Port Moresby Entry Requirements

Visa, immigration, and customs information

Port Moresby, the capital of Papua New Guinea (PNG), is the primary international gateway to the country. Entry is controlled by the PNG Immigration and Citizenship Authority (ICA), with requirements varying based on nationality. Most visitors will need either a visa or an Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) prior to arrival. The immigration process at Jacksons International Airport (POM) is straightforward but can be slow; having all documents organized and ready for inspection will expedite your entry. Upon arrival, all travelers must present a passport valid for at least six months beyond the date of entry, proof of onward/return travel, and evidence of sufficient funds for their stay. Immigration officers may ask about the purpose of your visit and accommodation details. It's important to ensure your visa or ETA status is correct before travel, as changes cannot be made at the border. Travelers should be aware that PNG has specific customs regulations regarding currency, goods, and certain restricted items. Security in Port Moresby requires vigilance, and many visitors arrange pre-booked airport transfers. Always check the latest travel advisories from your government before departure.

Visa Requirements

Entry permissions vary by nationality. Find your category below.

Papua New Guinea's visa policy categorizes travelers based on nationality. Most tourists require either a visa-free entry, an Electronic Travel Authority (ETA), or a traditional visa obtained from an embassy.

Visa-Free Entry

60 days

Citizens of select Pacific nations can enter PNG without a visa for tourism.

Includes

Fiji Solomon Islands Vanuatu Samoa Kiribati Tuvalu Nauru Micronesia Palau Marshall Islands Cook Islands Niue

Visa-free entry is for tourism purposes only. Passport must be valid for at least 6 months.

Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA/eVisa)

30 or 60 days (single entry)

Citizens of eligible countries must obtain an ETA online before travel. This is the most common method for tourists.

Includes

United States United Kingdom Canada Australia New Zealand Germany France Italy Spain Japan South Korea Singapore Malaysia

How to Apply: Apply online via the PNG Immigration and Citizenship Authority (ICA) website. Processing is typically 5-7 business days, but apply at least 2 weeks before travel.
Cost: Approximately PGK 100 (roughly USD $28, subject to change)

The ETA is electronically linked to your passport. You must print the approval letter to present on arrival. It is for tourism and business visits only.

Visa Required

Varies by visa type (typically 30-60 days for tourist visa)

Citizens of countries not listed above must apply for a visa in advance from a PNG diplomatic mission.

How to Apply: Apply in person or by post at the nearest PNG Embassy or High Commission. Requires application form, passport photos, flight itinerary, proof of funds, and sometimes a letter of invitation.

Processing times can be lengthy. It is highly recommended to start the application process well in advance of your planned travel date.

Arrival Process

The entry process at Jacksons International Airport (POM) involves several steps. Arriving flights can be busy, so patience is advised.

Health Screening

You may pass through a preliminary health screening, if arriving from a region with health alerts.

Immigration Checkpoint

Present your passport, completed Incoming Passenger Card, and ETA approval letter or visa. The officer will stamp your passport and may ask questions about your visit.

Baggage Claim

Proceed to collect your checked luggage. Baggage carts are usually available.

Customs Inspection

Proceed through the Red (Goods to Declare) or Green (Nothing to Declare) channel. Your luggage may be scanned or inspected by customs officials.

Arrival Hall

Exit into the public arrivals hall. Have your pre-arranged transport details ready.

Documents to Have Ready

Passport

Must be valid for at least six months from the date of entry. Must have at least one blank visa page.

ETA Approval Letter or Visa

Required for most nationalities. Must be printed and presented to the immigration officer.

Incoming Passenger Card

A paper form distributed on your flight. Must be completed in English before reaching immigration.

Proof of Onward/Return Travel

A confirmed flight ticket departing PNG. May be requested by immigration.

Proof of Sufficient Funds

Evidence you can support yourself (e.g., bank statements, credit cards). May be requested.

Accommodation Details

Address of your hotel or host. May be requested.

