Papua New Guinea offers Visa on Arrival (VOA) to citizens of over 30 countries and territories, valid for a 60-day stay at Port Moresby International Airport. If your nationality qualifies, you can obtain your entry permit directly at the airport without applying in advance. For travelers who are not VOA-eligible, PNG also provides an electronic visa (eVisa) system through the PNG eVisa portal.
What Is a PNG Visa on Arrival?
A Papua New Guinea Visa on Arrival is an entry permit issued at the port of entry, primarily Jacksons International Airport in Port Moresby. Instead of visiting an embassy or applying online before your trip, eligible travelers present their documents at immigration and receive a visa stamp on the spot.
Key features of the PNG VOA:
- Valid for 60 days from the date of entry
- Single-entry permit
- Issued at Port Moresby International Airport (Jacksons International Airport)
- Available at the Wutung land border post for Pacific Island nationals
- No pre-application required
- Free of charge for eligible nationalities (no visa fee at the border)
Which Countries Are Eligible for PNG Visa on Arrival?
Citizens of the following countries and territories can obtain a Visa on Arrival when entering Papua New Guinea:
| Country / Territory | Region | VOA Duration |
|---|---|---|
| American Samoa | Pacific | 60 days |
| Canada | North America | 60 days |
| Cook Islands | Pacific | 60 days |
| Fiji | Pacific | 60 days |
| French Polynesia | Pacific | 60 days |
| Guam | Pacific | 60 days |
| Indonesia | Asia | 60 days |
| Israel | Middle East | 60 days |
| Japan | Asia | 60 days |
| Kiribati | Pacific | 60 days |
| Marshall Islands | Pacific | 60 days |
| Micronesia | Pacific | 60 days |
| Nauru | Pacific | 60 days |
| New Caledonia | Pacific | 60 days |
| Niue | Pacific | 60 days |
| Northern Mariana Islands | Pacific | 60 days |
| Palau | Pacific | 60 days |
| Samoa | Pacific | 60 days |
| Singapore | Asia | 60 days |
| Solomon Islands | Pacific | 60 days |
| Tokelau | Pacific | 60 days |
| Tonga | Pacific | 60 days |
| Tuvalu | Pacific | 60 days |
| United Arab Emirates | Middle East | 60 days |
| United Kingdom | Europe | 60 days |
| Vanuatu | Pacific | 60 days |
| Wallis and Futuna | Pacific | 60 days |
Additionally, citizens of China holding ordinary passports can obtain a VOA when entering PNG on a group tour arranged through a travel agency registered in Papua New Guinea.
Nationals of China, Indonesia, and Japan holding diplomatic or official passports may also obtain a VOA valid for a maximum stay of 30 days, regardless of whether they are traveling on ordinary passport arrangements.
All Pacific Island State passport holders are eligible for VOA at all authorized ports of entry, including Jacksons International Airport and the Wutung land border post with Indonesia.
VOA Requirements and Documents
To obtain your Visa on Arrival at Jacksons International Airport, you need the following documents:
- A valid passport with at least 6 months remaining validity from your date of entry
- A return or onward flight ticket
- Proof of sufficient funds for your stay
- Accommodation details (hotel booking or host address)
- Completed arrival card (the PNG Digital Arrival Card must be submitted online before travel)
Digital Arrival Card
Since its introduction, Papua New Guinea requires all arriving passengers to complete a Digital Arrival Card. You should submit this online at least 72 hours before your arrival. The form collects your personal details, travel itinerary, and accommodation information. Failure to complete the Digital Arrival Card before arrival may result in delays at immigration.
Visa on Arrival vs eVisa: Key Differences
Not sure whether to rely on VOA or apply for an eVisa before traveling? Here is how the two options compare:
| Feature | Visa on Arrival | eVisa (EVP / Tourist) |
|---|---|---|
| Eligible nationalities | 30+ countries | All countries |
| Application timing | At the airport | Before travel online |
| Stay duration | 60 days | 30-60 days |
| Fee | No fee at border | $50 USD |
| Extendable | No | Tourist eVisa: Yes |
| Entry points | Jacksons Airport / Wutung border | All ports of entry |
| Processing time | Immediate | 3-5 business days |
If you are not from a VOA-eligible country, you must apply through the eVisa system at evisa.ica.gov.pg. The complete guide to PNG eVisa covers all visa types and application steps. For the latest fee information, see our PNG visa fee guide.
Easy Visitor Permit (EVP)
The Easy Visitor Permit is a streamlined eVisa option available to citizens of 70+ countries, including the United States. It costs $50 USD, allows a stay of up to 60 days, and is issued as a single-entry permit. However, the EVP cannot be extended. If you plan to stay longer, apply for the Tourist eVisa instead.
Tourist eVisa
The Tourist eVisa also costs $50 USD and allows a 60-day stay, but unlike the EVP, it can be extended once you are in Papua New Guinea. This is the better choice if you want flexibility. To learn how to apply, visit our PNG visa application guide.
VOA for US Citizens: A Special Case
United States mainland passport holders are not eligible for the standard Visa on Arrival in Papua New Guinea. However, US citizens can apply for the Easy Visitor Permit (EVP) online through the eVisa system before departure. The EVP costs $50 USD and allows a 60-day stay.
