Last reviewed: 14 September 2026. This is an unofficial guide for informational purposes. Always verify requirements on the ICA portal.
The eVisa Papua New Guinea is an electronic entry permit applied for online through the Immigration and Citizenship Authority (ICA) portal. UK passport holders need a valid eVisa Papua New Guinea for tourist or business stays up to 60 days. Government fees start from US$350 for business visas, with processing taking 3 to 5 business days. Apply at least 7 to 10 days before departure, as the ICA does not guarantee 24-hour processing.
What Is the PNG eVisa?
The PNG eVisa is an online travel authorization issued by the ICA and delivered as a PDF. The approved eVisa arrives via email confirmation and must be printed for presentation at the border. The eVisa Papua New Guinea does not replace required health checks, customs declarations, or special permits for restricted provinces.
PNG eVisa vs. Traditional Visa
| Feature | PNG eVisa | Traditional Visa |
|---|---|---|
| Application channel | Online via ICA portal | Embassy or diplomatic mission |
| Processing time | 3-5 business days | Weeks |
| Delivery format | PDF via email | Sticker in passport |
Can You Get a Visa on Arrival in PNG?
A limited Visa on Arrival (VOA) scheme was reintroduced in September 2023, but it covers specific nationalities only. UK citizens generally need an eVisa Papua New Guinea approved before travel.
| Feature | VOA | eVisa |
|---|---|---|
| Eligibility | Specific nationalities only | Eligible applicants including UK |
| When to apply | At the border upon arrival | Before travel, online |
Who Needs a PNG eVisa? UK Eligibility
All UK passport holders, including British Citizen, BN(O), and BOTC, need a PNG eVisa before travel; no visa-free entry exists for British nationals. The passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry and have a minimum of 1 blank page for the entry stamp. The ICA requires data consistency between the application and the passport presented at the border.
| UK Passport Type | eVisa Eligible? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| British Citizen | Yes | Standard eligibility via ICA portal |
| British National (Overseas) BN(O) | Verify on ICA portal | ICA checks eligibility by nationality code |
| British Overseas Territories Citizen (BOTC) | Verify on ICA portal | ICA checks eligibility by nationality code |
Dual nationals: apply using the passport you intend to travel with. Minors: a parent or guardian must apply for the eVisa Papua New Guinea on their behalf.
Do I need a visa? Decision tree:
- British Citizen travelling for tourism or business: Yes, apply for eVisa
- BN(O) or BOTC: Verify nationality code on the ICA eVisa portal
- Transit passenger not clearing immigration: No eVisa required
- Minor: Parent or guardian applies
UK Passport Holders: Which eVisa Can You Apply For?
British Citizens can apply for any eligible eVisa Papua New Guinea category, tourist or business, through the ICA portal. BN(O) and BOTC holders must verify their specific nationality code on the eVisa portal, as ICA determines eligibility automatically based on the nationality field entered during account creation.
Which PNG eVisa Do You Need? Visa Types
The eVisa Papua New Guinea categorises applicants by travel purpose. The Business Short-Term Multiple-Entry visa carries a US$350 Migration Service Fee, remains valid for 12 months, and permits stays of up to 60 days per arrival. The 30-day Easy Visitor Permit under the PNG eVisa scheme does not allow any extension of stay.
| Visa Class | Entry Type | Validity | Max Stay Per Visit | Extension |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Easy Visitor Permit (30 days) | Single | 30 days | 30 days | Not permitted |
| Easy Visitor Permit (60 days) | Single | 60 days | 60 days | Limited situations |
| Business Short-Term Single Entry | Single | 30 days | 30 days | Not permitted |
| Business Short-Term Multiple Entry | Multiple | 12 months | 60 days | No extension |
| Journalist Visa | Usually single | ~60 days | ~60 days | Limited situations |
| Aid Worker / Volunteer | Usually single | Up to 12 months | Up to 12 months | Limited situations |
| Restricted Employment Visa | Single | 30 days | 30 days | No extension |
| Yachtperson Visa | Usually single | ~60 days | ~60 days | Once only, max 30 days |
PNG eVisa Document Checklist
The PNG eVisa requires a passport valid 6+ months, a JPEG photo (max 2 MB), accommodation proof, and a return ticket. The eVisa Papua New Guinea does not replace health or customs checks. For business visas, a sponsor letter on company letterhead with an official seal and signature is mandatory, stating the applicant’s details, duration of stay, flight details, and a statement of financial maintenance.
