Message for U.S. Citizens: Travel Updates, Vanuatu Visit, and Overseas Voting Information
Greetings from the U.S. Embassy in Port Moresby! This message provides updates about traveling with expired U.S. passports; information about our upcoming Consular visit to Port Vila, Vanuatu; and overseas voting information.
EXPIRED PASSPORTS
During the unprecedented challenges resulting from the pandemic, the Departments of State and Homeland Security permitted U.S. citizens overseas to use an expired U.S. passport for direct travel back to the United States. That flexibility will end June 30, 2022. Beginning July 1, 2022, all U.S. citizens traveling to the United States must have a valid U.S. passport. If your passport has expired, please review our passport application instructions and make an appointment to renew your passport as soon as possible. If you reside in Solomon Islands, you can renew your passport at the Consular Agency in Honiara. If you reside in Vanuatu, you may wish to renew your passport during the Consular Officer’s upcoming visit, July 6-8, 2022. Otherwise, please email us for details about obtaining an Embassy-issued Travel Letter, which may facilitate your travel using an expired passport as an option of last resort.
CONSULAR VISIT TO VANUATU
Our Consular Officer will visit Port Vila, Vanuatu, July 6-8, 2022, to provide Consular services to U.S. citizens, including applying for and renewing passports and Consular Reports of Birth Abroad, notarizations, and other services. Visa services will not be available. Visit our website for more information.
OVERSEAS VOTING INFORMATION
In order to vote in the November 2022 elections, all overseas U.S. citizens need to have completed a Federal Post Card Application (FPCA) in 2022. Whether you are a first-time voter or have already received ballots and voted absentee in past elections, you must complete an FPCA each year to participate in elections as an overseas absentee voter. Learn more at the Federal Voting Assistance Program’s (FVAP) website, FVAP.gov. If you have any questions about registering to vote overseas, please refer to this information sheet and/or contact U.S. Embassy Port Moresby at ConsularPortMoresby@state.gov.