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U.S. DEPARTMENT of STATE — BUREAU of CONSULAR AFFAIRS
Travel.State.Gov > Intercountry Adoption > Country Information > Vanuatu Intercountry Adoption Information

Intercountry Adoption

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Country Information

Travel.State.Gov > Intercountry Adoption > Country Information > Vanuatu Intercountry Adoption Information

Vanuatu

Vanuatu
Republic of Vanuatu
Exercise normal precautions in Vanuatu.

Updated to a Level 3 due to infrastructure damage from an earthquake.

The U.S. Department of State advises U.S. citizens to reconsider travel to Vanuatu following the December 17, 2024, earthquake, which caused significant damage to local infrastructure. The U.S. government’s ability to provide emergency assistance to U.S. citizens in Vanuatu is limited, and departure options have been disrupted. Within Vanuatu, numerous buildings sustained severe damage, and curfews are in effect in some areas.  

Read the country information page for additional information on travel to Vanuatu. 

If you decide to travel to Vanuatu: 

  • Postpone non-essential travel until conditions stabilize. 
  • Monitor local reports and updates from the Vanuatu government and follow all instructions from local authorities. 
  • Prepare for disruptions by ensuring you have sufficient supplies of water, food, and medications, as resources are limited. 
  • Keep travel documents up to date and easily accessible. 
  • Have evacuation plans that do not rely on U.S. government assistance. 
  • Make back up plans to leave the country. 
  • Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
  • Follow the Department of State on Facebook and X/Twitter.
  • Review the Country Security Report for Vanuatu.
  • Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel.
  • Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler’s Checklist.   
... [READ MORE]

Hague Convention Participation

Hague Adoption Convention Country?
No
ALL / ALL /

Hague Convention Information

Vanuatu is not party to the Hague Convention on Protection of Children and Co-operation in Respect of Intercountry Adoption (Hague Adoption Convention).  Intercountry adoptions of children from non-Hague countries are processed in accordance with 8 Code of Federal Regulations, Section  204.3 as it relates to orphans as defined under the Immigration and Nationality Act, Section 101(b)(1)(F).

Following is the limited adoption information that the Department has obtained from the adoption authority of Vanuatu, the Courthouse in Port Vila.  U.S. citizens interested in adopting children from Vanuatu should contact the Courthouse in Port Vila to inquire about applicable laws and procedures.  There are no U.S. adoption service providers authorized by the Government of Vanuatu to provide adoption services in Vanuatu.  As of July 14, 2014, federal Hague accreditation standards apply to adoption service providers performing services in non-Hague intercountry adoptions.  For more information see our information on the Intercountry Adoption Universal Accreditation Act.

U.S. citizen prospective adoptive parents living in Vanuatu who would like to adopt a child from the United States or from a third country should also contact the Courthouse in Port Vila.  See contact information below.

The U.S. Embassy in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea provides services to U.S. citizens in Vanuatu and adjudicates non-immigrant and immigrant visas for Vanuatu. 

Please visit the Department of State’s Country Specific Information for more information on travelling to Vanuatu and the U.S. Embassy in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea’s website for information on consular services and visas.

VANUATU’S ADOPTION AUTHORITY:

Joel Shemi
Chief Supreme Court Registrar
Supreme Court of Vanuatu
PMB 041
Port Vila, Shefa
Vanuatu
Ph: +678 26715
Email: jshemi@vanuatu.gov.vu

U.S. Immigration Requirements

To bring an adopted child to the United States from Vanuatu, you must meet certain suitability and eligibility requirements. USCIS determines who is suitable and eligible to adopt a child from another country and bring that child to live in the United States under U.S. immigration law.

Additionally, a child must meet the definition of an orphan under U.S. immigration law in order to be eligible to immigrate to the United States with an IR-3 or IR-4 immigrant visa.

Last Updated: September 7, 2022

Assistance for U.S. Citizens

U.S. Embassy Port Moresby
Harbour City Road, Konedobu
Port Moresby, NCD, 121
Papua New Guinea
Telephone
+(675) 308-9100
Emergency
+(675) 7200-9439
Fax
+(675) 321-1593
Email
ConsularPortMoresby@state.gov
Website
https://pg.usembassy.gov/

Vanuatu Map

View Larger Map

Adoption Statistics

Adoptions from Vanuatu to U.S. by Year:
SEE ALL STATISTICS
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