- Passport biodata page: scan or clear photo of the page containing your personal details; minimum 1 blank page required for the entry stamp.
- Digital photograph: JPEG format, approximately 350×450 px, white or light uniform background.
- Proof of accommodation: hotel booking confirmation or equivalent.
- Return or onward ticket: required for boarding and border verification.
- Travel itinerary: outline of your planned route and dates.
- Sponsor letter and invitation letter: required for business visa classes; sponsor letter must be on company letterhead with seal and signature, stating applicant details, duration of stay, flight details, and financial maintenance; invitation letter must state purpose, duration, business location, and frequency of visits.
- Personal bank statement: optional/discretionary; original with bank stamp and signature on every page.
- Yellow fever vaccination certificate: required only if arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission.
Digital Passport Photo Technical Specifications
The eVisa Papua New Guinea requires a digital photo meeting strict technical parameters. Upload failures are most commonly caused by incorrect file size or format.
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | ~350×450 px (3:4 ratio) |
| Format | JPEG |
| Max file size | 2 MB |
| Background | White or light, uniform |
- Face forward, neutral expression, no shadows.
- No glasses or transparent-lens frames.
- Image must be sharp and in focus.
Proof of Funds for PNG eVisa
The eVisa Papua New Guinea requires evidence of financial maintenance, though no specific daily threshold is published in primary sources. As a practical estimate based on UK travel advice, budget approximately US$100 per day. Acceptable forms include a personal bank statement, credit card, or prepaid confirmation covering hotel and planned activities. If a border official requests documentary evidence, present it upon arrival.
How to Apply for a PNG eVisa: Step-by-Step
Create an account
on the ICA eVisa portal using a personal email address. All correspondence, including the eVisa Papua New Guinea approval, is sent there.
Complete the online form
with passport details, nationality, travel dates, purpose of visit, and accommodation information. Parents or guardians must apply on behalf of minors.
Upload required documents
passport biodata page scan, digital photo (JPEG, max 2 MB, ~350×450 px, white background), proof of accommodation, and return or onward ticket. Business applicants add a sponsor letter and invitation letter.
Pay via the MICA portal
at ica.gov.pg/register. Business class MSF is US$350 plus a US$50 online lodgement fee. Tourist fees require verification on the ICA portal.
Receive the confirmation email
containing your reference number.
Track your status
at evisa.ica.gov.pg/evisa/account/status using your nationality and reference number. Standard processing takes 3 to 5 business days.
Download the approved eVisa PDF
from the portal and print a physical copy.
Present the printed eVisa
at the PNG border with your passport (valid 6+ months, 1 blank page) and return ticket.
PNG eVisa Application Tips: Payment, Timing & Troubleshooting
When Should You Apply? Timing and Validity Window
Apply at least 7 to 10 days before departure. While commercial agencies offer rush (48 hours, surcharge ~US$20) and super-rush (24 hours, surcharge ~US$40) services, the ICA does not guarantee these timelines. User reports from TripAdvisor in July 2026 indicate waits of 6+ business days under standard processing. The approved eVisa Papua New Guinea must be used within its validity window.
