Vanuatu’s Ministry of Internal Affairs has announced the formal discontinuation of the overseas enrollment system for passport applications, completing the transition to a fully biometric electronic passport system. All applicants — including citizenship by investment applicants and their dependents — must now provide biometric data at an authorized enrollment center.
Where Can You Enroll?
Biometric enrollment is available at four locations worldwide:
Vanuatu (Port Vila): The primary enrollment center, with the lowest per-applicant cost of $500. Suitable for applicants who plan to visit Vanuatu as part of their citizenship journey.
Dubai, UAE: A convenient option for applicants based in the Middle East, North Africa, and South Asia. The per-applicant cost is $1,500. Given Dubai’s position as a global travel hub, this is the most popular enrollment center for our clients.
Hong Kong: Serving applicants from East Asia, Southeast Asia, and the broader Asia-Pacific region. Per-applicant cost is $1,500.
Nouméa, New Caledonia: Available for applicants in the South Pacific region. Per-applicant cost is $1,500.
What Biometric Data Is Required?
All applicants, including minors, must provide the following biometric data: ten-finger fingerprint scans, iris scans for both eyes, and a high-resolution facial photograph meeting ICAO specifications. The enrollment session typically takes 15 to 30 minutes per applicant.
Impact on Application Timeline
The biometric enrollment requirement adds a logistical step to the application process but does not significantly extend the overall timeline. For well-prepared applicants who schedule their enrollment appointment in advance, the additional time required is typically one to two days of travel to the nearest enrollment center.
Alpha Immigration Associates coordinates biometric enrollment appointments for all our clients, ensuring scheduling and minimal disruption to your personal and professional commitments.
“We’ve streamlined the biometric enrollment process for our clients so thoroughly that most describe it as surprisingly painless. Our team coordinates the appointment, prepares all necessary documentation in advance, and in many cases accompanies clients to the enrollment center to ensure everything goes smoothly. For our Dubai-based clients, the enrollment center is particularly convenient — many complete the process during a regular workday without any disruption.”
— Esha Kashyap, Head of Sales, Alpha Immigration Associates
Need help coordinating your biometric enrollment? Contact our team and we’ll handle the logistics for you.