Do I need a visa for PAPUA NEW GUINEA?
Papua New Guinea (PNG) is the eastern half of the island of New Guinea, located in the southwestern Pacific Ocean. It is one of the world’s most culturally and linguistically diverse countries, home to over 800 languages. PNG is a member of the Pacific Islands Forum, the Commonwealth of Nations, and APEC. Unlike most countries, Papua New Guinea does not offer outright visa-free entry to any nationality — all foreign visitors must obtain a visa on arrival (VOA), an Easy Visitor Permit (EVP), or a tourist e-Visa before entering. Entry is governed by the Papua New Guinea Immigration and Citizenship Authority.
2. Visa on Arrival (VOA)
Papua New Guinea offers visa on arrival at Port Moresby Jackson International Airport (POM) for eligible nationalities. The VOA is typically valid for up to 60 days.
2.1 Visa on Arrival — 60 Days
Citizens of the following countries are eligible for a 60-day visa on arrival at Port Moresby:
| 60-Day Visa on Arrival Countries • American Samoa, Guam (US territories) • Canada • Cook Islands, Niue, Tokelau • Fiji • Israel • Kiribati, Nauru, Tuvalu • Marshall Islands, Micronesia (Federated States of), Palau • New Caledonia • Samoa • Singapore • Solomon Islands • Tonga, Vanuatu • United Kingdom |
2.2 Visa on Arrival — 30 Days (Diplomatic/Official Passports)
Holders of diplomatic or official passports from the following countries receive a 30-day visa on arrival at Port Moresby:
| 30-Day VOA — Diplomatic/Official Passports • China (People’s Republic) • Indonesia • Japan |
3. Easy Visitor Permit (EVP)
The Easy Visitor Permit (EVP) is an online pre-arrival permit for eligible nationalities, available at a cost of USD 50. It is processed online before travel and is valid for up to 60 days upon arrival. The EVP was designed to streamline entry for citizens of countries that may not be eligible for the standard VOA.
3.1 EVP — 60 Days
The following broad categories of nationalities are eligible for a 60-day EVP:
| 60-Day EVP Countries (Select List) • All European Union member states • Australia (60 days via EVP or VOA — major source market) • United States, Canada, New Zealand • Japan, Singapore • Philippines, Peru • South Korea, Taiwan • And approximately 40 other countries |
3.2 EVP — 30 Days
The following categories receive 30-day EVP:
| 30-Day EVP Countries • India • Russia • Rwanda • Vietnam • CARICOM member states • African Union member states • And approximately 20 other countries |
4. Tourist e-Visa
PNG offers a tourist e-Visa for nationalities that prefer an alternative online route. The e-Visa is priced at USD 50, is valid for 6 months from the date of issue, and permits a stay of 60 days upon arrival. It is extendable upon request.
| Tourist e-Visa Key Facts • Fee: USD 50 • Validity: 6 months from date of issue • Stay permitted: 60 days • Extendable: Yes, upon application • Application: Online through Papua New Guinea Immigration and Citizenship Authority portal |
5. APEC Business Travel Card (ABTC)
Papua New Guinea is a member of APEC. Holders of valid APEC Business Travel Cards (ABTC) from 18 APEC economies are eligible for a 60-day entry permit for business purposes.
6. Visitor Statistics (2016)
| Country of Origin | Visitors (approx.) |
| Australia | 88,000 |
| Philippines | 14,000 |
| China | 12,900 |
| United States | 12,200 |
7. Entry Requirements
- Valid passport (minimum 6 months validity beyond intended stay)
- Visa on arrival approval / EVP / tourist e-Visa / ABTC (as applicable)
- Return or onward ticket from Papua New Guinea
- Proof of sufficient funds
- Proof of accommodation or host invitation letter
- Yellow fever vaccination certificate if arriving from endemic country
- Health declaration form (requirements may vary seasonally)
8. Summary Table
| Category | Countries / Notes | Duration / Fee |
| Visa on Arrival (VOA) | Canada, Fiji, Israel, Pacific Island states, Singapore, Solomon Islands, Tonga, UK, Vanuatu, and others | 60 days |
| VOA — Diplomatic/Official | China, Indonesia, Japan (diplomatic/official passports) | 30 days |
| EVP — 60 Days | EU, US, Canada, NZ, Japan, Singapore, Philippines, Peru, Taiwan, and ~40 others | USD 50 |
| EVP — 30 Days | India, Russia, Rwanda, Vietnam, CARICOM, AU states, and ~20 others | USD 50 |
| Tourist e-Visa | All nationalities | USD 50, 6-month validity, 60-day stay |
| APEC ABTC | 18 APEC economies | 60 days (business) |
9. Important Notes
- Papua New Guinea is unique in not offering outright visa-free entry — all visitors must pre-obtain or obtain on arrival a permit or visa
- Port Moresby Jackson International Airport (POM) is the primary and main international gateway
- PNG has diverse geography; domestic air travel is often required to reach remote provinces
- PNG is a Commonwealth member; UK passport holders receive VOA
- Health requirements including malaria prophylaxis are strongly advised for all visitors
- For latest entry requirements, consult the PNG Immigration and Citizenship Authority
