Papua New Guinea:Visa Requirements and Entry Rules for Visitors
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Papua New Guinea:Visa Requirement Map
Explore which nationalities need a visa to enter this country and which can enter visa-free.
Papua New Guinea: Visa and entry documents and requirements
Visa requirements may change. Always verify the latest information through official government sources.
E-Visa Application Requirements
- E-visa applications must be made only through the official electronic visa portal of the Papua New Guinea Immigration and Citizenship Authority. The applicant must create an account on the portal, select the visa class appropriate to the purpose of travel, complete the online form, upload the required documents, and pay the required fee electronically. The visa types offered in the electronic system vary according to tourism, visiting relatives, sports, journalism, short-term business, special exemption, entertainment activities, limited work, and some work or residence purposes.
- The passport must be valid for at least six months from the intended date of travel. A copy of the passport's biographical data page containing personal information and photograph must be submitted.
- Applicants for tourism, independent travel, or visiting friends are required to submit an applicant's request letter, the passport biographical data page, and a travel itinerary showing the return or onward travel ticket. The applicant must also demonstrate that they have sufficient financial means to cover their expenses in the country.
- Those traveling with a tour package are required to submit a request letter from a tour operator or sponsor registered with the Papua New Guinea Tourism Promotion Authority and Investment Promotion Authority, passport biographical data page, and a travel itinerary showing the return or onward ticket.
- For visiting relatives applications, the applicant's request letter, passport biographical data page, travel itinerary showing return or onward ticket, and financial capability assurance must be submitted. For visa types based on sponsorship by a sponsor, event organizer, business partner, or another institution in the country, a sponsorship or invitation letter is additionally required. The content of the letter and sponsor documents vary according to the selected visa class.
- Bank statements are not published as an absolute requirement for all visitor applications. If deemed necessary by the competent authority, personal bank statements may be requested. The requested statement may need to be original and bear the bank's stamp and signature on each page.
- Availability of accommodation, absence of adverse security records, good character, and being physically and mentally healthy are among the general entry conditions.
- Depending on the purpose of travel and duration of stay, the applicant may be required to provide a medical report or a police clearance certificate from local police authorities. If there is a criminal record or ongoing criminal prosecution, this must be stated in the application.
- The application form must include personal information, nationality, passport details, occupation, travel dates, flight or vessel information, entry and exit points, address in Papua New Guinea, emergency contact person, purpose of travel, intended duration of stay, and how expenses will be covered. Accurate declarations must be made regarding previous visits, other passports, name changes, criminal convictions, deportation or entry refusal, and relevant health conditions.
- In cases where a paper application form is used, a separate form must be completed for each independent passport holder. The application for a child under sixteen must be signed by both parents. The form must be signed and dated by the applicant, parent, or legal guardian.
- No general requirement mandating the submission of the applicant's national identity card has been published.
- Additional certification may be requested depending on the type of document, purpose of application, and the diplomatic mission processing the application.
- The basic immigration service fee for visitor, independent tourist, tour package, and visiting relative visas is shown as zero in the published tariff. For these applications made through the electronic portal, a USD 50 online application fee applies. For journalist, athlete, business, work, education, or special purpose visas, an additional immigration service fee for the selected class is charged. The exact total amount varies according to the selected visa class.
- Fees can be paid by credit card or Visa debit card via the online payment system or EFTPOS. American Express is not accepted and cash payments are not made. If the application is refused, the fee paid is not refunded.
- The published standard processing time is 10 business days if all conditions are met. Although some eligible e-visas may be issued in a very short time, this period is not guaranteed. For categories other than permanent residency and status change, a priority processing service of 24–48 hours may be available for an additional fee of USD 2,000.
- The visitor visa is issued in most cases for a single-entry stay of 60 days starting from the date of arrival in the country. In the Easy Visitor Permit classes, single-entry options of 30 and 60 days exist. The exact validity and duration of stay are determined according to the applicant's circumstances and the issued visa document.
- The issued entry permit must be used for first entry within six months from the date of issuance. If the country is not entered within this period, the permit becomes invalid and a new application must be made.
- The travel purpose of the e-visa holder is limited to the activities permitted by the visa. Paid or unpaid work cannot be carried out with a tourist or visitor visa. Passengers traveling for work purposes must obtain the appropriate work permit and work visa before travel.
- An approved visa does not confer an unconditional right of entry to the country. The competent authority may request additional documents, proof of financial means, travel itinerary, health certificate, police certificate, or an explanation supporting the purpose of the application, either at application or at border control. Violation of entry permit conditions, insufficient financial means, security risk, dangerous disease, or false information may result in visa cancellation or refusal of entry.
- All passengers entering the country via Jacksons International Airport, including children and infants, must complete the Papua New Guinea Digital Arrival Card. The card must be submitted within 72 hours prior to arrival, including the date of arrival. The form requires passport details, flight number, date of arrival, address in Papua New Guinea, purpose of travel, health declaration, declaration of goods and prohibited items, and the email address to which the confirmation will be sent. Information must be filled in English.
- The Digital Arrival Card confirmation must be presented to the border officer together with the passport. Printing the confirmation is not mandatory; the downloaded confirmation on a phone or other device may be shown. Passengers without internet access can complete the form at kiosks at Jacksons International Airport. The Digital Arrival Card is free of charge and does not replace a visa.
