The Special Category Visa is a specific type of visa granted by the government of Vanuatu to individuals who fall under various categories, including government employees, diplomatic mission members, prescribed donor agency members, and more. This visa is designed for those who have a unique status in Vanuatu, and it allows them to stay in the country for a specified period.

To be eligible for a Special Category Visa, you must fit into one of the following categories:

• Government Employee: You should be employed by the government of Vanuatu.

• Government Secondee: You should be seconded to the government of Vanuatu.

• Diplomatic Mission Member: You should be a member of a diplomatic mission in Vanuatu.

• Prescribed Donor Agency Member: You should be a member of a donor agency meeting specific criteria.

• Other Prescribed Categories: You should belong to a class of persons prescribed by the regulations.

• Family Member: If you are a family member of a person mentioned in any of the above categories (a, b, c, d, or e), you may be eligible for this visa.

If you wish to change your status from another visa category to a Special Category Visa, you should follow the same application process outlined in the “How to Apply” section. Your eligibility for a change of status will be assessed based on the criteria mentioned above.

The fees for a Special Category Visa application may vary and should be confirmed with the relevant authorities or the Vanuatu Immigration & Passport Services. It is advisable to inquire about the current fee structure when you submit your application.

The validity of a Special Category Visa can vary, and it will be determined at the time of application approval. It is essential to check the visa’s specific validity period indicated on the visa itself. Special Category Visas can be granted for various durations depending on the individual circumstances and purpose of stay.

To apply for a Special Category Visa, you should follow these steps:

• Complete and sign the Special Category Visa Application Form for yourself and each person aged 18 years and over included in your application.

• Provide a valid passport (if you are in Vanuatu) or a certified copy of the bio-data page and used passport pages (if you are outside Vanuatu). Ensure that the passport you submit is the one you intend to use for entry to Vanuatu.

• Include two recent passport-sized photographs of yourself and each person included in your application, with names written on the back of the photographs.

• If any person included in your application is under 18 years old, provide a certified copy of their birth certificate.

• For individuals aged 18 or above, supply an original police certificate from all countries they have resided in for 12 months or more in the last 5 years.

• Individuals aged 18 or above must also undergo a medical examination conducted by a registered medical practitioner.

• If you are married, include a certified copy of your marriage certificate. If you have been widowed or divorced, provide the relevant certified documents.

• Obtain a letter of recommendation from the appropriate authority based on your category:

  • The Director of the Department of Foreign Affairs for diplomatic representatives or their family members.

  • The relevant commissioner (Public Service, Police, Teaching, or Judiciary) for government employees or those seconded to government departments or their family members.

  • The head of a donor agency meeting specific criteria for agency members or their family members.

• Submit a medical certificate, proof of a return ticket, and a police clearance.

• Special Category Visa applications are not directly submitted to Immigration but to the relevant authorities who will assess your application before forwarding a letter of recommendation or request letter to Vanuatu Immigration & Passport Services. Follow up with the relevant authorities for the status of your application.