Papua New Guinea offers several visa categories depending on your nationality, purpose of visit, and length of stay. Whether you are planning a holiday, a business trip, or transit through Port Moresby, understanding the available visa types helps you choose the right one before you travel.
All visitors to PNG must hold a passport valid for at least 6 months from the date of departure. Every foreign national – except Papua New Guinean citizens – needs a valid visa to enter the country.
Quick Overview of PNG Visa Types
| Visa Type | Duration | Fee (USD) | Extendable | Entry Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (VOA) | 60 days | Free | No | Single |
| Easy Visitor Permit (EVP) | 60 days | $50 | No | Single |
| Tourist Visa | 60 days | $50 | Yes | Single |
| Business Visa | Varies | Varies | Varies | Varies |
| Transit Visa | Up to 7 days | Varies | No | Single |
| Work Visa | Varies | Varies | Yes | Varies |
| Study Visa | Varies | Varies | Yes | Varies |
1. Visa on Arrival (VOA)
The Visa on Arrival allows eligible nationals to receive their visa at Jacksons International Airport (Port Moresby) upon landing. It is valid for 60 days and is issued free of charge.
VOA-Eligible Countries and Territories
- China – diplomatic, official, and service passports only
- United Arab Emirates – all passport types
- Federated States of Micronesia (FSM)
- Indonesia – all passport types
- Japan – all passport types
- Marshall Islands
- New Caledonia
- Solomon Islands
- Israel – all passport types
- United Kingdom (UK)
- French Polynesia (Tahiti)
- Wallis and Futuna
- Cook Islands (NZ passport holders)
- American Samoa
- Guam
- Northern Mariana Islands
Important VOA Restrictions
- Mainland United States, mainland France, and mainland New Zealand passport holders are not eligible for VOA
- VOA holders cannot engage in paid employment
- VOA cannot be extended – you must leave PNG before the 60-day period ends
2. Easy Visitor Permit (EVP)
The Easy Visitor Permit is the most common eVisa option for tourists from developed countries. It is applied for entirely online through the PNG eVisa portal.
EVP Key Details
- Fee: $50 USD
- Duration of stay: 60 days
- Validity: Single entry
- Extendable: No
- Processing: Online via evisa.ica.gov.pg
EVP-Eligible Countries
The EVP is available to citizens of a broad list of countries, including:
- United States (including passport holders from US territories)
- United Kingdom
- France (and French/Dutch Caribbean territories)
- New Zealand (including Cook Islands, Niue, Tokelau)
- Australia
- Canada
- Germany
- Most EU member states
- Many other countries
To check your eligibility, visit the official eVisa portal.
EVP Restrictions
- The EVP strictly prohibits paid work while in PNG
- If you need to extend your stay, you must apply for a different visa type before the EVP expires
- The fee is non-refundable if the application is unsuccessful
3. Tourist Visa
If your country is not covered by the Easy Visitor Permit, or you need an extendable visa, the Tourist Visa is the right option. It is available through the eVisa system.
Tourist Visa Sub-Types
- Own Itinerary – for individual travellers planning their own trip
- Tour Package – for group tourists travelling through a registered tour operator
Tourist Visa Key Details
- Fee: $50 USD
- Duration of stay: Up to 60 days
- Validity: 6 months from date of issue
- Entry type: Single entry
- Extendable: Yes – apply before your current visa expires while still in PNG
How to Extend a Tourist Visa
If you are already in PNG and want to stay longer:
- Submit a Visa Extension Request Form well before your current visa expires
- Pay the extension fee at the Department of Finance (Vulupindi Haus, Ground Floor, Waigani Drive, Port Moresby) or at the nearest International Revenue Commission office
- Individual receipts are required for each applicant or family group
- There is no period of grace – overstay penalties apply
4. Business Visa
The Business Visa allows entry to PNG for commercial activities, meetings, conferences, and limited short-term employment. It is applied for through the eVisa portal.
