Papua New Guinea entry requirements for United Arab Emirates passport holders

Checked daily · Updated May 25, 2026·View sources
eVisa required
Max stay
No fixed limit
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked

Emirati passport holders need an eVisa to visit Papua New Guinea. The eVisa covers tourism and business visits. Apply online before you travel — there is no visa on arrival for UAE citizens as of 2026.

Entry requirements

RequirementDetailsStatus
eVisa application
Papua New Guinea eVisa
Apply online at the Papua New Guinea Immigration website before you travel. The eVisa is processed electronically and linked to your passport — no embassy visit needed. Start your application at least two weeks before departure to allow for processing delays.Apply for eVisaRequired
Valid passport
Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date from Papua New Guinea
Your passport needs at least two blank pages for entry and exit stamps. Papua New Guinea immigration enforces the 6-month validity rule strictly — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding.Required
Return or onward ticket
Proof of onward travel required
Immigration officers at Port Moresby Jacksons International Airport ask for a confirmed onward or return ticket before they stamp you in. Airlines also check this at check-in — a one-way ticket without proof of onward travel gets you denied boarding.Required
Proof of accommodation
Hotel booking or letter of invitation
Have a printed hotel reservation or a letter from your host in Papua New Guinea ready. Immigration may ask where you are staying, especially if you arrive without a pre-booked itinerary.Recommended
Proof of funds
Evidence of sufficient funds for your stay
Carry bank statements or a credit card showing you can cover your expenses. Immigration officers occasionally ask for proof of funds, particularly for longer visits or if you look under-resourced.Recommended
No visa on arrival for UAE citizens
Despite some older information online, there is no visa on arrival for Emirati passport holders at Papua New Guinea airports. You must have an approved eVisa before you fly.
Travel insurance is a must
Medical facilities in Papua New Guinea are limited. A basic travel insurance policy covering medical evacuation is strongly recommended. Hospital stays can cost hundreds of USD per day.

What happens at the border

1
Apply for the eVisa online
Go to the Papua New Guinea Immigration website and complete the eVisa application. You'll need a digital photo, passport scan, and travel details. Processing usually takes 3–5 business days. Pay the fee online with a credit card.
2
Wait for approval
You'll receive the eVisa by email as a PDF. Print a copy and save it on your phone. Check all details — name, passport number, dates — match your passport exactly.
3
Arrive at the airport
At Port Moresby's Jacksons International Airport, go to the immigration counter. Hand over your passport, the printed eVisa, and your return ticket. The officer will stamp you in. The whole process takes about 5–10 minutes if you have everything ready.
Download Papua New Guinea Entry Checklist
PDF · United Arab Emirates Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 25, 2026
Download PDF

Staying longer & fees

Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:

Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay30 days, non-extendable
Validity3 months from issue
Cost100 PGK (~$30 USD)

Standard eVisa for tourism, no extension allowed.

Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay60 days total, non-extendable
Validity6 months from issue
Cost200 PGK (~$60 USD)

Allows multiple entries within validity, but total stay cannot exceed 60 days.

Business visa
Max stay30 days, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost250 PGK (~$75 USD)

Requires invitation letter from a Papua New Guinea company.

work visa
Work Permit (Employment Visa)
1 year, renewable annually
~1,000 PGK (~$300 USD) plus processing fees
For foreign nationals with a job offer from a Papua New Guinea employer. Requires a valid contract and employer sponsorship. Allows multiple entries.
investor visa
Investor Visa (Business Visa)
1 year, renewable
~2,000 PGK (~$600 USD) plus investment proof
For individuals investing at least 100,000 PGK in a local business. Requires business plan and registration. Includes family dependents.
student visa
Student Visa
Duration of course, up to 4 years
~500 PGK (~$150 USD) per year
For enrolment in a recognized educational institution in Papua New Guinea. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
Other fees
ServiceCost
eVisa (single entry)Standard fee for tourist eVisa, valid for 30 days.100 PGK (~$30 USD)
eVisa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within 60 days.200 PGK (~$60 USD)
Stay extension feeExtensions are not available for eVisa holders; this fee applies only if allowed under special circumstances.150 PGK (~$45 USD) per 30 days
Overstay fine per dayOverstay fines accumulate daily, with a cap of 1,000 PGK.50 PGK (~$15 USD) per day, max 1,000 PGK (~$300 USD)

Common reasons for entry denial

Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete visa application20%

Approval probability calculator

Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.

Transiting through Papua New Guinea

No transit visa needed

United Arab Emirates passport holders transiting through Papua New Guinea do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. However, a visa is required if leaving the airport.

Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Transit hubsJacksons International Airport (POM) · Lae Nadzab Airport (LAE)

Health & vaccines for Papua New Guinea

Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever risk, as per WHO guidelines.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderJapanese EncephalitisConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk

Present throughout the country, especially in rural areas; prophylaxis recommended.

Dengue FeverModerate risk

Common in urban and rural areas; mosquito avoidance is key.

TyphoidModerate risk

Risk from contaminated food and water; vaccination advised.

Malaria risk: high

Malaria is endemic in all regions, including urban areas. Prophylaxis (e.g., doxycycline, atovaquone-proguanil) is strongly recommended. Use insect repellent and bed nets.

Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.

Immigration offices for extensions

Port Moresby
Papua New Guinea Immigration and Citizenship Authority (ICA) Headquarters
P.O. Box 727, Port Moresby, NCD
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00

Main office for visa extensions and permits. Bring original passport, visa, and proof of funds.

Lae
ICA Lae Regional Office
Top Town, Lae, Morobe Province
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00

Handles extensions and re-entry permits for visitors in the Highlands region.

Practical information for AE travellers

Country basics
CapitalPort Moresby
LanguageEnglish, Tok Pisin, Hiri Motu
Driving sideLeft-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS visitors can drive with a valid US driver's license for up to 3 months.
Money
CurrencyPapua New Guinean kina (PGK)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 4.36 PGK
updated May 29
Time zone
Local timeUTC+10
vs New York+15h
vs Los Angeles+18h
Electricity
Voltage240V / 50Hz
Plug types
IAustralian/New Zealand type I plug with three flat pins
⚠ US adapter needed
Water & health
Tap water
Not safe — use bottled
Tap water is not safe to drink; use bottled or boiled water.
Emergency numbers
Police112
Medical111
US EmbassyFind contact

Frequently asked questions

Typically 3–5 business days. Apply at least a week before your flight to be safe. There's no expedited option.
The official fee is around 50–100 PGK (about 15–30 USD). Check the immigration website for the exact amount — it can change.
No. The eVisa is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must leave and reapply.
If you're transiting through Port Moresby and staying airside, you don't need a visa. But if you need to clear immigration (e.g., to switch airports or stay overnight), you'll need the eVisa.
Rejections are rare for UAE passport holders, but if it happens, you'll get a reason. Common issues: passport validity too short, incomplete application, or unclear travel purpose. You can reapply with corrected info.
Yellow fever vaccination is required if you're arriving from a country with yellow fever. Otherwise, no mandatory vaccines for UAE citizens. But hepatitis A, typhoid, and malaria prophylaxis are strongly recommended — check with a travel clinic.
No. The eVisa is single-entry only. If you leave Papua New Guinea and want to return, you'll need to apply for a new eVisa.

Official sources

Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 25, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.