Planning a trip to Papua New Guinea? Understanding the visa fees is essential before you start your application. This guide breaks down every cost involved in obtaining a PNG visa – from the standard Easy Visitor Permit to business and work visas – so there are no surprises along the way.
PNG Visa Fee Overview
All Papua New Guinea visa applications submitted through the official eVisa portal incur an online lodgement fee of USD $50. This base fee applies to most visitor visa categories, including the Easy Visitor Permit, Tourist Visa, and Visiting Relatives Visa. However, the total cost can vary depending on the visa class, duration of stay, and whether you need additional services.
| Visa Type | Fee (USD) | Validity | Stay Duration | Extendable? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Easy Visitor Permit (EVP) | $50 | Single entry | 30-60 days | No |
| Tourist Visa (Own Itinerary) | $50 | 6 months, single entry | Up to 60 days | Yes |
| Tourist Visa (Tour Package) | $50 | 6 months, single entry | Up to 60 days | Yes |
| Visiting Relatives Visa | $50 | Single entry | Up to 60 days | Yes |
| Business Visa | $50+ | Varies | Varies | Case-by-case |
| Work Visa / Permit | Varies | Varies | Varies | Yes |
All fees are paid online via credit or debit card during the eVisa application process. Cash payments are not accepted through the online portal.
Easy Visitor Permit (EVP) – $50 USD
The Easy Visitor Permit is the most affordable and straightforward option for citizens of over 70 eligible countries. Here is what you need to know about the EVP fee:
- Application fee: USD $50, paid online at the time of submission
- Single entry only: You can enter Papua New Guinea once on this permit
- Duration: 60 days for most eligible nationalities (EU, US, UK, Canada, Japan, etc.); 30 days for others (Australia, India, Russia, etc.)
- No extension: The EVP cannot be extended. If you need a longer stay, apply for a Tourist Visa instead
- No work permitted: Paid employment of any kind is strictly prohibited under the EVP
- No additional government fees: The $50 covers the full cost of the permit
The EVP represents the lowest PNG visa fee available and is processed within 5-10 business days in most cases.
Tourist Visa – $50 USD
For travellers who are not eligible for the Easy Visitor Permit, or who need an extendable stay, the Tourist Visa is the standard option. It comes in two variants:
Tourist Visa – Own Itinerary
- Fee: USD $50 online lodgement fee
- Validity: 6 months from date of issue
- Entry: Single entry
- Stay: Up to 60 days
- Extension: Can be extended while in Papua New Guinea (additional fees apply at the Immigration Office)
Tourist Visa – Tour Package
- Fee: USD $50 online lodgement fee
- Validity: 6 months from date of issue
- Entry: Single entry
- Stay: Up to 60 days
- Extension: Can be extended (additional fees apply)
- Requirement: Must be part of an organised tour through a registered travel agency
Both tourist visa types cost the same $50 base fee. Extension fees are determined by the PNG Immigration and Citizenship Authority and must be paid in person at their office in Port Moresby.
Business Visa Fees
Business travellers visiting Papua New Guinea for meetings, conferences, negotiations, or short-term professional activities can apply for a Business Visa through the eVisa portal. The base online lodgement fee is USD $50, though certain business visa sub-categories may carry additional charges depending on the nature and duration of the visit.
Required documents for a Business Visa typically include:
- A business invitation letter from a PNG-based company
- A sponsor letter from your employer on company letterhead
- Proof of return or onward travel
- Bank statements showing sufficient funds
Processing times for business visas are generally 5-10 business days.
Work Visa and Permit Fees
Foreign nationals seeking employment in Papua New Guinea must obtain a Work Visa and a separate Work Permit. These are more complex and expensive than visitor visas:
- Work Visa application: Processed through the eVisa portal; base fee starts at USD $50
- Work Permit: Issued by the Department of Labour and Industrial Relations; fees vary significantly depending on the occupation, duration of employment, and employer sponsorship
- Processing time: Work permits can take several weeks to months to process
- Additional costs: Medical examinations, police clearances, and document legalisation may be required
Employers in Papua New Guinea typically sponsor the Work Permit application and may cover associated costs. It is advisable to begin the process well in advance of your intended start date.
