Papua New Guinea attracts adventure travelers, nature enthusiasts, and cultural tourists from around the world. From the coral reefs of Kimbe Bay to the highland festivals of Goroka, PNG offers experiences found nowhere else. To visit, you need a tourist visa. This guide covers everything about the Papua New Guinea tourist visa — types, eligibility, costs, application process, and what to expect on arrival.
Types of PNG Tourist Visas
The Immigration and Citizenship Authority (ICA) offers three tourist visa categories:
Easy Visitor Permit (EVP)
The simplest option for citizens of eligible countries. Available to passport holders from Australia, New Zealand, United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Japan, Singapore, South Korea, and most EU nations.
Key features:
- Single entry only
- Valid for 30 or 60 days depending on nationality
- Cannot be extended
- Fee: USD 50
- Processing time: 24 to 72 hours
- Minimal documentation required
Tourist Visa – Own Itinerary
For independent travelers whose nationality does not qualify for the EVP, or who need a longer-validity visa.
Key features:
- Single entry
- Valid for 6 months from date of issue
- Maximum stay of 60 days per visit
- Can be extended while in PNG
- Fee: USD 50
- Processing time: 3 to 5 business days
- Requires additional documentation
Tourist Visa – Tour Package
For travelers visiting PNG as part of a group tour organized by a registered PNG tour operator.
Key features:
- Single entry
- Valid for 6 months
- Maximum stay of 60 days
- Tour operator handles much of the paperwork
- Fee: USD 50
- Processing time: 3 to 5 business days
Which Tourist Visa Should You Choose?
| Factor | Easy Visitor Permit | Own Itinerary | Tour Package |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eligibility | Selected countries only | All countries | All countries |
| Documents needed | Minimal | Full set | Full set + tour booking |
| Processing speed | Fastest (24-72h) | Standard (3-5 days) | Standard (3-5 days) |
| Extendable | No | Yes | Yes |
| Best for | Short holidays | Independent travel | Organized tours |
If you qualify for the Easy Visitor Permit and plan a short visit, it is the best choice. For longer stays or if you want the option to extend, apply for the Tourist Visa – Own Itinerary.
PNG Tourist Visa Requirements
Documents for Easy Visitor Permit
- Passport biodata page (scan or photo)
- Digital passport photograph
- Return flight booking confirmation
That is all. The EVP has the lightest documentation requirement of any PNG visa.
Documents for Tourist Visa – Own Itinerary
- Passport biodata page
- Digital passport photograph
- Return or onward flight booking
- Hotel reservation or accommodation booking in PNG
- Bank statements from the last 3 months
- Employment letter or proof of income
- Detailed travel itinerary
Documents for Tourist Visa – Tour Package
- Passport biodata page
- Digital passport photograph
- Tour booking confirmation from a registered PNG tour operator
- Return flight booking
- Bank statements (may be waived if tour is prepaid)
How to Apply for a PNG Tourist Visa
Online Application (Recommended)
1. Go to evisa.ica.gov.pg
2. Create an account or log in
3. Select “Visitor” as your visa category
4. Choose your specific visa type (EVP, Own Itinerary, or Tour Package)
5. Fill in personal, passport, and travel details
6. Upload all required documents
7. Pay the USD 50 fee by credit or debit card
8. Submit and note your reference number
9. Check status regularly until approved
10. Download and print your approval letter
Embassy Application
If you prefer to apply in person or your nationality requires it:
1. Contact the nearest PNG embassy or consulate
2. Obtain Form 1 (Application for Entry Permit)
3. Complete the form and gather supporting documents
4. Submit in person with your passport
5. Pay the visa fee (varies by embassy)
6. Collect your passport with the visa sticker when ready
Embassy processing typically takes 5 to 10 business days, longer than the online method.
PNG Tourist Visa Fees
| Visa Type | Fee | Payment Method |
|---|---|---|
| Easy Visitor Permit | USD 50 | Online (credit/debit card) |
| Tourist Visa – Own Itinerary | USD 50 | Online (credit/debit card) |
| Tourist Visa – Tour Package | USD 50 | Online (credit/debit card) |
| Visa extension (in-country) | Varies | Cash or card at ICA office |
All fees are non-refundable. The fee is the same regardless of your nationality or the length of your stay.
What You Can Do on a PNG Tourist Visa
Permitted activities:
- Sightseeing and tourism
- Visiting friends and family
- Attending cultural events and festivals
- Recreational diving and snorkeling
- Hiking and nature tours
- Short-term study or training (non-credit)
Prohibited activities:
- Paid employment of any kind
- Business negotiations or commercial transactions
- Journalism or media reporting
- Volunteering with organizations (requires Aid Worker visa)
Violating the terms of your tourist visa can result in deportation and a ban on future entry to PNG.
