Papua New Guinea entry requirements for Zambia 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

Zambian 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 and receive approval before your departure. Start the process early to avoid last-minute issues.

Apply for Papua New Guinea eVisaOfficial portal: Papua New Guinea eVisa

Entry requirements

RequirementDetailsStatus
Papua New Guinea e-VisaYou must get this visa online before you fly; it cannot be obtained on arrival.
Apply online before travel
Zambian passport holders must obtain an e-Visa before arriving in Papua New Guinea. Apply 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 date — if it's too close, renew it before applying for the e-Visa.
At least 6 months remaining
Your Zambia 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 a clean, unmarked page for the immigration officer to stamp.
At least 1 blank page
Your passport must have at least 1 blank page for entry and exit stamps.Required
Return or onward ticketHave your flight itinerary or booking confirmation ready to show if asked.
Proof of departure
Immigration may require proof of a return or onward ticket to a country where you have the right of entry.Required
Proof of sufficient fundsCarry bank statements or cash to demonstrate you can support yourself.
For your stay
You may be asked to show evidence of sufficient funds to cover your expenses during your stay in Papua New Guinea.Recommended
Arrival declarationYou don't need to fill out any extra online form before arrival.
Not required
No separate arrival declaration is required for Papua New Guinea based on current regulations.Not required
Apply early — no exceptions
There is no visa-on-arrival for Zambian passport holders. You must have the approved e-visa before you fly. Airlines check this at check-in, and if you don't have it, you won't board.
Print your e-visa
Immigration in Papua New Guinea may not accept a digital copy on your phone. Print a physical copy and keep it with your passport.

What happens at the border

1
Apply for your e-visa online
Go to https://evisa.immigration.gov.pg/ and fill out the application form. Upload a scanned copy of your passport bio page and a recent passport-style photo. Pay the fee online with a credit or debit card.
2
Wait for approval
Processing typically takes a few business days. Check your email regularly — they may ask for additional documents. Don't book non-refundable flights until you have the approved e-visa in hand.
3
Print your e-visa
Print a copy of the approved e-visa to carry with you. You'll need to show it at check-in and again at immigration in Port Moresby.
4
Arrive at Jacksons International Airport (POM)
When you land in Port Moresby, go through immigration. Present your passport, printed e-visa, and any supporting documents if asked. The officer will stamp your passport — that's your entry.
Download Papua New Guinea Entry Checklist
PDF · Zambia Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated August 6, 2026
Download PDF

Staying longer & fees

Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:

Business e-Visa
Max stay30 days
Validity3 months from date of issue
Cost$100

For business meetings, conferences, or investment activities. Requires invitation letter.

Visa on Arrival (for specific purposes)
Max stay30 days
ValiditySingle entry
CostPGK 500 (approx. $133)

Available only for certain categories (e.g., government officials, UN staff) at Port Moresby and other major airports. Not generally available for Zambian tourists.

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
ServiceCost
Tourist e-Visa (single entry, 30 days)Payable online at time of application.$50 (approx. PGK 190)
Business e-Visa (single entry, 30 days)Requires invitation letter from PNG company.$100 (approx. PGK 380)
Visa extension (up to 60 days additional stay)Apply at Immigration & Citizenship Authority in Port Moresby before current visa expires.PGK 200 (approx. $53)
Airport departure taxNo separate cash payment required at most airports.Included in airline ticket

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

Zambian passport holders transiting through Papua New Guinea require a transit visa unless they remain airside and have a confirmed onward ticket within 24 hours. The transit visa is free and valid for up to 72 hours.

Exceptions & conditions
  • Holders of diplomatic or official passports
  • Crew members on duty
  • Passengers with a confirmed onward ticket and no need to clear immigration
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 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 = 4.39 PGK
updated Jul 3
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
Police112
Medical111
US EmbassyFind contact

Frequently asked questions

Processing usually takes a few business days, but it can take longer depending on the volume of applications. Apply at least 2 weeks before your planned travel to be safe.
The fee is set by the Papua New Guinea Immigration and Citizenship Authority. Check the official e-visa portal at https://evisa.immigration.gov.pg/ for the current fee — it's payable online by card.
No, the e-visa is not extendable. You'll need to leave the country before your visa expires. If you want to stay longer, you'd have to apply for a different type of visa from outside Papua New Guinea.
You won't be allowed to board your flight. There's no visa-on-arrival for Zambian passport holders. You must have the approved e-visa before you travel.
Papua New Guinea requires a yellow fever vaccination certificate if you're arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. Zambia is not on that list, but if you've recently travelled through a risk country, bring your certificate.
The e-visa is valid for entry at Jacksons International Airport in Port Moresby and other designated ports. Check your e-visa approval letter for the specific entry points allowed.
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your arrival date. If it expires during your stay, you'll need to renew it at your embassy — but it's much easier to just make sure it's valid well beyond your travel dates.

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.