What to do if your passport expires and it is impossible to renew it?

The validity of your passport is expiring, and renewing it is impossible due to political instability, closed embassies, or government refusal? This issue is especially acute for citizens of Syria, Afghanistan, Yemen, and several other countries affected by conflicts and political instability, where bureaucratic barriers become insurmountable. Without a valid passport, a person loses access to basic rights: they cannot open a bank account, sign a contract, apply for a visa, or even buy a plane ticket. This means actual isolation and restriction of freedom.

Updated: 23.09.2025
Dr. Anatoliy Yarovyi Author
Dr. Anatoliy Yarovyi

The solution in such a situation is obtaining a second citizenship. One of the most accessible and fastest options is Vanuatu citizenship, which can be arranged in the shortest possible time, completely legally, and without the need to reside in the country. Our legal team assists clients through the entire process of obtaining Vanuatu citizenship turnkey: from document preparation to receiving the passport.

Problems with passport expiration: from account blocking to the risk of deportation

In many countries, having a valid passport is the basis for legal residency. In the UAE, for example, a residence visa is strictly tied to the validity of the passport. If the document expires, a foreign citizen automatically risks losing their legal status. This can lead to the cancellation of the residence permit and the inability to renew it without a new passport. As a result, a person finds themselves in the position of an illegal resident, even if they have lived and worked in the country for many years.

The banking system requires strict client identification under KYC/AML rules. If a passport is invalid, banks may freeze your accounts, considering the client unverified. This means the inability to use your own funds, pay rent, employee salaries, or conduct business. Moreover, the absence of a valid passport creates a risk of being added to bank blacklists, which will complicate opening accounts in the future.

Renewing a Vanuatu Passport Without Unnecessary Hassle
The expiration of a passport is a standard procedure, not a problem. Our team is ready to take care of all the concerns regarding its renewal so that you can continue enjoying all the benefits of your second citizenship without interruption. Contact us, and we will ensure a fast and smooth process for updating your document.

An expired passport automatically deprives the right to international travel: it is impossible to obtain a visa, and boarding a flight is also not possible. Often, the whole family suffers, as the inability of one family member to travel abroad disrupts plans for everyone. The loss of a valid passport leads to actual isolation and the inability to participate in international life.

In addition to direct restrictions, there are also additional threats:

This leads to business loss, the destruction of personal relationships, and reputational consequences.

How does the Vanuatu passport solve these problems?

The expiration of a passport or the inability to renew it is not just a bureaucratic difficulty. It is a risk of losing legal status in another country, facing bank account freezes, losing the ability to conduct business and travel. For citizens of unstable states where embassies are not operational and renewing documents is practically impossible, such a situation becomes catastrophic. However, there is a solution – obtaining second citizenship through the Vanuatu program, which stands out for its simplicity, speed, and confidentiality.

One of the main advantages of the Vanuatu citizenship program is its speed. The process takes only 1–2 months, making it one of the fastest in the world. All stages, from submitting the application to receiving the passport, can be completed entirely remotely, without the need to visit Vanuatu. This is especially important for those whose passports are already expiring and who cannot afford to wait for many years, as in other programs. Thanks to this, the solution becomes accessible even in emergency situations.

The Vanuatu passport opens up wide opportunities for travel and business. Its holders can visit more than 95 countries without a visa. This facilitates international trips for work, study, and leisure, as well as enables free participation in business life.

Unlike many countries where obtaining a second citizenship is associated with bureaucratic risks and restrictions, Vanuatu guarantees complete confidentiality of the procedure: information about new citizens is not shared with third countries. In addition, the state officially recognizes dual citizenship, which allows retaining the first passport while enjoying the benefits of a Vanuatu passport. The country also does not have residency requirements or a language exam requirement.

Why exactly Vanuatu? Comparison with the programs of the Caribbean countries and the EU

Citizenship by investment programs are actively developing in many countries, offering investors new opportunities for freedom of movement and asset protection. Most often, clients choose the Caribbean region or the European Union, but Vanuatu remains one of the most attractive jurisdictions.

The main advantage of Vanuatu is speed: a passport can be obtained in just 1–2 months, and completely remotely. For comparison, in Caribbean countries, the process takes an average of 4–6 months, and in the EU (for example, in Malta) – from 12 months to several years.

The cost also plays an important role. In Vanuatu, the minimum contribution starts at approximately $130,000 for a single applicant. In the Caribbean region, prices are comparable and start from $130,000–$150,000, but often additional payments are required for family members and extra fees. European programs are significantly more expensive: in Malta, the total budget can exceed $750,000 and requires substantial investments in the economy.

