Can Vanuatu passport holders travel to Europe visa-free?

No. The EU suspended visa-free access for Vanuatu citizenship-by-investment passport holders. Since December 2024, all Vanuatu CBI passport holders require a Schengen visa to enter EU member states. Applying for a Schengen visa is a standard process but takes 2–4 weeks and costs approximately €80 per application.

Why did the EU suspend Vanuatu visa-free access?

The European Commission conducted a formal review and determined that Vanuatu's citizenship by investment programme posed risks to EU security and financial integrity — specifically insufficient background checks and weak beneficial ownership disclosure standards. The suspension was announced in February 2023 and entered into effect in December 2024.

Which CBI programmes still have EU Schengen access?

As of 2026: Grenada, St Kitts & Nevis, Antigua & Barbuda, St Lucia, and Dominica all retain EU Schengen visa-free access for their citizenship-by-investment passport holders. If Schengen access is a priority, these Caribbean programmes are the relevant alternatives.

Vanuatu EU Visa-Free Access Suspended: What Changed and What It Means in 2026

Key facts

EU suspended Vanuatu visa-free access: formal decision February 2023
Schengen visa requirement in effect: 12 December 2024
UK removed Vanuatu independently: 2023
Vanuatu programme paused for reforms: November 2023 – February 2025
Programme resumed with new due diligence standards: February 2025

What Happened: The Full Timeline

October 2022

The European Commission published a report flagging deficiencies in Vanuatu's CBI due diligence process — specifically insufficient background checks and weak beneficial ownership disclosure. The report triggered a formal review of visa-free arrangements.

February 2023

The EU formally announced the suspension of the visa-free travel arrangement for Vanuatu CBI passport holders. The decision applied specifically to passports issued under the citizenship by investment programme — not to Vanuatu passports held by natural-born citizens.

March 2023

FATF (Financial Action Task Force) placed Vanuatu on its "grey list" for weak anti-money laundering controls in the CBI sector.

November 2023

Vanuatu voluntarily paused new CBI applications to overhaul its due diligence framework and engage international compliance consultants.

February 2025

The Vanuatu programme resumed with new enhanced due diligence standards in force — independent third-party checks, improved source-of-funds requirements, and strengthened beneficial ownership verification.

12 December 2024

EU Schengen visa requirement formally entered into effect for all Vanuatu CBI passport holders. Applications for Schengen visas proceed through the standard process (€80 / 2–4 weeks).

July 2026 (current)

The Schengen visa requirement remains in force. There is no publicly announced timeline for reinstatement. The UK requirement also remains in force.

What This Means Practically

If you hold a Vanuatu CBI passport and want to travel to EU member states, you apply for a Schengen visa through the consulate of your destination country. This is a standard process available to most nationalities — it is not a prohibition on travel, simply a requirement for advance authorisation.

A single-entry Schengen visa costs approximately €80 and takes 2–4 weeks to process. Multi-entry visas valid for up to 5 years are available to applicants with a consistent travel history.

Which Destinations Are Affected

EU Schengen Area (26 states): Visa required for Vanuatu CBI passport holders
United Kingdom: Standard Visitor Visa required
Non-Schengen EU states (Bulgaria, Romania, Cyprus, Ireland): Each has its own separate visa requirement — some are separate from the Schengen visa

All other destinations where Vanuatu previously had visa-free access remain unchanged. The suspension applied specifically to the EU Schengen arrangement — approximately 90 other countries still provide visa-free or visa-on-arrival access.

Which CBI Programmes Still Have Schengen Access

The following Caribbean programmes retain EU Schengen and UK visa-free access as of 2026:

Grenada — Schengen + UK + US E-2 treaty
St Kitts & Nevis — Schengen + UK, oldest programme
Antigua & Barbuda — Schengen + UK, family-friendly
St Lucia — Schengen + UK, lowest Caribbean cost
Dominica — Schengen + UK, very affordable

If EU Schengen or UK visa-free access is your primary objective in obtaining a second passport, a Caribbean programme is now the more appropriate choice. See the full comparison hub.

Should This Change Your Decision on Vanuatu?

It depends entirely on your objectives. Vanuatu retains significant advantages: the fastest processing (~60 days) of any major CBI programme, strong Asia-Pacific access, and a transparent all-inclusive pricing model. For applicants from Russia, certain CIS states, or other heavily restricted passports, Vanuatu still provides a substantial mobility upgrade — even without Schengen.

For applicants whose primary travel corridor is Europe or the UK, however, the calculus has clearly shifted toward Caribbean alternatives. A free consultation with our lawyers will map your specific travel needs against the available options.

Not Sure Which Programme Fits Your Travel Needs?

Free consultation — we compare Vanuatu vs Caribbean against your actual travel destinations.

Book Free Consultation →

Frequently Asked Questions

No. Since December 2024, Vanuatu CBI passport holders require a Schengen visa for all EU member states. Applying for a Schengen visa takes 2–4 weeks and costs ~€80. It is a standard process, not a prohibition.

The European Commission found that Vanuatu's CBI due diligence process had insufficient background checks and weak beneficial ownership disclosure, posing risks to EU security and financial integrity. The decision was announced February 2023 and took effect December 2024.

Grenada, St Kitts & Nevis, Antigua & Barbuda, St Lucia, and Dominica all retain EU Schengen and UK visa-free access as of 2026. If Schengen access is a priority, these are the relevant alternatives to Vanuatu.

Cons & drawbacks Citizenship risks All programme comparisons Is it worth it in 2026? Vanuatu visa-free list

Visa access arrangements change. Always verify current entry requirements before travel. Not legal advice.

Vanuatu EU Visa-Free Access Suspended:What Changed and What It Means