The European Union has officially revoked its visa-free travel agreement with Vanuatu, citing security and money-laundering concerns over the Pacific island nation’s controversial “golden passport” program. This marks the first instance of the EU withdrawing such an agreement due to these issues. Vanuatu’s citizenship-by-investment program allowed foreign nationals to obtain citizenship and a Vanuatu passport by investing at least $130,000.
This arrangement granted holders visa-free access to the EU under a prior visa waiver agreement with the 27-member bloc. However, the EU has raised concerns that these programs pose security risks by potentially enabling the movement of illicit actors. The European Commission had suspended Vanuatu’s visa-free status in 2022 as an initial warning. Thursday’s decision formalized the termination of the agreement, emphasizing the EU’s commitment to addressing vulnerabilities linked to “golden passport” schemes.
An EU statement confirmed this unprecedented step, highlighting that no country had previously faced the complete withdrawal of visa exemptions over such policies. The European Commission has consistently voiced apprehensions about the risks associated with citizenship-by-investment programs. Officials argue that these schemes could provide loopholes for money laundering and other illicit activities, undermining the integrity of border controls and security frameworks within the EU.
Efforts to reach Vanuatu’s embassy in Brussels for comment were unsuccessful at the time of the announcement. This development comes as part of the EU’s broader scrutiny of countries offering similar programs. In its December 2024 report, the EU flagged several states, including Eastern European and Eastern Caribbean nations, for operating or considering similar investment-based citizenship initiatives.
The Commission has indicated it will continue monitoring these countries and take action if needed. The revocation underscores the EU’s increasing vigilance in tightening border security and maintaining its visa-free travel standards. Vanuatu’s loss of this privilege serves as a warning to other nations with citizenship-for-sale programs that fail to meet EU security and transparency expectations. – By EuroWire News Desk.