The Department of State raised its Travel Advisory for Vanuatu on December 20, 2024, to Level 3 – Reconsider Travel. U.S. citizens should reconsider travel to Vanuatu due to infrastructure damage from an earthquake. This replaces the previous Travel Advisory issued on July 24, 2023.
The full text of the new Travel Advisory is as follows:
Travel Advisory: Vanuatu – Level 3: Reconsider Travel
Updated to a Level 3 due to infrastructure damage from an earthquake.
The U.S. Department of State advises U.S. citizens to reconsider travel to Vanuatu following the December 17, 2024, earthquake, which caused significant damage to local infrastructure. The U.S. government’s ability to provide emergency assistance to U.S. citizens in Vanuatu is limited, and departure options have been disrupted. Within Vanuatu, numerous buildings sustained severe damage, and curfews are in effect in some areas.
If you decide to travel to Vanuatu:
- Postpone non-essential travel until conditions stabilize.
- Monitor local reports and updates from the Vanuatu government and follow all instructions from local authorities.
- Prepare for disruptions by ensuring you have sufficient supplies of water, food, and medications, as resources are limited.
- Keep travel documents up to date and easily accessible.
- Have evacuation plans that do not rely on U.S. government assistance.
- Make back up plans to leave the country.
- Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
- Follow the Department of State on Facebook and X/Twitter.
- Review the Country Security Report for Vanuatu.
- Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel.
- Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler’s Checklist.
