Amending short-stay visas regulation (EU) 2018/1806) as regards Vanuatu

This law suspends the visa-free travel arrangement between the European Union and Vanuatu. This action is taken because Vanuatu's citizenship by investment programs have raised serious security concerns for the EU. The decision directly affects nationals of Vanuatu, who will now require a visa to enter the EU for short stays. It also impacts individuals who have obtained or may seek to obtain Vanuatu citizenship through investment programs. Previously, Vanuatu nationals could travel to the EU visa-free for up to 90 days. The new regulation removes this exemption due to concerns about the integrity of Vanuatu's citizenship programs, including insufficient background checks and a low rejection rate for applicants. The suspension of visa-free travel for Vanuatu nationals was fully implemented in February 2023 and this legislative act formalizes that measure. The EU has stated this decision is proportionate and justified by Vanuatu's inadequate cooperation in addressing security concerns.