Not every traveler to Papua New Guinea needs to apply for a visa online before departure. Citizens of certain countries can obtain a visa on arrival (VOA) at Port Moresby International Jacksons Airport. This guide explains who qualifies for PNG visa on arrival, how the process works, what documents you need, and whether the eVisa might be a better option.
What Is PNG Visa on Arrival?
A visa on arrival is an entry permit issued at the port of entry when you land in Papua New Guinea. Instead of applying through the online eVisa portal before your trip, you complete the process at the immigration counter upon arrival at Jacksons International Airport in Port Moresby.
The visa on arrival is a physical stamp placed in your passport by the immigration officer. It is valid for a single entry and allows a stay of up to 60 days.
Who Is Eligible for PNG Visa on Arrival?
The following nationalities can obtain a visa on arrival:
Canada
Canadian passport holders can get a visa on arrival at Port Moresby airport for stays of up to 60 days.
Pacific Island Forum Member States
Citizens of all Pacific Island nations are eligible for visa on arrival at all authorized ports of entry in PNG. This includes:
- Fiji
- Solomon Islands
- Vanuatu
- Samoa
- Tonga
- Kiribati
- Tuvalu
- Nauru
- Marshall Islands
- Palau
- Federated States of Micronesia
Note: Visa on arrival for Pacific Island states applies to short-term visitors only, not diplomats or civil servants on long-term contracts.
China (Restricted)
Chinese citizens holding diplomatic, official, or service passports can obtain a visa on arrival. Ordinary Chinese passport holders must apply through the eVisa portal or can get a visa on arrival only when entering PNG on a group tour through a registered PNG travel agency.
French Pacific Territories
Citizens of French territories in the Pacific (New Caledonia, French Polynesia, Wallis and Futuna) are eligible for visa on arrival.
New Zealand Passport Holders
New Zealand citizens and passport holders from associated territories (Cook Islands, Niue, Tokelau) qualify for visa on arrival.
United States Territories
US passport holders and residents of Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, and the US Virgin Islands are eligible.
How PNG Visa on Arrival Works
At Your Departure Airport
Before boarding your flight to PNG, the airline will check:
- Valid passport with at least 6 months remaining validity
- Return or onward flight booking
- Eligibility for visa on arrival (based on your passport)
Some airlines may still ask for an eVisa approval even if you qualify for VOA. To avoid complications at check-in, consider applying for the eVisa online regardless of your VOA eligibility.
At Port Moresby Airport
1. Proceed to immigration — follow signs to the immigration and passport control area
2. Queue at the visa on arrival counter — separate from the eVisa and citizen counters
3. Present your documents:
- Valid passport
- Completed arrival card (digital arrival card submitted online before departure)
- Return or onward flight booking
- Proof of accommodation in PNG
4. Pay the visa fee — USD 50 (cash in USD or PGK is preferred; some counters accept cards)
5. Receive your visa stamp — the officer stamps your passport with the VOA
6. Proceed to baggage claim and customs
The entire process typically takes 15 to 30 minutes, but can take longer during peak arrival times when multiple international flights land simultaneously.
After Immigration
After receiving your visa stamp:
- Collect your luggage from the baggage carousel
- Clear customs (declare any items as required)
- Exit to the arrivals hall
Documents Required for Visa on Arrival
Bring these documents to the VOA counter:
| Document | Required | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport | Yes | Minimum 6 months validity, one blank page |
| Digital arrival card | Yes | Submit online 72 hours before arrival |
| Return flight booking | Yes | Must show confirmed departure from PNG |
| Accommodation proof | Yes | Hotel reservation or host address |
| Passport photos | Recommended | 2 photos, passport size, in case of system issues |
| Visa fee in cash | Recommended | USD 50 in USD or PGK notes |
Visa on Arrival vs. eVisa: Which Should You Choose?
Even if you qualify for visa on arrival, applying for the eVisa online before departure has several advantages:
| Factor | Visa on Arrival | eVisa |
|---|---|---|
| Application time | At airport (15–30 min) | Online before travel (15 min) |
| Pre-approval | No — approval happens on arrival | Yes — approved before you fly |
| Risk of denial | Possible if documents are incomplete | Denied before you travel, so you can fix issues |
| Queue time | Variable, can be long | Shorter — dedicated eVisa counter |
| Airline boarding | Some airlines may question VOA eligibility | Printed approval letter satisfies airlines |
| Payment method | Cash preferred | Online card payment |
| Peace of mind | Uncertain until arrival | Confirmed before departure |
The ICA recommends applying through the eVisa portal even if you qualify for visa on arrival. The online process eliminates uncertainty and reduces time spent at the airport.