Payment Methods for the PNG eVisa
The eVisa Papua New Guinea payment is processed via the MICA portal in USD (converted to PNG Kina prior to finalisation). Accepted cards include Visa and Mastercard; AMEX is not confirmed in primary sources. 3D-Secure verification is likely required, as the portal validates card transactions. GBP to USD conversion fees depend on your card issuer; use a card with no foreign transaction fees to minimise costs. In-person payment is available at the Immigration Finance Office, ground floor, Central Government Office.
What If Your eVisa Application Is Rejected or Has Errors?
If your approved eVisa Papua New Guinea contains an error (e.g. a typo in the passport number), contact ICA immediately at [email protected]. If your application is rejected, you must submit a new application and pay the fee again. No refund is guaranteed, as primary sources do not publish an official refund policy. Prevent errors by double-checking all data before submission.
PNG eVisa Fees and Processing Times
The eVisa Papua New Guinea fee structure depends on visa class. The Business Multiple-Entry visa costs US$350 (MSF) + US$50 (lodgement). Tourist visa fees for the PNG eVisa must be verified on the ICA portal. All payments are processed in USD via the MICA portal.
| Visa Class | Government MSF (US$) | Online Lodgement Fee (US$) |
|---|---|---|
| Easy Visitor Permit (30 and 60 days) | Verify on ICA portal | US$50 (if applicable) |
| Business Short-Term Multiple Entry | US$350 | US$50 (if applicable) |
| Tier | Timeframe | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Standard (ICA baseline) | 3-5 business days | Estimated; ICA does not publish an SLA |
| Rush (commercial) | ~48 hours | Commercial agency surcharge +~US$20 |
| Super Rush (commercial) | ~24 hours | Commercial agency surcharge +~US$40 |
How to Check Your PNG eVisa Status
The PNG eVisa application status is checked at evisa.ica.gov.pg/evisa/account/status using the reference number and nationality provided during submission.
Locate your reference number
After submitting, ICA emails a unique reference number. Save it.
Open the status check portal
Navigate to evisa.ica.gov.pg/evisa/account/status and enter your nationality and reference number.
Review the result
The portal displays your current application stage. Processing typically takes 3-5 business days, though some UK applicants reported waiting 6+ business days in mid-2026.
Download upon approval
When the status changes to approved, download the eVisa Papua New Guinea PDF directly from the portal and print a copy for border presentation.
Contact ICA if stalled
If your status does not update beyond the expected window, email [email protected] or call +675 327 6100.
PNG eVisa Validity, Entry Conditions & Transit
| Visa Class | Validity | Max Stay Per Visit | Extension |
|---|---|---|---|
| Easy Visitor Permit (30 days) | 30 days | 30 days | Not permitted |
| Easy Visitor Permit (60 days) | 60 days | 60 days | Limited situations |
| Business Short-Term Multiple Entry | 12 months | 60 days | No extension |
| Restricted Employment Visa | Single entry | 30 days | No extension |
At the border, the eVisa Papua New Guinea requires a passport valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry, with a minimum of 1 blank page for the entry stamp, plus a return or onward ticket. No change of status is permitted for business visa classes.
For transit through Jacksons International Airport (POM), Port Moresby: passengers remaining airside without clearing immigration do not need a visa. Leaving the international transit zone requires a valid eVisa Papua New Guinea.
PNG Digital Arrival Card
All travellers to Papua New Guinea must complete the mandatory Digital Arrival Card online up to 72 hours before arrival, effective since October 2025. According to the ICA public notice of 06.08.2026 (available at ica.gov.pg), the requirement applies to every arriving passenger, including those holding an approved eVisa Papua New Guinea. The Digital Arrival Card is a separate, mandatory requirement from the eVisa. It handles health and customs declarations, while the eVisa grants entry authorisation. You must complete both before your flight.
- Access the online form via the ICA portal and select the Digital Arrival Card submission section.
- Complete passenger details, travel itinerary, and health information: submit no later than 72 hours before arrival.
- Save the confirmation reference and present it alongside your printed eVisa Papua New Guinea at check-in and at the PNG border.
