There’s a seven-day State of Emergency in Vanuatu following the 7.2-magnitude earthquake that struck Port Vila and surrounding areas on 17 December. There is widespread infrastructure damage, including to roads and buildings. Multiple aftershocks have occurred, and these could continue. Landslides have occurred. Follow the advice of local authorities. Essential services, including telecommunications and water supply, have been disrupted. Search, rescue and recovery operations are currently underway.

Transport services, including flights, have been impacted. Hotels, local transport and tourism services may be temporarily closed or significantly affected. If you have pre-existing bookings, you should contact your travel agent, accommodation provider and/or airline for further information, and if necessary, your insurance company.

If you’re an Australian citizen or permanent resident in Vanuatu, you can register with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade’s crisis registration portal. See the ‘Safety’ section for details on how to register. Keep your registration details up to date so we can contact you.

Australians needing emergency consular assistance should contact the Consular Emergency Centre on 1300 555 135 in Australia or +61 2 6261 3305 outside Australia.

We advise:

Exercise normal safety precautions in Vanuatu.