Vanuatu - Vanuatu

Vanuatu is an island state, it belongs to the archipelago Melanesia. The national territory consists of 83 islands, 67 of which are inhabited. Most of the islands are of volcanic origin. Therefore, the coasts are often rocky and steeply sloping.

Regions

The South Pacific island nation of Vanuatu has been divided into six provinces since 1994.

Their names are made up of the respective first letters of the corresponding islands:

location	flag	province	Islands	Capital	Area in km²	Residents
		Malampa	Timesakula, At thebrym, Paama	Lakatoro	2.779	40.928
		Penama	Pentecost, A.mbae, Maewo	Sarotamata	1.198	32.543
		Sanma	Santo, Malo	Luganville	4.248	54.184
		Shefa	Shepherd islands, Éfaté	Port Vila	1.455	97.602
		Tafea	Tanna, A.niwa, F.utuna, E.rromango, A.neityum	Isangel	1.628	37.050
		Torba	goalres islands, Banks islands	Sola	882	10.161
		Vanuatu		Port Vila	12.190	272.459

(Population figures: 2016 census)

Cities

• Luganville
• Port Vila - Capital.

background

The British and French, who had settled the New Hebrides in the 19th century, administered the islands jointly from 1906 onwards through an agreement. In 1980 they were given independence. European settlers settled several Saltwater crocodiles in the Banks Islands. Today, however, their observed population is only two or three medium-sized specimens. Despite being close to Papua New Guinea there is no natural crocodile population on Vanuatu.

getting there

Entry requirements

Since 2015, citizens of the Schengen area have had a reciprocal visa exemption. This means that you can stay in the country for up to 90 days per 180. All other Europeans, with the exception of the non-EU areas of the former Yugoslavia, as well as Turks are allowed to enter Germany for 30 days without a visa.

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There are import bans on live animals and fresh food. Allowances (from 15): 200 cigarettes or 250 g tobacco or 50 cigars, plus 1.5 liters of schnapps or 2 liters of wine and goods up to VT 20,000.

By plane

Bauerfield International Airport is located in Port Vila. Air Vanuatu flies to it regularly from Australia and New Zealand, among others.

By boat

Larger ports are in Forari, Port Vila and Luganville. The ferries Port Vila - Malekula - Luganville travel a good 24 hours. We also set up on smaller islands. Smaller ships operate from Luganville to Malekula, the Banks Islands or Penama Province. Please inquire about departures in the port.

Private sailors must email the no later than 24 hours prior to arrival inch register ([email protected]). Entry and exit are only permitted via the ports of Lenakel (Tanna Island), Port Vila (Efate Island), Luganville (Santo) and Sola (Vanua Lava in the Banks and Torres Group). In order to be allowed to land in Aneityum or Port Resolution first, prior approval is required. If you want to visit another island afterwards is a Inter-island cruising permit necessary.

mobility

There is right-hand traffic. Seat belts are optional, there does not seem to be a TÜV. Many are through in the evenings Kava relaxed drivers on the go. The almost 1000 km long road network consists of 75% unpaved roads and paths.

There is a bus network with 10 seats in the capital. Taxis, which can be recognized by the "T" on the license plate, also drive there at a standard price.

For domestic flights, a tax of VT 200 must be paid at the airport.

language

The national languages ​​are English, French and Bislama.

to buy

Exchange rate (Sept. 2020): 1 Euro = 131 Vatu (VT).

The statutory value added tax (12.5%) is included in the price. In the case of tourists, an attempt is sometimes made to show them separately.

Opening times are 7.30am-11.30am and 1.30pm-5.30pm. Authorities and banks close at 3:30 p.m. or 4:00 p.m. Saturdays are noon.

In Port Vila in particular, numerous duty-free offers are advertised. Black pearls are widely available.

kitchen

Vanuatu is still devoid of fast food chains. The local breeders produce excellent beef.

The presence of a partly French colonial administration has ensured that there are civilized restaurants and decent white bread. Flying foxes are served occasionally. Cannibalism is no longer common.

nightlife

The official drinking age is 18. Alcoholic beverages are not sold between Saturday noon and Monday morning. The locally brewed Tusker-Beer is a Swedish licensed product. A bottle of beer, available in the shop for VT 215-80, can cost VT 600-1100 at the hotel bar.

The Australian BYO (bring your own) is possible for a fee of VT 400 in restaurants.

The gambling operation is primarily aimed at New Zealand visitors. Casinos are in hotels: Palms Casino in the Holiday Inn, in the Grand Hotel by Pt. Vila or at the Iririki Island Resort. There are also slot machines.

accommodation

Camping is unusual.

Learn

Work

public holidays

security

Emergency call:

• Police 22 222
• Fire brigade 22 333,
• Karnkenwagen 22 100

There is no military, just the Vanuatu Police Force. The crime rate in Vanuatu is generally low. Assaults, theft and sexual harassment have been reported occasionally. Greater attention is required when moving in the dark, on foot or using public transport.

Because of the volcanic origin of the islands, earthquakes occur.

health

Basic medical care is guaranteed in touristic areas. Simply equipped hospitals exist in Port Vila on the island of Efate and in Luganville on the island of Espiritu Santo. Doctors and hospitals often ask instant payment the medical services in cash. The closest modern medical care is in Australia and New Zealand. Divers should note that there is only one decompression chamber in Port Vila on Vanuatu.

The tap water on the main islands is drinkable. Boiling is recommended on smaller islands.

Centipede bites can be painful for days. The jellyfish found in the sea are non-toxic.

Malaria Comes Outside Pt. Vila in front. Espiritu Santo and Malakula are considered high risk areas.

climate

In summer, November to March, the daytime temperatures are 28 ° C. During the rest of the year it cools down to around 23 ° C. The air humidity is uncomfortably high all year round, most oppressive in January and February.

The water temperature is 22-28 ° C all year round.

respect

Practical advice

The only consular representation of an EU country is that of France. All EU citizens can turn to them in an emergency.

There are no house numbers. Letters are only sent to the post office box. Vanuatu Post conveys letters and cards to Europe in "Zone 4." Letters and postcards sent there cost VT 350 in 2020.

literature

Web links

• Tourist info