We are aware that communication remains difficult in Port Vila. If you had a ticketed return flight from Port Vila to Australia with Qantas, Jetstar or Virgin Australia and are able to access the internet, email or phone, please try to contact your airline to confirm the details of your return flight. Family in Australia may be able to do this on your behalf if they have your booking details. Some airlines are allowing passengers who now hold return tickets for future flights to join newly scheduled earlier flights.
With the resumption of commercial services, there are no further scheduled Australian Defence Force flights at this time.
The Australian High Commission on Winston Churchill Drive, Port Vila, is providing consular assistance to affected Australians. The High Commission is visiting major hotels and resorts to help maintain communication with affected Australians.
There’s a 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.
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.
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.
