Papua New Guinea entry requirements for Thailand passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 21, 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
Thai passport holders need a visa to enter Papua New Guinea. You must apply for a visa before you travel — there is no visa-on-arrival option. 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 through the Papua New Guinea Immigration and Citizenship Authority website. Processing times vary, so submit your application well ahead of your planned departure.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 date of entry into Papua New Guinea. Airlines check this before boarding, and immigration officers enforce it strictly at Port Moresby airport. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of onward travel required | Immigration officers will ask for a confirmed return or onward ticket before they stamp you in. Budget airlines flying into Port Moresby also check this at check-in. Have a printed copy or a clear digital version ready. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Have a hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host ready. Immigration may ask for it, especially if you arrive without a clear itinerary. A simple booking confirmation printout works. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself during your stay | Carry evidence of sufficient funds, such as bank statements or a credit card. Immigration officers may ask to see you have at least 500 PGK per day or equivalent. A recent bank statement or cash works fine. | Recommended |
Apply early — no visa on arrival
Papua New Guinea does not offer visa on arrival for Thai passport holders. You must get your visa approved before you fly. Processing can take 2–4 weeks, so start your application at least a month in advance.
Passport validity counts from entry date
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the day you arrive in Papua New Guinea, not from your departure date. If it expires sooner, renew it before applying for the visa.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for a visa
Submit your visa application online via the PNG Immigration website or in person at the nearest PNG embassy (e.g., in Bangkok). Include your passport copy, photo, travel itinerary, and proof of accommodation. Processing takes 2–4 weeks, so apply early.
2
Prepare your documents
Gather your passport (valid 6+ months), visa approval letter, return ticket, hotel booking, and travel insurance. Print copies of everything — digital copies on your phone are a backup, but paper is more reliable at immigration.
3
Arrive at Port Moresby (or other airport)
At Jacksons International Airport (POM), proceed to the immigration queue. Present your passport, visa approval letter, and return ticket. The officer will stamp you in. Keep your documents accessible — don't bury them in your luggage.
4
Collect your luggage and exit
After immigration, collect your bags from the carousel. You may be asked to show your customs declaration form. Then exit into the arrivals hall.
Download Papua New Guinea Entry Checklist
PDF · Thailand Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 21, 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 date
CostPGK 200 (~$55 USD)
Requires passport valid 6+ months, return ticket, and proof of funds.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay60 days per entry, extendable 30 days
Validity6 months from issue date
CostPGK 400 (~$110 USD)
Ideal for frequent visitors; same requirements as single entry.
Business visa
Max stay60 days, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue date
CostPGK 300 (~$82 USD)
Requires invitation letter from PNG company.
work visa
Work Permit / Employment Visa
1 year, renewable
PGK 1,000 (~$275 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, renewable
PGK 500 (~$137 USD)
For enrolled students at recognized PNG institutions. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Investor Visa
1 year, renewable
PGK 2,000 (~$550 USD)
For individuals investing a minimum of PGK 500,000 in PNG. Requires business plan and proof of investment.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Standard fee for single entry tourist visa. | PGK 200 (~$55 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within validity period. | PGK 400 (~$110 USD) |
| Stay extension feeExtensions are possible but limited; apply before current visa expires. | PGK 100 (~$28 USD) per month |
| Overstay finePenalty for overstaying visa validity. | PGK 50 (~$14 USD) per day, max PGK 1,000 (~$275 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
Transit visa required
Thailand passport holders need a transit visa to change planes in Papua New Guinea, even if staying airside.
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid visa for Australia or New Zealand 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.
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 727, Port Moresby, NCD
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Main office for visa extensions and permits; bring all original documents.
Lae
ICA Lae Regional Office
Top Town, Lae, Morobe Province
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Handles extensions and permits for visitors in the Highlands region.
Practical information for TH 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
No. Thai passport holders must obtain a visa before travelling. There is no visa-on-arrival facility at any PNG airport or border crossing.
Processing typically takes 2 to 4 weeks. Apply at least a month before your planned travel date to avoid delays.
Visa fees vary depending on the type and duration. A single-entry tourist visa usually costs around USD 50–100. Check the PNG Immigration website for current fees.
Extensions are not available for tourist visas. You must leave before your visa expires. Overstaying can result in fines or deportation.
Papua New Guinea does not require yellow fever vaccination for entry. However, check with your doctor for other recommended vaccines like hepatitis A, typhoid, and malaria prophylaxis.
You will be denied entry and sent back on the next available flight. You will also be responsible for the cost of your return ticket. Always secure your visa before travel.
Papua New Guinea has areas with high crime rates, especially in Port Moresby and Lae. Avoid walking alone at night, use registered taxis, and keep valuables out of sight. Check your government's travel advisory before booking.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 21, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.