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:
Vanuatu Courts
Mr. John Obed Ailee
Supreme Court Chief Registrar
Courthouse in Port Vila
Joint Court Area
Private Mail Bag 9041
Port Vila, Vanuatu
Tel: (678) 22420 / 26715
Email: joalilee@vanuatu.gov.vu