Practical Guide for UK Travellers: Arrival & Support
What to Expect at the Border
The main international arrival airport is Jacksons International Airport (POM) in Port Moresby. Other entry points include Lae/Nadzab (LAE), Rabaul/Tokua (RAB), Buka (BUA), and Daru (DAU). Present your printed eVisa Papua New Guinea PDF, passport valid 6+ months with 1 blank page, and return or onward ticket. Papua New Guinea operates on GMT+10 with no daylight saving. The local currency is Papua New Guinean Kina (PGK); remote areas operate cash-only. Currency declaration is mandatory for amounts above PGK 20,000 on both entry and exit. Vape products are banned since 2025; customs will seize any such products.
Dual Nationals: Applying for a PNG eVisa
Dual nationals must apply using the passport they intend to present at the PNG border. PNG citizens holding a second nationality should use the foreign passport and apply for the eVisa Papua New Guinea.
PNG Immigration Authority: Contact Details
For application queries, contact the Immigration & Citizenship Authority (ICA) directly:
- Phone: +675 327 6100
- Email: [email protected]
- eVisa portal: evisa.ica.gov.pg/evisa/
- ICA main site: ica.gov.pg
- In-person payment: Immigration Finance Office, ground floor, Central Government Office
- Paper alternative: Application for Entry Permit (Form 1)
- Non-eVisa applications (via Australian High Commission, Ottawa): +1 613 236 0841, Suite 1301-50 O’Connor Street, 13th Floor, Ottawa, Ontario, K1P 6L2
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the PNG eVisa and who needs it?
The eVisa Papua New Guinea is an online travel authorization issued by the ICA and delivered as a PDF. All UK passport holders, including British Citizen, BN(O), and BOTC, need a PNG eVisa before travel.
How do I apply for a PNG eVisa as a UK citizen in 2026?
Follow the 8-step guide in the How to Apply section above: create an ICA account, complete the form, upload documents, pay via MICA, track status, download the PDF, and print it. Apply at least 7 to 10 days before departure.
How much does a PNG eVisa cost for UK travellers?
The Business Short-Term Multiple-Entry Visa has a Migration Service Fee of US$350 plus an online lodgement fee of US$50. Tourist visa fees must be verified on the ICA portal before applying.
How long does the PNG eVisa take to process?
The recommended safe window is 3 to 5 business days. The ICA does not guarantee rush timelines. Travellers report waiting 6+ business days, so apply early.
Can I get a visa on arrival in Papua New Guinea?
A limited Visa on Arrival scheme was reintroduced in September 2023 for specific nationalities. UK citizens generally cannot use this scheme and must obtain an eVisa Papua New Guinea before travelling.
How long is the PNG eVisa valid for?
Validity depends on the visa class. The Easy Visitor Permit is valid for 30 or 60 days. The Business Short-Term Multiple-Entry Visa is valid for 12 months with a maximum stay of 60 days per visit.
What documents do I need for a PNG eVisa?
You need a passport valid for at least 6 months with one blank page, a digital JPEG photo under 2 MB, proof of accommodation, and a return or onward ticket. Business visas require a sponsor letter and an invitation letter on company letterhead.
How do I check my PNG eVisa status after applying?
Track your application status online at evisa.ica.gov.pg/evisa/account/status using your reference number and nationality. If stalled, contact ICA at [email protected] or +675 327 6100.
Can I extend my PNG eVisa while in Papua New Guinea?
The 30-day Easy Visitor Permit cannot be extended. The 60-day Easy Visitor Permit may be extended in limited situations. The Business Short-Term Multiple-Entry Visa does not allow any extension of stay.
Do I need a Digital Arrival Card for Papua New Guinea?
Yes, the Digital Arrival Card is mandatory for all travellers. Submit it online up to 72 hours before arrival. It does not replace your eVisa Papua New Guinea; both are required.