Common Issues with Visa on Arrival
Long Queues
During peak arrival times (multiple flights arriving within the same hour), the VOA counter can have long waits. Having an eVisa lets you use the faster eVisa immigration line.
Payment Complications
Not all VOA counters accept credit cards. Bring USD 50 in cash as a backup. ATMs at the airport may not be reliable.
Airline Check-in Problems
Some airline staff at your departure airport may not be familiar with PNG’s VOA policies and may insist on seeing an eVisa. To avoid being denied boarding:
- Carry a printed copy of the PNG VOA policy from the ICA website
- Have the ICA website URL ready to show airline staff
- Consider applying for the eVisa as insurance, even if you qualify for VOA
System Outages
The VOA system occasionally experiences technical issues. During outages, processing can be significantly delayed. Travelers with pre-approved eVisas are processed first.
Digital Arrival Card
Regardless of whether you use VOA or eVisa, you must submit a digital arrival card online before arriving in PNG. The digital arrival card:
- Must be submitted within 72 hours before your arrival
- Collects personal details, flight information, and health declarations
- Is available on the ICA website
- Generates a QR code that immigration officers scan on arrival
Complete the digital arrival card after booking your flights but before departure.
PNG Visa on Arrival Countries — Full List
| Country/Territory | VOA Duration | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Canada | 60 days | All passport types |
| Fiji | 60 days | Short-term visitors only |
| Solomon Islands | 60 days | Short-term visitors only |
| Vanuatu | 60 days | Short-term visitors only |
| Samoa | 60 days | Short-term visitors only |
| Tonga | 60 days | Short-term visitors only |
| Kiribati | 60 days | Short-term visitors only |
| Tuvalu | 60 days | Short-term visitors only |
| Nauru | 60 days | Short-term visitors only |
| Marshall Islands | 60 days | Short-term visitors only |
| Palau | 60 days | Short-term visitors only |
| Micronesia | 60 days | Short-term visitors only |
| New Zealand | 60 days | Including Cook Islands, Niue, Tokelau |
| China | Group tours only | Diplomatic/official passports; ordinary passports via registered tour only |
| France (Pacific territories) | 60 days | New Caledonia, French Polynesia, Wallis and Futuna |
| United States | 60 days | Including territories (Guam, CNMI, PR, VI) |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a visa on arrival in Papua New Guinea?
Citizens of Canada, Pacific Island nations, New Zealand, United States, France (Pacific territories), and holders of Chinese diplomatic/official passports can get a visa on arrival. Other nationalities must apply for an eVisa online before departure.
How much is the PNG visa on arrival fee?
The visa on arrival costs USD 50, the same as the eVisa. Cash in US dollars or Papua New Guinean Kina is preferred. Some counters may accept credit or debit cards, but this is not guaranteed.
How long does the visa on arrival process take?
The VOA process typically takes 15 to 30 minutes at the immigration counter. During peak times with multiple simultaneous flight arrivals, it can take up to an hour. Having an eVisa pre-approval speeds up processing significantly.
Can US citizens get a visa on arrival in PNG?
Yes, US passport holders are eligible for a visa on arrival in Papua New Guinea. However, the ICA recommends applying for the eVisa online before travel to avoid potential issues at airline check-in and reduce time at the airport.
What is the digital arrival card for Papua New Guinea?
The digital arrival card is an online form that all passengers must submit before arriving in PNG. It collects personal details, flight information, and health declarations. Submit it within 72 hours of arrival at the ICA website. It is separate from the visa — you need both the visa (eVisa or VOA) and the digital arrival card.
Is the PNG visa on arrival the same as the eVisa?
No, they are different processes. The visa on arrival is issued at the airport when you land. The eVisa is applied for and approved online before you travel. Both result in valid entry authorization, but the eVisa provides pre-approval certainty that the VOA does not.
