Vanuatu — Stamps & Postal Service

Postal Service Overview

Vanuatu Post is the Republic of Vanuatu’s postal operator. Vanuatu has one of the world’s most unusual philatelic histories: the New Hebrides Condominium (1906–1980) was jointly administered by Britain and France, each issuing their own stamps in their own currency — so the same stamp designs exist in English-language British currency versions and French-language French franc versions. This dual-administration stamps arrangement is unique in world philately. Vanuatu became independent as the Republic of Vanuatu in July 1980 and began issuing its own stamps.

Notable Stamp Issues

New Hebrides stamps from 1908 came in parallel British and French versions — both are required for a complete collection. The 1938–1953 definitives featuring a native canoe, idols, and the flag are attractive colonial issues in both language versions. The 1953 coronation stamps exist in both British and French versions with different inscriptions. Vanuatu’s independence stamps from 1980 depicted traditional kastom (custom) culture, including the remarkable land-dive ceremony (naghol) of Pentecost Island — a ritual that inspired bungee jumping. Modern stamps feature the incredible underwater sculpture garden and marine life.

Collecting Tips

Stanley Gibbons Commonwealth catalogue covers British New Hebrides; Yvert & Tellier covers French New Hebrides. Scott Pacific covers Vanuatu. Collecting the complete dual New Hebrides series (both English and French versions) doubles the collecting scope. The British and French currency versions of the same designs are a fascinating parallel study. Vanuatu’s naghol (land dive) ceremony stamps are among the Pacific’s most distinctive cultural thematic items. The country’s marine biodiversity stamps feature whale sharks, hawksbill turtles, and coral reef fish.

Part of the Oceania Postal Directory.