Planning a trip to Papua New Guinea? The fastest and most reliable way to get your entry permit is to apply for a PNG visa online through the official eVisa portal run by the Immigration and Citizenship Authority (ICA). This guide walks you through every step – from choosing the right visa type to printing your approved eVisa before you fly.
Can You Apply for a Papua New Guinea Visa Online?
Yes. Papua New Guinea offers an electronic visa (eVisa) system through the ICA portal. Citizens of all nationalities can apply online for tourism, business, visiting relatives, and several other purposes. The eVisa has largely replaced the older embassy-only process and is the recommended route for most travellers.
You can also obtain a Visa on Arrival at Port Moresby’s Jacksons International Airport if you hold a passport from an eligible country. However, applying online before departure is strongly recommended – it eliminates uncertainty at the immigration desk and lets you sort out any document issues from home.
How to Apply for a PNG Visa Online: Step-by-Step
The PNG eVisa application process is handled entirely through the official ICA portal. Here is how to complete it:
Step 1: Go to the Official ICA eVisa Portal
Visit the ICA eVisa website at evisa.ica.gov.pg. This is the only official portal for PNG electronic visa applications. Be cautious of third-party websites that charge extra service fees.
Step 2: Create an Account
Register with a valid email address. Your visa approval and grant notice will be sent to this email, so make sure you can access it after you submit.
Step 3: Select Your Visa Type
Choose the category that matches your travel purpose. The most common options are:
- Easy Visitor Permit (30 days) – for short holidays and social visits
- Easy Visitor Permit (60 days) – for longer stays, available to eligible nationalities
- Tourist Visa (Own Itinerary) – for independent travellers with a self-planned route
- Tourist Visa (Tour Package) – for group tourists travelling with a registered agency
- Visiting Relatives Visa – for family visits with a PNG-based sponsor
- Business Short-Term Visa – for meetings, conferences, and negotiations
Selecting the correct type ensures your application is processed without delays.
Step 4: Complete the Application Form
Fill in your personal details exactly as they appear on your passport. This includes:
- Full name (as shown on passport)
- Date of birth
- Passport number and expiry date
- Nationality
- Intended dates of travel
- Accommodation details in PNG
- Purpose of visit
Any mismatch between your application and passport can cause delays or refusal.
Step 5: Upload Required Documents
Prepare the following documents before you begin:
- Passport bio page – clear scan or photo, readable text
- Passport-style photograph – recent, compliant with standard photo requirements
- Return or onward flight ticket – proof that you plan to leave PNG
- Invitation or sponsor letter – required for business visas and some tourist categories
- Accommodation proof – hotel booking or host address
Upload files in accepted formats (usually JPEG or PDF). Keep file sizes reasonable and filenames clear.
Step 6: Pay the Visa Fee
The standard fee for an Easy Visitor Permit is USD $50, payable by credit or debit card through the portal. Business visas and special categories may have higher fees. All fees are non-refundable once paid, even if your application is refused.
Step 7: Submit and Track Your Application
After payment, your application enters the review queue. Use your portal account to check the status of your application at any time. Processing typically takes 3 to 5 business days, though some applications are approved within 24 to 48 hours.
Step 8: Download and Print Your eVisa
Once approved, you will receive a grant notice (usually a PDF) via email and through the portal. Download it, save a digital copy on your phone, and print a hard copy. Immigration officers at PNG airports may ask to see the printed version.
PNG eVisa Types and Validity
Different eVisa categories have different validity periods and stay limits:
| Visa Type | Validity | Stay Allowed | Entries |
|---|---|---|---|
| Easy Visitor Permit (30 days) | Single use | Up to 30 days | Single entry |
| Easy Visitor Permit (60 days) | Single use | Up to 60 days | Single entry |
| Tourist Visa (Own Itinerary) | 6 months | Up to 60 days | Single entry |
| Tourist Visa (Tour Package) | 6 months | Up to 60 days | Single entry |
| Business Short-Term (Single) | 30 days | Up to 30 days | Single entry |
| Business Short-Term (Multiple) | 12 months | Up to 60 days per entry | Multiple entry |
| Restricted Employment Visa | Single use | Up to 30 days | Single entry |
Important: The Easy Visitor Permit cannot be extended. Tourist visas and some other categories can be extended under certain circumstances – you must apply before your current permit expires.
