Port Moresby Entry Requirements

Visa, immigration, and customs information

Port Moresby, the capital of Papua New Guinea (PNG), serves as the primary international gateway to this diverse Pacific nation. All international travelers entering Papua New Guinea must obtain a visa prior to arrival, with very limited exceptions. The country operates an electronic visa system for most nationalities, making the application process more streamlined than traditional visa applications. Jackson International Airport (POM) is the main point of entry, where travelers will undergo immigration and customs procedures. The entry process requires careful preparation, as Papua New Guinea has specific documentation requirements and strict customs regulations. Travelers should ensure they have valid visas, proof of onward travel, sufficient funds for their stay, and all necessary health documentation. The immigration authorities are thorough in their checks, and it's essential to have all documents readily available. Processing times at the airport can vary, so patience is advised, especially during peak travel periods. Papua New Guinea's entry requirements reflect its commitment to border security and public health. Visitors should be aware that the country has specific regulations regarding prohibited and restricted items, and customs officers conduct thorough inspections. Understanding these requirements before travel will help ensure a smooth entry process and avoid potential delays or complications at the border.

Visa Requirements

Entry permissions vary by nationality. Find your category below.

Papua New Guinea requires visas for almost all foreign nationals entering the country. The type of visa and application process depends on your nationality and purpose of visit. Most tourists can apply for an electronic visa (eVisa) online before travel.

Visa-Free Entry (Very Limited)

Up to 60 days

Only nationals of a very small number of countries may enter without a visa for extremely short stays

Includes

Citizens of other Pacific Island Forum countries may have special arrangements - verify current status

Visa-free entry is extremely limited. Most travelers, including those from Australia, New Zealand, US, UK, and EU countries, MUST obtain a visa before travel. Do not assume visa-free entry applies to you.

Electronic Visa (eVisa) - Tourist

Up to 60 days (single or multiple entry options available)

Available for citizens of most countries for tourism purposes

Includes

Australia New Zealand United States Canada United Kingdom Ireland All EU countries Japan South Korea Singapore Malaysia China India Philippines Indonesia Thailand Fiji Most other countries

How to Apply: Apply online through the Papua New Guinea Immigration and Citizenship Authority website (evisa.ica.gov.pg). Processing typically takes 3-5 business days but can take up to 10 days. Apply at least 2 weeks before travel.
Cost: Approximately USD 50-200 depending on visa type and duration (single vs multiple entry)

You must apply BEFORE traveling - visas on arrival are not available for most nationalities. Print your eVisa approval and carry it with you. Ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended stay.

Business Visa

Up to 60 days, renewable

For those traveling for business purposes, conferences, or work-related activities

How to Apply: Apply online through the eVisa system. Requires letter of invitation from PNG company or organization, proof of business activities, and company registration documents.

Business visas have stricter documentation requirements. For extended business stays or work permits, additional approvals from PNG Department of Labour may be required.

Visa Required - Embassy Application

Varies by visa type

Some nationalities or special circumstances require application through PNG embassy or consulate

How to Apply: Contact nearest Papua New Guinea embassy or high commission. Processing can take 2-4 weeks or longer.

Required for certain nationalities not eligible for eVisa, or for special visa categories including work permits, student visas, and long-term residence permits.

Arrival Process

Upon arrival at Jackson International Airport in Port Moresby, travelers will proceed through immigration control, collect baggage, and pass through customs. The process is generally straightforward if you have all required documents prepared.

Disembarkation and Health Screening

After leaving the aircraft, you may undergo health screening including temperature checks. Follow signs to immigration.

Immigration Control

Present your passport, printed eVisa approval, completed arrival card, and supporting documents to the immigration officer. Your passport will be stamped with your permitted length of stay.

Baggage Claim

Collect your checked luggage from the baggage carousel. Report any missing luggage to your airline's desk immediately.

Customs Declaration

Complete a customs declaration form (usually provided on the flight). Declare all required items including currency over the threshold, restricted items, and goods exceeding duty-free allowances.

Customs Inspection

Proceed through customs control. You may be selected for baggage inspection. Have your declaration form ready and answer all questions truthfully.

Exit to Arrivals Hall

After clearing customs, proceed to the arrivals hall where you can arrange transportation, exchange currency, or meet contacts.

Documents to Have Ready

Valid Passport

Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date from PNG. Must have at least 2 blank pages for stamps.

Visa Approval

Printed copy of your eVisa approval or visa stamp in passport. Keep this accessible throughout your journey.

Return/Onward Ticket

Proof of departure from PNG - airline ticket or itinerary showing confirmed onward travel within your visa validity period.

Proof of Accommodation

Hotel reservation, invitation letter from host, or address where you'll be staying in PNG.

