The Non-Citizen Travel Document
An ICAO-compliant, machine-readable travel document issued to holders of Vanuatu National Status — legally distinct from the Ni-Vanuatu citizen passport, on its face and in law.
The same global standard — a different document
The document follows ICAO Doc 9303, the international standard for machine-readable travel documents used by passports worldwide — so it is recognisable and verifiable at borders. It is issued only to holders of Vanuatu National Status, and it is deliberately distinct from the citizen passport: a separate instrument, a separate register, separate markings.
That separation protects the integrity of the Ni-Vanuatu citizen passport — and signals to international partners that Vanuatu runs a disciplined, non-citizen documents framework rather than a shortcut to a passport of nationality.
Straight answers
Is this a Vanuatu citizen passport by another name?
No. It is a separate instrument in law and on its face, issued only to non-citizens under the National Status programme. The citizen passport remains exclusively for Ni-Vanuatu citizens, and the Bill protects its integrity.
Does it promise visa-free travel?
No specific travel outcomes are promised. The document meets the ICAO standard used worldwide, and recognition is built through engagement with partner states. The Bureau publishes only verified arrangements — beware of any intermediary claiming otherwise.
Who can hold it?
Only a person granted Vanuatu National Status, after full due diligence. It is issued, suspended and revoked by the Government alone.
Can it be taken away?
Yes. It is revoked or surrendered when status ends, and can be suspended or cancelled for fraud, misuse or security grounds — with review rights under the Act.
Integrity of the document
Security features
Machine-readable, biometric-ready and produced to international document-security standards, with centralised record-keeping and verification.
A protected citizen passport
The Bill amends the Passports Act so the two documents can never be confused: separate issuance, separate registers, separate legal bases.
Offences and penalties
Fraud, false statements, forgery and misuse are offences under the Act, with penalties designed to protect the integrity of the system and of Vanuatu’s name.
Part of the National Status programme
The travel document is issued with Vanuatu National Status — read the programme in full, or the citizenship firewall that keeps it forever separate from the Ni-Vanuatu passport.