PNG Visa Fees
The government visa fee depends on the visa category you apply for:
| Visa Category | Fee (USD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Easy Visitor Permit (30 days) | $50 | Single entry, no extension |
| Easy Visitor Permit (60 days) | $50 | Single entry, limited extension possible |
| Tourist Visa (Own Itinerary) | $50 | Extendable in some cases |
| Tourist Visa (Tour Package) | $50 | Extendable in some cases |
| Business Short-Term (Single) | $100 | Non-extendable |
| Business Short-Term (Multiple) | $400 | 12-month validity |
| Restricted Employment Visa | $250 | No extension or change of status |
Fees are paid online through the ICA portal at the time of application. All fees are non-refundable. Additional charges may apply for card processing or if you use a third-party agency.
PNG Visa on Arrival
If you hold a passport from an eligible country, you can obtain a Visa on Arrival at Jacksons International Airport in Port Moresby. Eligible nationalities include citizens of most Pacific Island nations, as well as several countries in Asia, Europe, and the Americas.
However, PNG’s Immigration and Citizenship Authority strongly encourages all travellers to apply online before departure. Reasons include:
- No guarantee of approval at the border – even eligible nationalities can be refused
- Long queues at the airport, especially during peak travel periods
- Document issues are easier to resolve from home than at an immigration desk
- Faster entry – pre-approved eVisa holders pass through immigration more quickly
If you plan to enter PNG at a land border (such as Wutung on the Indonesian border), an eVisa is essential – Visa on Arrival is only available at international airports.
PNG Digital Arrival Card
Since October 2025, all travellers to Papua New Guinea must complete a Digital Arrival Card online before arrival. This is free of charge and should be submitted within 72 hours of your arrival date.
The Digital Arrival Card is separate from your visa. You need both a valid visa (or eVisa approval) and a completed Digital Arrival Card to enter PNG.
Passport and Document Requirements
To enter Papua New Guinea, you must hold:
- A passport valid for at least 6 months beyond your date of arrival
- At least 2 blank pages in your passport for entry stamps
- A printed copy of your eVisa grant notice
- Proof of onward travel (return flight ticket)
- Yellow fever vaccination certificate if arriving from a risk country
Documents to Carry at the Border
Immigration officers may ask to see:
- Your passport
- Printed eVisa approval
- Return or onward ticket
- Hotel booking or host’s address
- Proof of sufficient funds for your stay
- Yellow fever certificate (if applicable)
How Long Can You Stay in PNG?
The default stay period depends on your visa type:
- Easy Visitor Permit (30 days): Up to 30 days, not extendable
- Easy Visitor Permit (60 days): Up to 60 days, extension may be possible in limited cases
- Tourist Visa: Up to 60 days, extendable depending on circumstances
- Business Visa (Single): Up to 30 days
- Business Visa (Multiple): Up to 60 days per entry over 12 months
Overstaying Your Visa
Overstaying your PNG visa is taken seriously. Consequences may include:
- Detention by immigration authorities
- Fines that must be paid before you can leave
- Deportation at your own expense
- Future visa refusals for PNG and potentially other countries
Always apply for an extension before your current visa expires. There is no grace period.
How to Extend Your Stay
If your visa category allows extension, you must:
- Apply at the ICA office in Port Moresby before your current visa expires
- Complete the Visa Extension Request Form (available online or at ICA)
- Pay the extension fee at the Department of Finance, Vulupindi Haus, Waigani Drive
- Provide a valid reason for the extension with supporting documents
You must be physically in PNG to apply for an extension. Extensions are not guaranteed.
Yellow Fever Vaccination Requirement
If you are arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission, you must present a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate at the PNG border. This applies regardless of whether you transit through a non-risk country.