Proof of Sufficient Funds

Bank statements, credit cards, or cash to demonstrate you can support yourself during your stay (approximately USD 100-150 per day recommended).

Yellow Fever Certificate

Required if arriving from or transiting through a yellow fever endemic country. Must be in the International Certificate of Vaccination format.

Arrival/Departure Card

Completed immigration card (usually provided on flight). Fill out accurately and completely.

Tips for Smooth Entry

Print all documents including eVisa approval, hotel bookings, and return tickets. Internet access at the airport may be limited.

Have small denomination US dollars or Australian dollars ready for any immediate expenses. The airport has limited currency exchange facilities.

Dress neatly and professionally. First impressions matter at immigration control.

Be patient - processing times can be slow, especially when multiple international flights arrive simultaneously.

Keep your eVisa approval and passport easily accessible throughout your journey, not packed in checked luggage.

Answer all questions honestly and directly. If you don't understand a question, politely ask for clarification.

Arrange airport pickup in advance. Port Moresby airport is located some distance from the city, and security considerations make pre-arranged transport advisable.

Keep copies of all important documents separate from originals, and save digital copies in your email or cloud storage.

Customs & Duty-Free

Papua New Guinea customs regulations are strictly enforced to protect the country's unique biodiversity, cultural heritage, and public health. All travelers must complete a customs declaration form and may be subject to baggage inspection. Declare all items truthfully to avoid penalties, which can include fines, confiscation, or prosecution.

Alcohol

2 liters of spirits or wine, or 2.25 liters of beer

Must be 18 years or older. Alcohol must be for personal use only.

Tobacco

200 cigarettes, or 250 grams of cigars or tobacco

Must be 18 years or older. Tobacco products must be for personal consumption.

Currency

Amounts exceeding PGK 20,000 (approximately USD 5,500) or equivalent in foreign currency must be declared

Declaration required on arrival and departure. There are no limits on the amount you can bring, but failure to declare can result in confiscation and penalties.

Gifts/Goods

Personal effects and goods up to PGK 1,000 (approximately USD 275) value

Goods must be for personal use or as bona fide gifts. Commercial quantities will be questioned and may incur duties.

Perfume

250ml of perfume or eau de toilette

For personal use only.

Prohibited Items

Illegal drugs and narcotics - PNG has severe penalties including lengthy prison sentences
Firearms, weapons, ammunition, and explosives - without prior authorization from PNG Police
Pornographic materials - strictly prohibited
Counterfeit goods and pirated media
Certain plants, seeds, and soil - to protect PNG's unique ecosystem
Fresh fruits, vegetables, and plant materials - strict quarantine regulations apply
Meat and meat products - unless accompanied by proper veterinary certificates
Endangered species and products - including ivory, certain shells, and protected wildlife
Cultural artifacts and antiquities - export of PNG cultural property is strictly controlled
Certain birds and feathers - many native species are protected

Restricted Items

Prescription medications - must be accompanied by doctor's prescription and in original packaging. Carry only amounts reasonable for personal use during your stay
Live animals and pets - require import permits, health certificates, and quarantine arrangements made in advance
Drones and radio communication equipment - may require permits from relevant authorities
Professional camera and video equipment - may require temporary import permits if of significant value
Firearms for hunting - require special permits from PNG Police and must be arranged well in advance
Biological specimens and research materials - require permits from relevant PNG authorities
Certain medications containing controlled substances - even with prescription, some medications may be prohibited

Health Requirements

Papua New Guinea has specific health entry requirements to protect public health. All travelers should consult with a travel medicine specialist at least 6-8 weeks before departure.

Required Vaccinations

Yellow Fever - Required if arriving from or having transited through a yellow fever endemic country within the previous 6 days. Must have International Certificate of Vaccination (yellow card). This is strictly enforced.

Recommended Vaccinations

Hepatitis A - Recommended for all travelers
Hepatitis B - Recommended, especially for longer stays
Typhoid - Recommended for most travelers
Tetanus-Diphtheria - Ensure routine vaccinations are up to date
Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR) - Ensure you're up to date, as outbreaks can occur
Japanese Encephalitis - Consider for travelers spending extended periods in rural areas
Rabies - Consider for adventure travelers or those working with animals
Polio - Ensure booster is current
Tuberculosis - Consider for healthcare workers or extended stays

Health Insurance

Comprehensive travel health insurance with medical evacuation coverage is STRONGLY RECOMMENDED. Medical facilities in Port Moresby are limited, and serious conditions may require evacuation to Australia. Ensure your policy covers PNG and includes emergency evacuation, which can cost USD 50,000 or more. Medical care often requires upfront payment.

