Papua New Guinea entry requirements for South Africa passport holders
Updated weekly · 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
South African passport holders must obtain an e-visa before traveling to Papua New Guinea. There is no visa-on-arrival option, so you need to apply online in advance. The process is straightforward, but it's wise to start early to avoid any last-minute issues.
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 visa online before you fly – it cannot be obtained on arrival. Apply online before travel | South African passport holders must obtain an e-Visa before arrival. Apply at the official Papua New Guinea Immigration website (https://evisa.immigration.gov.pg/). The e-Visa is not extendable. | Required |
| Passport validityMake sure your passport doesn't expire within 6 months of your arrival date. At least 6 months beyond your stay | Your South African passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your intended date of entry into Papua New Guinea. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesYou need a clean page in your passport for the immigration officer to stamp. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must contain at least one blank visa page for the entry stamp. It is recommended to have more than one blank page for any additional stamps. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketHave your flight itinerary ready – they may ask to see it at check-in or upon arrival. Proof of departure | Immigration may require proof of a return or onward ticket to a country you are eligible to enter. Ensure you have a confirmed booking. | Required |
| Proof of sufficient fundsCarry bank statements or cash to show you can support yourself while there. For your stay | You may be asked to show evidence of sufficient funds to cover your expenses during your stay in Papua New Guinea. The amount is not fixed but should be reasonable for your planned activities and duration. | Recommended |
| Yellow fever vaccination certificateOnly needed if you've been in a yellow fever country before entering Papua New Guinea. If arriving from an infected area | If you are arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission, you must present a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate. South Africa is not currently a yellow fever risk country, but this applies if you transit through or come from an affected region. | Required |
| Arrival declarationYou don't need to fill out any extra online form before you go. Not required | Papua New Guinea does not require a separate arrival declaration form for South African passport holders. You will complete standard immigration and customs forms upon arrival. | Not required |
No visa on arrival — don't chance it
South African passport holders cannot get a visa on arrival in Papua New Guinea. You must have an approved e-visa before you board your flight. Airlines will check this at check-in, and without it, you won't be allowed to fly.
Apply early — processing times vary
The e-visa processing time is not fixed. While it can take just a few days, delays happen. Apply at least 2 weeks before your departure to avoid last-minute stress.
What happens at the border
1
Complete the online application
Go to the official e-visa portal (https://evisa.immigration.gov.pg/) and fill out the application form. You'll need your passport details, travel dates, and accommodation info. Upload a scanned copy of your passport's bio page and a passport-sized photo.
2
Pay the fee and submit
Pay the e-visa fee online using a credit or debit card. After payment, you'll get a confirmation email with a reference number. Keep this safe.
3
Wait for approval
Processing typically takes a few business days. Check your email regularly — they may request additional documents. Don't book non-refundable flights until you have the approved visa.
4
Print or save your e-visa
Once approved, you'll receive an e-visa document. Print a copy and also save it on your phone. You'll need to show it at check-in and at immigration in Port Moresby.
5
Arrive at Jacksons International Airport
When you land in Port Moresby, go through immigration. Present your passport, e-visa, and any supporting documents. The officer will stamp your passport and you're in.
Download Papua New Guinea Entry Checklist
PDF · South Africa 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
Max stay60 days
Validity6 months from issue
Cost$100 (approx. PGK 380)
Requires invitation letter from PNG company and proof of business purpose.
Multiple-entry e-Visa
Max stay30 days per visit
Validity12 months
Cost$150 (approx. PGK 570)
For frequent travellers; must show travel history and purpose.
Long-stay visa (work/residence)
Max stayUp to 1 year
Validity1 year (renewable)
Cost$500 (approx. PGK 1,900)
Requires employment contract, police clearance, and medical certificate; processed by PNG Immigration.
work visa
Work Permit / Employment Visa
1 year, renewable
~500 PGK (~$135 USD) application fee
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
~1,000 PGK (~$270 USD) application fee
For individuals investing at least 500,000 PGK in a PNG business. Must provide proof of investment and business plan.
student visa
Student Visa
Duration of course, renewable
~200 PGK (~$54 USD) application fee
For those enrolled 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)Paid online via PNG Immigration eVisa portal; valid for 30 days from date of issue. | $50 (approx. PGK 190) |
| Visa on arrival (if eligible)Available at Jacksons International Airport (Port Moresby) and other major entry points for certain nationalities; South Africans should confirm eligibility before travel. | $50 (approx. PGK 190) |
| Visa extension (per month)Apply at PNG Immigration and Citizenship Authority (ICA) in Port Moresby; extensions are granted in monthly increments, up to a maximum of 6 months. | $100 (approx. PGK 380) |
| Exit fee (departure tax)Most international flights include departure tax; no separate cash payment required at airport. | Included in airfare |
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
South African passport holders transiting through Papua New Guinea require a transit visa, even if staying airside. The e-Visa system offers a transit visa option.
Exceptions & conditions
- Diplomatic or official passport holders may be exempt.
- Passengers with a confirmed onward ticket and no intention to leave the international transit area may still need to obtain a transit visa in advance.
Transit hubsJacksons International Airport (POM) – Port Moresby · Lae Nadzab Airport (LAE) · Mount Hagen Airport (HGU)
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 BCG vaccine if not previously vaccinated.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is present throughout Papua New Guinea, 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 passport, visa, and supporting documents.
Lae
ICA Lae Regional Office
P.O. Box 1234, Lae, Morobe Province
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Handles visa extensions for visitors in the Highlands region.
Practical information for ZA 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 a few business days, but it can take longer. Apply at least 2 weeks before your trip to be safe. The official portal is https://evisa.immigration.gov.pg/.
The fee varies depending on your nationality and visa type. Check the official e-visa portal for the exact amount. You'll pay online with a credit or debit card.
No, the e-visa is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you'll have to leave the country and reapply, or contact the Papua New Guinea Immigration office in Port Moresby before your visa expires.
If you're arriving from a yellow fever-endemic country, you'll need a yellow fever certificate. South Africa is not currently listed as endemic, but if you've traveled through any affected countries in Africa or South America, bring your certificate.
You'll be denied entry and sent back on the next flight. There is no visa-on-arrival for South African passport holders. Don't risk it — get the e-visa before you fly.
The standard e-visa is for a single entry. If you plan to leave and re-enter Papua New Guinea, you'll need to apply for a new visa each time.
Have your passport, e-visa, return ticket, and proof of accommodation ready. Immigration officers may also ask to see proof of funds. Keep everything in your carry-on for easy access.
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.