Papua New Guinea

Navigating Immigration Requirements for the Land of Diversity

Whether you're planning to explore the pristine coral reefs of Milne Bay, conduct business in Port Moresby's growing commercial sector, or pursue academic opportunities in this culturally rich nation, understanding Papua New Guinea's visa requirements is essential for your journey.

Papua New Guinea maintains a structured visa policy where visitors must obtain either a visa on arrival or an e-Visa to enter the country. All visitors must have a passport valid for at least 6 months. From 1 October 2025, all travelers to Papua New Guinea must complete and submit online a Digital Arrival Card, which is free of charge and should be submitted within 72 hours of arrival.

Key Traveler Categories Requiring Visas:

• Tourism and cultural exploration visitors for holidays, sightseeing, social or recreational reasons
• Business professionals conducting short-term business activities
• Academic researchers and students
• Employment visa holders for formal work arrangements

Citizens of eligible countries may obtain a visa on arrival valid for 60 days at Port Moresby International Airport. The Papua New Guinea e-Visa is an electronic travel authorization that allows visitors to enter PNG for tourism, business, or transit purposes. In most circumstances, visitor visas are issued for a single entry stay of sixty days from the date of arrival.

Located in the southwestern Pacific, Papua New Guinea offers unparalleled biodiversity and cultural experiences. Our comprehensive guide transforms complex immigration processes into clear, actionable strategies tailored to your specific travel objectives.

Most travelers require a visa to enter Papua New Guinea, with very limited exceptions. From 1 October 2025, all travelers to Papua New Guinea must complete and submit a Digital Arrival Card online, which is free of charge and should be submitted within 72 hours of arrival. Your visa requirements depend on your nationality, purpose of visit, and intended length of stay.

Visa-Free Entry

Papua New Guinea does not offer traditional visa-free entry for most nationalities. However, citizens from certain Pacific Island States and holders of APEC Business Travel Cards may qualify for special entry provisions. Holders of passports from all Pacific Island States are eligible for visa on arrival at all authorized ports of entry in Papua New Guinea, specifically Jacksons International Airport and Wutung land border post.

Holders of passports issued by countries participating in the APEC Business Travel Card (ABTC) scheme, where the card contains a PNG code on the reverse, can enter Papua New Guinea without a visa for business trips for up to 60 days.

Visa on Arrival

Visa on arrival (VoA) is available only to citizens of selected countries. As of March 2025, Papua New Guinea expanded its VoA program to approximately 28 countries. Confirmed eligible countries include Canada, the United Kingdom, the United Arab Emirates, Japan, Singapore, and various Pacific Island territories (including French Polynesia, Wallis and Futuna, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, and American Samoa). Citizens of countries not on the VoA list — including the United States — must apply for an e-visa in advance via the ICA portal at ica.gov.pg before departure. Always verify your nationality's current eligibility on the official ICA website prior to travel, as the list continues to evolve.

Eligible travelers may lodge a VoA application via the electronic visa portal prior to arrival, attracting a USD 50 online lodgement fee. VoA is issued for a single entry stay of 60 days from the date of arrival. Visas can also be obtained in advance online or at a Papua New Guinea Embassy or High Commission.

Passport Requirements

All visitors must present:

• Passport valid for at least 6 months after the date you arrive
• At least one blank page for visa stamps
• Evidence of an onward flight ticket, which you may need to show
• Sufficient funds for the duration of stay

Special Considerations

Transit passengers with a layover of under 7 hours do not require a visa. Transits exceeding 7 hours require a valid visa; applying online for a visitor visa in advance is recommended.

Nationals of China, Indonesia and Japan holding diplomatic or official passports may obtain a visa on arrival, valid for a maximum stay of 30 days. You must have a certificate to prove you have had a yellow fever vaccination if you are coming from a country listed as a transmission risk.

Business travelers and those seeking longer stays should apply for appropriate visas through Papua New Guinea diplomatic missions before travel. Tourist visas can be extended. Always verify current visa requirements through official Papua New Guinea immigration authorities, as policies can change.

Papua New Guinea offers various visa categories designed to accommodate different travel purposes and durations. Understanding the specific requirements and conditions for each visa type ensures proper application submission and successful approval.

