Vanuatu nationals belong to one of the most beautiful islands in the South Pacific Ocean. This article will break down Regulation Orders No. 215 and 216 of 2016 in the Vanuatu Citizenship Act introduced on 1 January 2017, allowing foreign nationals to get a Vanuatu passport by investment under the Development Support Program (DSP). We’ll also list the countries Vanuatu citizens can visit, including those offering visa free entry, visa on arrival, and Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA).
Key Facts about the Vanuatu Passport
Types of passport
The Vanuatu passport system, like many countries, issues different types of passports for various purposes.
Ordinary passports: The Ordinary passport is the standard travel document issued to Vanuatu citizens by the Vanuatu Principal Passport Office in accordance with Act 3 of 1987 (CAP 108). An ordinary Vanuatu passport was previously valid for five years; however, the Vanuatu Ministry of Home Affairs increased its validity to ten years in 2019.
Diplomatic passports: Diplomatic passports are issued to high-ranking officials representing Vanuatu in international affairs. In accordance with Act 30 of 1984 (CAP 179), the Vanuatu Minister of Foreign Affairs issues diplomatic passports to the Vanuatu prime minister, senior government officials, and sometimes their family members.
Official or service passports: Official or service passports are designated for government employees traveling abroad on official state business. It differs from a diplomatic one, as it is issued to government employees or officials who may not qualify for diplomatic status but still need to travel for government-related work.
Emergency or temporary passports: Vanuatu may issue Emergency or Temporary Vanuatu Passports in specific situations where an individual needs to travel urgently but does not have a standard passport available. This could be due to loss, theft, or damage of their original passport or when there is an immediate need to travel for an emergency.
Vanuatu Citizenship Program
The Vanuatu citizenship by investment program is based on a single investment option of a non-refundable contribution to the Vanuatu Development Support Program, replacing the previous Economic Citizenship Program and the Vanuatu Economic Rehabilitation Program. The program was established to support initiatives that create local jobs and develop the country’s infrastructure.
Investment requirement
- $130,000 for a single applicant
- $150,000 for and a main applicant and spouse
- $165,000 for a family of three
- $180,000 for a family of four
- $25,000 per additional dependent
Eligibility criteria
- Be over 18 years old when applying and under 65 years old at the time of applying with the Vanuatu Citizenship Commission
- Hold a clean criminal record and present a police clearance certificate from all countries of residence
- Provide evidence of at least $250,000 in your bank account
- The program is not open to nationals from Iran, Iraq, Syria, North Korea, or Yemen unless the individual has a permanent residence outside such countries and has lived outside the country for more than five consecutive years.
Required documents
- A completed citizenship application form
- Certified copy of your passport (must be valid)
- Certified copy of your national identity card
- Police clearance
- Pass the Vanuatu due diligence check
- If married, a marriage certificate
- Medical certificate proving you’re in good health
- A comprehensive personal profile outlining your employment history (curriculum vitae)
- Color passport photograph
- Proof of having sufficient funds, a minimum of $250,000
Mandatory in-person passport interview
On 7 August 2024, the Vanuatu Citizenship Office & Commission announced the pending introduction of an in-person interview requirement for applicants of the passport program, aligning with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards for travel documents.
At an unspecified time in 2025, investors will be required to undergo a mandatory in-person interview in Vanuatu or one of the designated embassies in Brussels, Dubai, Hong Kong, and Noumea, as part of the enhanced due diligence process before issuing Vanuatu passports.
This new requirement aims to ensure a higher level of scrutiny and authenticity in the application process, helping to maintain the integrity of Vanuatu’s Passport by Investment program.
Vanuatu Passport Benefits
Invest $130,000 and get the passport
No requirement to visit Vanuatu
Get a passport in two month
The entire family is eligible for the program
Visa free access to 112 countries
No wealth, inheritance, gift, income, or capital gains tax
Business expansion opportunities
With visa free travel to 112 countries, you can explore numerous opportunities for international business expansion.
Tax advantages
Vanuatu taxes do not include personal income tax, wealth tax, inheritance tax, or capital gains tax, positioning the country as a financially attractive destination.
