Travel to Vanuatu logistics centers on arriving at Bauerfield International Airport (VLI) in Port Vila via direct flights from Australia, New Zealand, or Fiji. Domestic transport requires careful planning using Air Vanuatu for inter-island flights or local ferries for shorter crossings. Most travelers receive a visitor visa on arrival, provided they hold a valid passport and onward ticket.
Planning a trip to the South Pacific requires meticulous attention to detail, particularly when navigating an archipelago nation like Vanuatu. Comprising 83 islands, the logistics of moving between the capital, Port Vila, and remote outer islands like Espiritu Santo or Tanna can be complex. This comprehensive guide covers every aspect of transport logistics, from international arrival procedures to hiring a 4WD for jungle exploration.
International Flight Routes and Airlines
Understanding the primary gateways into the country is the first step in mastering travel to Vanuatu logistics. Unlike major global tourism hubs, Vanuatu has limited direct connections, making route planning essential for a smooth journey.
Which Airlines Fly to Vanuatu?
The primary entry point for 95% of international visitors is Bauerfield International Airport (VLI), located just 10 minutes from Port Vila on the island of Efate. A secondary international airport exists in Luganville on Espiritu Santo (Santo-Pekoa International Airport), though flights here are less frequent.
The main carriers servicing Vanuatu include:
- Air Vanuatu: The national carrier offers the most frequent connections. It operates direct flights from Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne, Auckland, Noumea, and Nadi. Note that schedules can be subject to