Papua New Guinea entry requirements for Australia passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed August 5, 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
Australian passport holders need a visa to enter Papua New Guinea — there's no visa on arrival for tourism. You'll need to apply online before you travel, and processing can take a couple of weeks, so plan ahead. As of 2026, the eVisa system is the standard route for short visits.
Apply for Papua New Guinea eVisaOfficial portal: Papua New Guinea eVisa
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Papua New Guinea e-VisaYou need to apply for and receive this visa before you fly to Papua New Guinea. Apply online before travel | Australian citizens must obtain an e-Visa prior to arrival. Apply through the official PNG Immigration eVisa portal at https://evisa.immigration.gov.pg/. The visa is issued electronically and must be presented on arrival. | Required |
| Passport validityCheck your passport expiry date — it must not expire within 6 months of your arrival. At least 6 months remaining | Your Australian passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended date of entry into Papua New Guinea. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesMake sure there is an empty page in your passport for the immigration officer to stamp. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must have at least one blank page for entry and exit stamps. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketHave your flight booking or itinerary ready in case they ask to see it. May be requested | Immigration officials may ask for proof of a return or onward ticket. Although not always required, it is strongly recommended to have one. | Recommended |
| Proof of fundsCarry a bank statement or credit card to show you can support yourself during your visit. May be requested | You may be asked to show evidence of sufficient funds for your stay. The amount is not fixed, but having access to cash or cards is advisable. | Recommended |
| Arrival declarationYou do not need to fill out any arrival form before you land. Not required | Papua New Guinea does not require an online arrival declaration for Australian citizens. | Not required |
Visa required — no exceptions
Australian passport holders cannot enter Papua New Guinea without a pre-approved visa. There is no visa on arrival for tourism. Apply well in advance — processing can take up to 10 business days.
Keep digital copies
Save your visa approval, passport photo, and travel documents as PDFs on your phone and in cloud storage. If you lose your passport, this makes replacement much faster.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for your eVisa online
Go to the PNG Immigration eVisa portal and fill out the application. You'll need your passport details, travel dates, accommodation info, and a return ticket. Upload any required documents (passport scan, photo, etc.) and pay the fee. Processing typically takes 5–10 business days, so apply at least 3 weeks before your trip.
2
Wait for approval
After submitting, you'll get a reference number. Check your email regularly — they may request additional documents. Approval comes as a visa grant letter or sticker. Save a copy on your phone and print a physical copy to carry with you.
3
Arrive at Port Moresby (or other entry point)
At Jacksons International Airport (POM), join the queue for foreign passport holders. Have your passport, visa approval, return ticket, and accommodation confirmation ready. The officer will check your documents and stamp you in. Be polite and patient — it can be slow.
4
Collect your luggage and exit
After immigration, proceed to baggage claim. Customs may ask to inspect your bags — declare any restricted items. Then exit into the arrivals hall. If you're connecting to a domestic flight, follow the signs for domestic transfers.
Download Papua New Guinea Entry Checklist
PDF · Australia Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated August 5, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Business eVisa
Max stay60 days
Validity3 months from date of issue
CostUSD 100 (approx. AUD 150)
For business activities; may require invitation letter from PNG company.
Work visa
Max stayUp to 1 year (renewable)
ValidityVaries; typically 1 year
CostPGK 1,500 (approx. AUD 600) plus processing fees
Requires employer sponsorship and approval from PNG Department of Labour.
Resident visa
Max stayIndefinite (with conditions)
Validity1-3 years initially
CostPGK 2,000 (approx. AUD 800) plus processing fees
For long-term residence; requires proof of funds and health clearance.
work visa
Work Permit / Employment Visa
1 year, renewable
PGK 1,000 (~$280 USD) plus processing
For those with a job offer from a PNG employer. Requires sponsorship and approval from the Department of Labour.
student visa
Student Visa
Duration of course, renewable
PGK 500 (~$140 USD)
For enrollment in a recognized educational institution in PNG. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Investor Visa
1–3 years, renewable
PGK 2,000 (~$560 USD) plus investment
For individuals investing a minimum amount in PNG business. Requires business plan and proof of investment.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa (tourist, single entry)Standard fee for short-term visit; payable online. | USD 50 (approx. AUD 75) |
| eVisa (business, single entry)For business-related visits; may require invitation letter. | USD 100 (approx. AUD 150) |
| Visa extension (on arrival in PNG)Apply at the PNG Immigration and Citizenship Authority in Port Moresby; max extension usually 2 months. | PGK 200 (approx. AUD 80) per month |
| Airport departure taxNo separate cash payment required at most airports. | Included in airline ticket |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete documentation20%
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
Australian passport holders transiting through Papua New Guinea (e.g., at Jacksons International Airport) do not need a visa if staying airside and departing within 24 hours.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- If you need to clear immigration (e.g., to change airports or stay overnight), you must obtain an eVisa before travel.
Transit hubsJacksons International Airport (POM) - Port Moresby · Lae Nadzab Airport (LAE) - Lae
Health & vaccines for Papua New Guinea
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever transmission.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderJapanese EncephalitisConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Widespread in lowland areas; prophylaxis recommended.
Dengue FeverHigh risk
Common in urban and rural areas; mosquito avoidance crucial.
TyphoidModerate risk
Risk from contaminated food/water; vaccination advised.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is present throughout the country, especially in lowland areas. Prophylaxis (e.g., doxycycline, atovaquone-proguanil) is strongly recommended.
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
P.O. Box 727, Port Moresby, NCD
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Main office for visa extensions and inquiries.
Lae
Lae Immigration Office
Top Town, Lae, Morobe Province
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Regional office for visa-related services.
Practical information for AU 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 = 4.39 PGK
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
Frequently asked questions
No. There is no visa on arrival for tourism. You must apply and receive approval before you travel. The eVisa is the standard route — apply online at evisa.immigration.gov.pg.
Typically 5–10 business days, but it can take longer during peak periods. Apply at least 3 weeks before your trip to be safe. You'll get a reference number when you submit, and approval comes via email.
The visa fee varies depending on the type and duration. Expect around AUD 100–150 for a single-entry tourist visa. Check the PNG Immigration website for current fees — they can change without much notice.
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your entry date. If it's shorter, renew your passport before applying for the visa. Airlines enforce this strictly — you'll be denied boarding otherwise.
Only if you're arriving from a country with yellow fever transmission. Australia is not a yellow fever country, so this doesn't apply unless you've recently travelled to an affected area. If you have, bring your vaccination certificate.
Extensions are possible but not guaranteed. You'll need to apply at the PNG Immigration office in Port Moresby (or regional offices in Lae or Mount Hagen) before your visa expires. Fees and processing times vary — expect around PGK 100 per month. Don't overstay without approval — fines are steep.
Have your passport with the visa sticker, your return ticket (printed or on your phone), and your accommodation booking confirmation. Keep them together in your carry-on. Also have proof of funds ready in case they ask.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on August 5, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.