Vanuatu Mandates In-Person Visits for Passport Applications

Vanuatu has introduced a new passport system that requires personal enrolment for all Vanuatu citizenship certificate holders, including those who obtained citizenship through investment programs. In a memo dated August 7, 2024, the Citizenship Office & Commission of Vanuatu informed all designated agents of the Vanuatu Citizenship by Investment (CBI) programs about this change.

In the memo, the Vanuatu Immigration Service stated that “Vanuatu citizens who wish to apply for a Vanuatu Passport will have to physically appear before Immigration and Passport officers for registration of the biometric data and facial recognition data.”

The Vanuatu Passport Office will no longer accept paper-based passport applications after August 31, 2024. The government further explained that the old system, which allowed submitting an application with a passport photo attached, would no longer be accepted after the deadline.

The new passport application process may significantly impact CBI applicants, as they will have to travel to Vanuatu for personal enrolment.

Manpreet Kataria, Managing Director at Alpha Immigration Associates, expressed support for the initiative, lauding it as a welcome step and expects that “there will be some hurdles initially, but in the long run, it will benefit the country in many ways.”

However, he also pointed out potential challenges, noting that “many nationalities require a visa to visit Vanuatu, and there are no direct flights. It will be cumbersome for clients with weak passports to reach.” He expressed hope that Vanuatu would introduce other locations, such as Dubai and Hong Kong, to collect biometrics.

In response to the change, Laszlo Kiss, Managing Director at Discus Holdings, revealed that “local agents have requested an urgent meeting with the Citizenship Commission to discuss alternative solutions for applicants as it is not a reasonable requirement for all new citizens to travel to Vanuatu.”

Kiss mentioned that discussions are already underway for several possible options, such as allowing passport applicants outside Vanuatu to appear at a Vanuatu Consulate or Embassy overseas or using a globally certified organization like VFS Global.

He emphasized that “the process for being granted Citizenship remains unchanged.” Kiss also expressed optimism and clarified that “based on previous experience with the way these matters are handled in Vanuatu, we do anticipate a resolution.”

Addressing global “apprehensions”

Vanuatu is implementing these changes to meet the International Civil Aviation Organization’s (ICAO) standard requirements for travel documents. As a signatory to the ICAO, Vanuatu must adapt to these new changes to avoid border control issues. The new passport system includes an embedded chip encrypted with personal data, which enhances the passport’s security features.

The government’s decision to adopt this new approach comes six months after the EU Commission proposed to make the suspension of Vanuatu’s visa-free Schengen access permanent.

Glen Craig, Senior Advisor to Stanford Knight and Partners, highlighted that “during our meetings with EU officials, it became clear that the lack of biometric features in our passports was a key concern.”

He further emphasized that “this new initiative directly addresses those apprehensions and demonstrates Vanuatu’s commitment to maintaining the highest standards of security and integrity in our citizenship process.”

Craig is “confident that these measures will go a long way in restoring Vanuatu’s standing in the international community and pave the way for our re-inclusion in the EU visa waiver program.”

Kataria highlighted the potential benefits of the new laws, especially in terms of creating genuine links in the country through visits. He believes that “if the new CBI citizens visit Vanuatu, they will associate with the country more, which will help promote much-needed tourism in Vanuatu.”

He also noted that the move “strengthens their stance on providing citizenship to legitimate individuals and, at the same time, making their passports secure as per ICAO requirements,” addressing the negative press surrounding Vanuatu’s CBI programs.

While the EU’s suspension of Vanuatu’s visa free Schengen access has negatively affected the number of CBI applicants, it has not derailed the nation’s programs entirely as they continue to produce solid revenue figures.