Papua New Guinea entry requirements for Laos passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 26, 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
Laos passport holders need an eVisa to enter Papua New Guinea. The eVisa covers tourism and business visits, and you must apply online before you travel. As of 2026, this is the only way to get a visa for short stays.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply online before travel | You need an eVisa to enter Papua New Guinea. Apply at the official Immigration and Citizenship Authority portal. Processing takes a few business days — do not book flights until approved.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for entire stay | 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 routinely ask for a return or onward ticket. Have a printed copy or a digital booking confirmation ready. Without one, you risk being refused entry and sent back on the next flight. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Have a hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host ready. Officers may ask where you are staying — having a printed booking confirmation avoids delays. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Carry a bank statement or cash equivalent to at least 500 PGK (around $140 USD) per day of your stay. Immigration may ask to see it if you look underprepared. | Recommended |
No visa on arrival for Laos passport holders
You cannot get a visa when you land. You must have an approved eVisa before you fly. Airlines will not let you board without it.
Medical costs are high
Papua New Guinea has limited medical facilities. A simple hospital visit can cost hundreds of dollars. Travel insurance is strongly recommended.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for the eVisa online
Go to the official Papua New Guinea eVisa website. Fill in your personal details, passport info, travel dates, and upload a passport-style photo. Pay the fee with a credit card. Processing usually takes 3–5 business days.
2
Receive and print your eVisa
Once approved, you'll get an email with the eVisa PDF. Print a copy and save it on your phone. You'll need to show it at check-in and on arrival.
3
Arrive at Port Moresby (Jacksons International Airport)
Most international flights land at Port Moresby. Go to the immigration queue for 'eVisa holders'. Present your passport, printed eVisa, and return ticket. They'll stamp you in. The whole process usually takes 10–20 minutes.
4
Collect your luggage and exit
After immigration, pick up your bags from the carousel. There's a customs check on the way out. Declare any food, plants, or large amounts of cash.
Download Papua New Guinea Entry Checklist
PDF · Laos Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 26, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay30 days, non-extendable
Validity3 months from issue
CostPGK 250 (~$69 USD)
Standard option for short visits.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, up to 6 months
Validity6 months from issue
CostPGK 500 (~$138 USD)
Ideal for frequent travelers.
Business visa
Max stay60 days, extendable
Validity3 months
CostPGK 600 (~$165 USD)
Requires invitation letter from PNG company.
work visa
Work Permit / Employment Visa
1 year, renewable
PGK 1,000 (~$276 USD) plus processing fees
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, up to 4 years
PGK 500 (~$138 USD) per year
For enrollment in a recognized PNG educational institution. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Investor Visa
1 year, renewable
PGK 2,000 (~$552 USD) plus investment proof
For individuals investing at least PGK 500,000 in a PNG business. Requires business plan and registration.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa (single entry)Standard fee for tourist eVisa, valid for 30 days. | PGK 200 (~$55 USD) |
| Tourist visa (single entry, at embassy)For those applying via embassy, valid for 30 days. | PGK 250 (~$69 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within 6 months, max stay 30 days per entry. | PGK 500 (~$138 USD) |
| Overstay finePay at immigration office before departure. | PGK 50 per day (~$14 USD), max PGK 1,000 (~$276 USD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete 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
Laos passport holders transiting through Papua New Guinea do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. However, if you need to enter the country (e.g., to change airports or collect luggage), a visa is required.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid visa for Australia, New Zealand, or the United States may transit without a visa for up to 24 hours.
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 risk.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderJapanese EncephalitisConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country, especially in rural areas; prophylaxis recommended.
Dengue FeverHigh risk
Common in urban and rural areas; mosquito avoidance is key.
TyphoidModerate risk
Risk from contaminated food/water; vaccination recommended.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is present in all regions, including urban areas. Prophylaxis (e.g., doxycycline, atovaquone-proguanil) is strongly recommended. Use insect repellent and bed 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, visa, and fee.
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 LA 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
Typically 3–5 business days. Apply at least a week before your trip to be safe. There's no rush service.
The official fee is around 50–100 USD depending on your nationality and visa type. You pay online by credit card. There may be a small processing fee.
No, the eVisa is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must leave and reapply, or check with the Papua New Guinea Immigration office in Port Moresby for other options.
If you're arriving from a country with yellow fever, you need a vaccination certificate. Laos is not a yellow fever country, so you likely don't need it unless you've recently been to an affected area.
Denials are rare but can happen if your application has errors or missing documents. You'll get a refund of the fee minus a processing charge. You can reapply with corrected info.
The eVisa is valid for entry at any international airport in Papua New Guinea: Port Moresby, Lae, or Mount Hagen. Most flights arrive at Port Moresby.
Yes. Airlines check for onward travel before they let you board. Have your return or onward ticket ready at the check-in counter.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 26, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.