Check the full list of yellow fever risk countries on the TravelHealthPro website. Recommended vaccinations for PNG also include hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, and routine boosters. Consult your doctor at least 6 weeks before travel.
PNG Customs and Quarantine Rules
Papua New Guinea has strict biosecurity controls. You cannot bring the following into the country without prior approval:
- Fresh fruits and vegetables
- Animal products (meat, dairy, eggs)
- Plants and seeds
- Soil
Duty-free allowances for arriving passengers:
| Item | Allowance |
|---|---|
| General goods | K1,000 per adult (18+), K500 per child |
| Alcohol | 2 litres per adult (18+) |
| Tobacco | 250 cigarettes or 250g of tobacco per adult |
| Currency | No limit, but amounts over K20,000 must be declared |
Failure to declare restricted items can result in fines and confiscation.
Green Fee (Climate Levy)
A K50 Green Fee is charged to all foreign passport holders departing Papua New Guinea. This climate levy funds eco-tourism and biodiversity conservation programmes.
Exemptions:
– PNG passport holders
– Children under 12
– Military and security personnel on duty
– Crew members of vessels
– Transit passengers under 12 hours
Payment is collected at departure terminals in international airports. Debit and credit cards are accepted.
Entry Points into Papua New Guinea
PNG has limited international entry points:
Airports:
– Jacksons International Airport, Port Moresby (main international gateway)
– Tokua Airport, Rabaul (limited international flights)
Land border:
– Wutung border post (Indonesia-PNG border, West Sepik Province)
Seaports:
– Port Moresby Harbour
– Lae Harbour
If you are entering at Wutung or any seaport, make sure your eVisa is approved before arrival. Visa on Arrival is generally only available at Jacksons International Airport.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I apply for a PNG visa online?
Visit the official ICA eVisa portal at evisa.ica.gov.pg, create an account, select your visa type, fill in the application form, upload your documents, pay the fee, and submit. You can track your application status through the same portal.
How much does a PNG eVisa cost?
The Easy Visitor Permit costs USD $50. Tourist visas also cost $50. Business visas range from $100 (single entry) to $400 (multiple entry). All fees are non-refundable.
How long does PNG visa processing take?
Standard processing takes 3 to 5 business days. Some applications are approved within 24 to 48 hours if all documents are complete and no additional checks are needed.
Do US citizens need a visa for Papua New Guinea?
Yes. US citizens must obtain a visa before travelling to PNG. They can apply for an eVisa online or obtain a Visa on Arrival at Jacksons International Airport. Applying online is recommended.
Can I get a PNG visa on arrival?
Yes, citizens of eligible countries can obtain a Visa on Arrival at Port Moresby’s international airport. However, PNG Immigration recommends applying online before departure to avoid delays and ensure eligibility.
Can I extend my PNG tourist visa?
The Easy Visitor Permit (30 days) cannot be extended. The Easy Visitor Permit (60 days) may be extended in limited circumstances. Tourist visas (Own Itinerary, Tour Package, Visiting Relatives) can be extended depending on individual circumstances. You must apply at the ICA office in Port Moresby before your current visa expires.
What happens if I overstay my PNG visa?
Overstaying can result in detention, fines, deportation at your own expense, and future visa refusals. There is no grace period. Apply for an extension before your visa expires.
Do I need to print my PNG eVisa?
Yes. You should carry a printed copy of your eVisa grant notice. Digital copies on your phone are a useful backup, but immigration officers may request a hard copy at the border.
Is a Digital Arrival Card required for PNG?
Yes. Since October 2025, all travellers must complete a free Digital Arrival Card online within 72 hours of arrival. This is separate from your visa – you need both.
What is the official PNG eVisa website?
The official portal is evisa.ica.gov.pg, operated by the Immigration and Citizenship Authority of Papua New Guinea (ica.gov.pg). Avoid unofficial websites that charge additional service fees.
Last updated: July 2026. Visa policies can change without notice. Always verify current requirements on the official ICA website before applying.
