Travel Vaccines and Advice for Vanuatu
Vanuatu is a small country made up of almost 80 islands resting in the Southern Pacific Ocean. This archipelago is known for its unique island life, beaches and water-based adventures.
Port Vila is home to many exciting destinations, such as the National Museum of Vanuatu. There are also the nearby Rainbow Botanical Gardens. If tourists want to shop, head to downtown Port Vila to find the local, bustling market. One can even take a tour to Ekasup Cultural Village, or go swimming or jet-skiing nearby.
Other popular destinations in Vanuatu include Mount Yasur, located on Tanna island. This active volcano erupts frequently. But, it also provides the soil for some of the best local coffee, include that of the Mount Yasur Coffee Collaroy.
If anyone is looking for a unique culture, Vanuatu is exactly what they are looking for.
Do I Need Vaccines for Vanuatu?
Yes, some vaccines are recommended or required for Vanuatu. The PHAC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Vanuatu: COVID-19, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, meningitis, polio, measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis), chickenpox, shingles, pneumonia and influenza.
See the bullets below to learn more about some of these key immunizations:
- COVID-19 –
Airborne –
Recommended for all travellers - Hepatitis A –
Food & Water –
Recommended for most travellers - Hepatitis B –
Blood & Body Fluids –
Accelerated schedule available - Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) –
Various Vectors –
Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended. - TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) –
Wounds & Airborne –
Only one adult booster of pertussis required. - Chickenpox –
Direct Contact & Airborne –
Given to those unvaccinated that did not have chickenpox. - Shingles –
Direct Contact –
Vaccine can still be given if you have had shingles. - Pneumonia –
Airborne –
Two vaccines given separately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both. - Influenza –
Airborne –
Vaccine components change annually. - Meningitis –
Airborne & Direct Contact –
Given to anyone unvaccinated or at an increased risk, especially students. - Polio –
Food & Water –
Considered a routine vaccination for most travel itineraries. Single adult booster recommended.
See the tables below for more information:
Recommended Travel Vaccinations for Vanuatu |
||
| VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| COVID-19 | Airborne | Recommended for all travellers |
| Hepatitis A | Food & Water | Recommended for most travellers |
| Hepatitis B | Blood & Body Fluids | Accelerated schedule available |
Routine Vaccinations for Vanuatu |
||
| VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) | Various Vectors | Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended. |
| TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) | Wounds & Airborne | Only one adult booster of pertussis required. |
| Chickenpox | Direct Contact & Airborne | Given to those unvaccinated that did not have chickenpox. |
| Shingles | Direct Contact | Vaccine can still be given if you have had shingles. |
| Pneumonia | Airborne | Two vaccines given separately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both. |
| Influenza | Airborne | Vaccine components change annually. |
| Meningitis | Airborne & Direct Contact | Given to anyone unvaccinated or at an increased risk, especially students. |
| Polio | Food & Water | Considered a routine vaccination for most travel itineraries. Single adult booster recommended. |
Malaria and dengue are present on Vanuatu. Take precautions including using insect repellent and netting. Antimalarials are recommended for travellers to the island.
See our vaccinations page to learn more about these infections and vaccines. Ready to protect yourself? Book your travel health appointment today by calling or schedule online now.
Do I Need a Visa For Vanuatu?
A passport which is valid for 6 months from the departure date is required to enter the country. A visa is not required for tourism purposes for stays up to 30 days. A business visa is required. An onward/ return ticket and proof of sufficient funds are required as well.
Vanuatu Entry Requirements |
||
| Do I Need A… | For My Trip to Vanuatu? | |
|---|---|---|
| Passport |  |
|
| Tourist Visa | ||
| Business Visa | |
|
| Vaccinations | ||
Sources: Embassy of Vanuatu and Canadian Travel and Tourism
Visit the Canadian Travel and Tourism website for more information on entry and exit requirements.
What Is The Climate Like In Vanuatu?
Vanuatu has a tropical climate year round with temperatures in the 20’s. The country has a long rainy season, with high levels of precipitation every month. The average rainfall is at about 240 centimeters a year, but can reach as high as 400 centimeters in the northern islands.
Vanuatu has the highest national disaster risk. This is because the islands experience heavy rainfall, cyclones, earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.
How Safe Is Vanuatu?
Serious crime is uncommon on Vanuatu. But, pick-pocketing theft and other petty crime does occur. Stay alert and try not to expose yourself to danger. Do not travel alone at night and avoid travelling alone in general.
Credit card skimming and ATM fraud are common. Take precautions and consider bringing cash with you.
Women should also travelling alone at night, or in isolated areas. While civil disorder is also rare, you should avoid protests and public demonstrations.
Keeping Afloat While In Vanuatu
Since much Vanuatu is a chain of islands, water sports and activities are common. Whether it’s swimming, diving or snorkeling, Vanuatu is the perfect place if you want to try something new.
But, these extreme marine sports are as much dangerous as they are fun. Many activities, such as diving or snorkeling, can put you right among oceanic animals. It is best to avoid these creatures if you can.
It may seem fun to dive into these types of adventures, but a single mistake can wash out your entire vacation.
What Should I Pack for Vanuatu?
Vanuatu is a small, but fun, destination. Make sure you have everything you need to enjoy it.
- Sunscreen – Vanuatu enjoys a tropical climate, the sun is often bright and burning. Be sure to use sunscreen, to avoid painful sunburns on your trip.
- Insect Repellent – Vanuatu has mosquitoes and some mosquito-borne infections. Make sure you’re protected by applying repellent regularly.
- Underwater Camera – Since many of the best sights to see are in the ocean make sure you can capture them. Bring an underwater camera to ensure that you record those beautiful memories.
Canadian Embassy in Vanuatu
Canada currently does not have a residential government office in Vanuatu. Consular assistance may be obtained from the High Commission of Australia under the Canada- Australia Consular Services Sharing Agreement.
Canadian Embassy Port Moresby
Winston Churchill Avenue,
Port Vila, Vanuatu
Tel.: 678 22777 / 61 2 6261 3305 (24 hours)
Ready to start your next journey? Call us at or book online now!
Customer Reviews
Passport Health – Travel Vaccines for Vanuatu
“This is the first time I’m going to a travel clinic which was recommended to me by a friend and it was a fantastic experience. My nurse was great. So friendly, attentive, and knowledgeable in all of the medications/vaccinations that were needed for my trip to Vanuatu. She answered all of my questions and didn’t miss a beat. Overall a great experience!”
“Friendly, efficient, professional and knowledgeable about Vanuatu.”
On This Page:
Do I Need Vaccines For Vanuatu?
Do I Need a Visa For Vanuatu?
What Is The Climate Like In Vanuatu?
How Safe Is Vanuatu?
Keeping Afloat While In Vanuatu
What Should I Pack for Vanuatu?
Canadian Embassy in Vanuatu
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