Current Health Requirements: Check current COVID-19 and other health requirements before travel as these can change. Visit the PNG Department of Health website or consult your country's travel health advisory service. Malaria is endemic throughout PNG including Port Moresby - antimalarial medication is strongly recommended. Consult a travel medicine specialist about the appropriate prophylaxis for your itinerary. Dengue fever, Zika virus, and other mosquito-borne diseases are also present. Bring adequate supplies of any prescription medications in original packaging with prescriptions.

Important Contacts

Essential resources for your trip.

Papua New Guinea Immigration and Citizenship Authority

Official immigration authority for visa applications and inquiries

Website: www.ica.gov.pg | eVisa portal: evisa.ica.gov.pg | Email: info@ica.gov.pg

Embassy/High Commission

Contact your country's embassy or high commission in Port Moresby

Register with your embassy upon arrival for longer stays. Check your government's travel advisory website before departure for current safety information.

Emergency Services

Emergency services in Port Moresby

Police: 000 or 112 | Fire: 110 | Ambulance: 111 | Note that emergency response times can be slow; private security and medical services are often more reliable.

Jackson International Airport

Port Moresby's main international airport

Airport code: POM | Phone: +675 324 4700 | Located approximately 8km from city center

Papua New Guinea Tourism Promotion Authority

Official tourism information

Website: www.papuanewguinea.travel | Can provide general visitor information

Port Moresby General Hospital

Main public hospital in Port Moresby

Phone: +675 324 8200 | For serious medical issues, consider private clinics or medical evacuation

Special Situations

Additional requirements for specific circumstances.

Traveling with Children

Children must have their own passport and visa. If traveling with only one parent or with someone other than parents, carry a notarized letter of consent from the non-accompanying parent(s) or legal guardian(s). This should include contact details, travel dates, and authorization for the child to travel. Carry birth certificates showing parental relationships. For unaccompanied minors, special arrangements must be made with the airline and PNG immigration authorities in advance.

Traveling with Pets

Importing pets into Papua New Guinea is complex and requires extensive advance planning (at least 6 months). Requirements include: import permit from PNG National Agriculture Quarantine and Inspection Authority (NAQIA), current rabies vaccination (at least 30 days but not more than 12 months before arrival), microchip identification, veterinary health certificate issued within 7 days of travel, parasite treatments, and quarantine period (minimum 30 days for dogs and cats). Pets must arrive as manifested cargo, not as passenger baggage. Contact NAQIA well in advance: www.naqia.gov.pg. Costs are substantial, including quarantine fees. Some breeds may be restricted.

Extended Stays/Long-term Residence

Tourist visas can typically be extended for an additional 60 days by applying to the PNG Immigration office in Port Moresby before your initial visa expires. Extensions require valid reasons, proof of sufficient funds, and may incur fees. For stays beyond tourist visa limits, you'll need to apply for appropriate long-term visas: work permits (require job offer and employer sponsorship), business visas (for ongoing business activities), student visas (require acceptance from PNG educational institution), or residence permits (for retirement, investment, or family reunion). Work permits require approval from PNG Department of Labour and can take several months. Overstaying your visa can result in fines, detention, deportation, and future entry bans.

Transit Passengers

Passengers transiting through Port Moresby without leaving the airport international transit area for less than 8 hours may not require a visa, but this depends on nationality and airline. However, if you need to collect baggage, change terminals, or stay overnight, you will need a transit visa. Most travelers should obtain a visa to be safe. Check with your airline and PNG immigration authorities before travel. Port Moresby has limited transit facilities, and overnight stays in the airport are not comfortable.

Journalists and Media Personnel

Journalists, photographers, and media crews require special media accreditation in addition to appropriate visas. Contact the PNG Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade for media accreditation procedures. This process can take several weeks. Filming permits may be required from various authorities depending on locations and subjects. Working on a tourist visa is illegal and can result in deportation.

Humanitarian and NGO Workers

NGO workers and volunteers require appropriate work visas and may need additional approvals from PNG Department of Foreign Affairs. Your sponsoring organization should handle visa arrangements. Tourist visas do not permit volunteer work or employment. Ensure you have letters from your organization explaining your activities and duration of stay.

Dual Nationals

If you hold PNG citizenship and another nationality, you must enter and exit PNG using your PNG passport. Papua New Guinea does not formally recognize dual citizenship, though enforcement varies. Consult PNG immigration authorities if you have questions about dual nationality status.

Previous Immigration Violations

If you have previously overstayed a visa, been deported, or had other immigration violations in PNG or other countries, you may face entry denial or additional scrutiny. Declare any previous issues honestly on your visa application. Attempting to hide previous violations can result in permanent entry bans.