Key Points
- Switzerland will require Vanuatu nationals to obtain a visa for Schengen entry starting February 4, 2025.
- The change follows security concerns regarding Vanuatu’s citizenship-by-investment programs.
- This restriction aligns with the EU’s decision to suspend visa-free travel for Vanuatu passport holders.
Overview
As of February 4, 2025, Vanuatu nationals will need a visa to enter Switzerland and the broader Schengen area, ending their previous visa-exempt status. This decision is based on security concerns linked to Vanuatu’s citizenship-by-investment programs, which have been criticized for issuing passports to foreign investors with limited background checks.
Since 2015, Vanuatu citizens have been exempt from short-stay visa requirements for the Schengen zone. However, in May 2022, the European Union suspended visa exemptions for Vanuatu passports issued after 2015, citing risks of fraudulent document issuance and inadequate security vetting. With the latest decision, Switzerland is fully adopting this restriction, applying it to all Vanuatu citizens regardless of when their passport was issued.
To enforce this measure, Switzerland will update its Ordinance on Entry and the Granting of Visas, bringing its visa policy in line with EU regulations. Vanuatu nationals must apply for a Schengen visa before traveling to Switzerland or any other Schengen member state.
Looking Ahead
For Vanuatu Nationals:
- Plan visa applications in advance: Travelers from Vanuatu should prepare for additional processing time when applying for Schengen visas.
- Check specific Swiss and Schengen visa requirements: Applications must be submitted at a Swiss consulate or embassy following standard Schengen visa procedures.
For Employers and Businesses:
- Review travel plans for Vanuatu employees who frequently visit Switzerland or the Schengen zone.
- Prepare for additional administrative requirements for business trips and work permits.
Switzerland’s new visa requirement for Vanuatu nationals reflects broader European security concerns regarding citizenship-by-investment programs. Travelers and businesses should adjust their plans to ensure compliance with the latest visa regulations.
