Vanuatu. Just one image can conjure a picture of an island full of tropical rainforests, the prettiest white-sand beaches, friendly locals, and a kaleidoscope of marine life. From scaling a volcanic orifice to bathing in the fizzy waters of Champagne Beach, this island can offer diverse experiences. However, this barely scratches the surface of what this South Pacific archipelago is about. This beautiful scene is beyond description.
From all the above, one can conclude that the Vanuatu passport allows visa-free entry to 130 countries, including European Union countries, the U.K., Singapore, Ireland, Russia, and other powerful states. Such global mobility is highly important in the twenty-first century, especially for business people. Every year more and more savvy companies approach the market outside their home countries. Considering how many businesses are now expanding worldwide, the ability to seamlessly move between 130 countries without the need for a visa is worth its weight in gold.
While some visa free travel countries grant their holders at least 30 days, 45 days, or 60 days of visa-free travel, others can go above this threshold and reach 6 months (180 days)! An average stay is 90 days (3 months).
Besides, this list shows that some countries offer evisa as an alternative to visas issued at the borders. E visa really matters. Moreover, electronic travel can help you avoid the long-term and tiring bureaucratic procedures.
Entry regulations to Europe
Due to the visa waiver agreements between the European Union and Vanuatu, the last one has visa free access to Schengen Area countries. As it was mentioned earlier, there are 130 countries you can visit with Vanuatu passport.
However, after 2022, Vanuatu citizens will have to acquire a travel authorization for Europe. This includes citizens of all ages, even minors. However, there are no issues for concern! Obtaining an ETIAS is considered to be a more straightforward procedure compared to applying for a Schengen visa. The ETIAS form can be filled in 10 minutes, and ETIAS applicants are commonly approved within 24 hours.
Rules for obtaining a U.S. visa
Most countries need visas to travel to the USA. And Vanuatu is no exception to the rule. Unfortunately, visa free travel for Vanuatu citizens to USA is not allowed, but they can always get a U.S. B1/B2 visa for tourism and business purposes.
Once you get B1/B2 visa, it expires in 10 years. The stay is commonly 180 days.
Important note: an applicant should be present when applying for a USA tourist visa.
Rules for obtaining a visa in Canada
Canada is not on the list of visa free countries for Vanuatu, so a Canada tourist visa is required. The stay is usually 180 days (not visa free), and the visa expires within the same time frame. However, it is worth mentioning that this stay is more than the standard 90 days visa period.
What do Vanuatu nationals need to travel to Canada?
- Visa Application Form
- Passport
- Passport Photo (no older than 6 months)
- Travel itinerary (not a ticket)
- Bank Statement (which indicates the balances of the accounts, the name of the account holder, the date of the statement, and stamps of the bank officials if bank statement was printed)
- Cover Letter
- Accommodation Bookings
- Tax Returns
- Current Details
For employed: ITR, a letter from your employer stating that you will return to your current job and the purpose and duration of the trip. Current bank statement from the latest 6 months and original pay slips are also required.
For self-employed: ITR, a copy of your business license, and a current bank statement from the latest 6 months
For students: an official letter from the school indicating they have a good reputation and are registered for the upcoming semester
For retired: proof of your retirement fund
- Financial documents (like F.D. or PPF)
Visa regulations in Great Britain
No visa is required to stay in the U.K. for Vanuatu citizens. The passport of this country unlocks the opportunity to visit this country and stay there for 6 months (180 days visa free)! Besides, with a Vanuatu passport, you can travel to any of 130 visa free countries.
Rules for obtaining a visa to other countries
Although Vanuatu has many visa free countries, it is clear there are states with more restrictions. All conditions associated with entry permit differ from country to country, so it would be impossible to cover everything here. We just can say that visa free travel for citizens of Vanuatu is more than possible. Since the Vanuatu passport allows a visa free travel to 130 countries, it‘s fair to say that citizens of this country have boundless opportunities!
Passport validity, rules, and period
Vanuatu citizenship is issued for life, and it is hereditary. Normally this process takes a few months.
You can obtain Vanuatu citizenship only under certain conditions. Such are:
- Full legal age
- A spotless reputation
- No criminal record for serious crimes
- Not be included in the sanctions lists
Important note: Citizens of Iraq, Yemen, Iran, Syria, and North Korea are not eligible to apply for a Vanuatu passport.
What is Vanuatu?
Vanuatu is being voted one of the world’s happiest countries. This state in the southwestern Pacific Ocean consists of 83 islands (13 principal and other, the smaller ones). Vanuatu is a multinational community with Melanesian, Europeans, Micronesians, Chinese, and Vietnamese people. English and French are one of official languages. This is a big plus both for tourists and new residents.
Less than four hours’ flight from Australia’s eastern capitals, this place is an ideal escape from the hustle and bustle of the big cities. This country is especially unique due to the blue holes, which are sometimes compared to portals into another world. It is interesting that Vanuatu is the only country worldwide that can boast more blue holes than any place in the world. Most of them can be found on the volcanic island of Espiritu Santo, one of the largest of Vanuatu’s islands. These extraordinary natural wonders must be seen to be believed.
One way or another, the beauty of Vanuatu doesn’t end there. Vanuatu is famous for a wide number of reasons, like its diving, surfing, fishing, shopping, and other services. So, whether you want to launch into the pool on a Tarzan-style rope swing or plunge into the local culture and history, you always take a benefit.
Benefits of Vanuatu Citizenship-by-Investment
While visiting this beautiful island, it becomes obvious that being a Vanuatu citizen is an inestimable blessing. Vanuatu passport ranks on the 42 place in terms of travel freedom. The citizens of this country have visa-free and visa on arrival access to 130 countries. It is essential that Vanuatu citizenship is issued for life and is passed on for generations.
The Vanuatu Citizenship-by-Investment Program enables investors to contribute to the government in return for Vanuatu citizenship. Furthermore, Vanuatu Citizenship-by-Investment Program is the only one in the Asia-Pacific Hemisphere. Last but not least is that the government of this country enables making payments in bitcoins for the CBI program.
So, what are the key benefits of the Vanuatu Citizenship-by-Investment Program?
- No income, wealth, inheritance, capital gains, and estate taxes
- Dual citizenship
- Visa-free or visa on arrival access to more than 129 countries
- Information on obtaining citizenship is not disclosed to third parties
- One of the fastest application processing times in the Caribbean. Transparent application procedure
- No need to stay in the country
- No need to visit the island during an application process
- No interviews, language tests, or previous work experience
- Ability to apply for a U.S. Tourist Visa and an Australian Visitor Visa
- Family members can be included
- Vanuatu is a member of the Commonwealth of Nations
Investment Options
Vanuatu allows making a non-refundable donation to a government fund of $130,000 per applicant. At the same time, citizenship for a family of four might cost only $180,000, which is a saving solution. Due diligence is also included in the principal sum. It is hard not to notice that it is a favorable offer on the CBI market, and this option is lower compared to other programs in Europe, where the standard minimum investment is at least $250,000. Besides, Vanuatu authorities plan to launch a real estate investment program as well.
You can always read the government program with terms and requirements for obtaining Vanuatu citizenship if you would like to get additional assistance.
Dependents
A great advantage of Vanuatu citizenship is the ability to include family members together with an investor. Thus, Vanuatu citizenship is available to the following family members:
- A spouse
- Children under 25
- Parents of the main applicant and/or spouse 50 years and older
- Children, regardless of age, with a mental or physical disability
