Papua New Guinea entry requirements for Malta passport holders

Checked daily · Updated May 18, 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

Malta passport holders need a visa to enter Papua New Guinea. You must arrange this before you travel — there is no visa-on-arrival option for Maltese citizens. Plan ahead, as the application process can take several weeks.

Entry requirements

RequirementDetailsStatus
Visa application
Visa required
You need a visa before traveling to Papua New Guinea. Apply through the Papua New Guinea Immigration and Citizenship Authority website. Processing times vary, so submit your application at least 4 weeks before departure.Apply for visaRequired
Valid passport
Must be valid for 6 months beyond your stay
Your Maltese passport must have at least 6 months of validity remaining from your planned departure date from Papua New Guinea. Airlines check this at check-in and you will be denied boarding if it expires sooner.Required
Return or onward ticket
Required for entry
Immigration officers at Jacksons International Airport in Port Moresby will ask to see a confirmed onward or return ticket. Have a printed copy or show it on your phone.Required
Proof of accommodation
Recommended
Have a hotel booking or a letter of invitation from your host ready. Immigration may ask where you are staying, especially if you arrive without a pre-booked hotel.Recommended
Proof of funds
Recommended
Carry evidence of sufficient funds for your stay, such as bank statements or a credit card. Immigration officers may ask to see you have at least 500 PGK (approx. €130) per day.Recommended
Visa required — apply early
Maltese citizens cannot enter Papua New Guinea without a pre-approved visa. Processing can take up to a month, so start your application as soon as you book your flights.
Health precautions
Papua New Guinea has malaria and other tropical diseases. Check with your doctor about vaccinations and antimalarial medication before you go.

What happens at the border

1
Apply for a visa
Contact the Papua New Guinea High Commission in London or the nearest embassy. Submit your application, passport, photos, and supporting documents. Processing takes 2–4 weeks, so apply well before your trip.
2
Prepare your documents
Gather your passport (valid 6+ months), visa approval, return ticket, accommodation booking, and travel insurance. Keep digital copies on your phone and printed backups.
3
Arrive at Port Moresby (Jacksons International Airport)
At immigration, present your passport with visa, return ticket, and accommodation details. The officer may ask a few questions about your trip. The process is usually straightforward if your documents are in order.
Download Papua New Guinea Entry Checklist
PDF · Malta Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 18, 2026
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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 date
CostPGK 100 (~$27 USD)

Standard option for tourism; must apply before travel.

Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay60 days per entry, extendable 30 days
Validity6 months from issue date
CostPGK 200 (~$54 USD)

Ideal for multiple visits within validity period.

Business visa
Max stay60 days, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue date
CostPGK 250 (~$68 USD)

Requires invitation letter from Papua New Guinea company.

work visa
Work Permit / Employment Visa
1 year, renewable
PGK 1,000 (~$270 USD) plus processing fees
For those with a job offer from a Papua New Guinea employer. Requires sponsorship and approval from the Department of Labour.
student visa
Student Visa
Duration of course, renewable
PGK 500 (~$135 USD) per year
For enrolled students at recognized institutions in Papua New Guinea. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Investor / Business Visa
1 year, renewable
PGK 2,000 (~$540 USD) plus investment proof
For individuals investing a minimum of PGK 500,000 (~$135,000 USD) in a local business. Requires business plan and approval.
Other fees
ServiceCost
Tourist visa (single entry)Standard fee for a single-entry tourist visa.PGK 100 (~$27 USD)
Tourist visa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within validity.PGK 200 (~$54 USD)
Stay extension feeExtensions are possible but limited; apply before current stay expires.PGK 150 (~$40 USD) per extension
Overstay finePenalty for overstaying visa validity.PGK 50 (~$13 USD) per day, max PGK 1,000 (~$270 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

Malta passport holders transiting through Papua New Guinea do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration.

Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
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; prophylaxis recommended.

Dengue FeverHigh risk

Common in urban and rural areas; mosquito avoidance is key.

TyphoidModerate risk

Risk from contaminated food and water; vaccination advised.

Malaria risk: high

Malaria is endemic in all regions, including urban areas. Prophylaxis (e.g., doxycycline, atovaquone-proguanil) is strongly recommended.

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 inquiries; 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 MT 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
updated May 19
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
Police112
Medical111
US EmbassyFind contact

Frequently asked questions

No. There is no visa-on-arrival facility for Maltese passport holders. You must obtain a visa before travelling.
Processing typically takes 2 to 4 weeks. Apply at least a month before your planned departure to be safe.
There is no PNG embassy in Malta. You can apply through the Papua New Guinea High Commission in London, UK, or through an online visa service if available. Check the PNG Immigration website for the latest procedures.
You'll need a passport valid for 6+ months, completed application form, passport-sized photos, flight itinerary, accommodation bookings, proof of funds, and a cover letter explaining your trip. Requirements can vary, so confirm with the embassy.
It is not a legal requirement, but it is strongly recommended. Medical facilities are limited, and evacuation or treatment can be very expensive.
Extensions are possible but not guaranteed. You would need to apply to the PNG Immigration and Citizenship Authority before your visa expires. There is no standard extension period or cost listed.
You will be denied entry and put on the next flight out. There is no way to get a visa at the airport. Always have your visa approved before you travel.

Official sources

Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 18, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.