Vanuatu has no embassy in Washington. Its only representation in the United States is the Permanent Mission to the United Nations in New York, on Third Avenue near Grand Central, open Monday to Friday by appointment. It is a diplomatic mission, not a consulate, so ask what it can actually do before relying on it.
Quick facts
In practice, passports are issued in Port Vila, and a citizen abroad usually works through a relative there or handles it during a visit home. English being official means no translation is needed, which helps.
Where things are handled
| Need | Where | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Passport | Port Vila | Ask the mission whether it can assist |
| Emergency travel document | Ask the UN mission | Capacity is limited |
| Visa for Vanuatu | Mostly not needed | See the visa page |
| Civil certificates | Port Vila | Through a relative |
| Documents for use at home | Legalisation chain | Confirm the route first |
Vanuatu also maintains honorary consuls in some countries. Confirm what any of them can do rather than assuming a full consular service.
How to proceed
- Contact the Permanent Mission in New York and ask precisely what it handles.
- Arrange an appointment, since it does not take walk-ins.
- Establish whether a relative in Port Vila can act for you.
- Gather your existing passport and evidence of citizenship.
- Confirm any fee and how it must be paid.
- Allow considerably more time than for a country with a resident consulate.
Documents to have ready
- Current or most recent Vanuatu passport.
- Birth certificate or other evidence of citizenship.
- Proof of your status in the United States.
- Photographs, in case they are requested.
- Contact details for a relative in Vanuatu.
- Police report where a passport was lost.
Where to enquire
At the Permanent Mission of Vanuatu to the United Nations, on Third Avenue in New York.
Additional notes
A UN mission is not a consulate
Its purpose is representation at the United Nations. Some missions help nationals in practice; none are obliged to.
Appointment only
Turning up unannounced at a small mission will not work.
English helps
English is official alongside Bislama and French, so no translation is needed in either direction.
Plan around Port Vila
For most document needs, the realistic route runs through Vanuatu itself.