Papua New Guinea Entry Requirements

Visa, immigration, and customs information

Papua New Guinea (PNG) is a diverse and culturally rich destination in the southwestern Pacific. Entry requirements vary depending on nationality, purpose of visit, and length of stay. Most visitors can obtain a visa on arrival or apply for an electronic visa (eVisa) prior to travel, though some nationalities require advance visa applications through PNG diplomatic missions. The main international gateway is Jacksons International Airport in Port Moresby, with other entry points including Mount Hagen and Tokua (Rabaul). Immigration procedures are generally straightforward, but travelers should ensure all documentation is in order before departure. Papua New Guinea takes border security seriously, and incomplete documentation can result in denied entry or significant delays. Visitors should be prepared for thorough customs and immigration checks upon arrival. It's essential to have proof of onward travel, sufficient funds for your stay, and accommodation arrangements confirmed. Health requirements, including vaccination certificates, may be checked at entry points. Given that PNG is a developing nation with limited infrastructure in some areas, proper preparation and documentation are crucial for a smooth entry experience.

Visa Requirements

Entry permissions vary by nationality. Find your category below.

Papua New Guinea offers several visa options depending on nationality and purpose of visit. Most travelers can obtain a visa on arrival or apply for an eVisa online before travel. Tourist visas are typically valid for 60 days.

Visa on Arrival

60 days

Citizens of eligible countries can obtain a tourist visa upon arrival at designated entry points

Includes

Visa on arrival is available at Jacksons International Airport (Port Moresby), Mount Hagen, and other designated ports of entry. Visitors must have a valid passport (minimum 6 months validity), proof of onward/return travel, and sufficient funds. Fee payable in cash (USD or PGK) upon arrival.

Electronic Visa (eVisa)

60 days (tourist), can be extended

Online visa application system available for tourist and business visits

Includes

Available to most nationalities eligible for visa on arrival Recommended for advance planning and to avoid queues

How to Apply: Apply online through PNG Immigration & Citizenship Service website at least 5-7 business days before travel. Processing typically takes 3-5 business days. Requires passport scan, photo, travel itinerary, and accommodation details.
Cost: Approximately 50 USD (tourist visa). Fees vary by visa type and are subject to change.

eVisa is recommended over visa on arrival to ensure smoother entry and avoid potential delays. Print the approval and carry it with your passport. Business visas require invitation letter from PNG sponsor.

Visa Required (Embassy/Consulate)

Varies by visa type, typically 30-60 days for tourist visas

Some nationalities must apply for visa in advance through PNG diplomatic missions

How to Apply: Contact the nearest Papua New Guinea embassy, high commission, or consulate. Application requires completed forms, passport photos, travel itinerary, bank statements, and accommodation proof. Processing can take 2-4 weeks.

Required for nationalities not eligible for visa on arrival or eVisa, including citizens of some African, Middle Eastern, and Asian countries. Work permits and long-term visas require separate applications with additional documentation and sponsorship.

Arrival Process

Upon arrival in Papua New Guinea, travelers will proceed through immigration and customs checkpoints. The process is generally straightforward but can take time during peak arrival periods. Having all documents ready and properly completed will expedite your entry.

Arrival Card Completion

Complete the arrival/departure card distributed on the flight or available at the airport. Fill in all sections accurately including your accommodation address in PNG and purpose of visit.

Immigration Queue

Proceed to the immigration counters. Foreign nationals should use the designated 'Visitors' or 'Non-Residents' lanes. Have your passport, visa (if obtained in advance), arrival card, and return ticket ready.

Immigration Interview

Present your documents to the immigration officer. They may ask questions about your visit, verify your accommodation, and check your onward travel arrangements. Your passport will be stamped with entry date and permitted stay duration.

Visa on Arrival Payment (if applicable)

If obtaining visa on arrival, you'll be directed to the payment counter. Pay the visa fee in cash (USD or Papua New Guinea Kina). Keep the receipt as proof of payment.

Baggage Claim

Collect your luggage from the designated carousel. Report any missing or damaged baggage immediately to the airline representative.

Customs Declaration

Complete a customs declaration form if you have items to declare. Proceed through the appropriate customs channel (red for goods to declare, green for nothing to declare).

Customs Inspection

Your luggage may be inspected by customs officers. Be prepared to open bags if requested. Declare all restricted items, currency over the threshold, and commercial goods.

Exit to Arrivals Hall

After clearing customs, exit to the public arrivals area where you can arrange transportation or meet your host.

