What a Vanuatu passport is, who issues it, how citizenship relates to passport eligibility and why travel-access claims must be checked against current rules.
The Department of Immigration and Passport Services states that only Vanuatu citizens are eligible to apply for a Vanuatu passport. The passport is evidence of identity and citizenship for international travel.
For a person who has obtained citizenship through an investment or contribution route, citizenship approval comes first. The ordinary passport is then handled through Immigration's passport process; it is not privately “issued” by a citizenship agent.
Official source: Vanuatu Immigration — Passport FAQ.
Immigration publishes current application locations, evidence requirements, passport photographs and processing fees. The authority also explains that old passports should be returned where required and that lost or damaged passports can attract additional charges.
Applicants should expect to provide Government-accepted evidence of Vanuatu citizenship and identity.
Follow the current Immigration instructions for photographs, enrolment, signatures and any identity witness or supporting-document requirements.
Passport fees are published in Vatu and can differ by age, urgency and circumstances. Check the current Immigration page immediately before applying.
Official source: Vanuatu Immigration — Vanuatu Citizen Passport.
No. Vanuatu nationals currently require a visa for travel to the United Kingdom, subject to the UK's detailed transit and immigration rules. The European Union has also removed Vanuatu from its visa-exempt list, so Vanuatu passport holders are visa-required for the EU/Schengen area under the applicable rules.
Many citizenship websites and archived articles still quote older visa-free access lists. Those claims can be materially outdated. Even where a country normally permits visa-free entry, travellers can still face limits on length of stay, work, study, onward travel, funds, return tickets and admissibility.
Official destination-country references: UK Government — current visa requirement list and Council of the European Union — Vanuatu visa exemption ended.
Vanuatu Immigration states that a dual citizen should enter or leave Vanuatu using their Vanuatu passport. A Vanuatu citizen is not treated as a foreign visitor who needs a Vanuatu visa.
If you also hold another passport, which document you should present to an airline or destination border authority can depend on the journey. For example, a destination may require the passport associated with its visa or electronic travel authorisation.
Read the Dual Citizenship Guide
Official source: Vanuatu Immigration — Frequently Asked Questions.
Ordinary citizenship does not mean a person is entitled to a diplomatic passport. The Citizenship Office has issued a public clarification about overseas marketing of diplomatic passports.
No passport provides unrestricted global entry. Visa policies are sovereign decisions of each destination and can change without notice.
Citizenship approval is a Government decision, and passport eligibility follows lawful citizenship and the passport authority's requirements.
Vanuatu recognises dual citizenship, but your existing nationality's law may have its own restrictions or reporting obligations.
Official reference: Citizenship Office — Diplomatic Passport Marketing Notice.
We encourage applicants to verify programme status, prices and procedures directly. External links open in a new window.
Ask us for factual information at no charge. If you want professional application assistance, we can introduce you to an appropriate Vanuatu Government-designated citizenship agent. Transworld Leisure receives no referral fee or commission for that introduction.