Vanuatu Passport Rejected as ID for Collecting Starlink Kits

In Port Vila, Vanuatu, when collecting Starlink equipment from customs and DHL, Vanuatu passports are not accepted as valid proof of identity. This situation has caused inconvenience for local residents and sparked discussions about identity verification policies.

Tony Deamer, head of Unity Airlines, revealed to the Daily Post that he personally experienced this issue. Despite presenting his Vanuatu passport to DHL staff to collect his Starlink dish, he was informed that customs did not recognize the passport as valid identification for this process. He was required to present either a Vanuatu National ID card or a business ID.

Mr. Deamer stated, "It's astonishing that foreign citizens can use their passports to collect packages. Russian passports and Canadian passports were both accepted for collecting Starlink dishes from DHL in Vanuatu. I've used my passport for years, and it's sad to see my Vanuatu passport rejected. It's disappointing that my own country's passport is insufficient for this purpose, while foreign passports are accepted."

When contacted by the Daily Post, DHL explained that this restriction is enforced based on regulations from the Telecommunications, Radiocommunications and Broadcasting Regulator (TRBR) and the customs department. According to TRBR, both DHL and customs are responsible for processing import permits so customers can collect their Starlink equipment, and a Tax Identification Number (TIN) is required to register for the permit. TRBR also stated that customs requires a valid ID to generate the TIN.

The customs department has been contacted to verify the value of passports and National ID cards but has not yet responded. However, a source within the customs department, consistent with TRBR's statement, said the requirement for a National ID card rather than a passport when collecting Starlink equipment and other devices in Vanuatu is likely due to the need for a TIN to register for the permit. The source added that the National ID card is directly linked to a local database, making it easier for authorities or distributors to verify an individual's identity and residency. As the National ID card proves local residency, it ensures devices are distributed to people actually living in the country, while a passport only indicates citizenship.

Tony Deamer’s experience highlights the inconsistency in identity verification policies, where foreign passports are accepted for collecting Starlink equipment while local passports are deemed insufficient. The National ID card's link to local systems and residency verification, as well as the need for a TIN, are considered key reasons for its requirement. This raises further consideration and calls for improvements to Vanuatu's identity verification policies.