Business Visa Key Details
- Purpose: Business meetings, conferences, contract negotiations, limited short-term work
- Fee: Varies by sub-class and nationality
- Duration: Varies
- Extendable: Depends on sub-class
APEC Business Travel Card (ABTC)
Holders of an APEC Business Travel Card with a “PNG” code on the reverse side can enter PNG without a separate visa for business trips of up to 60 days. This card is issued to citizens of APEC member economies.
5. Transit Visa
A Transit Visa is for travellers passing through PNG on their way to another destination.
Transit Key Details
- Air transit (staying in the transit lounge): No visa or fee required
- Leaving the terminal: K100 (~$28 USD) fee applies
- Cruise ship passengers: Must hold a seaman pass or pay K100 to go ashore
If you hold a valid Tourist Visa or EVP, you do not need a separate transit visa.
6. Work and Residence Visas
PNG offers several visa categories for those seeking employment or long-term residence:
Work Visa
- For persons wishing to work in PNG or establish a business
- Requires employer sponsorship
- Multiple sub-classes depending on employment type and duration
Working Resident Visa
- For long-term employment and residence
- Multiple renewal options available
Study Visa
- For individuals enrolled in a PNG educational institution
- Requires proof of enrolment and financial capacity
7. Other Visa Categories
PNG also offers specialised visa categories:
- Entertainer Visa – for performers, artists, and athletes
- Restricted Visa – for specific restricted purposes
- Special Exemption Visa – for unusual circumstances not covered by standard categories
All of these are applied for through the eVisa portal at evisa.ica.gov.pg.
How to Apply for a PNG Visa
Step 1: Check Your Eligibility
Determine which visa type you qualify for based on your nationality and purpose of visit. The PNG Immigration and Citizenship Authority (ICA) provides an online eligibility checker.
Step 2: Gather Your Documents
Standard requirements include:
- Valid passport (minimum 6 months validity)
- Recent passport-sized photograph
- Proof of onward travel
- Proof of accommodation
- Evidence of sufficient funds
Step 3: Apply Online
Most visa types are available through the eVisa portal:
- Visit evisa.ica.gov.pg
- Create an account
- Select your visa type
- Complete the application form
- Upload required documents
- Pay the fee online
Step 4: Submit the Digital Arrival Card
All visitors to PNG must complete a PNG Digital Arrival Card at least 72 hours before arrival. This is a separate requirement from the visa.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do US citizens need a visa for Papua New Guinea?
Yes. US mainland passport holders are not eligible for Visa on Arrival and must apply in advance for either an Easy Visitor Permit ($50, 60 days, not extendable) or a Tourist Visa ($50, 60 days, extendable) through the eVisa portal.
Can I get a visa on arrival in Papua New Guinea?
Only citizens of specific countries (including the UK, Japan, Indonesia, Israel, and several Pacific Island nations) are eligible for Visa on Arrival. US, Australian, Canadian, and most EU citizens must apply for an eVisa before travelling.
How much does a PNG visa cost?
The standard eVisa fee is $50 USD for both the Easy Visitor Permit and Tourist Visa. Business and work visa fees vary.
How long does it take to get a Papua New Guinea visa?
eVisa applications are typically processed within 3-5 business days, though it is advisable to apply at least 2 weeks before your intended travel date.
Can I extend my visa in PNG?
Only the Tourist Visa can be extended. The Easy Visitor Permit and Visa on Arrival cannot be extended. Apply for an extension before your current visa expires while you are still in PNG.
Which countries are visa-free for Papua New Guinea?
No country is completely visa-free for PNG entry. However, VOA-eligible countries can obtain their visa at the airport, which is effectively a simplified entry process.
Key Contacts
- PNG Immigration and Citizenship Authority (ICA): +675 327 6100
- eVisa Portal: evisa.ica.gov.pg
- ICA Website: ica.gov.pg
- PNG Customs Service: +675 312 7500
- Green Fee (Climate Change and Development Authority): +675 341 4287
Last updated: July 2026. Visa policies can change without notice. Always verify current requirements with the PNG Immigration and Citizenship Authority before travelling.
