Vanuatu has officially launched its new electronic passport system, marking the completion of a comprehensive passport modernization initiative that has been in development since mid-2024. The new ePassports incorporate embedded security features including encrypted fingerprint data, iris scans, and high-resolution facial recognition information stored on RFID chips.
The launch represents a milestone achievement for Vanuatu’s citizenship program infrastructure. The new passports meet or exceed the security standards of most developed nations and are fully compliant with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) specifications.
Technical Features
The new Vanuatu ePassport includes a polycarbonate data page with laser-engraved personal information that is virtually impossible to alter or counterfeit. The embedded RFID chip contains biometric data encrypted to international standards, and the passport book includes multiple anti-counterfeiting features visible under UV light.
These technical specifications are directly comparable to passports issued by nations such as Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom — a significant step up from the previous generation of Vanuatu travel documents.
Impact on CBI Applicants
For citizenship by investment applicants, the transition to ePassports means an additional step in the application process: biometric enrollment. This can be completed at authorized centers in Vanuatu, Dubai, Hong Kong, or Nouméa. While this adds a logistical consideration, the resulting passport is significantly more secure and internationally respected.
“When I hand a client their new Vanuatu ePassport, I’m handing them a document that meets the highest international security standards. The embedded biometric data, the polycarbonate construction, the ICAO compliance — these are the same features you’d find in a British or Australian passport. For our clients, this tangible quality difference reinforces the value of their investment in Vanuatu citizenship.”
— Esha Kashyap, Head of Sales, Alpha Immigration Associates
Ready to start your application for a Vanuatu ePassport? Contact our team to begin the process.