Documents to Have Ready

Valid Passport

Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended stay in PNG. Ensure you have blank pages for stamps.

Visa or Visa Approval

eVisa approval letter (printed), visa sticker in passport, or sufficient funds for visa on arrival fee (approximately 50 USD).

Return or Onward Ticket

Proof of departure from PNG within your authorized stay period. Can be flight confirmation or e-ticket.

Accommodation Confirmation

Hotel booking, invitation letter from host, or address where you'll be staying. Immigration officers often ask for specific addresses.

Proof of Sufficient Funds

Bank statements, credit cards, or cash to demonstrate you can support yourself during your stay. While not always checked, be prepared to show evidence.

Yellow Fever Certificate

Required if arriving from or transiting through yellow fever endemic countries. Must be the official International Certificate of Vaccination.

Completed Arrival/Departure Card

Distributed on flight or available at immigration. Keep the departure portion with your passport.

Tips for Smooth Entry

Arrive with cash in USD or Australian Dollars for visa on arrival fees and initial expenses, as ATMs may not always be accessible or functional immediately upon arrival.

Have printed copies of all important documents (visa approval, hotel bookings, return tickets) as internet access may be limited and officials prefer physical copies.

Be patient during the immigration process, especially if arriving on international flights from Australia or Asia when queues can be long.

Dress modestly and professionally when arriving, as first impressions matter and PNG has conservative dress standards in official settings.

Keep your departure card safe throughout your stay as you'll need to present it when leaving PNG. Many travelers attach it to their passport.

Exchange some currency at the airport if arriving outside banking hours, though rates may be less favorable than in town.

Pre-arrange airport pickup if possible, especially if arriving in Port Moresby at night, as security can be a concern for unfamiliar travelers.

Be honest and straightforward in your responses to immigration officers. Inconsistencies can lead to additional questioning and delays.

Customs & Duty-Free

Papua New Guinea customs regulations are designed to protect the country's unique biodiversity, cultural heritage, and public health. All travelers must declare items that exceed duty-free allowances, restricted goods, and prohibited items. Customs officers have the authority to inspect all luggage, and penalties for non-declaration can be severe.

Alcohol

2 liters of spirits or wine, or 2.25 liters of beer

Only for travelers 18 years and older. Alcohol must be for personal consumption, not for sale or commercial purposes.

Tobacco

200 cigarettes or 250 grams of tobacco products

Only for travelers 18 years and older. Excess quantities may be subject to duty or confiscation.

Currency

10,000 Papua New Guinea Kina (PGK) or equivalent in foreign currency

Amounts exceeding this threshold must be declared on arrival and departure. Failure to declare can result in confiscation and penalties.

Gifts/Goods

Personal effects and goods up to 1,000 PGK in value

New items, gifts, or commercial goods exceeding this value are subject to customs duty. Keep receipts for expensive items.

Prohibited Items

Illegal drugs and narcotics -严格 penalties including imprisonment
Firearms and ammunition - without proper permits and licenses
Pornographic materials - including magazines, videos, and digital content
Counterfeit goods - including fake currency, branded items, and pirated media
Endangered species products - items made from protected animals or plants (CITES regulations apply)
Fresh fruits and vegetables - to prevent introduction of pests and diseases
Meat and dairy products - unless properly declared and with health certificates
Live animals and plants - without proper quarantine permits
Culturally significant artifacts - PNG cultural property cannot be exported without authorization
Certain chemicals and hazardous materials - restricted for safety and environmental reasons

Restricted Items

Prescription medications - must be accompanied by doctor's prescription and in original packaging. Declare all medications at customs.
Professional camera/video equipment - may require temporary import permit. Declare to avoid issues on departure.
Drones and radio equipment - require permission from relevant authorities. Commercial use strictly regulated.
Archaeological and cultural items - export of traditional artifacts, masks, and carvings may require cultural heritage permits.
Certain foods - processed/packaged foods generally allowed but must be declared. Commercial quantities require import permits.
Plants and seeds - require phytosanitary certificates and quarantine approval from PNG National Agriculture Quarantine and Inspection Authority (NAQIA).
Pets and animals - require import permits, health certificates, and quarantine arrangements made well in advance.

Health Requirements

Papua New Guinea has specific health requirements to protect both visitors and the local population from infectious diseases. Travelers should consult with a travel medicine specialist at least 6-8 weeks before departure.

