Papua New Guinea entry requirements for New Zealand passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed August 5, 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
New Zealand passport holders need a visa to enter Papua New Guinea. Apply online before you travel — there are no visa-on-arrival options for NZ citizens as of 2026. Processing can take 2–4 weeks, so plan ahead.
Apply for Papua New Guinea eVisaOfficial portal: Papua New Guinea eVisa
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Papua New Guinea e-VisaYou must get this visa online before you fly – there is no visa-on-arrival for New Zealand citizens. Apply online before travel | New Zealand passport holders must obtain an e-Visa prior to arrival. Apply through the official Papua New Guinea Immigration e-Visa portal. The visa is not extendable. | Required |
| Passport validityCheck your passport expiry – if it's less than 6 months away, renew it before you travel. At least 6 months from entry | Your New Zealand passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended date of entry into Papua New Guinea. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesMake sure there's a clean, empty page in your passport for the immigration officer to stamp. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must have at least one blank page for entry and exit stamps. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketIt's a good idea to have your flight details handy – they might ask to see them. May be requested at immigration | Although not explicitly required in the database, immigration officials may ask for proof of onward travel. Carry a printed or digital copy of your return or onward ticket. | Recommended |
| Proof of fundsCarry bank statements or a credit card – they might want to see you can support yourself. May be requested at immigration | Although not explicitly required in the database, be prepared to show evidence of sufficient funds for your stay if asked by immigration officials. | Recommended |
| Arrival declarationYou don't need to fill out any extra arrival form – just your e-Visa and passport. Not required | No separate arrival declaration is required for Papua New Guinea. | Not required |
Visa required — no exceptions
New Zealand passport holders cannot get a visa on arrival in Papua New Guinea. You must have an e-visa approved before you travel. Arriving without one means immediate denial of entry and a return flight at your own cost.
Processing time: 2–4 weeks
Visa processing can take up to a month. Apply as soon as your travel dates are confirmed. Don't book non-refundable flights until you have the visa in hand.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for an e-visa
Go to evisa.immigration.gov.pg and complete the online application. Upload the required documents (passport scan, photo, flight itinerary, accommodation proof) and pay the fee. Processing takes 2–4 weeks.
2
Book flights and accommodation
Book a return or onward ticket and your first night's accommodation. Keep confirmations saved on your phone and printed.
3
Pack your documents
Carry your passport, visa approval letter, flight itinerary, and accommodation booking. Keep them in your carry-on for easy access at immigration.
4
Arrive at the airport
At Port Moresby's Jacksons International Airport (POM), proceed to the immigration counter. Present your passport and visa. The officer may ask for your return ticket and accommodation details. Answer clearly and politely.
5
Collect your luggage and exit
After clearing immigration, collect your bags from the carousel and proceed through customs. Have your arrival card ready if provided on the plane.
Download Papua New Guinea Entry Checklist
PDF · New Zealand Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated August 5, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Business e-Visa (60 days)
Max stay60 days
Validity3 months from issue
CostUSD 150
Requires invitation letter and company registration documents
Visa extension (tourist)
Max stayUp to 6 months total
Validity1–3 months per extension
CostPGK 200 per month
Apply at PNG Immigration and Citizenship Authority in Port Moresby; must have valid passport and proof of funds
work visa
Work Permit / Employment Visa
1 year, renewable
PGK 1,000 (~$280 USD) plus employer fees
For those with a job offer from a PNG employer. Requires sponsorship and approval from the Department of Labour.
investor visa
Investor Visa
1–3 years, renewable
PGK 5,000 (~$1,400 USD) plus investment proof
For individuals investing a minimum of PGK 500,000 in a PNG business. Requires business plan and approval from Investment Promotion Authority.
student visa
Student Visa
Duration of course, renewable
PGK 300 (~$85 USD) plus tuition fees
For enrolment in a recognized educational institution in PNG. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist e-Visa (single entry, 30 days)Standard processing 2–4 weeks; non-refundable | USD 50 (approx. PGK 190) |
| Tourist e-Visa (single entry, 60 days)Longer stay option | USD 100 (approx. PGK 380) |
| Business e-Visa (single entry, 30 days)Requires invitation letter from PNG company | USD 100 (approx. PGK 380) |
| Business e-Visa (single entry, 60 days)Requires invitation letter | USD 150 (approx. PGK 570) |
| Visa extension (on arrival at immigration office)Apply before current visa expires; max 6 months total stay | PGK 200 (approx. USD 55) per month |
| Exit fee (airport departure tax)No separate cash payment at airport | Included in airline ticket |
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
Transit visa required
New Zealand citizens transiting through Papua New Guinea (e.g., at Jacksons International Airport) must obtain a transit visa before travel. There is no visa-on-arrival for transit.
Exceptions & conditions
- Diplomatic or official passport holders may be exempt
- Crew members on duty may be exempt
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
Widespread throughout PNG, especially in rural areas; prophylaxis recommended.
Dengue FeverHigh risk
Common in urban and rural areas; mosquito avoidance is key.
TuberculosisModerate risk
Higher risk in crowded settings; consider screening if prolonged stay.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is present 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 171, Waigani, NCD
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Main office for visa extensions and inquiries.
Lae
ICA Lae Regional Office
Top Town, Lae, Morobe Province
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Handles visa matters for the Highlands region.
Practical information for NZ 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
Yes. All New Zealand citizens must obtain an e-visa before travelling to Papua New Guinea. There is no visa-on-arrival option for NZ passport holders as of 2026.
Processing typically takes 2–4 weeks from the date of application. Apply well in advance of your planned travel date. The e-visa is issued by the Papua New Guinea Immigration and Citizenship Authority through their online portal.
You'll need a valid passport (6+ months validity), completed online application form, two passport-sized photos, flight itinerary, proof of accommodation, and evidence of sufficient funds. Some applications may also require a letter of invitation or a police clearance certificate.
No. The e-visa for New Zealand passport holders is not extendable. You must leave before the visa expiry date. If you need a longer stay, you must apply for a different visa type before travel.
It is not a legal requirement for entry, but it is strongly recommended. Medical facilities in PNG are limited, and emergency evacuation or hospital treatment can be very expensive. Insurance covers these costs.
You will be denied entry and sent back on the next available flight. There are no exceptions for New Zealand passport holders. Always secure your visa before departure.
New Zealand passport holders can apply online at evisa.immigration.gov.pg. The online portal is the official and only method for e-visa applications. Check the official PNG Immigration website for any updates or additional requirements.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on August 5, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.