Why visit
Vanuatu combines active volcanoes, blue holes, reef diving, kastom villages, and island-hopping across a Y-shaped archipelago. Tanna, Espiritu Santo, and Efate give three very different first-trip bases.
Country - Oceania
Vanuatu
beachadventurenature
How to use this result
Use it as a country shortlist
Vanuatu works best as a first-pass travel idea. Start with the region, season, and themes on this page, then compare flights, entry rules, safety guidance, and local transport before treating it as a real option.
Compare the capital and side trips
Use Port Vila as the administrative starting point, then check whether the strongest trip idea is actually the capital, a coastal area, a nature route, or another city in Vanuatu.
At a glance
Location
-16.0°, 167.0°
Coast
Has coastline
Country area
12,189 km²
4,706 mi²
Country population
335k
27/km²
Subregion
Melanesia
Currency
Vanuatu vatu (Vt)
VUV
Dial
+678
Languages
Bislama, English, French
Demonym
Ni-Vanuatu
Internet
.vu
UN
Member state
ISO code
VU / VUT
Where in the world
-16.0° - 167.0°
Vanuatu
Open in Google Maps
Click the map to open in Google Maps. Outline via svg-maps/world - CC BY 4.0
Did you know
- Vanuatu's Mount Yasur is one of the world's most accessible active volcanoes: tourists walk to the rim.
- The Vanuatu nation has over 100 languages spoken across 80 islands: one of the world's densest linguistic diversities.
- Pentecost Island is the birthplace of modern bungee jumping: based on the local "land diving" coming-of-age ritual.
Traveler notes
- Mount Yasur on Tanna is one of the world's most accessible active volcanoes
- Espiritu Santo has blue holes and the SS President Coolidge wreck
- Efate is the easiest arrival point and day-trip base
Plan checks
- Start research with the capital Port Vila, then compare two or three other regions.
- Check passport validity, visa rules, health requirements, and travel insurance for current conditions.
- Verify swim safety, ocean conditions, and water-quality reports by month.
- Bring layered clothing and verify trail/park access before arrival.
Explore more
Facts last reviewed June 2026 against GeoNames and national statistics sources. See the editorial policy for how destination data is maintained.
Frequently asked about Vanuatu
What is the capital of Vanuatu?
Port Vila is the capital of Vanuatu.
What currency does Vanuatu use?
Vanuatu uses the Vanuatu vatu (Vt), ISO code VUV.
What languages are spoken in Vanuatu?
The primary languages are Bislama, English and French.
Is Vanuatu landlocked?
No, Vanuatu has a coastline.
What is the international calling code for Vanuatu?
The calling code is +678.
When is the best time to visit Vanuatu?
May–Oct. Check current weather and local events before booking.
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