Papua New Guinea entry requirements for Switzerland passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 17, 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
Swiss passport holders need a visa to enter Papua New Guinea. You must apply in advance through a Papua New Guinean embassy or consulate — there is no visa on arrival for Swiss citizens as of 2026.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa application Apply for a visa before travel | Swiss passport holders need a visa to enter Papua New Guinea. Apply at the Papua New Guinea Immigration and Citizenship Authority website or through the nearest PNG embassy or consulate. Processing times vary, so submit your application well ahead of your planned departure.Apply for visa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your stay | Your Swiss passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry into Papua New Guinea. Airlines check this at check-in, and immigration officers enforce it strictly. If your passport expires sooner, renew it before booking. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | Immigration will ask for proof of a return or onward ticket before they stamp you in. Have a printed copy or a digital version ready on your phone. Without it, you may be denied boarding or entry. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended to have on hand | While not always checked, having a hotel booking or an invitation letter from a host can speed up the immigration process. Keep a copy in your carry-on just in case. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended to show you can support your stay | Carry evidence of sufficient funds, such as bank statements or a credit card with a decent limit. Immigration may ask how you plan to cover your expenses during your visit. | Recommended |
Apply well in advance
Visa processing can take several weeks. Do not book non-refundable flights until you have your visa in hand.
No visa on arrival
Swiss citizens cannot get a visa on arrival in Papua New Guinea. You must apply through an embassy or consulate before you travel.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for a visa at the embassy
Contact the Papua New Guinea High Commission in London or the nearest embassy/consulate. Submit the completed application form, your passport, passport photos, flight itinerary, accommodation proof, and any other required documents. Pay the visa fee. Processing typically takes 2–4 weeks.
2
Wait for visa approval
Once submitted, the embassy will process your application. You may be asked for additional documents. Do not book non-refundable flights until you receive your visa.
3
Prepare for arrival in Papua New Guinea
When you land at Jacksons International Airport in Port Moresby, proceed to immigration. Have your passport with visa, return ticket, and accommodation confirmation ready. The officer may ask a few questions about your trip. After stamping, you're free to enter.
Download Papua New Guinea Entry Checklist
PDF · Switzerland Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 17, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa single entry
Max stay60 days, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue
CostPGK 200 (~$55 USD)
Requires application at PNG embassy or consulate.
Tourist visa multiple entry
Max stay60 days per entry, extendable 30 days
Validity6 months from issue
CostPGK 400 (~$110 USD)
Suitable for frequent travellers.
Business visa
Max stay60 days, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue
CostPGK 300 (~$82 USD)
Requires invitation letter from PNG company.
work visa
Work Permit / Employment Visa
1 year, renewable
PGK 1,000 (~$275 USD) plus processing
For foreign nationals 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)
For enrolled students at recognized PNG institutions. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Investor / Business Visa
1 year, renewable
PGK 2,000 (~$550 USD)
For individuals investing a minimum of PGK 500,000 in a PNG business. Must provide 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) |
| Overstay fine per dayMaximum cap of PGK 5,000 (~$1,370 USD). | PGK 100 (~$27 USD) per day |
| Stay extension feeFor extension of tourist stay up to 30 days. | PGK 300 (~$82 USD) |
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
Swiss 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
Exceptions & conditions
- If leaving the airport or staying overnight, a visa is required.
Transit hubsJacksons International Airport (POM), Port Moresby
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-borne.
TuberculosisModerate risk
Higher incidence than in Switzerland; avoid close contact with symptomatic individuals.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is present throughout Papua New Guinea, including urban areas. Prophylaxis recommended for all travellers.
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 1264, Waigani, NCD
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Main office for visa extensions and permits. Bring passport, visa, and fee.
Lae
ICA Lae Regional Office
Top Town, Lae, Morobe Province
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Handles extensions and permits for visitors in the Highlands region.
Practical information for CH 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
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 Swiss passport holders. You must obtain a visa in advance from a Papua New Guinean embassy or consulate before you travel.
Processing times vary but typically take 2–4 weeks. Apply well ahead of your planned travel date to avoid delays.
Visa fees depend on the type and duration of visa. Check with the embassy or consulate for the current fee schedule. Expect to pay around 100–200 USD for a single-entry tourist visa.
If you are arriving from a country with yellow fever risk, you may need a vaccination certificate. Switzerland is not a yellow fever country, but check your itinerary for any transit stops in affected areas.
Extensions are possible but not guaranteed. You would need to apply at the Immigration and Citizenship Authority in Port Moresby before your visa expires. Approval is at their discretion.
Overstaying can result in fines, detention, or deportation. Always leave before your visa expires or apply for an extension if needed.
Papua New Guinea has areas with high crime rates, especially in Port Moresby and Lae. Exercise caution, avoid walking alone at night, and use reputable tour operators. Check your government's travel advisory before booking.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 17, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.