REGIONAL INFORMATION
Vanuatu is known for its romantic tropical landscape, the world's most accessible volcanoes, crystal clear waterfalls and turquoise blue oceans with unparalleled scuba diving opportunities. The local people of Melanesian descent, have a magical charm and friendliness unique to Vanuatu.

The capital, Port Vila, boasts one of the most beautiful natural harbors in the world. The town offers many fine restaurants, duty free shopping, and a colorful local market. No visas are required for stays of less than 30 days for residents of Australia, New Zealand, the EEC, Japan, Canada, and the United States.

The populaton is approximately 175,000 and is mainly Melanesian descent, whose magical charm and friendliness are unique to Vanuatu. It is believed they migrated from Papa New Guinea some 3000 years ago.

AIRPORT
The international port of entry is Bauerfield, only 10 mins from Port Vila. There is a currency exchange facility as well as bars/restaurants and duty free shops.

AIRPORT TAX
There is a departure tax of VT2500 per person (except children under 12 years old), payable in local currency if not pre-paid as part of return air ticket.

CAMPING
Camping is not encouraged in Vanuatu.

DUTY FREE
Passengers over 15 years - 200 cigarettes or 250g of tobacco or 50 cigars or 100 cigarillos, 1.5 litres alcohol or 2L wine, and 25cl litre eau de toilette and 10 centilitres perfume plus a total of 20,000 vatu in unused goods. Visitors' personal effects are entered duty free.

ECONOMY/INVESTMENT
After tourism, the economy is mainly based around agriculture - copra, cattle, cocoa, coffee. The Ni Vanuatu in outlying areas rely on traditional subsistence farming, clearing patches of bush or jungle to meet basic daily requirements. Vanuatu is a tax haven. There is no income tax, corporate tax, capital gains tax, witholding taxes or death duties. There is a 12.5% government tax on all goods which is included in the price. Because it is a tax haven, there are a number of accountants in Port Vila to assist those wishing to invest or base an international company in Vanuatu. The facilities and the expertise available through the members of the Vanuatu Finance Centre Association are world standard.

ELECTRICITY
220-230 volts AC, mainly three-point plugs in hotels.

ENTERTAINMENT
All major hotels have regular entertainment and there are several night clubs open till late. There is gambling at Palms Casino (Le Meridien Resort), Club 21 (Melanesian Resort) and at Club Vanuatu. In the evenings men drink kava at local kava bars or Nakamals. Regular Melanesian cultural shows are available. Club Vanuatu and The Office Pub have cable sports channels on screen.

ENTRY VISAS
For stays not exceeding 30 days, visitors from countries including USA, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Japan, Philippines, South Korea, the UK, Norway, Switzerland, EU countries and Fiji do not require a visa. Permission is usually granted for an extension of up to four months simply by applying while there.

Visas are only obtainable for approximately VT2,500, from The Immigration Department:
Principal Immigration Officer
Immigration Department
PMB 9092, Port Vila, Vanuatu
Phone:+678 22354
Fax +678 25492

Citizens of the following countries are exempted from the necessity of having visas in their passports when landing in Vanuatu:

• All Commonwealth countries
• All European Economic Community member countries
• Austria
• Bermuda
• Brazil
• Cameroon
• China
• Dependencies of United Kingdom
• Dependencies of France
• Mexico
• Tunisia
• Finland
• Japan
• Maldives
• Marshall Island
• Federated States of Micronesia
• Norway
• Chile
• Morocco
• Russian Federation
• United Arab Emirates
• Palau
• Phillippines
• Peru
• South Korea
• Sweden
• Switzerland
• Taiwan
• Thailand
• United States of America
• Kuwait
• Poland
• South Africa
• Vatican

EMBASSIES/CONSULATES
Australian High Commission, British High Commission, French Embassy, New Zealand High Commission, and Chinese Embassy.

FLORA & FAUNA
The tropical climate and fertile soils support a wide range of flora from tropical rainforests to thick natural vegetation including grassland and secondary growth. More pristine areas can contain as many as 1500 species of flowers, ferns, shrubs, vines and trees. Orchids festoon the trees in many areas - there are 158 species of which 40 are endemic. Wildlife includes the native flying foxes, land and sea birds (more than 100 species), dolphins, whales and turtles and dugongs (sea cows). The dugong is the Vanuatu's largest resident mammal and the world's only herbivorous marine mammal. The country's numerous fringing reefs are also home to some 300 species of coral and more than 450 species of reef fish, making the island a haven for snorkellers and divers.

KAVA
The kava in Vanuatu is reputedly stronger than its Fijian equivalent, and it is drunk without the Fijian 'clapping' ceremony. The cup should still be drunk in one motion however. Kava tours cost around VT400.

LANGUAGES SPOKEN
Bislama, English and French. There are 115 'mother tongues' in common use.

MEDICAL
There are no dangerous animals or insects in Vanuatu and no vaccinations are required although anti-malarial precautions are recommended for visits to outer islands. Hospital and ambulance facilities exist in Port Vila and there are a number of doctors including Dr Findberg (Tel 22826) and Dr Bador (Tel 23065). There are also a number of dentists, physiotherapists and chemists.

RELIGION
Predominantly Christian. Visitors are welcome to attend Sunday services. Many of the shops and markets close on Sundays. Some Chinese-owned shops and supermarkets may be open and, at the resorts, it's business as usual.

SPORT AND RECREATION
There's a great variety of watersports with excellent reef and wreck diving.

There are four golf courses in Port Vila, tennis courts, fitness centres, jazzercize, squash. There's excellent big game fishing, horse riding schools, cycling, annual triathlon. The annual picnic horse race day is a must, there are rugby games and regular Amateur Theatrical Society productions are staged. The international class Palms Casino is part of Le Meridien Resort and Club Vanuatu and Club 21 also have poker machines and entertainment.

Watch the notice boards outside the supermarkets for up-coming events.

TELECOMMUNICATIONS
World wide satellite communications, 24 hours telephone, fax, email and web access. Phone, telex, fax at the post office and resorts and there's an Internet cafe in the main street.

TIME ZONE
GMT plus 11 hours.

WATER
The urban water supply is safe to drink and bottled water is also readily available.