The question of the necessity of obtaining a U.S. visa for holders of a Vanuatu passport requires a detailed and unambiguous answer based on the current visa policy of the United States. As of October 2025, Vanuatu citizenship does not grant the right to visa-free entry into the U.S. Consequently, for any trip—be it tourism, a business meeting, study, or transit—obtaining the appropriate visa at a U.S. consulate is a mandatory procedure.
This fact is due to the fact that Vanuatu is not included in the list of countries participating in the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). This program allows citizens of participating countries to visit the USA for tourism and business purposes for up to 90 days without a visa, limited to obtaining an electronic travel authorization (ESTA). For citizens of Vanuatu, this mechanism is not available.
The procedure for obtaining a B-1/B-2 visa: opportunities and requirements
Despite the absence of a visa-free regime, citizens of Vanuatu have the opportunity to obtain a long-term visa for business and tourist trips, known as category B-1/B-2. This visa is the most common type of non-immigrant visa, and obtaining it opens significant opportunities for travel.
Main characteristics of the B-1/B-2 visa:
- Validity period: One of the key advantages for citizens of Vanuatu is the possibility of obtaining this visa for up to five years. It is a multiple-entry visa, allowing travel to the USA throughout its validity period without the need to reapply to the consulate.
- Duration of stay: Upon each entry into the USA with a B-1/B-2 visa, a border officer determines the permitted length of stay, which can be up to 180 days. It is important to understand that the final departure date is indicated on Form I-94 and must be strictly adhered to.
- Travel purposes: The B-1 visa is intended for business visits (negotiations, conferences, consultations), whereas B-2 covers tourism, visiting relatives and friends, receiving medical care. Most often, these two categories are combined into one visa.
The process of applying for an American visa for a Vanuatu passport holder is standardized. It includes several mandatory steps that should be approached with the utmost responsibility, as the completeness and accuracy of the provided information directly determine the decision of the consular officer.
Key steps for obtaining a visa:
- Filling out the DS-160 form: This is the main document that is completed online in English. The form includes detailed information about the applicant, their family, work, education, and planned trip. Any inaccuracies or false information may result in a denial.
- Payment of the consular fee: The fee amount is standard for this visa category and is non-refundable in case of denial. Payment is made before scheduling the interview.
- Appointment for an interview: An interview with a consular officer is a crucial stage. Appointments are made through the official website of the U.S. diplomatic mission. Since there is no U.S. embassy in Vanuatu providing a full range of consular services, citizens need to contact U.S. embassies or consulates in other countries, such as Papua New Guinea or Australia.
- Passing the interview: During the interview, the consular officer will ask questions about the purpose of the trip, financial guarantees, and most importantly, ties to the country of residence. The main task of the applicant is to prove the absence of immigration intentions.
Dual citizenship of Vanuatu and its impact on the visa process
A special context in the matter of obtaining a U.S. visa is created by the “Vanuatu Citizenship by Investment Program.” This program, allowing foreign investors to obtain a passport of the country in a short time, has attracted the attention not only of those wishing to expand their travel opportunities but also of international observers, including the United States and the European Union.
For American immigration authorities, the origin of the applicant’s citizenship may matter. If the Vanuatu passport was obtained through an investment scheme, this may result in a more thorough review of the applicant’s data. The consular officer will aim to ensure that the citizenship program was not used to bypass standard security screening procedures.
What consular services pay attention to:
- Due Diligence: American authorities are analyzing how strict the verification procedures were when granting citizenship in Vanuatu. Any doubts about the quality of these checks may negatively affect the visa decision.
- Connections with the home country: For investors who have obtained Vanuatu dual citizenship, it is especially important to demonstrate strong economic, social, and family ties with the country of primary residence or origin. This serves as proof that the applicant does not intend to remain in the USA.
- Transparency of income sources: The applicant must be prepared to provide comprehensive information about the sources of their funds, both for investment in citizenship and for travel to the USA.
It is worth noting that in recent years, the European Union has suspended the visa-free regime for citizens of Vanuatu precisely due to concerns related to the “golden passports” program. Although the United States has not formally imposed similar restrictions, this international precedent heightens the overall atmosphere of caution and raises the bar for requirements for applicants with investment-based citizenship. Therefore, when applying for a US visa with a Vanuatu passport obtained by investment, it is extremely important to prepare a convincing package of documents proving strong ties outside the United States.
Final recommendations for applicants
Thus, the answer to the question of whether a visa is needed is unequivocal — yes, it is needed. The process of obtaining it is standard; however, it has its own specifics related to the international context surrounding investment citizenship programs. Success largely depends on thorough preparation and the honesty of the applicant.
To increase the chances of visa approval, it is recommended to focus on demonstrating strong ties to the place of permanent residence, whether it is the country of origin or any other country where the applicant has family, property, work, or business. A clear and logical explanation of the purpose of the trip, supported by documentation (e.g., invitations to a conference, a tourist itinerary plan), also plays a key role. Holding a Vanuatu passport provides access to applying for a long-term U.S. visa but does not automatically guarantee its approval. The final decision always rests with the consular officer, who evaluates each case individually.
