Official source: US State Dept › · Last verified 25 June 2026.
Because Vanuatu is not a Visa Waiver Program country, the ESTA route is unavailable; travellers apply for a B-1/B-2 visa, complete the DS-160 form and usually attend an in-person interview. Approval depends on demonstrating non-immigrant intent, funds and ties.
The US visa requirement is one of the most common questions from citizenship clients. A Vanuatu passport does not provide US visa-free travel — its strengths lie elsewhere (speed, cost, tax, and Asian/Pacific mobility).
The B-1/B-2 process involves the online DS-160 form, fee payment and, for most applicants, an in-person interview at a US embassy or consulate where wait times vary. Bring evidence of strong ties and funds to demonstrate you intend to return home. Approved visas are often multi-year and multiple-entry, but admission length is decided by the officer at the port of entry.
The United States — like Canada — requires a visa on a Vanuatu passport, so for North America Vanuatu is about a fast, low-cost second passport rather than visa-free travel. See how it ranks among the fastest citizenship-by-investment programmes.
Effective January 21, 2026, the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) introduced a mandatory visa bond requirement for certain nonimmigrant visa categories. Under this policy, select B-1/B-2 visa applicants may be required to pay a cash bond before entry into the United States.
The visa bond is separate from the standard B-1/B-2 visa fee. Applicants from countries with historically high visa overstay rates are more likely to be required to post a bond. The bond must be paid through Pay.gov before the visa is stamped; the consular officer notifies the applicant of the bond requirement at or after the interview.
Holders of a Vanuatu passport should be aware that bond requirements are assessed based on all nationalities held, not just the travel document presented. If you hold both your original nationality passport and a Vanuatu passport, the consular officer may assess risk based on your home country overstay statistics.
Bond requirement details sourced from DHS Federal Register notice, January 2026. Confirm current applicability with the US Embassy in your jurisdiction before your visa interview.
This page is for general information only and is not legal or immigration advice. Entry rules change frequently and without notice — always confirm current requirements with the destination’s official embassy, consulate or immigration authority before booking travel.
Get an accurate, all-inclusive 2026 cost breakdown from Vanuatu Fast Citizenship’s licensed lawyers — citizenship in about two months.
Get my free cost breakdown →