US citizens should apply through the eVisa portal at evisa.ica.gov.pg at least one week before their planned travel date. Processing typically takes 3-5 business days. For a detailed walkthrough, see our PNG visa for US citizens guide.
Note: US passport holders from American Samoa, Guam, and the Northern Mariana Islands may have different eligibility depending on their passport type. Check with PNG Immigration and Citizenship Authority (ICA) for the latest rules.
VOA for Australian Citizens
Australia is notably absent from the PNG Visa on Arrival eligible countries list. Australian citizens must apply for an eVisa before traveling to Papua New Guinea. Despite the close geographic proximity and strong bilateral ties between the two nations, Australians need to secure either the Easy Visitor Permit or Tourist eVisa through the online portal.
Given that Australia is PNG’s largest source of visitors and development partner, this requirement surprises many first-time travelers. Apply at least one week before departure to allow for processing time.
VOA for Chinese Citizens
Chinese citizens holding ordinary passports can obtain a Visa on Arrival under specific conditions:
- They must be entering PNG on a group tour organized through a travel agency registered in Papua New Guinea
- The VOA is valid for 60 days
- Individual travelers from China are not eligible for VOA and must apply for an eVisa
Additionally, Chinese nationals holding diplomatic, official, or service passports can obtain a VOA for stays of up to 30 days without the group tour requirement.
For individual Chinese travelers, the eVisa application process is straightforward. Visit the official portal at evisa.ica.gov.pg and select the appropriate visa category based on your purpose of visit.
Where to Get Your Visa on Arrival
The primary location for obtaining a PNG Visa on Arrival is:
- Jacksons International Airport (Port Moresby) – the main international gateway
- Wutung land border post – available only for Pacific Island State nationals crossing from Indonesia
The immigration counter at Jacksons International Airport is located in the arrivals hall after passport control. Follow the signs for “Visa on Arrival” or “Immigration.” Processing typically takes 15-30 minutes, depending on queue length.
Entry Points and Airports
Papua New Guinea has several international airports, but VOA is only available at Jacksons International Airport in Port Moresby (airport code: POM). Other airports with international flights include:
- Tokua Airport (Rabaul) – limited international flights
- Nadzab Airport (Lae) – limited international services
- Mount Hagen Airport – domestic hub with occasional international charters
Most international flights connect through Port Moresby, so VOA at Jacksons is the practical option for the vast majority of travelers.
Tips for a Smooth VOA Experience
To avoid delays when obtaining your Visa on Arrival:
- Complete your Digital Arrival Card online at least 72 hours before arrival
- Carry printed copies of your return ticket and hotel booking
- Ensure your passport has at least 6 months validity remaining
- Bring proof of sufficient funds (bank statement or credit cards)
- Have the exact amount for any applicable fees in cash (USD or PNG Kina)
- Keep your embarkation/disembarkation card from your flight
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a Visa on Arrival in Papua New Guinea?
Yes, if you are a citizen of one of the 30+ eligible countries. Check the eligibility table above to see if your nationality qualifies. If not, you need to apply for an eVisa before travel.
How much does a PNG Visa on Arrival cost?
The Visa on Arrival for eligible nationalities is issued at no fee at the border. However, if you need to apply for an eVisa instead (EVP or Tourist), the fee is $50 USD.
How long can I stay in Papua New Guinea with a VOA?
The standard VOA allows a stay of up to 60 days. Diplomatic/official passport holders from China, Indonesia, and Japan may receive a 30-day VOA.
Can I extend my Visa on Arrival?
No, the VOA cannot be extended. If you plan to stay longer than 60 days, apply for the Tourist eVisa instead, which can be extended while in PNG.
Do US citizens need a visa for Papua New Guinea?
Yes, US citizens need a visa but are NOT eligible for VOA. They must apply for the Easy Visitor Permit (EVP) online before travel. The EVP costs $50 USD and allows a 60-day stay.
Do Australian citizens get visa on arrival in PNG?
No, Australian citizens are not eligible for VOA in Papua New Guinea. They must apply for an eVisa (EVP or Tourist) online through evisa.ica.gov.pg before traveling.
What documents do I need for PNG Visa on Arrival?
You need a valid passport (6+ months validity), return/onward ticket, proof of funds, accommodation details, and a completed Digital Arrival Card submitted online before arrival.
Is there a Visa on Arrival fee?
For eligible nationalities, the VOA is free at the border. There is no visa fee charged at Jacksons International Airport for VOA-eligible travelers.
Can I get a VOA at the PNG-Indonesia border?
The Wutung land border post between PNG and Indonesia offers VOA, but only for Pacific Island State passport holders. Other nationalities must use Jacksons International Airport or apply for an eVisa.
How long does it take to process a VOA at the airport?
Processing typically takes 15-30 minutes at the immigration counter. During peak travel periods, it may take slightly longer.
Related Visa Information
Before traveling to Papua New Guinea, make sure you understand all visa requirements and documents needed for entry. If you need to apply for an eVisa instead of using VOA, our step-by-step application guide walks you through the entire process.
For the most up-to-date information on PNG visa policies, visit the official PNG Immigration and Citizenship Authority website at ica.gov.pg.