Required Vaccinations

Yellow Fever - Required if arriving from or having transited through a yellow fever endemic country within 6 days prior to arrival. Must present valid International Certificate of Vaccination (yellow card).

Recommended Vaccinations

Hepatitis A and B - Due to food and water safety concerns
Typhoid - Especially for travelers visiting rural areas
Japanese Encephalitis - For extended stays or rural travel
Rabies - For travelers who may have contact with animals
Tetanus-Diphtheria - Ensure routine vaccinations are up to date
Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR) - PNG has periodic outbreaks
Polio - Booster recommended for some travelers
Tuberculosis - For healthcare workers or extended stays

Health Insurance

Comprehensive travel health insurance with medical evacuation coverage is strongly recommended. PNG has limited medical facilities, especially outside Port Moresby, and serious medical conditions often require evacuation to Australia. Ensure your policy covers adventure activities if trekking or diving. Medical costs can be high, and facilities may require payment upfront.

Current Health Requirements: Check current COVID-19 and other health requirements before travel as these can change frequently. Visit the PNG Department of Health website or consult with your country's travel health authority. Malaria is endemic throughout PNG - antimalarial medication is strongly recommended. Dengue fever is also present, so mosquito prevention measures are essential year-round.

Important Contacts

Essential resources for your trip.

Papua New Guinea Immigration & Citizenship Service

Official immigration authority website for visa applications and information

Website: www.immigration.gov.pg - For eVisa applications, visa extensions, and official immigration queries

Embassy/High Commission

Contact your country's diplomatic mission in Papua New Guinea

Most embassies are located in Port Moresby. Register with your embassy upon arrival for safety updates. Check your government's travel advisory before departure.

Emergency Services

Emergency services number in Papua New Guinea

Police: 000 or 112 (mobile) | Fire: 000 | Ambulance: 000 or 111 | Note: Emergency response times can be slow, especially outside urban areas

PNG Tourism Promotion Authority

Official tourism information and assistance

Website: www.papuanewguinea.travel - For tourism information, travel advice, and tour operator recommendations

Jacksons International Airport

Port Moresby main international airport

Phone: +675 324 4700 - For flight information and airport services

Special Situations

Additional requirements for specific circumstances.

Traveling with Children

Children must have their own passport regardless of age. If traveling with only one parent or without parents, carry a notarized letter of consent from the non-traveling parent(s) or legal guardian, along with birth certificates. This helps prevent child abduction concerns at immigration. Minors are subject to the same visa requirements as adults. Some airlines require additional documentation for unaccompanied minors.

Traveling with Pets

Importing pets to PNG is complex and requires advance planning (minimum 6 months recommended). Requirements include: import permit from PNG National Agriculture Quarantine and Inspection Authority (NAQIA), microchip identification, current rabies vaccination (at least 30 days but not more than 12 months before arrival), health certificate from licensed veterinarian, blood titer test results for rabies antibodies, and quarantine period (minimum 30 days) at approved facility in PNG. Costs are substantial. Contact NAQIA well in advance: naqia@naqia.gov.pg

Extended Stays

Tourist visas can typically be extended for additional 30-60 day periods up to a maximum stay. Apply for extensions at PNG Immigration offices in Port Moresby or provincial centers before your current visa expires. Extension fees apply (approximately 200-400 PGK). For stays exceeding tourist visa limits, consider applying for temporary residence visa, work permit (requires employment sponsor), student visa (requires educational institution enrollment), or business visa (requires PNG business sponsor). Overstaying your visa results in fines, detention, deportation, and future entry bans.

Business Travelers

Business visitors need business visa (can be obtained on arrival or as eVisa) and should carry invitation letter from PNG company/organization, proof of business registration, and details of business activities. Work permits are required for any employment activities and must be arranged by PNG employer before arrival. Bringing professional equipment may require temporary import permits and ATA Carnets for valuable items.

Transit Passengers

Passengers transiting through PNG airports without leaving the international transit area generally do not require a visa if continuing their journey within 8 hours on the same or first connecting flight. However, if you need to collect baggage, change airports, or stay overnight, you'll need a transit visa. Confirm requirements with your airline as policies can vary.

Journalists and Media

Professional journalists, filmmakers, and media personnel require special media accreditation from PNG Department of Information and Communication. Apply well in advance through PNG diplomatic missions. Bring professional equipment declaration and be prepared to explain your assignment. Filming in certain areas (military installations, government buildings, tribal areas) may require additional permissions.