Family eligibility
The citizenship by investment program in Vanuatu is family-friendly, allowing the primary applicant’s entire family to apply, including the spouse, children, and dependent parents and grandparents.
Dual citizenship
Vanuatu’s acceptance of dual citizenship allows you to enjoy the benefits of Vanuatu citizenship, such as the right to run for public office, while retaining the rights and privileges of your home country.
Political stability and safety
A passport from a politically stable and safe country like Vanuatu is advantageous, especially during global unrest and natural disasters.
Vanuatu Citizen Visa Requirements
According to the Global Passport Index, the Vanuatu passport ranks 102nd. As of April 2024, Vanuatu citizens can travel without a required visa, with Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA), or a visa on arrival to 112 countries, including Singapore, Hong Kong, and Russia.
| Country | Visa Condition |
|---|---|
 Anguilla | Visa free |
 Antigua and Barbuda | Visa free |
 Bahamas | Visa free |
 Barbados | Visa free |
 Belarus | Visa free |
 Belize | Visa free |
 Bermuda | Visa free |
 Bosnia and Herzegovina | Visa free |
 Botswana | Visa free |
 British Virgin Islands | Visa free |
 Cayman Islands | Visa free |
 Cook Islands | Visa free |
 Costa Rica | Visa free |
 Dominica | Visa free |
 Dominican Republic | Visa free |
 Ecuador | Visa free |
 El Salvador | Visa free |
 Fiji | Visa free |
 Gibraltar | Visa free |
 Grenada | Visa free |
 Guatemala | Visa free |
 Haiti | Visa free |
 Honduras | Visa free |
 Hong Kong | Visa free |
 Ireland | Visa free |
 Israel | Visa free |
 Jamaica | Visa free |
 Kenya | Visa free |
 Kiribati | Visa free |
 Kosovo | Visa free |
 Lesotho | Visa free |
 Malaysia | Visa free |
 Mauritius | Visa free |
 Micronesia | Visa free |
 Moldova | Visa free |
 Montenegro | Visa free |
 Montserrat | Visa free |
 Nicaragua | Visa free |
 Niue | Visa free |
 Palestine | Visa free |
 Panama | Visa free |
 Peru | Visa free |
 Philippines | Visa free |
 Russia | Visa free |
 Singapore | Visa free |
 Saint Kitts and Nevis | Visa free |
 Saint Lucia | Visa free |
 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines | Visa free |
 Tanzania | Visa free |
 Gambia | Visa free |
 Trinidad and Tobago | Visa free |
 Uganda | Visa free |
 Zambia | Visa free |
 Zimbabwe | Visa free |
 Eswatini | Visa free |
 Djibouti | eVisa |
 Ethiopia | eVisa |
 Georgia | eVisa |
 India | eVisa |
 Kyrgyzstan | eVisa |
 Myanmar | eVisa |
 Qatar | eVisa |
 São Tomé and Príncipe | eVisa |
 South Sudan | eVisa |
 Suriname | eVisa |
 Ukraine | eVisa |
 United Arab Emirates | eVisa |
 Uzbekistan | eVisa |
 Vietnam | eVisa |
 Armenia | eVisa |
 Benin | Visa on Arrival |
 Bolivia | Visa on Arrival |
 Cambodia | Visa on Arrival |
 Cabo Verde | Visa on Arrival |
 Comoros | Visa on Arrival |
 Egypt | Visa on Arrival |
 Guinea-Bissau | Visa on Arrival |
 Iran | Visa on Arrival |
 Jordan | Visa on Arrival |
 Laos | Visa on Arrival |
 Macau | Visa on Arrival |
 Madagascar | Visa on Arrival |
 Malawi | Visa on Arrival |
 Maldives | Visa on Arrival |
 Marshall Islands | Visa on Arrival |
 Mauritania | Visa on Arrival |
 Mozambique | Visa on Arrival |
 Nauru | Visa on Arrival |
 Nepal | Visa on Arrival |
 Palau | Visa on Arrival |
 Papua New Guinea | Visa on Arrival |
 Rwanda | Visa on Arrival |
 Senegal | Visa on Arrival |
 Seychelles | Visa on Arrival |
 Sierra Leone | Visa on Arrival |
 Solomon Islands | Visa on Arrival |
 Somalia | Visa on Arrival |
 Sri Lanka | Visa on Arrival |
 Saint Helena | Visa on Arrival |
 Thailand | Visa on Arrival |
 Timor-Leste | Visa on Arrival |
 Togo | Visa on Arrival |
 Tonga | Visa on Arrival |
 Tuvalu | Visa on Arrival |
Schengen access
Vanuatu passport holders currently do not have visa free privileges in the Schengen Area. The European Council suspended the short-stay visa waiver agreement with Vanuatu, effective from 4 May 2022, and this suspension was extended until 4 August 2024.
