Child Passport

Yes, a child can get a Vanuatu passport. But it isn't automatic. They must be a citizen of Vanuatu, and their parent or legal guardian has to provide formal consent. The process demands specific paperwork, like a registered birth certificate and proof of citizenship, and everything follows the rules of the Vanuatu Department of Immigration and Passport Services. This guide breaks down the legal requirements, the step-by-step application, and critical details like timing and costs, all based on official sources like Vanuatu's passport legislation.

What Are the Core Eligibility Rules for a Child's Vanuatu Passport?

The most fundamental rule comes directly from the Vanuatu's passport legislation: only Vanuatu citizens are eligible for a Vanuatu passport. This applies to everyone, adults and children alike. Before you even think about filling out a form, the child's citizenship status must be proven without a doubt.

For passport purposes, the Vanuatu Citizenship Office defines a "child" as anyone under 18. This age is the trigger. It activates the need for parental consent—a non-negotiable safeguard for the child's welfare. Without the formal written consent of a parent named on the birth certificate or a legally appointed guardian, a passport simply cannot be issued to a minor.

To see how a child can become a citizen in the first place, it's worth exploring the Vanuatu Citizenship by Investment program.

How Do I Apply for My Child's Vanuatu Passport? A Step-by-Step Guide

The journey begins with civil registration. It ends when you submit the right form with all your supporting documents to the Vanuatu Passport Office. Following these steps precisely is the key to avoiding frustrating delays.

Step 1: Obtain a Vanuatu Birth Certificate

First, the child's birth must be officially registered with the Vanuatu Civil Status Office (VCSO). This is the foundation of the entire application. You absolutely must have a printed, original birth certificate from the VCSO to include with the passport forms. Why? This document serves as the primary proof of identity and parentage, creating the legal link between the child and the consenting parent.

Step 2: Complete the Official Application Form

You must download the "New Vanuatu passport application form" directly from the official government website. Using an outdated form is a common mistake that leads to immediate rejection, so always check you have the latest version. Fill out the child's details with perfect accuracy, making sure every piece of information matches the birth certificate and citizenship papers. The parent or legal guardian must then complete and sign the "Consent to issue a passport to a person under 18 years of age" section.

Step 3: Gather All Required Documents

Create a physical checklist. Lay everything out. Missing even one document can get your application sent back, forcing you to start over. You will need:

• The completed and signed application form.
• Your child's Original Vanuatu Birth Certificate.
• The Vanuatu Citizenship Certificate for the child (this is essential for those who gained citizenship through investment or naturalisation).
• A clear copy of the consenting parent's or legal guardian's valid photo ID (a passport or national ID card works).
• Two recent, identical, passport-sized photos. These must meet the strict official specs for size, background colour, and expression—don't try to use old photos, as they will be rejected.
• Proof of payment for the application fee, matching the processing speed you've chosen.

Step 4: Submit the Application

Applications have to be lodged in person at the Vanuatu Passport Office in Port Vila or Luganville. If you're applying from overseas, you'll typically work through the nearest Vanuatu diplomatic mission or consulate. Crucially, the finished passport will only be dispatched to the consenting parent or legal guardian who signed the application. This is a security measure to protect the child, so plan accordingly for pickup.

What Are the Specific Rules for Children Signing the Application?

Whether a child signs their own passport application depends entirely on their age. This rule exists to make sure the signature in the passport is a reasonable match for their ability when it was issued.

• Ages 10 to 17: Children in this age group must sign the designated signature box on the form themselves. It’s important they sign clearly within the box, not touching any of the borders. That signature is then scanned and reproduced in their new passport.

• Ages 0 to 9: For children under 10, no signature is required. The signature box for the child must be left completely blank. Only the parent or guardian's signature in the consent section is needed.

How Long Does It Take to Get a Child's Passport and What Does It Cost?

The Vanuatu Passport Office provides a few processing speeds for different travel needs and budgets. The timelines, which as of early 2026 are clearly stated on the application form, range from a few days to several weeks.

Processing Timelines

The clock starts ticking only after the Passport Office accepts your *complete* and *correct* application. Any errors will pause this timeline until they are fixed.

• Normal Processing: The standard, most affordable option. The official timeline is up to 21 days. This means if you apply on the 1st of the month, you should plan any travel for after the 22nd at the absolute earliest.
• Express Service: For those who need a passport faster. The stated timeline here is up to 14 days.
• Urgent Service: This is the top-priority tier, meant for genuine emergencies; the passport authority confirms the current turnaround and fee.

Application Fees

The fees vary dramatically based on your chosen processing speed. Expect the Urgent Service to carry a substantially higher cost than Normal Processing. Before you do anything, check the current fee schedule on the official Vanuatu Immigration or Citizenship Office websites. These fees can and do change, and payment must be made and proven with a receipt in your application package.

For those considering the citizenship route for their family, it's helpful to see the detailed breakdown on the Vanuatu Citizenship cost and fees.

What Documents Are Needed to Prove a Child's Vanuatu Citizenship?

Proving your child's citizenship is the first and most vital hurdle. The right documents depend entirely on how they became a citizen.

• For Children Born in Vanuatu: An original Vanuatu Birth Certificate issued by the Civil Status Office is the key. If at least one parent was a Vanuatu citizen when the child was born, the child is generally a citizen by birth, and this certificate is the main proof you'll need.

• For Children Born Outside Vanuatu to a Citizen Parent: A child born abroad to a ni-Vanuatu parent might be eligible for citizenship by descent, but this isn't automatic. It requires a formal registration. The birth must be registered with a Vanuatu diplomatic mission, and you'll need the parent's citizenship papers plus the foreign birth certificate. Once approved, a Certificate of Vanuatu Citizenship is issued.

• For Children Who Acquired Citizenship (e.g., through CBI): If your family gained citizenship through Vanuatu's Development Support Program (DSP), the definitive document is the official Certificate of Vanuatu Citizenship from the Vanuatu Citizenship Commission. This certificate is the ultimate proof of the child's status and must be submitted with their birth certificate and passport application.

If you need help navigating the citizenship application for your family, you can contact our experts for a consultation.

Sources

• immigration.gov.vu
• vancitizenship.gov.vu