Vanuatu Passport: How to Apply for One in 2026

The Republic Vanuatu passport is an official travel document issued by the Vanuatu Department of Immigration and Passport Services to citizens, allowing them to travel internationally. The passport is relatively strong, providing holders with access to 118 visa free destinations.

Foreign investors can acquire a passport through the Vanuatu Citizenship by Investment (CBI) Program, which requires a significant investment in the country. Passport applications can be submitted to the Immigration Office in Vanuatu or to one of the country’s designated consular offices. This guide covers all essential information about Vanuatu passports.

• Republic of Vanuatu passports are issued to citizens for international travel.
• Foreigners can obtain a Vanuatu passport through the country’s citizenship by investment program by making a qualifying investment.
• Vanuatu’s passport ranks 111th on the Global Passport Index, offering visa free travel to 118 destinations, including the UK and the Schengen Area.
• The Department of Immigration and Passport Services processes applications for Vanuatu passports.

The Vanuatu Department of Immigration and Passport Services issues a Republic of Vanuatu passport to Vanuatuans for international travel. It is a valid proof of citizenship in the country. Vanuatu diplomatic or official passports issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Most citizens obtain a passport by birth or descent, and becoming a naturalized citizen of Vanuatu requires living in the country for at least ten years, after which you qualify for a Vanuatu passport. The fastest way to get a Vanuatu passport is by contributing $130,000 to the country’s development fund through the Vanuatu Citizenship by Investment Program.

The Vanuatu government began issuing biometric passports (ePassports) in August 2024. These passports feature an RFID chip compliant with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards.

Adult Vanuatu passports are typically valid for ten years, while passports issued to minors last five years, though the precise age threshold is unclear.

Passport types:

• Ordinary passports: Issued to ordinary citizens of Vanuatu.
• Diplomatic passports: Issued to the president and other Vanuatu government officials.
• Official passports: Issued to all other government officials and individuals on official state business.

Physical appearance

An ordinary Vanuatu passport features a dark green cover with the Vanuatu coat of arms in gold at the center, along with the words “Republic of Vanuatu” and “Passport” in both English and French. New passports include a biometric data page on the inside, with an electronic chip containing the holder’s personal information.

1. Enhanced mobility: Citizens can travel to 118 Vanuatu passport visa free countries, including Hong Kong and Singapore.
2. Affordable program: A Vanuatu passport costs just $130,000 for a single applicant.
3. No residency requirements: The Vanuatu passport requirements through citizenship by investment do not require applicants to reside in Vanuatu to get a passport.
4. Fast processing: Vanuatu’s passport program processes applicants within three months.
5. Tax optimization: Favorable Vanuatu taxes are available to passport holders, including no personal income taxes, or wealth, inheritance, capital gains, or property taxes.
6. Family inclusion: The primary applicants’ family members can obtain a Vanuatu passport.
7. Dual citizenship: Vanuatu allows dual citizenship, permitting citizens to get second passports.

The Vanuatu passport ranks 111th in the 2025 Global Passport Index (GPI).

• Overall GPI ranking: 111th
• Enhanced Mobility Index: 106th
• Investment Index: 100th
• Quality of Life Index: 83rd

As of 2025, Vanuatuan passport holders have visa free and visa on arrival access to 118 countries. The passport ranks among the most powerful in the South Pacific region.

Passport statistics

Individuals who qualify for Vanuatu passports are persons born in Vanuatu, persons married to a Vanuatu citizen, persons who have lived in Vanuatu for at least ten years, or persons who invest in the Vanuatu Development Support Program (DSP) or an alternative investment option to obtain citizenship by investment.

Vanuatu allows dual citizenship, and the citizenship program does not require residency or language tests to qualify for a second passport.

How to get a Vanuatu passport

Birth: Children born in Vanuatu gain citizenship at birth if their parents are stateless or their whereabouts are unknown.

Descent: Persons born to at least one Vanuatu citizen parent or grandparent qualify for citizenship by descent. The parent or grandparent must have held citizenship at the time of their birth.

Naturalization: A foreign national who has lived in Vanuatu for at least ten years qualifies for citizenship by naturalization. Vanuatu immigration requirements for naturalization include having a good character, the ability to speak English, French, or Bislama, and proving knowledge of the country history, culture, and politics.

Marriage: The foreign spouse of a Vanuatu citizen qualifies for Vanuatu citizenship after two years of marriage.

Investment: Investors of the Vanuatu citizenship program obtain Vanuatu citizenship by investing at least $130,000 in the Vanuatu government fund. Applicants must be over 18, have a clean criminal record, and have the means to make the required investment.

The Vanuatu Citizenship by Investment program is an economic citizenship program that allows investors and their families to obtain a passport of Vanuatu.

• Be over 18 and under 65 years old
• Hold a clean criminal record
• Have the means to invest at least $130,000
• Provide evidence of at least $250,000 in your bank account

There are three investment options for obtain Vanuatu citizenship:

Development Support Program (DSP) contribution: The DSP is a state fund. The main applicant must make a non-refundable contribution of $130,000. The contribution required for a main applicant, spouse, and two children is $180,000.