Visa on Arrival Requirements
- Visa on arrival is available only to passport holders included in the current eligibility scope of the Immigration and Citizenship Authority. Eligibility varies by nationality and, in some cases, by diplomatic, official, service, or special passport type. The passenger must check their current status on the official visa on arrival list before travel.
- The passport must be valid for at least six months from the intended date of travel.
- The visa on arrival can be used for tourism, vacation, sightseeing, social or entertainment visits, and visiting friends or relatives. Paid or unpaid work cannot be carried out. For business, work, education, journalism, film production, or other special activities, an appropriate visa must be obtained in advance according to the purpose of travel.
- The passenger may be required to provide a return or onward ticket, travel itinerary, and proof of financial means to cover expenses in the country. The passenger must have entry authorization to the next country.
- Nevertheless, availability of accommodation is among the general entry conditions.
- The exact duration of stay of the visitor permit issued on arrival may vary according to the permit class applicable to the passport holder and the decision of the border officer. In the Easy Visitor Permit classes, single-entry stay options of 30 or 60 days exist.
- The visa on arrival service is available only at authorized entry points. Current official visa on arrival announcements specifically mention Jacksons International Airport and the Wutung land border crossing. Availability at other entry points may vary according to the passenger's eligibility group and applicable regulations.
- Papua New Guinea's generally designated international entry points are Jacksons International Airport, Daru, Wutung, and Kagamuga Airport in Mount Hagen. A visitor or business traveler wishing to enter through another point must have a valid entry permit in advance.
- Visa on arrival passengers entering through Jacksons International Airport must complete the Digital Arrival Card within 72 hours before arrival. Separate registration is also required for children and infants. The confirmation may be shown electronically; a printout is not mandatory.
- Issuance of visa on arrival is subject to the assessment of the border officer. The officer may request a return ticket, travel itinerary, accommodation address, financial sufficiency, or other documents supporting the purpose of travel. Being on the eligibility list alone does not confer an unconditional right of entry.
Consular Visa Application Requirements
- Persons who cannot benefit from the electronic visa or visa on arrival scope or who need to use the paper application route may submit their applications to a Papua New Guinea diplomatic mission or consular authority before travel. Applications may also be sent in PDF format to the official new entry application email address for forwarding to the relevant diplomatic mission.
- The applicant must complete and sign the Entry Permit Application Form fully. A separate form is required for each person traveling on their own passport. For a child under sixteen, both parents must sign the form.
- The form must include purpose of travel, requested duration of stay, personal information, nationality, birth details, marital status, occupation, passport number, passport issue and expiry dates, entry and exit dates, flight or vessel information, residential address, address in Papua New Guinea, and emergency contact person. How expenses will be covered by salary, personal funds, company sponsorship, or family support must be explained.
- The applicant must correctly declare their previous Papua New Guinea travels, other names and passports used, criminal charges or convictions, deportation or entry refusal history, and conditions that may pose a risk to public health. The form must be signed to confirm that the information is true and complete.
- The passport must be valid for at least six months from the intended date of travel. A copy of the passport's biographical data page must be submitted.
- For tourism or visit applications, the applicant's request letter, travel itinerary showing return or onward ticket, and proof of financial means must be submitted. For tour package travel, a letter from a registered tour operator or sponsor is required. For visiting relatives, business, sports, journalism, film, research, education, volunteering, or work purposes, additional sponsor, invitation, employer, acceptance, or official institution approval letters appropriate to the purpose of travel are required.
- The paper application form includes a photograph space.
- Availability of accommodation and the passenger's ability to cover expenses in the country are required. No standard hotel reservation, bank statement period, or fixed minimum balance has been published for all applications. If the competent authority requests a bank statement, the original document with bank stamp and signature on each page may be required.
- A medical report and police certificate may be required depending on the purpose of the visa and duration of stay. For work and some long-term categories, additional documents such as health, chest X-ray, HIV test, police certificate, and work permit apply. These documents are not universal for all short-term visitor applications.
- For children, a separate application must be made for each independent passport holder. The form for those under sixteen is signed by both parents. In applications based on family relationship or dependent status, birth certificate, marriage certificate, and a copy of the main visa holder's passport or visa may be required.
- The diplomatic mission applied to may request additional certification based on the country of document issuance and document type.
- Application fees vary according to the selected visa class. The basic fee for visitor, independent tourist, tour package, and visiting relative classes is zero in the published tariff. For journalist, business, education, work, entertainment, and special purpose visas, the relevant immigration service fee is charged. Diplomatic missions do not accept cash; the fee must be paid via the online payment system and the receipt attached to the application.
- The standard processing time is 10 business days once all requirements are completed. Additional review, health or security checks, sponsor verification, and requests for missing documents may extend the time.
- The visa or entry permit must be used for first entry within six months after the date of issuance. Visitor visas are issued in most cases for a single-entry stay of 60 days; the exact validity, number of entries, and duration of stay are indicated on the issued document.
- If entering through Jacksons International Airport, the Digital Arrival Card must be completed within 72 hours before arrival and the confirmation must be shown to the border officer together with the passport. A printout is not mandatory.