Passport information
Frequently asked questions, passport policies, and the offences set out in law. A Vanuatu passport can be issued only to a citizen.
Frequently asked questions
Who can get a Vanuatu passport?
Under the Passports Act 2009, you must be a Vanuatu citizen to be eligible for a Vanuatu passport.
How do I apply for a new passport?
You will need: a completed application form (from the Passports Office); original documents (e.g. a birth certificate — register your birth with the Civil Status Office in Port Vila first); two recent identical passport photos; a witness over 18 who has known you for at least one year; the correct fee; and your most recent passport, if any.
How long is a passport valid?
The Vanuatu passport is valid for a maximum of 5 years from the date of issue.
Why a machine-readable passport?
It enhances security and ensures Vanuatu complies with International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) standards. The holder's photo, signature and biographical data are printed onto page 2 and protected by a secure laminate with a UV tusk design; a machine-readable zone speeds border processing; page 3 carries a map of Vanuatu. Machine-readable passports have been in circulation since early September 2010.
Can I renew my passport, or add my children to it?
Machine-readable passports cannot be renewed in the same book — apply for a new passport on expiry. ICAO requires each person to hold their own passport, so children can no longer be endorsed on a parent's new passport.
How do I apply for my child (under 18)?
Complete the form with the child's details and the consent section, signed by a parent (named on the birth certificate) or a guardian. A child aged 10–17 also signs the box at the top right; under 10, that box may be left blank. Children's passports are released only to the parent or guardian.
What does the witness do?
An identity witness completes the Identity Witness section in their own handwriting, signs the declaration, and certifies one photo by writing the applicant's full name, the date and their signature on the back.
Passport fees & processing
| Service level | Processing time | Fee (VT) |
|---|---|---|
| Normal | Up to 21 days | 7,000 |
| Express | Up to 14 days | 10,000 |
| Urgent | Up to 3 days | 15,000 |
| Child (0–3 yrs) | Up to 21 days | 1,500 |
| Child (4–7 yrs) | Up to 21 days | 2,000 |
| Child (8–17 yrs) | Up to 21 days | 3,000 |
| Child express & urgent | Max 14 days | 7,000 |
No fee is payable for diplomatic and official passports. Figures as published; confirm current fees with the Passports Office.
Passport policies
Policy 1 — Citizenship & passport applicants
Passports issue only to citizens. Entitlement falls into three categories: (1) born after 30 July 1980 with at least one parent who was a Vanuatu citizen at birth; (2) born on or before 30 July 1980 of indigenous ni-Vanuatu ancestry; (3) citizen by naturalisation (granted after 30 July 1980). All applicants provide an original birth certificate; detailed evidence rules apply per category. Previous Vanuatu passports are not accepted as proof of entitlement and are submitted for cancellation. Diplomatic/official passports require the same citizenship evidence plus a letter stating the reason for entitlement.
Policy 2 — Consent for applicants under 18
Under-18 citizens receive their own passports; citizenship must be confirmed by the Citizenship Office with documentary evidence. A passport issues only with the written consent of one parent (named on the birth certificate) or a guardian, with specified guardianship-consent letter requirements. Children's passports are released only to the parent or guardian.
Policy 3 — Date of birth on the passport
The full date of birth is recorded and printed on the bio-data page and must match the birth certificate; variances are referred to the Civil Status Office.
Policy 4 — Documents provided by applicants
Apply on the prescribed form. Supporting documents must be original (certified photocopies from issuing authorities bearing the original seal are acceptable). Church and hospital records, foreign passports, and damaged/altered documents are not acceptable for identity/entitlement, though they may support an investigation.
Policy 5 — Passport application fees
The full fee is payable at lodging. There is no discretion to waive the base normal-passport fee, except for diplomatic and official passports (no fee).
Policy 6 — Fraud, forgery & counterfeit
Four fraud types are recognised — false passports/applications, forged passports, counterfeit passports, and false use of passports. High-risk applications are referred to the Director of Immigration. Penalties are set in the Passports Act (see offences below).
Passport Act offences
- False travel documents — making, using, possessing, or disposing of a document known or suspected to be a false Vanuatu travel document, or related materials.
- False or misleading statements — knowingly making a false statement in connection with an application for a Vanuatu travel document.
- Improper use or possession — using an expired or cancelled document; using a document issued to another; permitting another to use one's document; retaining a document against the holder's will; possessing a falsified foreign passport.
- Unauthorised alteration, destruction or sale — intentionally and without authority altering, destroying or selling a Vanuatu travel document.
- Improper issue of documents — issuing a document knowing the person is not entitled.
- Failure to surrender — knowingly failing to comply with a lawful demand to surrender a document.
Penalties: any offence under sections 14 to 20 is liable on conviction to imprisonment of up to 5 years, or a fine of up to VT 5,000,000, or both.