Papua New Guinea entry requirements for Canada passport holders
Verified May 13, 2026·View sources
Visa 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
Canadian passport holders need a visa to enter Papua New Guinea. You must arrange this before you travel — there is no visa on arrival for Canadians. Plan ahead, as processing can take several weeks.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa application Apply for a visa before travel | Canadian passport holders need a visa to enter Papua New Guinea. Apply at the nearest Papua New Guinea embassy or consulate — there is no eVisa system for this destination. Processing takes 5–10 business days, so apply at least 3 weeks before your flight. | Required |
| Valid passport Passport validity rules | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date from Papua New Guinea. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of onward travel | Immigration officers at Jacksons International Airport in Port Moresby routinely ask for a confirmed return or onward ticket. Have a printed copy or a screenshot ready on your phone. Airlines also enforce this before issuing a boarding pass. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Border officers may ask where you are staying. Have a hotel confirmation or a letter of invitation from your host ready. A booking on Booking.com or Agoda works fine — just make sure it covers your entire stay. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Immigration can ask for evidence of sufficient funds. Carry a bank statement or credit card statement showing at least 500 PGK (approx. 190 CAD) per day of your stay. A recent printout from your online banking is acceptable. | Recommended |
Visa required — no exceptions
Canadian passport holders cannot get a visa on arrival. You must apply and receive approval before your flight. Start the process at least 4 weeks ahead.
Passport validity counts from entry date
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the day you land in Papua New Guinea, not from when you leave. If it's close to expiring, renew it first.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for your visa
Submit your visa application to the Papua New Guinea Immigration and Citizenship Authority (ICA) online or through the PNG High Commission in Ottawa. Processing takes 2–4 weeks, so apply at least a month before your trip.
2
Gather your documents
Collect your passport (valid 6+ months), a recent passport photo, return flight booking, accommodation confirmation, and travel insurance. Have digital and printed copies ready.
3
Arrive at Port Moresby (Jacksons International Airport)
After landing, proceed to the immigration hall. Join the queue for foreign passport holders. Present your passport with the visa, return ticket, and accommodation proof. The officer may ask a few questions about your trip. Expect a short wait — 15–30 minutes is typical.
4
Collect your luggage and exit
After clearing immigration, head to baggage claim, then customs. Declare any restricted items. Once through, you're free to enter Papua New Guinea.
Download Papua New Guinea Entry Checklist
PDF · Canada Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 13, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay60 days, extendable up to 30 days
Validity3 months from issue date
CostPGK 200 (~$55 USD)
Requires application at PNG embassy or consulate.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay60 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue date
CostPGK 400 (~$110 USD)
Suitable for frequent travellers.
Business visa
Max stay60 days, extendable
Validity3 months
CostPGK 300 (~$82 USD)
Requires invitation letter from PNG company.
work visa
Work Permit / Employment Visa
1 year, renewable
PGK 1,000 (~$275 USD) initial fee
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 (~$137 USD) per year
For enrolled students at recognized PNG institutions. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Investor Visa
1–3 years, renewable
PGK 2,000 (~$550 USD) initial fee
For individuals investing a minimum of PGK 500,000 in a PNG business. Requires business plan and proof of investment.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Standard fee for a single-entry tourist visa. | PGK 200 (~$55 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within validity period. | PGK 400 (~$110 USD) |
| Stay extension feeExtensions are generally not granted for tourist visas; check with immigration. | PGK 150 (~$40 USD) per month |
| Overstay fine per dayMaximum cap may apply; avoid overstaying. | PGK 50 (~$14 USD) per day |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete documents20%
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
Canadian passport holders transiting through Papua New Guinea do not require a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration.
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 transmission risk.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderJapanese EncephalitisConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country, especially in rural areas.
Dengue FeverHigh risk
Common in urban and rural areas; mosquito avoidance is key.
TyphoidModerate risk
Risk from contaminated food and water.
Malaria risk: high
Prophylaxis recommended for all travellers, especially in rural areas. Use mosquito repellent and 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 passport, photos, and fee.
Lae
ICA Lae Regional Office
Top Town, Lae, Morobe Province
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Handles extensions and permits for the Highlands region.
Practical information for CA 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 = 4.34 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. Canada is not on the list of countries eligible for a visa on arrival. You must get a visa before you travel.
Processing typically takes 2–4 weeks. Apply at least a month before your departure to be safe. The e-visa system is available for some categories, but check the PNG ICA website for current processing times.
Visa fees vary by type and duration. A standard tourist visa usually costs around $100–$150 CAD. Check the PNG High Commission in Ottawa or the ICA website for the exact fee.
Papua New Guinea does not require a yellow fever vaccine unless you are arriving from a country with yellow fever transmission. However, it's wise to check current health advisories from the Canadian government.
Extensions are not typically granted for tourist visas. If you need to stay longer, you must apply for a different visa type before your current one expires. Contact the PNG ICA for guidance.
Overstaying can result in fines, detention, or deportation. The fine is usually around 100–200 PGK per day overstayed. Always leave before your visa expires.
Papua New Guinea has areas with high crime rates, especially in Port Moresby and Lae. Exercise caution, avoid walking alone at night, and stay in reputable accommodations. Check the Canadian government travel advisory before booking.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 13, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.