Vanuatu

Vanuatu is a tropical paradise, with lush green forests, and beautiful sand beaches. There are still active volcanoes in the chain of islands, and the area is subject to the occasional monsoon. Diving is a primary business, as are all other types of water sports and tourism.

Located in the South Pacific Ocean, the islands of Vanuatu (vahn oo AH too) are slightly northwest of New Zealand, about 1,300 miles west of Cairns, Australia, and about 500 miles due east of Fiji. Vanuatu is composed of about 80 islands, the largest being Espiritu Santu, Ambrym, and Efate, home of the capital of Port Vila.

The people of Vanuatu, a name which means "Land Eternal" are predominantly Melanesian. Amongst the 180,000 inhabitants, there are 115 different cultures and languages making Vanuatu one of the most culturally diverse countries in the world.

Brief history

Inhabited by the Melanesian people for about the past 3,000 years, they were discovered by the Europeans in 1606 when the Portuguese, in service to Spain, arrived. Captain James Cook visited the islands in 1774, and named them the New Hebrides after islands off the coast of Scotland. The British and French created a joint protectorate in 1888, and maintained a joint administration until 1980.

Traveller tips

Airlines: Air Vanuatu flies to Port Vila from Auckland in New Zealand; Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane in Australia; Nadi in Fiji; Noumea in New Caledonia and Honiara in the Solomon Islands. Air Vanuatu is represented by Qantas worldwide. Aircalin also offers a direct service to Vanuatu.

Airport: Vanuatu's international airport, Bauerfield Airport, is located 10 minutes drive from Port Vila.

Language: The national language is Bislama (pidgin English). English and French are also spoken. There are another 115 languages in common use in the outer islands.

Electricity: 220-280 volts 50 Hz, AC, mainly three-point plugs in hotels. Most electrical goods shops in Vila and Luganville sell adaptors that are usually compatible with foreign designs.

Communication: The Post Office and Telecom Vanuatu are open Monday to Friday, 7.30am-11.30am and 1.30pm-4.30pm for all postage, collector stamps, fax and phone calls. They remain open during lunchtime on cruise ship days. There are Internet cafés in Port Vila and on Santo. The newspapers are the Port Vila Presse (Saturdays) and the Vanuatu Daily Post (English, Daily except Sunday). Radio Vanuatu provides trilingual broadcasts throughout the country from 6am to 10pm. Local TV is available from 4.30pm to 11.3pm daily.

Currency: Vatu is the official currency and can only be obtained in Vanuatu. Westpac and ANZ banking facilities are available and all major credit cards are accepted.

Climate: Vanuatu's climate varies from subtropical in the south to tropical in the north. During the dry season from May to October, visitors can expect fine warm days and cooler nights. The green season is November to April, when higher temperatures and heavier rain can be expected.

Departure Tax: The departure tax is 2800VT (about US$22) per person (except children under 2) and 250VT for outer islands except Port Vila, Santo and Tanna, which charge 400VT for domestic flights. This tax is payable when purchasing your tickets at the agency's office.

Driving/Roads: Driving is on the right hand side of the road. There is a speed limit of 50km/h in Port Vila (Efate) and Luganville (Santo) - watch out for people or animals on the road in rural areas. Scooters, cars and four-wheel drive vehicles are available for hire, but 4WDs are recommended for outside the main towns as the roads are rough. International permits and most national licenses are acceptable.

Entry Requirements: For stays not exceeding 30 days, bona fide visitors who are nationals of Commonwealth Countries, EU Countries, Fiji, Japan, Norway, Philippines, South Korea, Switzerland, USA do not require a visa. Visas for other nationalities are only obtainable from The Immigration Department, PMB 014, Port Vila, Vanuatu. Phone (678) 22 354, fax (678) 25 492, email: Vanuatu Immigration, web Vanuatu Tourism

Health Regulations: No vaccinations required but anti-malarial medication is recommended, especially for visits to outer islands.

Medical Services: Hospitals are located in Port Vila and at Luganville on Santo. Other medical aid posts are found throughout the islands, although there may be no facilities in remote rural areas. Vila has a dental surgery and optician. Vanuatu has no dangerous animals or insects.

Politics: Vanuatu is a self-governing Republic and a member of the Commonwealth of Nations. The government is based on the Westminster System with 52 members elected for a 4-year term. The cabinet consists of the prime ministers members from the council of ministers. The President is the Head of State, and a national council of chiefs (Malfatu Mauri) advises parliament on traditional matters.

Religion: Nominally Christian (90%), with the Presbyterian church the main denomination.

Time: Vanuatu time is GMT plus 11 hours, which is an hour ahead of Australian Eastern Standard time.

Tipping: No tipping. Tipping and bargaining are against local traditions.