This means ordinary passports issued after 25 May 2015 now require a Schengen visa to travel to the EU and Schengen Area. Switzerland, part of the Schengen Area, has also imposed border controls on Vanuatu passport holders in line with the Council’s decision. Ireland imposed a visa restriction on Vanuatuan passport holders, which came into effect on 7 March 2024.
Vanuatu Passport Cost
The cost of obtaining a Vanuatu passport can vary based on several factors, including the applicant’s age and the processing speed required. Standard fees are structured as follows:
- Child up to 5 years old: VT 5,000 (about $40)
- Child 6 to 17 years old: VT 7,000 (about $55)
- Normal processing (up to 21 days): VT 10,000 (about $80)
- Express processing (up to 10 days): VT 20,000 (about $165)
- Urgent processing (up to 3 days): VT 25,000 (about $205)
Vanuatu Passport Requirements
To apply for a Vanuatuan passport, you must have the documents listed below:
- Two passport photos
- A copy of the Vanuatu birth certificate
- A copy of the marriage certificate (if applicable)
- Documentation for travel purposes, such as a medical certificate if traveling for medical treatment
- A letter from an authorized recruiting agent for Labor Mobility (if applicable)
- The fees vary based on the applicant’s age and the processing speed required
Other Ways to Get a Vanuatu Passport
Citizenship by descent
Citizenship by Descent in Vanuatu is an option for individuals born either within the country or abroad to parents who are Vanuatu nationals.
Citizenship by naturalization
Citizenship by naturalization is a pathway for those who have lived in Vanuatu for at least ten years. Requirements include:
- Good character and financial self-sufficiency
- Knowledge of Vanuatu’s culture, civics, and official languages, including the Bislama language
- Ten years of residency
Citizen by marriage
Vanuatu passport eligibility requirements for spouses of Vanuatu nationals include maintaining two years of residency in the country.
Stateless persons
Vanuatu may offer citizenship on humanitarian grounds. The applicants must meet specific criteria the Vanuatu government defines, including background checks, proof of statelessness, and evidence of their connection or contribution to Vanuatu.
Honorary citizenship
Vanuatu may grant honorary citizenship to individuals who have rendered extraordinary service or made significant contributions to the nation. Honorary citizenship typically relates to humanitarian work, cultural advancement, economic development, or international relations.
Take a look at our Vanuatu Citizenship Ultimate Guide by local experts
Is it worth getting the Vanuatu passport by investment?
If you are looking for a ‘plan B’ in life, this is an excellent option. For an affordable investment, you and your entire family can acquire a second passport, giving you visa free travel to 112 countries (including eTA, visa on arrival, and electronic visas) and six months of visa free access to the United Kingdom. On top of that, enjoy great tax benefits as Vanuatu passport holders are exempted from personal taxation, wealth tax, inheritance tax, gift tax, capital gains tax, or personal income tax. Business investors who set up an international business company in Vanuatu are also exempt from corporate income tax.
This South Pacific island is also an excellent option for those looking for a second home or holiday home to meet their lifestyle needs. Waterfront properties here are more affordable than apartments in the city, ensuring buyers enjoy great value. There are also no restrictions on foreigners buying Vanuatu real estate.