Best Time to Visit Papua New Guinea
The tourist season in PNG generally aligns with the dry season:
- May to October — dry season, best for trekking and outdoor activities
- June to September — peak tourist months, higher accommodation prices
- July and August — popular for the Goroka and Mount Hagen cultural shows
- November to April — wet season, some areas difficult to access, lower prices
Apply for your tourist visa at least 2 weeks before travel during the dry season and 3 to 4 weeks before during peak months.
Top Destinations for Tourists in PNG
Understanding what tourists do in PNG helps you plan your itinerary and select the right visa type:
- Port Moresby — the capital, gateway to PNG, National Museum and Art Gallery
- Kokoda Track — famous wartime trek from Owers Corner to Kokoda
- Milne Bay — world-class diving, WWII wrecks, manta rays
- Sepik River — traditional villages, elaborate wood carvings, spirit houses
- Mount Hagen — Highland cultural shows, coffee plantations
- Rabaul — volcanic landscapes, hot springs, Japanese WWII tunnels
- Tufi — fjord diving, pristine reefs, cultural villages
- Kimbe Bay — coral reefs, dolphin watching, volcanic islands
Extending Your Tourist Visa
The Easy Visitor Permit cannot be extended. If you hold a Tourist Visa – Own Itinerary, you can apply for an extension at the ICA office in Port Moresby.
Extension process:
1. Visit the ICA office at least 5 business days before your current visa expires
2. Bring your passport and a completed extension form
3. Provide a reason for the extension (continued tourism, medical issue, flight cancellation)
4. Pay the extension fee
5. Extensions are granted at the discretion of the ICA officer
Typical extensions add 30 days to your stay. There is no guarantee an extension will be approved, so plan your original travel dates carefully.
Overstaying Your Tourist Visa
Overstaying is taken seriously in PNG:
- Fines: Daily overstay penalties apply, payable before departure
- Detention: Extended overstayers may be detained at an immigration facility
- Deportation: Serious overstayers are deported at their own expense
- Entry ban: Overstaying can result in a ban on re-entry to PNG for several years
Always know your visa expiry date and leave PNG or extend your visa before it expires.
Travel Insurance for PNG
While not a visa requirement, travel insurance is strongly recommended. PNG has limited healthcare infrastructure outside Port Moresby, and medical evacuation to Australia is common for serious injuries or illnesses. Your insurance should cover:
- Medical evacuation (minimum USD 100,000 coverage)
- Hospital and surgical expenses
- Trip cancellation and interruption
- Lost luggage and personal belongings
- Adventure activities (diving, trekking)
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is a Papua New Guinea tourist visa?
All PNG tourist visa types cost USD 50. This applies to Easy Visitor Permits, Tourist Visas with own itinerary, and Tourist Visas for tour packages. The fee is paid online via credit or debit card and is non-refundable.
How long can a tourist stay in Papua New Guinea?
Easy Visitor Permits allow stays of 30 or 60 days depending on your nationality. Tourist Visas allow up to 60 days per entry. The Easy Visitor Permit cannot be extended, but Tourist Visas can be extended at the ICA office in Port Moresby.
Can I extend my PNG tourist visa?
Tourist Visas (Own Itinerary and Tour Package) can be extended at the ICA office in Port Moresby. Extensions typically add 30 days. Easy Visitor Permits cannot be extended — if you need a longer stay, apply for a Tourist Visa instead.
Do I need a return ticket for a PNG tourist visa?
Yes, proof of return or onward travel is mandatory for all PNG tourist visa applications. Airlines will also check for a return ticket at check-in. One-way bookings without confirmed departure arrangements will result in denial.
Is Papua New Guinea safe for tourists?
PNG has areas with elevated crime and civil unrest, particularly in Port Moresby and the Highlands provinces. Tourists should exercise increased caution, travel with reputable tour operators, avoid walking alone at night, and stay informed about local conditions. Many tourist areas like Milne Bay, Tufi, and the Sepik River are relatively safe with proper planning.
What vaccinations do I need for Papua New Guinea?
PNG does not currently require vaccinations for entry, except for yellow fever if arriving from an endemic country. However, hepatitis A and B, typhoid, and malaria prophylaxis are strongly recommended. Consult a travel medicine specialist at least 6 weeks before departure.
