UK business travelers visiting Papua New Guinea must obtain a PNG Business eVisa online before departure. Visa on Arrival is not available. The total government fee is US$400, processing takes approximately three weeks, and you must submit a host invitation letter from a PNG-registered company plus an employer cover letter.
This guide covers every png evisa business visa requirements step, including ready-to-use letter templates and a complete airport entry checklist for UK-based applicants preparing their application.
Common rejection causes for the PNG Business eVisa include a missing IPA registration number on the host invitation letter, unsigned letters, and generic purpose statements. ICA does not publish an official service-level agreement; the approximately three-week processing benchmark reflects industry consensus among visa specialists tracking PNG Business eVisa applications.
PNG Business eVisa vs Tourist eVisa – Which One Do You Need?
A PNG Business eVisa covers meetings, negotiations, and trade activities; a Tourist eVisa prohibits all commercial activity – choosing the wrong type risks refusal.
| Feature | PNG Business eVisa | Tourist eVisa |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Meetings, conferences, negotiations, site inspections | Leisure travel only |
| Key Required Documents | Host invitation letter from IPA-registered company + employer cover letter | No business documents required |
| Validity (Multiple Entry) | 12 months, 60 days per stay | Varies – no business activity permitted |
| Fee | US$400 total (MSF US$350 + lodgement US$50) | Lower fee tier |
| Key Restriction | Must not constitute labour or employment; no extension, no change of status | All commercial activity prohibited |
If your visit involves physical work, equipment installation, or ongoing training, the PNG Business eVisa does not apply – you need a Restricted Employment Visa (REV). Dependents cannot travel on the PNG Business eVisa; they must apply separately for a Tourist Visa. Holders of an APEC Business Travel Card may enter under separate provisions without a standard business eVisa.
PNG eVisa Business Visa Requirements: Document Checklist
The PNG Business eVisa requires 10 documents before submission. A Digital Arrival Card (DAC) must be submitted 72 hours before arrival for your PNG Business eVisa application.
- Valid passport with 6+ months validity and 2+ blank visa pages
- Completed online application form via evisa.ica.gov.pg or Form 1 paper alternative
- One passport-size photograph
- Host invitation letter from IPA-registered PNG company
- Employer/sponsor cover letter on company letterhead
- Copy of return or onward airline ticket
- Flight itinerary showing applicant’s name with PNG arrival and departure dates
- Hotel reservation with applicant’s name and stay duration
- Personal bank statement (not mandatory by default; ICA may request last 3 months, signed on every page)
- Digital Arrival Card confirmation, submitted 72 hours before arrival via pngdac.ica.gov.pg
How to Apply for a PNG Business eVisa: Step by Step
Register an account
Register at evisa.ica.gov.pg using your email and a password to begin your PNG Business eVisa application.
Select visa type
Select “Conduct Business” then “Business Short-term Multiple Entry” (or Single Entry if a single visit suffices).
Complete the form
Provide full name, date of birth, nationality, passport number, UK employer name and address, host company details, specific business purpose, proposed travel dates and duration of stay.
Upload documents
Upload all required documents in JPEG or PDF format – see format rules below.
Pay the total government fee of US$400
Pay US$350 Migration Service Fee + US$50 online lodgement fee via card through the MICA account portal, or in cash at the Immigration Finance Office, ground floor, Central Government Office.
Download your eVisa
Download your eVisa after approval from evisa.ica.gov.pg and verify its status on the eVisa status checker page. Processing typically takes 3 weeks; check your email (including spam folder) regularly for updates.
As an alternative pathway, applicants may use e-lodgement by emailing [email protected]. The PNG Business eVisa process is 100% digital – no biometrics are required.
Uploading Documents – Format & Size Rules
The PNG Business eVisa portal accepts JPEG and PDF uploads. Passport scans must be clear, colour copies of the bio-data page with a minimum of 300 DPI recommended. The most common rejection causes are overexposure, blurry scans, and incomplete page captures.
