Papua New Guinea Entry Requirements

Visa, immigration, and customs information

Papua New Guinea (PNG) welcomes travelers with impressive natural beauty and diverse cultures. Entry is generally straightforward for tourists from many countries, but proper documentation is essential. All visitors must possess a passport valid for at least six months beyond their intended stay, a return or onward ticket, and proof of sufficient funds. The immigration process at ports of entry like Jacksons International Airport (Port Moresby) is typically efficient, but travelers should be prepared for standard questioning about the purpose and duration of their visit. It is important to understand that PNG operates a strict visa policy. While some nationalities can enter visa-free or obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA), many others must secure a visa in advance from a PNG diplomatic mission. Visitors are expected to abide by the conditions of their entry permit, and overstaying can result in fines or deportation. Travelers should be aware that security conditions can vary significantly across the country, and internal travel may require additional permits. It is highly recommended to check the latest travel advisories from your home country and to register with your embassy upon arrival if possible.

Visa Requirements

Entry permissions vary by nationality. Find your category below.

Papua New Guinea's visa policy is divided into three main categories: visa-free entry for select Pacific nations, an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) system for many passport holders, and a traditional visa requirement for others.

Visa-Free Entry

60 days

Citizens of specific Pacific Island Forum countries can enter without a visa for tourism.

Includes

Fiji Solomon Islands Vanuatu Samoa

Passport must be valid for at least 6 months. Entry is for tourism purposes only; other activities require a visa.

Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA/eVisa)

30 or 60 days (as granted)

Citizens of eligible countries, including most Western nations, must obtain an ETA online before travel.

Includes

United States United Kingdom Canada Australia European Union member states Japan Singapore Malaysia

How to Apply: Apply online via the official PNG Immigration and Citizenship Authority (ICA) website. Processing is typically 5-7 business days, but apply well in advance.
Cost: Approximately PGK 100 (roughly USD $25-$30)

The ETA is a single-entry permit linked to your passport. You must present a printed copy upon arrival. It is not a visa, but a pre-authorization to travel and request entry.

Visa Required

As determined by the visa type (e.g., 30-60 days for tourist visa)

Nationals of countries not listed in the above categories must apply for a visa in person at a PNG embassy or consulate.

How to Apply: Submit application, passport, photos, itinerary, proof of funds, and other supporting documents to the nearest PNG diplomatic mission. Processing times vary.

This category includes citizens of many Asian, African, and South American countries. A letter of invitation or detailed itinerary may be required.

Arrival Process

Upon arrival in Papua New Guinea, all travelers must clear immigration and customs. The process is standard but can be thorough.

1. Health Screening

You may be asked to complete a health declaration form and undergo a temperature check, if coming from a region with health alerts.

2. Immigration

Proceed to the immigration counter. Present your passport, ETA/visa printout, completed arrival card, and proof of onward/return travel. The officer will stamp your passport with an entry permit detailing your allowed stay.

3. Baggage Claim & Customs

Collect your luggage and proceed through the red (goods to declare) or green (nothing to declare) customs channel. Be prepared to have your bags inspected.

Documents to Have Ready

Passport

Must be valid for at least six months from the date of entry.

Valid ETA or Visa

A printed copy of the Electronic Travel Authorization approval or a visa sticker in your passport.

Return/Onward Ticket

Proof of your intention to leave PNG before your entry permit expires.

Proof of Sufficient Funds

Evidence you can support yourself during your stay (e.g., bank statements, cash, credit cards).

Completed Arrival Card

Distributed on your flight; includes personal details, flight information, and address in PNG.

Tips for Smooth Entry

Have all documents organized and easily accessible in your hand luggage.

Answer immigration questions politely and clearly. Do not joke with officials.

Ensure the duration of stay stamped in your passport matches your plans. Check it before leaving the counter.

If you are visiting for business, even with an ETA, carry a letter from the inviting company.

Customs & Duty-Free

PNG customs regulations are strictly enforced. Declare all items of value, restricted goods, and amounts over the duty-free allowance.

Alcohol

1 liter of alcoholic beverages

Traveler must be 18 years or older.

Tobacco

250 grams of tobacco or 200 cigarettes

Traveler must be 18 years or older.

Currency

PGK 20,000 or foreign currency equivalent

Amounts exceeding PGK 20,000 (or equivalent) must be declared upon arrival and departure.

Gifts/Goods

Up to PGK 1,000 in value

Goods for personal use. Commercial items or goods above this value may be subject to duty.

Prohibited Items

Illegal drugs and narcotics - severe penalties including imprisonment
Indecent or pornographic material
Counterfeit currency and goods
Weapons, firearms, and ammunition without prior permit
Protected wildlife and products (e.g., ivory, turtle shells) without CITES permits

Restricted Items

Medicines ( prescription drugs) - must be in original packaging, accompanied by a doctor's prescription or letter
Fresh fruit, vegetables, meat, and plant materials - require phytosanitary certificates and prior approval from the PNG Department of Agriculture and Livestock
Communications equipment - may require approval from the National Information and Communications Technology Authority (NICTA)

Health Requirements

There are specific health requirements for entry into Papua New Guinea, which is a tropical country with various health risks.

Required Vaccinations

Yellow Fever - required if arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission

Recommended Vaccinations

Routine vaccinations (MMR, DTP)
Hepatitis A & B
Typhoid
Japanese Encephalitis (for long-term travelers/rural areas)
Rabies (for adventure travelers/animal handlers)
Malaria prophylaxis is strongly recommended for all areas

Health Insurance

Complete travel health insurance, including medical evacuation coverage, is not mandatory but is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED. Healthcare facilities outside major cities are limited, and medical evacuation is extremely expensive.

Current Health Requirements: Check the latest requirements for COVID-19 and other health alerts. As of late 2024, pre-departure COVID-19 testing or proof of vaccination is not required for entry, but this can change. Always check the PNG Department of Health and World Health Organization (WHO) websites.

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Important Contacts

Essential resources for your trip.

Embassy/Consulate

Find your country's embassy or consulate in Port Moresby.

Check your government's travel advisory website (e.g., travel.state.gov, gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice) for contact details and registration information.

Immigration Authority

PNG Immigration and Citizenship Authority (ICA)

Official website for ETA applications, visa information, and official updates: www.immigration.gov.pg

Emergency

Emergency services number

Police: 112 (from mobile) or 000; Ambulance/Fire: 111. Note: Response times can be slow, outside urban centers.

Special Situations

Additional requirements for specific circumstances.

Traveling with Children

Children under 18 must have their own passport. If traveling with only one parent or without parents, a notarized letter of consent from the non-accompanying parent(s) or legal guardian(s) is strongly recommended, detailing travel plans and contact information. This is not always requested but can prevent delays.

Traveling with Pets

Importing pets is complex and requires an import permit from the PNG Department of Agriculture and Livestock. Pets must have a valid rabies vaccination certificate, a veterinary health certificate issued within 7 days of travel, and may be subject to quarantine upon arrival. Advance planning of several months is essential.

Extended Stays

To stay longer than your initial entry permit (e.g., 60-day ETA), you must apply for a visa extension at the Immigration and Citizenship Authority (ICA) headquarters in Port Moresby before your current permit expires. Extensions are not guaranteed and require a valid reason, proof of funds, and payment of a fee. Overstaying results in fines (PGK 10,000+) and potential bans.

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