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Country driving guide · 2026

Driving in Vanuatu

Everything UK and EU drivers need before crossing the border into Vanuatu: 7 legal requirements + 9 other things worth knowing.

7

Required

2

Recommended

7

Good to know

Tick before you go

Pre-departure checklist for Vanuatu

7 legal must-haves. Print it, tick them off, throw it in the glovebox.

  • Carry full UK/EU licence plus 1949 IDP

    Vanuatu recognises the 1949 Geneva Convention IDP alongside your national licence; both must be carried while driving.

  • Passport and visitor visa stamp

    Carry your passport with valid entry stamp; UK and EU passport holders get a 30-day visitor permit on arrival.

  • Third-party motor insurance is compulsory

    Rental vehicles include compulsory third-party cover; if driving privately, ensure the local insurance certificate is in the vehicle.

  • Drive on the right

    Vanuatu drives on the right-hand side of the road with left-hand-drive vehicles, unusual for the South Pacific region.

  • Speed limits 50 km/h urban, 80 km/h rural

    Port Vila and built-up areas are capped at 50 km/h; open roads outside towns are 80 km/h, and there are no motorways.

  • BAC limit 0.08 g/L

    Blood alcohol limit is 0.08 g/L, but enforcement is sporadic and zero tolerance is strongly advised given unlit roads.

  • Declare cash over 1,000,000 VUV at the border

    Amounts above roughly 1,000,000 VUV (approx 8,300 EUR) must be declared to Vanuatu Customs on arrival or departure.

Documents

Small island nation with limited road network

Good to know

Vanuatu has sealed roads mainly around Port Vila (Efate) and Luganville (Espiritu Santo); most other islands have rough tracks and no rental infrastructure.

Carry full UK/EU licence plus 1949 IDP

Required

Vanuatu recognises the 1949 Geneva Convention IDP alongside your national licence; both must be carried while driving.

Passport and visitor visa stamp

Required

Carry your passport with valid entry stamp; UK and EU passport holders get a 30-day visitor permit on arrival.

Third-party motor insurance is compulsory

Required

Rental vehicles include compulsory third-party cover; if driving privately, ensure the local insurance certificate is in the vehicle.

Emergency number 112

Good to know

Dial 112 for police, fire, or ambulance; response times outside Port Vila are very slow and medical facilities are limited.

Driving rules

Drive on the right

Required

Vanuatu drives on the right-hand side of the road with left-hand-drive vehicles, unusual for the South Pacific region.

Speed limits 50 km/h urban, 80 km/h rural

Required

Port Vila and built-up areas are capped at 50 km/h; open roads outside towns are 80 km/h, and there are no motorways.

BAC limit 0.08 g/L

Required

Blood alcohol limit is 0.08 g/L, but enforcement is sporadic and zero tolerance is strongly advised given unlit roads.

Avoid driving after dark

Recommended

Roads are unlit, livestock and pedestrians wander on the carriageway, and potholes are frequent: FCDO advises against night driving outside Port Vila.

Environment

4WD essential outside main towns

Recommended

Beyond Port Vila and Luganville most roads are unsealed dirt tracks that become impassable in the November-April wet season; hire a 4WD.

Cyclone season November to April

Good to know

Tropical cyclones can wash out roads and bridges; check local conditions and the VMGD weather service before any inter-island travel.

Tolls

No tolls or vignettes

Good to know

There are no toll roads, motorway stickers, or electronic charging schemes anywhere in Vanuatu.

Emissions / low-emission zones

No low-emission zones

Good to know

Vanuatu operates no LEZ, emissions sticker, or congestion charge scheme.

Money

Currency is the Vanuatu Vatu (VUV)

Good to know

Approx 120 VUV = 1 EUR; carry cash outside Port Vila as card acceptance is patchy and ATMs are scarce on outer islands.

Fuel around 180 VUV/L (approx 1.50 EUR/L)

Good to know

Petrol and diesel are sold by attendants at stations in Port Vila and Luganville; tipping is not expected.

Declare cash over 1,000,000 VUV at the border

Required

Amounts above roughly 1,000,000 VUV (approx 8,300 EUR) must be declared to Vanuatu Customs on arrival or departure.

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Popular destinations in Vanuatu

Places to add to your Vanuatu road trip.

Don't get caught out

Watch out for these

Drive on the right

Required

Vanuatu drives on the right-hand side of the road with left-hand-drive vehicles, unusual for the South Pacific region.

Speed limits 50 km/h urban, 80 km/h rural

Required

Port Vila and built-up areas are capped at 50 km/h; open roads outside towns are 80 km/h, and there are no motorways.

BAC limit 0.08 g/L

Required

Blood alcohol limit is 0.08 g/L, but enforcement is sporadic and zero tolerance is strongly advised given unlit roads.