Visa on Arrival – Fees and Eligibility
Citizens of certain countries can obtain a Visa on Arrival (VOA) at Port Moresby’s Jacksons International Airport and the Wutung land border post. The VOA is available to:
- Citizens of specific Pacific Island nations
- Nationals of Canada, the United Kingdom, Japan, Singapore, Indonesia, Israel, and several other countries
VOA fee: The visa on arrival fee is generally free of charge for eligible nationalities, though this can vary. It is recommended to confirm the current fee with the PNG Immigration and Citizenship Authority before travelling.
The VOA is typically valid for 60 days and is issued as a single-entry visa.
Additional Costs to Consider
Beyond the base visa fee, factor in these potential expenses when budgeting for your PNG trip:
Document Preparation
- Passport photos: Ensure you have recent passport-sized photos meeting PNG specifications
- Passport validity: Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date
- Document scanning: High-quality scans of your passport bio page and supporting documents
Supporting Documents
- Bank statements: Recent monthly statements showing sufficient funds (typically USD $1,000+ or equivalent)
- Invitation letter: If visiting friends, family, or for business purposes
- Return ticket: Proof of onward or return travel
- Accommodation booking: Hotel reservation or host address in PNG
Visa Extension Fees
If you need to extend your stay beyond the initial visa period, you must apply in person at the PNG Immigration and Citizenship Authority office in Port Moresby. Extension fees are set by the authority and are payable in PNG Kina (PGK). Contact the office directly for current extension fee schedules.
How to Pay the PNG Visa Fee
All eVisa fees are paid electronically during the online application process. Accepted payment methods include:
- Credit cards: Visa, Mastercard
- Debit cards: Visa Debit, Mastercard Debit
- Online banking: Available for some countries
The fee is non-refundable, even if your application is denied. Ensure all information is accurate and all required documents are uploaded before submitting your application to avoid losing your payment.
PNG Visa Fee Summary
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| Easy Visitor Permit (EVP) | USD $50 |
| Tourist Visa | USD $50 |
| Business Visa | USD $50+ |
| Work Visa (base) | USD $50+ |
| Visa on Arrival | Free (eligible countries) |
| Visa Extension | Varies (payable in PGK) |
All eVisa fees are quoted in United States Dollars (USD) and are subject to change. Always verify the current fee schedule on the official PNG eVisa portal before submitting your application.
Tips to Avoid Extra Costs
- Apply early: Submit your application at least 2-3 weeks before travel to avoid expedited processing fees
- Double-check documents: Incomplete applications are the leading cause of delays and rejections
- Use the correct visa type: Applying for the wrong visa class may require a new application and additional fees
- Keep your passport valid: A passport with less than 6 months validity will result in automatic rejection
- Print your approval letter: Carry a printed copy of your eVisa approval when travelling to PNG
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Papua New Guinea visa cost?
The standard PNG eVisa fee is USD $50 for most visitor visa types, including the Easy Visitor Permit and Tourist Visa. Business and work visas may carry additional fees.
Is the PNG visa fee refundable?
No. The visa application fee is non-refundable regardless of the application outcome. If your application is denied, you will not receive a refund.
Do I need to pay in US Dollars?
Yes. All eVisa fees through the online portal are charged in US Dollars (USD). Your bank may apply currency conversion charges if your account is in a different currency.
Can I pay the visa fee on arrival?
No. All eVisa fees must be paid online during the application process. The Visa on Arrival for eligible nationalities is generally free of charge.
How long does PNG visa processing take?
Standard processing takes 5-10 business days. Apply at least 2-3 weeks before your intended travel date to allow for any delays.
Are there any hidden fees?
No. The $50 lodgement fee covers the full cost of the eVisa application. However, if you use a third-party visa agency or travel agent to submit your application on your behalf, they may charge a service fee on top of the government fee.
