12 May 2018

Vanuatu takes steps to resolve passport issue

9:41 am on 12 May 2018

Ni-Vanuatu citizens seeking passports will be issued with a Certificate of Identity by the Director of Immigration until more passport booklets arrive in the country.

An Air Vanuatu plane taking off

An Air Vanuatu plane taking off Photo: RNZI

This certificate could be used for travel to Fiji, Solomon Islands, Papua New Guinea and other countries in the South Pacific.

The Minister of Internal Affairs Andrew Napuat made the announcement after revelations of a shortage of Vanuatu passport booklets.

People who wanted to travel to any South Pacific country must follow the passport application process to secure a Certificate of Identity.

The minister said those wanting to travel to other countries will have to wait until the passport booklets arrive.