Papua New Guinea entry requirements for United Kingdom passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed August 6, 2026·View sources
Visa on arrival
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
British passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Papua New Guinea, so you don't need to arrange anything before you fly. Just make sure your passport is valid for at least 6 months and has a blank page for the visa sticker. You'll sort it out at the airport when you land.
Apply for Papua New Guinea eVisaOfficial portal: Papua New Guinea eVisa
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrivalYou get the visa when you land, but you must meet all entry conditions. Tourist visa issued at Port Moresby and other entry points | British citizens can obtain a tourist visa on arrival in Papua New Guinea. The visa is valid for a single entry and is not extendable. Have your passport, return ticket, and proof of sufficient funds ready to present to immigration. | Required |
| Passport validityIf your passport expires sooner, you may be denied boarding or entry. At least 6 months from arrival | Your UK passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended date of arrival in Papua New Guinea. Check your passport's expiry date well before you travel. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesImmigration needs a clean page to affix the visa stamp. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must contain at least one blank page for the visa stamp. It's wise to have a couple of spare pages for additional stamps. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketImmigration wants to see that you plan to leave the country. Proof of departure from Papua New Guinea | You must hold a confirmed return or onward ticket to a country other than Papua New Guinea. This is a standard requirement for visa-on-arrival issuance. | Required |
| Proof of sufficient fundsCarry bank statements or cash to demonstrate you can support yourself. For your stay | Be prepared to show evidence of sufficient funds to cover your stay in Papua New Guinea. The amount is not fixed but should reflect your planned activities and duration. | Required |
| Arrival declarationNo pre-departure online form needed. Not required | Papua New Guinea does not require an online arrival declaration for UK passport holders. You will complete a standard immigration form on arrival. | Not required |
| E-visa applicationApplying online beforehand is not mandatory but can speed up arrival. Optional alternative to visa on arrival | While visa on arrival is available, you may also apply for an e-visa in advance through the official Papua New Guinea Immigration website. This can save time at the airport. | Optional |
Cash is king
The visa on arrival fee is often paid in cash. ATMs at the airport may be unreliable, and card payments are not always accepted. Bring US dollars or PGK in cash to avoid delays.
E-visa option available
You can apply for an e-visa in advance at https://evisa.immigration.gov.pg/. It's not required, but it can speed up your arrival and give you peace of mind.
Strict passport rules
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from arrival. If it's close to expiring, renew it before you book your trip. No exceptions are made.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at the airport
Fly into Jacksons International Airport in Port Moresby (or another international entry point). Follow the signs to immigration after disembarking.
2
Queue at immigration
Join the queue for 'Visitors' or 'Visa on Arrival'. Have your passport, completed arrival card (if given), and onward ticket ready.
3
Present documents
Hand your passport to the officer. They'll check your passport validity, blank page, and may ask about your plans. Answer clearly.
4
Pay the visa fee (if applicable)
The visa on arrival may require a fee in cash (PGK or sometimes USD). Have local currency or US dollars ready. The exact amount varies, so ask at the counter.
5
Receive your visa
The officer will stamp or affix a visa in your passport. Check the validity dates and any conditions before leaving the counter.
6
Proceed to baggage claim
After clearing immigration, collect your luggage and go through customs. You're now officially in Papua New Guinea.
Download Papua New Guinea Entry Checklist
PDF · United Kingdom Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated August 6, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Business visa (e-Visa)
Max stay60 days
Validity6 months from issue
CostUSD 50
For business activities; apply online before travel.
Tourist visa (e-Visa)
Max stay60 days
Validity6 months from issue
CostUSD 50
Recommended if arriving by land or sea; online application available.
Multiple entry visa
Max stay60 days per entry
Validity1 year
CostUSD 100
For frequent travellers; apply at PNG embassy or online.
work visa
Work Permit (Employment Visa)
1 year, renewable annually
PGK 1,000 (~$276 USD) plus processing fees
For those with a job offer from a PNG employer. Requires sponsorship and labour market test. Allows long-term stay.
investor visa
Investor Visa
1 year, renewable
PGK 5,000 (~$1,380 USD) plus fees
For individuals investing a minimum of PGK 500,000 in PNG business. Requires business plan and proof of funds.
student visa
Student Visa
Duration of course, renewable
PGK 500 (~$138 USD) plus fees
For enrolment in a recognised PNG educational institution. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa extension (up to 60 days per extension)Apply at the Papua New Guinea Immigration and Citizenship Authority in Port Moresby before current visa expires. | PGK 200 (approx. USD 50) |
| Exit fee (departure tax)Usually included in airline ticket; verify at check-in. | PGK 100 (approx. USD 25) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds proof30%
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
UK passport holders transiting through Papua New Guinea (e.g., Port Moresby) do not need a visa if staying airside and continuing within 24 hours.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- If leaving the transit area or staying overnight, a visa on arrival is required (free for UK citizens).
Transit hubsJacksons International Airport (POM)
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 risk in crowded settings; consider screening.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is high risk in all regions, including urban areas. Prophylaxis recommended (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline).
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 application form, passport photos, and fee.
Lae
ICA Lae Regional Office
P.O. Box 123, Lae, Morobe Province
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Handles extensions and permits for the Highlands region.
Practical information for GB 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. UK citizens can get a visa on arrival. You don't need to do anything in advance, but you must meet the entry requirements (passport validity, blank page, etc.).
The fee varies. It's typically around 100 USD or equivalent in PGK, but it can change. Bring both US dollars and Papua New Guinean kina to be safe. The immigration officer will tell you the exact amount.
No, the visa on arrival is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you'll have to leave the country and re-enter, or contact the Papua New Guinea Immigration and Citizenship Authority before your visa expires.
You'll likely be refused entry. The rule is strict. Renew your passport before you travel.
It's available at major international airports like Port Moresby. If you're arriving by land or sea, check with the nearest Papua New Guinea embassy or consulate, as facilities may be limited.
If you're coming from a yellow fever endemic country, you'll need a yellow fever certificate. Otherwise, it's not required for UK travellers. Check current health advice before you go.
Yes, you can apply online at the official e-visa portal (https://evisa.immigration.gov.pg/). It's optional but might save time at the airport. The e-visa is processed before you travel.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on August 6, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.