·Republic of Vanuatu·Significant change·In force
EU removes Vanuatu from its visa-free Schengen list
By Sam Parks · Last reviewed:
The EU removed Vanuatu from its visa-free Schengen list in December 2024 over citizenship-by-investment due-diligence concerns; a Vanuatu passport no longer gives visa-free Schengen access.
What changed
Policy claim 1
Following an EU Council decision in December 2024, Vanuatu passport holders need a visa to enter the Schengen area.
Claim ID: vu-2024-12-eu-visa-free-revoked#claim-1·Cite this claim
Source: Department of Immigration and Passport Services (Vanuatu) (Department of Immigration and Passport Services (Vanuatu))·source verified ·page reviewed
Policy claim 2
The Development Support Program (citizenship by investment) continues to operate, with tightened due diligence and new e-passports.
Claim ID: vu-2024-12-eu-visa-free-revoked#claim-2·Cite this claim
Source: Department of Immigration and Passport Services (Vanuatu) (Department of Immigration and Passport Services (Vanuatu))·source verified ·page reviewed
Policy claim 3
The Development Support Program grants citizenship, not residence, and is administered separately from Vanuatu residence visas.
Claim ID: vu-2024-12-eu-visa-free-revoked#claim-3·Cite this claim
Source: Department of Immigration and Passport Services (Vanuatu) (Department of Immigration and Passport Services (Vanuatu))·source verified ·page reviewed
Routes affected
Primary source
Primary source
Department of Immigration and Passport Services (Vanuatu) ↗ · Department of Immigration and Passport Services (Vanuatu)
Link last verified: