Papua New Guinea entry requirements for United States passport holders
Checked daily · Last reviewed August 6, 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
US passport holders need an e-visa to enter Papua New Guinea. Apply online before you travel — there's no visa-on-arrival option, so get this sorted ahead of time. The process is straightforward, but you'll need your passport and travel details ready.
Apply for Papua New Guinea eVisaOfficial portal: Papua New Guinea eVisa
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Papua New Guinea e-VisaYou need to get this online approval before you fly – there is no visa-on-arrival for US citizens. Apply before travel | US citizens must obtain an e-Visa prior to arrival. Apply online at the official PNG Immigration e-Visa portal (https://evisa.immigration.gov.pg/). The e-Visa is not extendable. | Required |
| Passport validityCheck your passport expiry – if it's too close, renew it before you go. At least 6 months | Your US passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended date of departure from Papua New Guinea. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesMake sure there's an empty page for the border officer to stamp. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must have at least 1 blank visa/stamp page for entry and exit stamps. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketHave your flight booking ready – they might ask to see it. Proof of departure | Immigration may require proof of a return or onward ticket showing you will leave Papua New Guinea before your visa expires. | Required |
| Proof of sufficient fundsIt's not always asked, but having proof of money helps avoid problems. For your stay | Be prepared to show evidence of sufficient funds to cover your stay in Papua New Guinea (e.g., bank statements, credit cards, cash). | Recommended |
| Arrival declarationYou don't need to fill out any extra arrival form – just the usual immigration and customs forms. Not required | No separate arrival declaration is required for Papua New Guinea. | Not required |
No visa on arrival — apply early
US citizens cannot get a visa on arrival in Papua New Guinea. You must have your e-visa approved before you fly. Airlines will refuse boarding without it. Apply at least 2 weeks in advance to avoid last-minute stress.
E-visa is not extendable
The e-visa cannot be extended. If you think you might need to stay longer, plan accordingly — you may need to leave the country and reapply, or contact immigration before your visa expires.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for your e-visa online
Go to https://evisa.immigration.gov.pg/ and fill out the application. You'll need your passport details, travel dates, and accommodation info. Upload a digital copy of your passport bio page and a passport-style photo. Pay the fee online with a credit card.
2
Wait for approval
Processing typically takes a few business days. Check your email for the approval notification. If you haven't heard back in a week, contact the immigration office directly.
3
Print or save your e-visa
Once approved, you'll get a PDF. Print a physical copy to keep with your passport, and also save it on your phone as backup. You'll need to show it at check-in and at immigration.
4
Arrive at the airport
At Port Moresby's Jacksons International Airport (or other entry points), go to the immigration desk. Present your passport, e-visa, and any supporting documents (return ticket, accommodation). The officer will stamp your passport and let you through.
Download Papua New Guinea Entry Checklist
PDF · United States Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated August 6, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Business e-Visa (single entry, 30 days)
Max stay30 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost$100
Requires invitation letter from PNG company.
Visa extension (up to 60 days)
Max stay60 days
ValidityN/A
Cost$200
Must apply before current visa expires.
work visa
Work Permit / Employment Visa
1 year, renewable annually
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 year, renewable
PGK 5,000 (~$1,400 USD) plus investment proof
For individuals investing at least PGK 500,000 in a PNG business. Must provide business plan and financials.
student visa
Student Visa
Duration of course, up to 4 years
PGK 500 (~$140 USD) per year
For enrollment in a recognized PNG educational institution. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist e-Visa (single entry, 30 days)Standard fee for US citizens. | $50 |
| Business e-Visa (single entry, 30 days)Requires invitation letter. | $100 |
| Visa extension (up to 60 days)Apply at Immigration Office in Port Moresby. | $200 |
| Exit fee (departure tax)Included in airline ticket for international flights. | $30 |
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
No transit visa needed
US citizens transiting through Papua New Guinea for less than 24 hours and not leaving the airport do not require a visa.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- If leaving the airport or staying overnight, a visa is required.
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. 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 high risk 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 original passport, visa, and fee.
Lae
ICA Lae Regional Office
P.O. Box 123, Lae, Morobe Province
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Handles extensions for travellers in the Highlands region.
Practical information for US 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
Processing usually takes 3-5 business days, but it can be longer during peak times. Apply at least 2 weeks before your trip to be safe. You'll get an email when it's approved.
The fee varies depending on the type of visa and processing speed. Check the official e-visa website (https://evisa.immigration.gov.pg/) for the current fee. You pay online with a credit card.
No, there's no visa-on-arrival for US citizens. You must have an approved e-visa before you board your flight. Airlines won't let you board without it.
No, the e-visa is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you'd have to leave the country and reapply, or contact the Papua New Guinea Immigration Service before your visa expires to discuss options.
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your arrival date. If it expires during your stay, you'll need to contact your embassy in Port Moresby to get a new passport before you can leave.
If you're arriving from a yellow fever endemic country, you'll need a yellow fever vaccination certificate. The US is not endemic, so if you're flying directly from the US, you don't need it. But if you're coming from a country like Brazil or parts of Africa, you will.
The local currency is the Papua New Guinean kina (PGK). US dollars are not widely accepted outside of major hotels and tourist areas. You'll need to exchange money at the airport or banks, or use ATMs. Credit cards are accepted in larger establishments in Port Moresby.
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.