Public Holiday in Vanuatu
In Vanuatu, “public holiday” is a legal status under the Public Holidays Act, which names national holidays and gives the President power to declare additional days. The Act sets rules for Sunday holidays and for orders requiring shops and other businesses to close; it does not describe a separate celebration called simply “Public Holiday.”[1]
How the law defines public holidays
Vanuatu’s Public Holidays Act, Chapter 114, says that the days in its schedule are public holidays. The schedule names observances such as Lini Day, Custom Chief’s Day, Independence Day, Christmas Day and Family Day. Separately, the President may declare additional public holidays on the Prime Minister’s advice.[1]
The Public Holidays Act and the Employment Act are separate statutes, so the public holiday label alone does not establish the employment arrangements for every worker or workplace.[1][2]
Sunday rules and business closures
If a scheduled public holiday falls on a Sunday, the following Monday is also a public holiday. If Family Day falls on a Monday, the following day is a public holiday. The Act does not state a general substitute day for every possible additional holiday, so check the terms of any declaration.[1]
The President may order stores, shops and other business premises to close on a public holiday, either throughout Vanuatu or in specified places. The Act provides exemptions for medicines; certain basic foods and ice sold before noon; and refreshments sold for consumption where they are habitually sold. This means the law permits closure orders but does not establish that every shop, bank or service automatically closes on each public holiday.[1]
What the general label means
The Act’s schedule identifies holidays by name and does not list a holiday titled simply “Public Holiday.” The Prime Minister’s Office also publishes a calendar that names its listed observances individually. The generic label is therefore best read as a calendar category unless an official declaration identifies a particular additional holiday and its meaning.[1][3]
Residents and visitors should check current notices from the relevant government office, employer or service provider for practical arrangements.[1]
Frequently asked questions
Is a public holiday a day off for every worker?
When is Vanuatu’s “Public Holiday”?
There is no single date for a holiday titled simply “Public Holiday” in the Act’s schedule. The schedule names specific holidays, and the President may declare additional days on the Prime Minister’s advice.[1]
Do shops and banks close?
The Act allows the President to order shops and other business premises closed in specified places on a public holiday, with stated exemptions. It does not establish automatic closure of every bank or business, so check local notices.[1]
Sources and references
Sources used for Public Holiday in Vanuatu:
- PUBLIC HOLIDAYS [CAP. 114]- Ministry of Internal Affairs, Republic of Vanuatu
- Labour Laws and Regulations- Department of Labour and Employment Services, Republic of Vanuatu
- Public holidays 2026- Prime Minister’s Office, Republic of Vanuatu