Vanuatu Passport Visa-Free Countries

Vanuatu citizenship is an excellent solution for those who want to simplify international travel, reduce tax obligations, and have a secure “plan B” in case of unforeseen circumstances. A Vanuatu passport allows visa-free entry to around 90 countries and makes it possible to obtain a US tourist visa valid for 5 years. Citizenship can be acquired through investment: the process takes just 2–4 months and does not require you to give up your current nationality. Below, we explain where Vanuatu passport holders can travel visa-free, how to obtain citizenship by investment, and the real advantages and disadvantages for frequent travellers.

• Processing time: 2–4 months, dual citizenship allowed
• Investment: from $130,000
• No residency or travel requirements
• Passport valid 10 years, renewable
• Biometric ID required (from Sep 2025)
• Visa-free countries: Singapore, Hong Kong, Thailand, Caribbean islands, Mauritius, Belarus, Montenegro, Panama, Costa Rica, etc.
• Visa-on-arrival: Egypt, Cambodia, Maldives, Nepal, Papua New Guinea, Tonga
• ETA: Russia, Israel, Seychelles, Saint Kitts & Nevis, Sri Lanka
• Restrictions: No Schengen or UK visa-free travel

For people who regularly travel abroad — whether for business, study, leisure, or personal reasons — visa restrictions are often a constant challenge. Business travellers lose time preparing applications, digital nomads face residency renewals, families must gather documents for every trip, while tourists encounter queues, lengthy forms, and unpredictable processing times.

The Vanuatu passport removes many of these obstacles by granting access to dozens of countries without a visa.

Key benefits of Vanuatu Citizenship by Investment are:

• Visa-free entry, visa-on-arrival, or electronic travel authorisation (ETA) to around 90 countries;
• Easier access to visas and participation in international residence programmes;
• Fast processing — usually 2 to 4 months;
• Accessible investment threshold — from $130,000;
• Dual nationality permitted — no requirement to renounce your existing citizenship;
• No residency or visit obligations in Vanuatu;
• Fully remote application process — no exams or interviews required;
• A secure backup passport option in case of emergencies.

Since 2022, Vanuatu citizens no longer enjoy visa-free access to the Schengen Area or the United Kingdom.

As of 2025, Vanuatu passport holders can enter around 90 countries either visa-free, with a visa on arrival, or by applying for an electronic travel authorisation (ETA).

Visa-free countries:

• Asia-Pacific: Hong Kong, Palestine, Kiribati, Madagascar, Malaysia, Micronesia, Niue, Cook Islands, Singapore, Thailand, Fiji, Philippines.
• Caribbean: Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, British Virgin Islands, Haiti, Grenada, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Cayman Islands, Montserrat, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Saint Lucia, Trinidad and Tobago, Jamaica.
• Africa: Angola, Botswana, Gambia, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Kenya, Lesotho, Mauritius, Rwanda, Senegal, Tanzania, Uganda, Eswatini.
• Europe: Belarus, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Gibraltar, Kosovo, Moldova, Montenegro.
• Central & South America: Belize, Costa Rica, Panama, Peru, Suriname, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, El Salvador, Ecuador.
• Visa on arrival countries include: Bangladesh, Bolivia, Egypt, Jordan, Cambodia, Maldives, Nepal, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, and others.
• ETA countries include: Russia, Israel, Seychelles, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Sri Lanka.

From 2022, Vanuatu citizens must obtain short-term visas in advance for the Schengen Area and the UK. Travel requirements may change, so it is always recommended to verify current entry conditions through official government portals or licensed immigration agents.

You can obtain Vanuatu citizenship through an investment programme by making a non-refundable contribution starting from $130,000; the process takes 2–4 months, allows dual citizenship, and requires no residency or travel to Vanuatu.

Two participation options are available:

2. Capital Investment Immigration Plan (CIIP – Cocoa Development Fund)

Requirements:

• Main applicant must be over 18, have no criminal record, and pass FIU checks;
• Proof of assets or funds of at least $250,000 required;
• Spouses, children, parents, and even grandparents can be included in one application.

Citizenship is granted within 2–4 months. Applicants are not required to live in Vanuatu either before or after approval, and the process can be completed remotely. The passport is valid for 10 years and can be renewed.

New requirement (from late November 2025): biometric data collection is mandatory. This can be done in Vanuatu ($500 per applicant) or at overseas centres in Dubai, Hong Kong, and New Caledonia ($1,500). Astons plans to launch a biometric collection at its Dubai office for clients’ convenience.

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Despite these limitations, Vanuatu remains one of the fastest and most affordable second citizenship options. It provides not only travel freedom but also a valuable tool for global mobility and tax planning.

Vanuatu citizenship offers a fast, flexible, and cost-effective way to gain a second passport, providing visa-free travel to around 90 countries, tax benefits, and a secure Plan B for investors and frequent travellers. While some restrictions exist, such as limited access to the Schengen Area and the UK, the programme remains one of the most accessible options for global mobility, financial planning, and family security.