Papua New Guinea entry requirements for France 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
French passport holders need a visa to enter Papua New Guinea. You must apply and receive approval before you travel — there is no visa on arrival for French citizens. Plan ahead, as processing can take several weeks.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa application Apply for a visa before travel | You need a visa to enter Papua New Guinea. Apply online through the PNG Immigration and Citizenship Authority portal. Processing takes several weeks, so start early.Apply for visa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your stay | Your passport must have at least 6 months of validity remaining from your departure date from Papua New Guinea. Airlines check this at check-in. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of onward travel required | Immigration officers ask for a confirmed onward or return ticket before granting entry. Have a printed copy or show it on your phone. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Carry a hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host. Immigration may ask where you're staying on arrival. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Have bank statements or cash showing you can cover your stay. There's no fixed minimum, but around 500 PGK per day is a safe benchmark. | Recommended |
Apply early — processing takes weeks
Visa processing for Papua New Guinea can take 2–4 weeks. Don't leave it until the last minute. Apply at least a month before your trip.
Keep digital copies of everything
Save your visa approval, passport, return ticket, and accommodation booking as PDFs or screenshots on your phone. Internet can be patchy, and you may need to show documents offline.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for your visa online
Go to the Papua New Guinea Immigration website and complete the visa application. Upload your passport copy, travel itinerary, and accommodation details. Pay the fee online. Processing can take 2–4 weeks, so apply early.
2
Prepare your documents
Gather your passport (valid 6+ months), printed visa approval, return ticket, accommodation booking, and travel insurance. Keep digital copies on your phone as backup.
3
Arrive at Port Moresby (Jacksons International Airport)
After landing, proceed to immigration. Present your passport, visa approval, and return ticket. The officer may ask about your accommodation and purpose of visit. Answer clearly and concisely. You'll receive an entry stamp — check the date before leaving the counter.
Download Papua New Guinea Entry Checklist
PDF · France 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 30 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost100 USD (100 USD)
Requires invitation letter or hotel booking.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay60 days per entry, extendable 30 days
Validity6 months from issue
Cost200 USD (200 USD)
Suitable for frequent travellers.
Business visa
Max stay90 days, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost150 USD (150 USD)
Requires letter from sponsoring company in PNG.
work visa
Work Permit / Employment Visa
1 year, renewable
~500 USD (application 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
~100 USD
For enrolled students at recognized PNG institutions. Requires proof of enrollment and sufficient funds.
investor visa
Investor / Business Visa
1 year, renewable
~1,000 USD
For individuals investing a minimum of 100,000 USD in a PNG business. Requires business plan and proof of funds.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Standard fee for a single-entry tourist visa. | 100 USD (100 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within validity period. | 200 USD (200 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayMaximum cap of 5,000 PGK (~1,400 USD). | 50 PGK (~14 USD) per day |
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
France passport holders transiting through Papua New Guinea do not need a transit visa if they remain airside and have a confirmed onward ticket within 24 hours.
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-borne.
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 734, Port Moresby, NCD
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Main office for visa extensions and permits.
Lae
ICA Lae Regional Office
Top Town, Lae, Morobe Province
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Handles extensions for visitors in the Highlands region.
Practical information for FR 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. There is no visa on arrival for French passport holders. You must apply for and receive a visa before you travel.
Processing typically takes 2 to 4 weeks. Apply at least a month before your planned departure to avoid delays.
Visa fees vary depending on the type and duration. Check the official Papua New Guinea Immigration website for the current fee schedule.
Extensions are not available for this visa type. If you need to stay longer, you must apply for a different visa category before your current visa expires.
Your visa application will likely be rejected. Renew your passport before applying — the 6 months are counted from your entry date.
If you are arriving from a country with yellow fever, you may need proof of vaccination. Check the latest health requirements before travel.
Not strictly required for the visa application, but strongly recommended. Medical costs in Papua New Guinea are high, and insurance covers emergencies and evacuation.
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.