Real Estate Option Program (REO): Investors can purchase approved Vanuatu real estate valued at least $200,000.

CIIP (Capital Investment Immigration Plan) donation: Investors can donate $165,000 to the CIIP to acquire citizenship. $50,000 from the donation is redeemable after four years.

The citizenship process completed through an approved Vanuatu Citizenship by Investment lawyer takes about three to four months.

To apply for a Vanuatuan passport, you must have gained Vanuatu citizenship by birth, descent, naturalization, or investment. The document requirements include the following:

• Vanuatu passport application (Form A for ordinary citizens and Form B for economic citizens)
• Citizenship certificate
• Confirmation letter from the Vanuatu Citizenship Office
• Two recent passport photos
• Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) clearance certificate
• Police clearance certificate
• A copy of the Vanuatu birth certificate
• A copy of the marriage certificate (if applicable)
• A letter from an authorized recruiting agent for Labor Mobility (if applicable)

The fees vary based on the applicant’s age, Vanuatu passport type, and the processing speed required

Where you can apply for a Vanuatu passport depends on your citizenship status. If you’re a Vanuatu citizen by birth, descent, or naturalization, you can apply for a passport with the Vanuatu Immigration Department and Passport Services in the following locations in Vanuatu:

• Sanma immigration office
• Penama immigration office
• Tafea immigration office

Vanuatu citizens overseas can apply through a Vanuatu diplomatic mission abroad.

Foreign nationals applying for a Vanuatu passport through Vanuatu’s Citizenship by Investment Program must submit their application through an Authorized Agent, as direct applications are not accepted. After approval, the agent submits the passport application to the Vanuatu Citizenship Office for processing.

The Vanuatu passport application process includes applying directly with the Vanuatu Department of Immigration and Passport Services or through an embassy or high commission overseas.

1. Complete the official Vanuatu Passport Application Form B for economic citizens. The Vanuatu passport process includes fulfilling a biometric and fingerprinting requirement at the nearest Vanuatu Embassy or Consulate.
2. Gather the required documents. This may include an expired passport, citizenship certificate, a letter of consent for minors, or proof of marital status.
3. Attach two passport-size photographs. These must be 45mm x 35 mm, no more than six months old, and the back must be signed by the endorser who can attest to the applicant’s likeness and identity.
4. Pay passport application fees. The specific Vanuatu passport cost differs for regular and fast-track processing.
5. Submit the completed application to the Department of Immigration and Passport Services, an embassy, or a high commission abroad.

Amendments to biometric protocols

The Government of Vanuatu has announced it will introduce a mandatory requirement to submit biometrics in person. Official submission locations include Port Vila, Vanuatu, and consular posts in the United Arab Emirates, Hong Kong, and the French territory of New Caledonia. The Vanuatu government plans to introduce additional locations designated for biometric submissions, alongside mobile biometric units for an additional fee to avoid travel.

Applying for Vanuatu citizenship by investment takes about three months, including the due diligence procedures. The normal passport process takes up to 21 days.

Expedited processing

Vanuatu citizens have two options for an additional cost to fast-track passport processing:

Express processing: Up to ten days processing time

Urgent processing: Up to three days processing time

The cost of a Vanuatu passport through the Vanuatu citizenship by investment program starts at $130,000 for a single applicant and $165,000 for a family of up to four. Other fees apply, including due diligence fees, processing fees, citizenship application fees, and interview fees.

Vanuatu citizens pay the following fees for passports:

• Child’s passport (0 to 5): VT 5,000 ($40)
• Child’s passport (6 to 17): VT 7,000 ($55)
• Adult’s passport: VT 10,000 ($80)
• Express passport: VT 20,000 ($160)
• Urgent passport: VT 25,000 ($200)

Renewal process

Vanuatu passport renewal fees for Vanuatu economic citizens include a passport fee and courier fee.

• Adult passport: $3,000
• Child passport (0 to 17): $2,850
• Courier fee: $1,000

Applicants must submit the following documents:

• Expired/expiring Vanuatu passport
• Vanuatu Passport Application Form B
• Recent passport photos (digital copies)
• Certified copy of Vanuatu Birth Registration Certificate (if applicable)
• Certified copy of Vanuatu Citizenship Certificate
• Certified copy of passport of country of origin
• Police Clearance of country of residence
• Certified copy of birth certificate

Replacing lost or stolen passports

To replace a lost, stolen, or damaged Vanuatu passport, you must follow the renewal process and supply the following support documents:

• A police report detailing the loss or theft or signed  Immigration Lost or Damage Declaration Form.
• Previous Vanuatu passports (if applicable)

Consulate General of the Republic of Vanuatu (Beijing, China)

3-1-11 San Li Tun Diplomatic Compound, Beijing, China

Tel: +86 10 6532 0337

Fax: +86 10 6532 0336

Email: 

Embassy and High Commission of the Republic of Vanuatu (Brussels, Belgium)

Avenue de Tervuren 380 1150 Woluwe-Saint-Pierre Belgium

Tel: +32 2 772 7141

Fax: +32 2 771 7494

Email: vanuatuembassybrussels@gmail.com