What a Vanuatu Passport Gives in 2026: An Honest Review for Russians

Vanuatu remains one of the fastest ways to obtain a second citizenship for the whole family: a decision within a few months, with no requirement to live in the country. But the value of the passport has changed in recent years: visa-free access to Schengen and the United Kingdom has been lost. Here is an honest look at what a Vanuatu passport gives in 2026, who it suits and how to strengthen it with a second document.

What a Vanuatu passport no longer gives

• Schengen area: the Council of the EU finally abolished visa-free travel for Vanuatu citizens on 12 December 2024. The reason was the citizenship by investment program. A Schengen visa is now required to travel to Europe.
• United Kingdom: a visa requirement for Vanuatu citizens has applied since 19 July 2023.
• USA, Canada, Australia: a visa is still required for entry.

What a Vanuatu passport gives

• A second citizenship without giving up the first: since 2014 Vanuatu has allowed you to keep your previous citizenship.
• Citizenship for the whole family: a spouse, children and other dependants can be included in one application.
• Speed: background checks take 14 to 30 days, and a decision by the Citizenship Commission takes up to three months.
• No residence requirement: living in Vanuatu is not required either before or after obtaining citizenship.
• Taxes: Vanuatu has no personal income tax, inheritance tax or capital gains tax. However, tax residence is determined by where you actually live, so citizenship alone does not exempt you from taxes in the country where you live.
• Visa-free entry or visa on arrival to a number of countries in Asia, Oceania, Latin America and the Caribbean.

How much it costs

According to the official fee schedule of the Vanuatu Citizenship Commission, the main contribution programs cost:

• from US$130,000 for a single applicant;
• from US$150,000 for a married couple;
• from US$180,000 for a couple with two children;
• an additional contribution for each further family member under the Commission's schedule: we confirm the amount on the date of application;
• plus a due diligence fee and filing fees, the amount of which depends on the program.

How the application works

An application is filed only through an appointed agent. Checks are carried out by the police, the financial intelligence unit and the immigration service; applications from persons in Interpol databases are rejected. After approval the applicant pays the citizenship fee and takes the oath. The oath is taken in an online interview, so there is no need to travel to Vanuatu for it.

Biometrics: a mandatory personal visit

Since January 2026 Vanuatu issues biometric passports, so every applicant gives fingerprints and a photo in person. There are no permanent centres where you can simply walk in. Outside Vanuatu biometrics are taken only during mobile sessions, for example in Dubai, Saint Petersburg, Moscow, Hong Kong and Nouméa (New Caledonia), and the city and date differ each time. You need to book a specific session in advance. In Port Vila itself biometrics can also be given only by prior arrangement. Budget for the trip and additional fees.

We track the session schedule, book a convenient date and handle the logistics so that you give biometrics and receive your passports as conveniently as possible.

Can a Russian citizen apply

As of October 2026 Russian citizens are not officially excluded from the program. In March 2026 an internal memo appeared about adding Russia to the list of restrictions, but two days later it was withdrawn by the Chairman of the Commission as issued in error. The list of restrictions is internal and may change, so before applying we recommend confirming the current status in writing through the appointed agent.

Who a Vanuatu passport suits

• Those who need a second citizenship quickly and with minimal residence requirements.
• Those who travel mainly to Asia, Oceania and Latin America rather than Europe.
• As part of a strategy: a Vanuatu passport can be complemented by residence in an EU country or the UAE for access to banks and mobility. For example, a Vanuatu citizen can apply for the Greek golden visa on general terms (thresholds since 2024: €800,000, €400,000 or €250,000 depending on the region and type of property).

How MIRBEZVIZ helps

• We assess whether a Vanuatu passport suits your travel and business goals and compare it with other programs.
• We support the application through an appointed agent and confirm in writing the current status of applicants from Russia on the date of filing.
• We track the biometrics session schedule, book a convenient date and organise logistics until you receive your passports.
• After you receive the passport: renewals and post-migration services.
• We help strengthen mobility: residence in the UAE or Europe in addition to a Vanuatu passport.

Message Victoria: we will work out whether a Vanuatu passport solves your goals and how to get it quickly and without mistakes.

Information is current as of 15 October 2026. Bank and program rules and terms change, so please check the details with our specialists before making a decision.