Lonely Planet™ · Thorn Tree Forum · 2020 |

# Taking food into Vanuatu Country forums / Pacific Islands & Papua New Guinea / Vanuatu
allergykids 11:34 UTC 09 Oct 2007 | I wonder if anyone can answer a few questions for me. We are taking a family holiday to Vanuatu in November and probably going to stay at Snorkellers Cove on Iririki. Both our children (3yrs & 5yrs) suffer from severe food allergies so I would like to take as much food as possible with us and cook in our unit. My question is: does anyone know what you are allowed to take in. We have been to Fiji before and were fine with tinned food (eg Spagetti etc) and packets of crackers etc, just no dairy food, or meat. If it is the same in Vanuatu then I know we will manage fine provided we can purchase fresh fruit and vege. Any help or suggestions would be much appreciated. Also, just in case....what is the hospital like? Thanks |
yehyeh 19:45 UTC 09 Oct 2007 | I don't remember any customs regulations prohibiting any food and no one was checking bags on entry to Vanuatu a couple of years ago. The markets in Port Vila sell fresh fruit and veges but they are limited to local produce specifically bananas, coconuts, pawpaws, passionfruit and all types of citrus. There were also all manner of root crops such as potatoes, sweet potatoes, yams and tapioca. A number of varieties of green leafy vegetables were also for sale at the markets but I have read that these should be avoided as they may contain some worm which can cause intestinal problems. Fruit and veges are very cheap at the markets. The supermarket in Port Vila called La Bon Marche at Numbatu (it's a suburb) sells all manner of tinned food including spaghetti, baked beans - most of these items are imported from Australia and so are quite expensive. | 1
smandkjc 05:33 UTC 10 Oct 2007 | There is the usual food declaration on the Customs form. They confiscated my sister's cheese but everything else like breakfast cereals etc was ok. The chef were we were staying said the confiscated cheese was probably now for sale in Port Vila | 2
cuppa500 06:58 UTC 10 Oct 2007 | The supermarket & the Vila produce market (next door to each other) are just a 3 minute boat ride (free) from Irrikki. Yes the supermarket is a little more expensive than in Oz, but a good variety to choose from, so probably unnecessary to take much in the way of foodstuffs with you. The produce market is busy daily, & cheap. regards Cuppa Click to view my Vanuatu pics | 3
benjibob 17:56 UTC 15 Nov 2007 | Seems you hit the jackpot mate I am working in Quarantine in Vila and you CANNOT take any food items into Vanuatu without a permit. All bags are now checked, and all food found without a permit will be destroyed. But you can get a permit if you choose, but for small items it is illogical. If you really want to bring it get a import permit from the Quarantine of your country... Oh yeah, if you take any custom items out of Vanuatu, you need to get them sprayed and inspected - accompanied with an original certificate. Otherwise Australia or..... will make a nice bonfire.. happy travelling | 4