is a visit to the live volcano on Tanna or Ambrym, where one can ascend into the crater, the closest one can get to an active volcano safely anywhere in the world. Even sailing by these islands one can be treated to a spectacular firework display, especially at night.
- Many villages receive little or no contact with the outside world other than through yachts. Cruisers have noted the increasing trend of villages to charge for activities or tours and even for trips around villages. If taking part in a tour or activity check to see if the community benefits from it. Be polite and say you would prefer to walk around a village yourself; all too often they will show you around for free anyway.
- Trading goods for local carvings and fresh produce is a major source of clothing, school supplies, and currency for these villagers. Carry second-hand clothing, notebooks, pencils and pens, fishing line and hooks, reading glasses, old magazines, etc. for bartering with locals.
- Getting work done: Port Vila offers good services for yachts. Port Vila Boatyard has haulout facilities, marine electricians and mechanics and cyclone certified moorings. Many spare parts can be found in Port Vila and Luganville or can easily be ordered and flown in from Australia, NZ or USA and brought in Duty and VAT free for visiting yachts.
- For information on provisioning and other supplies, see Yachting Essentials.
- Cyclone and Earthquake Damage: Many areas of Vanuatu suffered extensive damage from cyclones Judy and Kevin in 2023 and a magnitude 7.3 earthquake which struck Port Vila in December 2024. If you are planning to visit Vanuatu, it is suggested contacting local authorities to see if there is anything you can take to help communities in some of the more remote areas.
