Visa requirement for ni-Vanuatu nationals visiting UK
The UK government announced on Wednesday 19 July that with immediate effect, all ni-Vanuatu will require a visa before travelling to the UK, including to visit.
The decision to impose a visa regime on Vanuatu is in response to concerns relating to its Citizenship by Investment (CBI) scheme. Visit visas are an important tool in reducing illegal migration, tackling organised crime and protecting national security, and this decision has been made to ensure it continues to operate as effectively as possible.
The changes, which come into effect immediately, will apply to all ni-Vanuatu seeking to enter the UK. However, there will be a four-week transition period until 15:00 BST Thursday 16 August, during which visitors who booked their travel before 15:00 BST 19 July can still enter the UK.
British High Commissioner to Vanuatu, Nicolette Brent, MBE said:
The changes announced today bring Vanuatu in line with many other visa national countries with which the UK has strong and friendly relations. Visas provide access to the UK while helping to secure the UK border.
The UK Government is putting in place arrangements to ensure this change is implemented smoothly, including through the introduction of a transition period for those individuals who have already booked travel. As such, ni-Vanuatu will continue to be able to join the many visitors the UK welcomes from around the world.
Visa applications are submitted and paid for online at www.gov.uk/apply-to-come-to-the-uk, after which applicants book an appointment to provide their biometrics and hand over their passport. The UK Government aims to process applications within 15 UK working days of receipt of the passport and biometrics. Applicants can apply up to three months in advance of travel.
The cost of a six-month multiple entry visa for the UK can be found at: Visa fees - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk). Longer validity visas are also available.
Ni-Vanuatu who booked travel to the UK before 15:00 BST 19 July will still be able to enter the UK without a visa until 15:00 BST 16 August.
Any passengers arriving after 15:00 BST 16 August will require a visa to enter the UK regardless of when their travel was booked. Anyone booking their flight after 15:00 BST 19 July will also need a visa, even if they arrive before 15:00 BST 16 August.
Ni-Vanuatu visitors already in the UK will not be affected by the new requirement for the remainder of their visit, but once they leave the UK, they will need a visitor visa in order to enter the UK again.
Further information
- a Standard Visitor Visa can be used for tourism, business, study (courses up to 6 months) and other permitted activities. Individuals can usually stay in the UK for up to 6 months and might be able to apply to stay for longer in certain circumstances, for example to get medical treatment.
- for more information on visa processing times see: Visa decision waiting times: applications outside the UK
- for more information on visa costs see: Visa fees
- for more information on types of visa available see: Applying for a visa to come to the UK: Choose a visa
- for more information on visa applications centres see: Find a visa application centre
- visit GOV.UK for more information. Applying for a visa to come to the UK: Choose a visa
- in line with standard UK practice around the world, the British High Commission in Port Vila will not be able to issue visas, receive applications or provide advice on individual needs or applications. Those needing advice should check GOV.UK for guidance. Find a visa application centre