The Vanuatu Government has set up passport enrollment system in Asia going live this week in Hong Kong. Similar systems are being setup in key international locations, in Brussels (Belgium for Europe), extending the global reach of Vanuatu’s passport and citizenship services to benefit of citizens abroad. The new enrolment system enables applicants to register directly with immigration officers at consulates, though all passport printing and issuance will continue to be handled in Vanuatu to deliver faster service, stronger security, and greater convenience.
“This week, the enrolment system will go live in Asia, and we’re continuing our international rollout,”
– Mr. Markson , Director of Immigration
Personal Visit
Since October last year, those apply for citizenship by investment in Vanuatu, the government has enforced the rule for passport pickup to be done in person in Vanuatu passport office or at consulates abroad requiring a physical visit for biometrics.
Dubai Consulate
The Vanuatu Government said in Dailypost, with the Department of Immigration and Passport Services in partnership with the Department of Communication and Digital Transformation (DCDT), has installed a new passport enrolment system at the Vanuatu Consulate in Dubai in late July 2025. These are already operating in our provincial offices as well as regional centres such as Fiji and New Caledonia.
International Rollout
The government plans to establish permanent passport enrolment centres at embassies and high commissions worldwide. Citizens can also come to Vanuatu for passport enrolment with the help of a Certificate of Identity (CI) issued by the government.
The new passport enrollment system improves efficiency of passport processing times reducing from three to four months down to just three days.
The initiative is part of the broader Citizenship Programme, which aims to expand the country’s international presence and improve access for Vanuatu citizens abroad. It also supports the government’s economic development plans by streamlining passport and citizenship processing.
CBI Revenues
Revenues from the Vanuatu Sustainable Development Programme (VSDP), Vanuatu Contribution Programme (VCP), and the Citizenship Investment Immigration Programme (CIIP) reached VT 9.41 billion — a 178.1% rise compared to the previous year.
“Revenues from the Citizenship Programme remain a vital source of government funding.”
– Ministry of Finance
The DSP is a Citizenship by Investment (CBI) initiative created by the government to fund infrastructure and promote economic development in the country.
Appointments
Citizens abroad can also book appointments in advance through the Vanuatu Passport Office, with arrangements coordinated via local consulate offices or Vanuatu High Commissions in the regions of Wellington and New Caledonia.