Host Invitation Letter: Requirements & Ready-to-Use Template
The PNG Business eVisa requires an invitation letter from a host company registered with the Investment Promotion Authority (IPA), printed on company letterhead and addressed to the Director, Papua New Guinea Immigration & Citizenship Services Authority (ICA),
PO Box 4820, Boroko, NCD, Port Moresby. A company director or senior manager must personally sign the document.
The invitation letter must include eight fields: host company name + IPA number, applicant details, purpose, visit frequency, accommodation guarantee, companies to be visited, authorised signatory, and contact details. For multiple hosts, one primary letter suffices if related; otherwise separate letters.
Common rejection causes: missing IPA number, no visit frequency stated, wrong addressee (must be ICA – not “To Whom It May Concern”), unsigned letter, and generic purpose lacking specifics.
[COMPANY LETTERHEAD - full legal name, registered address, phone, email]
[Date]
The Director
Papua New Guinea Immigration & Citizenship Services Authority (ICA)
PO Box 4820
Boroko, NCD
Papua New Guinea
RE: Business Invitation Letter for [APPLICANT FULL NAME] - [APPLICANT PASSPORT NUMBER]
Dear Sir/Madam,
We, [HOST COMPANY FULL LEGAL NAME], a company duly registered under the laws of
Papua New Guinea (IPA Registration Number: [IPA REGISTRATION NUMBER]), hereby
cordially invite [APPLICANT FULL NAME], holder of passport number
[APPLICANT PASSPORT NUMBER], issued by [COUNTRY OF ISSUE], to visit Papua New
Guinea for business purposes.
PURPOSE OF VISIT:
[APPLICANT FULL NAME] is employed as [APPLICANT JOB TITLE] at [APPLICANT'S UK
COMPANY NAME] and will be visiting our offices in [CITY, PNG] to [DESCRIBE
SPECIFIC BUSINESS ACTIVITIES - e.g., attend board meetings, negotiate a supply
contract, inspect project site, participate in trade conference].
PROPOSED FREQUENCY OF VISITS:
[APPLICANT FULL NAME] intends to visit Papua New Guinea [NUMBER] time(s) during
the validity period of the visa, with each stay not exceeding [NUMBER] days.
ACCOMMODATION & TRANSPORT:
[HOST COMPANY NAME] will arrange and bear the cost of accommodation at
[HOTEL NAME / COMPANY GUESTHOUSE] and local transportation for the duration of
[APPLICANT FULL NAME]'s stay in Papua New Guinea.
COMPANIES TO BE VISITED:
During the visit, [APPLICANT FULL NAME] will engage with the following entities:
1. [COMPANY NAME 1] - [ADDRESS 1] - [CONTACT PERSON & PHONE]
2. [COMPANY NAME 2] - [ADDRESS 2] - [CONTACT PERSON & PHONE]
[Add rows as needed]
We confirm that the information provided above is true and accurate. We undertake
to ensure that [APPLICANT FULL NAME] will comply with all immigration laws and
regulations of Papua New Guinea and will depart the country upon expiry of the
authorised stay.
Should you require any further information, please do not hesitate to contact
the undersigned.
Yours faithfully,
_________________________________
[SIGNATORY FULL NAME]
[TITLE - e.g., Managing Director / General Manager]
[HOST COMPANY FULL LEGAL NAME]
[Direct Phone Number]
[Email Address]Does the Host Need an IPA Certificate?
The host company’s IPA registration number stated on the invitation letterhead is generally sufficient for the PNG Business eVisa. A separate IPA certificate copy is not a mandatory attachment, though border officers may request verification at their discretion.
Employer Cover Letter: Requirements & UK-Specific Template
The PNG Business eVisa requires an employer letter on company letterhead with Companies House number, employee passport details, trip purpose with dates, salary in GBP, and a guarantee covering all travel and living expenses. The signatory must be a Director, VP, or Head of HR providing a wet-ink signature with direct contact details.
