Papua New Guinea visas
All foreign nationals travelling to Papua New Guinea need a visa, and whether you require one before arrival, can obtain a visa on arrival, or apply online for an eVisa depends on your nationality and the purpose of your visit. Visas, entry permits, work permits, permanent residence and citizenship are all regulated and issued by the Papua New Guinea Immigration and Citizenship Authority (ICA). This hub summarises the main routes and links to the ICA's official guidance; always confirm the current rules and fees at ica.gov.pg before you travel or apply.
Papua New Guinean visa categories
Explore visa categories by the purpose of your trip.
- Visitor & short-stay visasShort stays in Papua New Guinea — tourism, visiting family or friends, business visits and transit, plus any visa-free or e-visa options.4 visas
- Work visasComing to Papua New Guinea to work — the employment and skilled-worker routes and the permits they require.3 visas
- Study visasStudying in Papua New Guinea — student visas and permits for accepted students.1 visa
- Family visasJoining or sponsoring a partner, child or other relative in Papua New Guinea.1 visa
- Business & investor visasInvesting, doing business or coming to Papua New Guinea as a highly skilled individual.2 visas
- Residence & citizenshipLiving in Papua New Guinea long term — residence routes and, where available, the path to citizenship.3 visas
Papua New Guinean visa application at a glance
From start to finish in five simple steps.
- 01Choose the right visa
- 02Check eligibility & documents
- 03Apply online
- 04Provide biometrics
- 05Wait for a decision
Who needs a visa to Papua New Guinea
For those not from one of the countries eligible for visa on arrival or electronic visas, a visa must be obtained at one of the PNG diplomatic missions before entering the country. For those from one of the countries eligible for visa on arrival or electronic visas, a visa must be obtained at one of the PNG diplomatic missions. All visitors are required to have a passport that is valid for at least six months.
Entry into Papua New Guinea
Community transmission of COVID-19 is widespread in Papua New Guinea, and the virus has spread throughout the country, impacting the capacity of local health services. To enter Papua New Guinea, passengers must be fully immunised against COVID-19 and have a valid visa. If you test positive for COVID-19 upon arrival, you may be subject to a 7-day quarantine. This will take place at a designated hotel or your home. Commercial travel options to and from Papua New Guinea continue to be extremely limited and subject to entry restrictions. Numerous airlines mandate that passengers be fully immunised against COVID-19. Consult your airline or travel provider for further details.
Criteria to apply for a Papua New Guinea Visa
You will require the following:
- To qualify for a Visitor visa, you must demonstrate that you are a real tourist or visitor.
- That you plan to depart Papua New Guinea at the conclusion of your stay.
Processing Time For Papua New Guinea Visas
If submitted in person, the processing of visas takes roughly four business days to complete. For the return of your passport, you must include a pre-paid, self-addressed envelope marked "Special Delivery" and include a self-addressed, pre-paid envelope for the return of your documents.
Who Can Visit Papua New Guinea Without a Visa?
If you are not a citizen of Papua New Guinea, you will need a valid visa to enter the country. All passport holders must obtain a visa prior to departure.
What To Do If Your Papua New Guinea Visa is Refused
You have the option of challenging this judgment. The embassy of the Member State that decided to deny the visa distributes a standard form to notify the applicant of the decision to deny a Papua New Guinea visa and the reasons for the refusal.
Papua New Guinea — key facts
- Visa authority
- Papua New Guinea Immigration and Citizenship Authority (ICA)
- Application
- Online (in most cases)
- Biometrics
- Usually required
- Currency
- Papua New Guinean kina (PGK)
- Time zone
- Papua New Guinea Time (UTC+10)
Papua New Guinean visas — people also ask
The typical processing time for online applications is seven days or less, allowing the mobility of all visitors, including tourists and businesspeople. Reduced paperwork and a more flexible approach to the documentation needs for frequent travellers to Australia.
Official sources
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to the official government sources.
Verified against official sources · last reviewed 2026-08-21. Information only — not legal advice.