Vanuatu's Schengen visa waiver permanently withdrawn; approx. 88 visa-free destinations; CIIP restarted with upgraded due diligence
Vanuatu · Risk notice · Permanently withdrawn 2024-12; status as of 2026
| Country / region | Vanuatu |
|---|---|
| Category | Risk notice |
| Date | Permanently withdrawn 2024-12; status as of 2026 |
| What happened | The EU adopted a regulation on 2024-12-19 removing Vanuatu from Annex II, permanently ending Schengen visa-free access (the UK withdrew it in 2023). There are currently approx. 88 visa-free / visa-on-arrival destinations (Hong Kong, China 90 days; Singapore 30 days; Russia 90 days, etc.). CIIP restarted on 2025-05-29 (total cost approx. US$165,000, including an investment of approx. US$50,000 redeemable after 4–5 years); biometrics became mandatory from 2025-11; the due-diligence fee is US$5,000 with upgraded source-of-funds checks. |
| Impact on applicants | If free movement in Europe is the core requirement, Vanuatu no longer works (a visa is required for Schengen and ETIAS does not apply). It remains usable as a status tool for children attending schools for foreign nationals. |
| Source: {src} | Council of the EU Regulation (EU) 2025/11 / Vanuatu Citizenship Commission (2026 position) ↗ |
Source: Council of the EU Regulation (EU) 2025/11 / Vanuatu Citizenship Commission (2026 position) ↗ · Last verified: 2026-09-20 · For reference only; not application or legal advice. Always check the official source for current rules.
FAQ
Vanuatu's Schengen visa waiver permanently withdrawn; approx. 88 visa-free destinations; CIIP restarted with upgraded due diligence — what happened?
The EU adopted a regulation on 2024-12-19 removing Vanuatu from Annex II, permanently ending Schengen visa-free access (the UK withdrew it in 2023). There are currently approx. 88 visa-free / visa-on-arrival destinations (Hong Kong, China 90 days; Singapore 30 days; Russia 90 days, etc.). CIIP restarted on 2025-05-29 (total cost approx. US$165,000, including an investment of approx. US$50,000 redeemable after 4–5 years); biometrics became mandatory from 2025-11; the due-diligence fee is US$5,000 with upgraded source-of-funds checks.
What does this mean for applicants?
If free movement in Europe is the core requirement, Vanuatu no longer works (a visa is required for Schengen and ETIAS does not apply). It remains usable as a status tool for children attending schools for foreign nationals.
Where does this information come from?
Council of the EU Regulation (EU) 2025/11 / Vanuatu Citizenship Commission (2026 position), verified by us on 2026-09-20.
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