Tourist and Visitor Visas

Visitor Visa permits a single entry stay of 60 days from the date of arrival, accommodating tourism, leisure travel, sightseeing, and family visits. Eligible nationals may obtain a visa on arrival valid for 60 days at Port Moresby International Airport. E-visas require a 50 USD online lodgment fee, are valid for 6 months, allow single entry, and permit stays up to 60 days. Tourist visas can be extended. Both options require confirmed accommodation, return tickets, and sufficient financial means. All visitors must have a passport valid for at least 6 months.

Business Visa Categories

The Business Short Term Multiple Entry visa is for individuals who intend to visit Papua New Guinea for short-term business activities, valid for twelve months with a period of sixty days from the date of arrival. Short-term business visas cover meetings, conferences, commercial negotiations, and market research. Single Entry Business and Restricted Employment Visa are not extendable. Requirements include:

• Business invitation letter from PNG company
• Company registration documents
• Financial guarantee statements

Employment and Work Visas

Non-citizens who intend to work in Papua New Guinea in the private sector must possess a valid Work Permit, regulated and issued by the Papua New Guinea Immigration and Citizenship Authority. The Working Resident Visa validity period ranges from one year to a maximum of a three-year term. Restricted Employment Visa is for non-nationals with specialized or technical skills not available in the country. Work permits take approximately 4-6 weeks to process. Employment authorization from the Department of Labour and Industrial Relations is required prior to visa issuance.

Academic and Student Visas

Student Visa requires enrollment confirmation from recognized PNG educational institutions. Students who meet entry requirements can apply under specific categories, with applications submitted manually for those who wish to study in PNG or teach in a PNG institution. Research Visa supports academic collaboration and fieldwork activities. Both categories mandate educational credentials verification and financial capacity demonstration.

Transit and Special Categories

Transit Visa allows 24-72 hour stopovers for continuing international travel. Diplomatic and Official Visas serve government representatives and international organization staff. Family Reunion Visa is for individuals visiting husbands, wives, or other family members. Holders of passports from countries with an APEC Business Travel Card containing a PNG code can enter Papua New Guinea without a visa for business trips for up to 60 days.

Validity and Extensions

Most visas permit single or multiple entries within validity periods. Extensions are only issued to people currently in Papua New Guinea and cannot be granted while a person is outside the country. There is no period of grace in relation to extensions. Extensions are processed through PNG Immigration offices with proper justification and supporting documents. Processing fees vary by visa type and nationality, with all migration fees charged in United States Dollars.

Processing Times by Visa Type

Tourist Visa: 5-10 business days for standard e-visa processing, with expedited approval possible within 24-48 hours when all documentation is provided correctly and urgent travel needs are demonstrated.

Business Visa: Typically processed within a few days for e-visa applications. Embassy-processed visas take approximately 4 working days when lodged in person, or up to 7 working days by post.

Work Permit: 6-10 weeks total processing time from initial work permit application through final visa approval. Work permit approval typically takes 4-6 weeks, followed by an additional 2-4 weeks for visa processing. Complex applications may experience further delays during high-volume periods.

Current Fee Structure

• Easy Visitor Permit and Tourist e-Visa: USD 50 online lodgement fee
• Tourist e-Visa Single Entry: Approximately USD 100
• Tourist e-Visa Multiple Entry: Approximately USD 150
• Business Visa: USD 50 online lodgement fee plus applicable Migration Service Fees
• Work Visa: PGK 1,000-3,000 (approximately USD 270-800) depending on duration and visa type, plus work permit processing fees
• Expedited Processing: Available for urgent cases with additional fees and faster turnaround times

Application Locations & Methods

Applications can be processed through Papua New Guinea diplomatic missions worldwide. All visitors must now apply for an e-visa through the official Immigration and Citizenship Authority portal. Applicants may also apply for visas at PNG diplomatic missions. For employment and special exemption visas, once approved in Papua New Guinea, the visa is transmitted to the relevant diplomatic mission for final processing before issuance.

Peak Processing Periods

Processing can take longer than anticipated during peak periods or when additional documentation is requested. Delays may occur due to incomplete documentation, public holidays, or high application volumes. Expect extended processing times during December-February holiday season and major cultural festivals. Allow additional 5-7 business days during these periods and apply at least 3-4 weeks before your planned departure.