Tips for Smooth Entry

Fill out your Incoming Passenger Card completely and accurately on the plane to save time.

Keep your ETA approval letter, passport, and boarding pass easily accessible in your hand luggage.

Answer immigration questions politely, clearly, and concisely.

Declare all items required on your passenger card to avoid fines at customs.

Pre-book a reputable airport transfer, as taxi services at the airport can be unstructured.

Customs & Duty-Free

PNG Customs Service strictly enforces regulations on the import and export of goods. Declaring items correctly is essential to avoid penalties.

Alcohol

1 liter of spirits or 2.25 liters of wine

Traveler must be 18 years or older.

Tobacco

250 grams of tobacco or 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars

Traveler must be 18 years or older.

Currency

PGK 20,000 (or foreign equivalent)

Amounts exceeding PGK 20,000 (approx. USD $5,300) must be declared upon arrival and departure.

Gifts/Goods

PGK 1,000 in value

Personal effects and gifts within this value limit are duty-free. Commercial goods are subject to duty.

Prohibited Items

Illegal drugs and narcotics
Counterfeit currency and goods
Indecent or pornographic material
Firearms, weapons, and ammunition without a permit
Protected wildlife and products (e.g., ivory, turtle shell) without CITES permits

Restricted Items

Medications - Must be in original packaging, accompanied by a doctor's prescription, and declared. Some prescription drugs may be controlled substances in PNG.
Plants, seeds, fruits, vegetables, and soil - Require import permits from the PNG Department of Agriculture and Livestock.
Animals and animal products - Require import permits from the PNG Department of Agriculture and Livestock.
Communications equipment (e.g., satellite phones, high-powered radios) - May require approval from the National Information and Communications Technology Authority (NICTA).

Health Requirements

PNG has specific health risks and entry requirements related to vaccinations. Medical facilities in Port Moresby are limited for serious conditions.

Required Vaccinations

Yellow Fever - Required if arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission.

Recommended Vaccinations

Routine Vaccinations (MMR, DTaP, Polio, Influenza, Chickenpox)
Hepatitis A
Hepatitis B
Typhoid
Japanese Encephalitis (for long-term travelers or those visiting rural areas)
Rabies (for travelers involved in outdoor activities or working with animals)

Health Insurance

Complete travel health insurance, including medical evacuation coverage, is highly recommended and may be required by some visa types. Healthcare costs can be very high for foreigners.

Current Health Requirements: As of May 2024, there are no COVID-19 vaccination, testing, or quarantine requirements for entry to PNG. This is subject to change; check the latest updates from the PNG Department of Health and your airline before travel.

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Important Contacts

Essential resources for your trip.

Embassy/Consulate

Find your country's embassy or consulate

Check your government's travel advisory website for locations and contact details in Port Moresby.

Immigration Authority

PNG Immigration and Citizenship Authority (ICA)

Official website for ETA applications, visa information, and official updates: www.immigration.gov.pg

Emergency

Emergency services number

112 - Police, ambulance, fire (From mobile phones). 000 may also work from landlines.

Special Situations

Additional requirements for specific circumstances.

Traveling with Children

Minors (under 18) should carry their own passport. If traveling with only one parent or without parents, it is strongly advised to carry a notarized letter of consent from the non-accompanying parent(s) or legal guardian(s), along with copies of their passports. This may be requested by immigration.

Traveling with Pets

Importing pets is highly restricted. An import permit from the PNG Department of Agriculture and Livestock is mandatory. Pets typically require a veterinary health certificate, proof of rabies vaccination, and may face a quarantine period. The process is complex and lengthy; start inquiries months in advance.

Extended Stays

To stay beyond the validity of a tourist ETA (30/60 days), you must apply for a visa extension at the PNG Immigration and Citizenship Authority (ICA) office in Port Moresby before your current permit expires. Extensions are not guaranteed and require a valid reason, proof of funds, and a fee. For long-term stays (work, study), the appropriate visa must be obtained before arrival.

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