Vanuatu Passport Application
1. Consult with a specialist
2. Documentation and Application
3. Due diligence check
4. Pre-approval confirmation
5. Make the required investment
6. Take the Oath and become a citizen
Vanuatu Passport Processing Time
The application process for obtaining Vanuatu citizenship and a passport takes 60 days. During the Vanuatu passport process, officials conduct due diligence checks, verifying your information with an international databases and ensuring compliance with international regulations.
Vanuatu Passport Renewal
A passport of Vanuatu needs to be renewed every ten years for adults and five years for children. You should submit renewal application forms to the Vanuatu passport office and any required documentation, such as the existing passport or passport copies, identification documents, and passport-sized photos.
The costs associated with renewing a Vanuatu passport vary depending on the type of service required. Standard passport renewal typically has a set fee ranging from VT 10,000 to VT 20,000. However, the fees can be higher for those needing an expedited service.
Documents required to renew a passport in Vanuatu:
- Completed application form for renewal of your passport
- Original certificate of citizenship
- Two recent 5.1 x 5.1 cm passport photographs (less than six months)
- Your latest Vanuatu passport
- Original birth certificate
- Relevant fee for the service required
Global Citizen Solutions is a boutique migration consultancy firm with years of experience delivering bespoke residence and citizenship by investment solutions for international families. With offices worldwide and an experienced, hands-on team, we have helped hundreds of clients worldwide acquire citizenship, residence visas, or homes while diversifying their portfolios with robust investments. We guide you from start to finish, taking you beyond your citizenship or residency by investment application. How Can Global Citizen Solutions Help You?
Frequently Asked Questions about the Vanuatu Passport
How to get a Vanuatu passport?
You can qualify to obtain a passport of Vanuatu by descent, naturalization, or through the country’s economic citizenship program. The economic immigration scheme introduced into the the country’s citizenship act allows investors and their families to gain Vanuatu citizenship and second passports in exchange for donating to the local development fund through the country’s Development Support Program.
What is the Vanuatu passport ranking?
According to the Global Passport Index, Vanuatu’s passport ranks 102nd. Vanuatu passport holders have visa free entry to 112 countries, and the nation ranks high for sustainable development and freedom.
Can my family also apply for Vanuatu's passport by investment program?
Your family can obtain a Vanuatu citizenship certificate and passport through the Vanuatu Development Support Program. As the main applicant, you can apply for dual citizenship for eligible dependents through additional donations.
How to buy a Vanuatu passport?
You cannot buy a Vanuatu passport; however, you can obtain Vanuatu citizenship and a passport by investing in Vanuatu’s citizenship program, also known as the Capital Investment Immigration Plan (CIIP). This requires a contribution of $130,000 to the country’s development fund and Vanuatu passport requirements, including having clean criminal records.
How much is a Vanuatu passport?
The Vanuatu passport fees or, more specifically, the investment necessary to become a Vanuatu citizen is $130,000 for a single person and $150,000 for a couple.
Does an Indian passport holder need a visa for Vanuatu?
An Indian passport holder can enter Vanuatu visa free and stay up to 30 days.
Which countries need a visa for Vanuatu?
Countries that need a visa to enter Vanuatu include Bolivia, Paraguay, Iceland, Indonesia, and Togo.
How many countries are visa free for Vanuatu?
There are 112 Vanuatu passport visa free countries (including electronic travel authorization, visa on arrival, and electronic visas). Vanuatu has a visa waiver agreement with several countries, such as Russia, where citizens of Vanuatu can enter the country and stay for up to 90 days visa free.
How do I get a golden passport in Vanuatu?
You can become a Vanuatu passport holder by applying for the country’s citizenship through an investment program and making an investment in its economic development. You must make a non-refundable contribution of $130,000 as a single applicant.
What are the Vanuatu visa requirements for US citizens?
US citizens must present a valid passport, return ticket, or onward ticket, and proof of enough funds for their stay to enter Vanuatu. Tourist visas are not required for stays of up to 30 days.
How strong is the Vanuatu passport?
According to the Global Passport Index, it is the 102nd strongest. It ranks high for sustainable development and freedom and gives citizens of Vanuatu visa free travel access to 112 countries.