Essential Documentation

• Valid passport with at least 6 months validity
• Completed visa application form
• Recent passport photographs
• Proof of accommodation in Papua New Guinea
• Return flight confirmation
• Financial evidence demonstrating ability to support your stay
• Health declaration form for supplementary health information

Payment & Extensions

All visa fees are charged in United States Dollars (USD) and can be paid via the online payment gateway available on the Immigration and Citizenship Authority website. Visitor visas are typically valid for single entry stays of 60 days from date of arrival. Tourist visas can be extended, with extension applications processed through the PNG Immigration and Citizenship Authority while you are in the country.

Step 1: Identify Your Visa Category

Determine the appropriate visa type based on your travel purpose: tourist, business, work, or transit. Review duration requirements and entry permissions to select the correct category before proceeding.

Step 2: Document Collection and Preparation

Gather essential documents including:

• Valid passport with minimum 6 months validity from date of arrival
• Recent passport photographs meeting specification requirements
• Completed application forms with accurate information
• Financial evidence demonstrating sufficient funds for your stay
• Travel itinerary details and proof of onward or return ticket
• Supporting documents specific to your visa category (invitation letters for business, accommodation proof for tourist visas)

Step 3: Register on the Electronic Visa Portal

Papua New Guinea operates an electronic visa portal managed by the Immigration and Citizenship Authority (ICA). Register by providing an email address and confirming it is correct. Travelers eligible for visa on arrival may lodge an application via the electronic visa portal.

Step 4: Complete Online Application Form

Enter all required application details accurately. Ensure all information matches your passport exactly and supporting documents. Double-check dates, names, and passport numbers to avoid processing delays or rejections.

Step 5: Upload Supporting Documents

Upload digital copies of all required documents through the portal. Required documents may include a completed application form, a valid passport with at least six months of validity, passport-sized photographs, a return or onward ticket, proof of accommodation, and evidence of sufficient funds to support your stay.

Step 6: Pay Visa Fees Online

Pay the 50 USD online lodgement fee through the portal. Applications lodged via the e-Visa portal will attract a fee of US$50. Retain payment confirmation as proof of transaction for your records.

Step 7: Submit Application and Await Processing

Within 3-7 business days, Papua New Guinea approval eVisa will be sent to your provided email in attached PDF format. Processing time typically ranges from a few days to one week, depending on individual circumstances. Apply at least 3-4 weeks before your planned departure date to allow for potential delays.

Step 8: Receive and Print Your Visa

Once approved, download your electronic visa from the email attachment. Upon arrival in PNG, you will have to present your passport along with your printed e-Visa and all the documents you submitted with your application. Keep both printed and digital copies accessible during travel.

Step 9: Complete Digital Arrival Card

From 1 October 2025 all travelers to Papua New Guinea must complete and submit online a Digital Arrival Card. This is free of charge and should be submitted within 72 hours of arrival.

From 1 October 2025, all travelers arriving in Papua New Guinea by air must complete the Papua New Guinea Digital Arrival Card (PNGDAC) before arrival. Administered by the Immigration and Citizenship Authority (ICA), the PNGDAC is a mandatory online form that replaces the traditional paper-based incoming passenger card at Jacksons International Airport, Port Moresby, and other designated air ports of entry. The system is designed to streamline border processing and strengthen border management.

Who Must Complete the PNGDAC?

All travelers — regardless of nationality, visa type, or length of stay — must submit a PNGDAC when arriving in Papua New Guinea by air. This requirement applies equally to tourists, business visitors, diplomats, returning residents, and transit passengers arriving through air entry points. There are no nationality-based exemptions.

How to Submit

• Access the official PNGDAC portal at pngdac.ica.gov.pg.
• Complete the form online; submission is free of charge.
• Submit up to 72 hours before your scheduled arrival in Papua New Guinea.
• Retain the confirmation reference number or confirmation page provided after successful submission.
• Present your PNGDAC confirmation — printed or on a mobile device — to immigration officers at the port of entry.

What the PNGDAC Covers

The PNGDAC collects the information previously recorded on the paper arrival card, including personal details, passport information, flight details, accommodation address in Papua New Guinea, and health and customs declarations. The form must be completed once per journey and applies to each individual traveler, including minors.

Key Points for Travelers

• The PNGDAC is completely free of charge.
• It is separate from — and in addition to — any visa or e-visa requirement. A valid entry permit remains mandatory for all foreign nationals.
• Completing the PNGDAC does not grant entry permission to Papua New Guinea.
• Airlines may request PNGDAC confirmation at check-in prior to boarding.
• Failure to submit before arrival may result in delays at the immigration checkpoint.