The living conditions in Vanuatu are as simple as possible: no need to relocate or take exams. In Caribbean countries, the requirements are also lenient, although sometimes it is necessary to spend a few days in the territory. In the EU, the situation is more complicated: actual residence and integration into the country are required.

In terms of visa-free opportunities, Vanuatu falls behind the Caribbean and Europe but remains a worthy option. The passport opens doors to more than 95 countries Singapore, and Hong Kong. Caribbean passports provide access to up to 140 destinations, including the Schengen Zone, while an EU passport grants access to more than 180 countries worldwide.

The process of obtaining Vanuatu citizenship

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Stage 1. Initial consultation and candidate verification

Stage 1. Initial consultation and candidate verification

The first step is preliminary screening (KYC/AML check). A basic check of the applicant and their family members is conducted to identify whether they are on sanction lists or have criminal records. At this stage, lawyers assess the eligibility for participation in the program. The client receives approximate timelines and a calculation of all mandatory contributions and fees.

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Stage 2. Collection and preparation of documents

Stage 2. Collection and preparation of documents

The next step is the preparation of the document package: Foreign passports and birth certificates; Certificates of no criminal record from countries of residence; Confirmation of sources of income (bank statements, tax returns, corporate documents); Medical certificate and photographs. All documents must be translated into English and notarized.

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Stage 3. Submission of the application and preliminary approval

Stage 3. Submission of the application and preliminary approval

After preparation, the complete package of documents is sent to the Citizenship Commission of Vanuatu. Simultaneously, an in-depth check is conducted by the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU). If the authorities have no objections, a decision on preliminary approval (Approval in Principle) is issued.

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Stage 4. Payment of the state fee

Stage 4. Payment of the state fee

After receiving preliminary approval, the applicant must pay the established government fee to the Vanuatu Development Fund. The amount depends on the family composition: for a single applicant, the minimum threshold is about 130,000 USD, for a family of four – higher. Payment is made only officially through government accounts, which ensures transparency of the process.

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Stage 5. Citizen's Oath

Stage 5. Citizen’s Oath

After payment confirmation, the Oath of Allegiance is scheduled. It can be taken remotely in the presence of a representative of the Vanuatu government or an authorized notary. During the ceremony, a document of loyalty to the state is signed. This is a mandatory legal step to complete the process.

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Stage 6. Obtaining citizenship and a passport

Stage 6. Obtaining citizenship and a passport

After the oath, the applicant officially receives a Certificate of Citizenship. Based on it, a Vanuatu passport is issued. The documents are delivered directly to the applicant via courier service. With proper preparation of documents, the entire process takes from 1 to 2 months.

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Who is the Vanuatu citizenship by investment program suitable for?

The program is designed for affluent and law-abiding individuals willing to contribute to the country’s economy. The main categories of applicants:

Spouses and dependent children (up to 25 years old) can be included in the program, and in some cases, parents as well.

Main requirements for candidates:

Although the Vanuatu program is open to most citizens of the world, there are restrictions. As of today, residents of Iran, Iraq, North Korea, and Yemen face a special review process or restrictions. The reason lies in international sanctions and financial monitoring requirements.

However, this does not mean a complete prohibition: each case is considered individually. In a number of situations, exceptions are possible. For example, if a candidate has been living outside their country for a long time and has strong ties with another jurisdiction.

Get a consultation on Vanuatu citizenship right now

The Vanuatu Citizenship by Investment Program has become one of the most sought-after solutions for those seeking a fast and reliable way to obtain a second passport. However, to go through the process without mistakes and delays, it is important to have experienced legal support by your side. Our specialists assist clients at every stage: from preliminary assessment to receiving the finalized passport.

We conduct an initial KYC screening to determine if the program suits you and to identify potential risks in advance. Then, we prepare a complete set of documents, including translations and certifications, provide consultation on income source verification, and assist with financial transactions. At the application submission stage, we interact with the Vanuatu authorities, oversee the review process, and promptly address any arising issues.

Even if you fall into the category of applicants from restricted countries, we analyze your situation and offer an individual solution. Our lawyers also help include family members in the application to make the process as convenient and transparent as possible.

Legal regulation in the field of citizenship is constantly changing, and mistakes can be costly. Entrust this process to professionals. Contact us right now to get a consultation on Vanuatu citizenship and ensure freedom, security, and new opportunities for yourself and your family.

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