Papua New Guinea entry requirements for Zambia passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 31, 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
Zambian passport holders need a visa to enter Papua New Guinea. You must arrange this before you travel — there is no visa on arrival for Zambian citizens. Plan ahead, as processing can take several weeks.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa application Visa required | You need a visa before traveling to Papua New Guinea. Apply online through the PNG Immigration and Citizenship Authority portal at immigration.gov.pg. Processing times vary, so submit your application at least 2–3 weeks before departure.Apply for visa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your stay | Your Zambian passport must have at least 6 months of validity remaining from your date of entry into Papua New Guinea. Airlines check this before boarding — if your passport expires sooner, you'll be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | Immigration officers at Port Moresby Jacksons International Airport will ask for proof of a return or onward flight out of Papua New Guinea. Have a printed or digital copy of your ticket ready — they check this before stamping you in. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended to have on hand | While not always requested, having a hotel booking or an invitation letter from a host in Papua New Guinea can speed up the immigration process. If you're staying with friends or family, carry their contact details and address. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended to show you can support your stay | You may be asked to show you have enough money for your time in Papua New Guinea. Carry bank statements or a credit card statement showing at least 500–1,000 PGK per day of your stay. | Recommended |
Visa required — apply early
Zambian passport holders cannot get a visa on arrival. You must apply and receive approval before you travel. Processing can take 2–4 weeks, so start at least a month ahead.
Health precautions
Papua New Guinea has malaria and other tropical diseases. Check with your doctor about vaccinations and antimalarial medication before you go. Yellow fever vaccination is required if you're arriving from an endemic country.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for a visa
Contact the Papua New Guinea High Commission or embassy in your region (or the nearest one, e.g., in South Africa or Australia). Submit the completed application form, passport photos, and pay the fee. Processing takes 2–4 weeks, so apply well before your trip.
2
Book flights and accommodation
Once your visa is approved, book a return flight and your first night's accommodation. Keep copies of both confirmations — you'll need them at check-in and immigration.
3
Arrive at Port Moresby (Jacksons International Airport)
At the airport, proceed to the immigration counter. Present your passport with the visa sticker (or approval letter), return ticket, and accommodation proof. The officer will stamp you in. Expect a short queue — Port Moresby is not huge.
4
Collect your luggage and exit
After immigration, collect your bags from the carousel and proceed through customs. Declare any restricted items (like food or large amounts of cash). Then you're free to enter.
Download Papua New Guinea Entry Checklist
PDF · Zambia Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 31, 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
CostPGK 200 (~$55 USD)
Apply at PNG embassy or online. Requires passport, photo, itinerary.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay60 days per entry, extendable 30 days
Validity6 months from issue
CostPGK 400 (~$110 USD)
For frequent travellers. Same requirements as single entry.
Business visa
Max stay90 days, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue
CostPGK 500 (~$138 USD)
Requires invitation letter from PNG company.
work visa
Work Permit / Employment Visa
1 year, renewable
PGK 1,500 (~$415 USD) plus processing
For foreign nationals with a job offer in PNG. Requires employer sponsorship and approval from Department of Labour.
student visa
Student Visa
Duration of course, renewable
PGK 500 (~$138 USD) per year
For enrolled students at recognized PNG institutions. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Investor / Business Visa
1–3 years, renewable
PGK 2,000 (~$550 USD) plus investment proof
For individuals investing a minimum of PGK 500,000 (~$138,000 USD) in PNG business. Requires business plan and registration.
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. | PGK 400 (~$110 USD) |
| Stay extension feeExtension possible for up to 2 months at immigration office. | PGK 100 (~$28 USD) per month |
| Overstay finePayable at immigration upon departure. | 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
Zambia passport holders need a transit visa to change planes in Papua New Guinea, even if staying airside.
Transit hubsJacksons International Airport (POM) · Lae Nadzab Airport (LAE)
Health & vaccines for Papua New Guinea
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever risk (Zambia is endemic). Must show certificate.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderJapanese EncephalitisConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout PNG, especially in rural areas. Prophylaxis recommended.
Dengue FeverHigh risk
Common in urban and rural areas; mosquito avoidance crucial.
TyphoidModerate risk
Risk from contaminated food/water; vaccination advised.
Malaria risk: high
High risk in all regions, including urban areas. Use mosquito repellent, nets, and consider prophylaxis like doxycycline or atovaquone-proguanil.
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 application form, passport photos, and fee.
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 ZM 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. There is no visa on arrival for Zambian citizens. You must obtain a visa before you travel.
Processing typically takes 2 to 4 weeks. Apply at least a month before your planned departure to be safe.
You can apply through the Papua New Guinea Immigration and Citizenship Authority online portal or at the nearest PNG embassy. For Zambians, the closest embassy is often in Pretoria, South Africa, or Canberra, Australia.
Visa fees vary by type and duration. Expect to pay around $100–$150 USD for a single-entry tourist visa. Check the official embassy website for current fees.
You'll need a completed application form, a passport valid for 6+ months, two passport-sized photos, a return flight booking, proof of accommodation, and a bank statement showing sufficient funds. Some applications also require a letter of invitation.
Extensions are possible but not guaranteed. You must apply at the Immigration Office in Port Moresby before your current visa expires. Fees apply, and approval is at the discretion of the immigration officer.
No, it's not mandatory for the visa or at immigration. But given the high cost of medical care in PNG, it's strongly recommended.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 31, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.