[UK COMPANY LETTERHEAD - full legal name, registered address, Companies House
number, phone, email]
[Date]
The Visa Officer
Papua New Guinea Immigration & Citizenship Services Authority (ICA)
PO Box 4820
Boroko, NCD
Papua New Guinea
RE: Business eVisa Application - [EMPLOYEE FULL NAME], [PASSPORT NUMBER]
Dear Sir/Madam,
We, [UK COMPANY FULL LEGAL NAME] (Companies House Registration No.
[COMPANIES HOUSE NUMBER]), with registered office at [UK REGISTERED ADDRESS],
write in support of the Business eVisa application of our employee,
[EMPLOYEE FULL NAME].
EMPLOYEE DETAILS:
Name: [EMPLOYEE FULL NAME]
Position: [JOB TITLE]
Department: [DEPARTMENT]
Employed since: [START DATE]
Passport Number: [PASSPORT NUMBER]
PURPOSE OF TRAVEL:
[EMPLOYEE FULL NAME] will travel to Papua New Guinea from [DEPARTURE DATE] to
[RETURN DATE] to [SPECIFIC BUSINESS ACTIVITIES - e.g., attend contract
negotiations with (HOST COMPANY NAME), inspect the (PROJECT NAME) site, present
our product portfolio at (CONFERENCE NAME)].
FINANCIAL MAINTENANCE:
[UK COMPANY NAME] confirms that it will bear all costs associated with
[EMPLOYEE FULL NAME]'s travel to and stay in Papua New Guinea, including but not
limited to return flights, accommodation, local transportation, meals, and
incidental expenses. [EMPLOYEE FULL NAME]'s full salary of [SALARY IN GBP] per
annum will continue to be paid during the period of absence.
RETURN-TO-WORK COMMITMENT:
We confirm that [EMPLOYEE FULL NAME] is expected to resume duties at our
[UK OFFICE LOCATION] office upon completion of the business visit to
Papua New Guinea. [HIS/HER] position will be held open for [HIS/HER] return.
Should you require any further information or verification, please contact the
undersigned directly.
Yours faithfully,
_________________________________
[SIGNATORY FULL NAME]
[TITLE - e.g., Director / VP / Head of Human Resources]
[UK COMPANY FULL LEGAL NAME]
[Direct Phone Number]
[Email Address]
Fees, Processing Time, Visa Validity & Border Entry
| Fee Type | Amount | Channel |
|---|---|---|
| Migration Service Fee (MSF) | US$350 | Online or in-person |
| Online Lodgement Fee | US$50 | Online (if applicable) |
| Total Government Fee | US$400 | USD, converted to PGK at finalisation |
| Climate Change Green Fee | 50 PGK / USD 12 | Paid at departure (not visa-related) |
Pay online via MICA portal or in cash at the Immigration Finance Office. Processing takes approximately 3 weeks; fast-track 72 hours may be available. ICA does not publish an official SLA for the PNG Business eVisa.
| Visa Type | Validity | Max Stay | Entries | Extension | Change of Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Multiple Entry | 12 months | 60 days per entry | Multiple | No | No |
| Single Entry | 30 days | 30 days from arrival | Single | No | No |
| Activity | Allowed | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Board meetings & shareholder meetings | Yes | |
| Commercial negotiations & contract signing | Yes | |
| Trade fairs, conferences, exhibitions | Yes | |
| Site inspections (observational only) | Yes | |
| Product presentations (non-physical) | Yes | |
| Installing or commissioning equipment | No | Requires Restricted Employment Visa (REV) |
| Servicing or repairing machinery | No | Requires REV |
| Training local staff (extended) | No | Requires REV |
| Any physical labour or manual work | No | Requires REV |
| Ongoing employment or contracted work | No | Requires REV |
Violation leads to deportation, visa ban, or fines. Hands-on work requires a Restricted Employment Visa (REV).
Bring the following to the airport for PNG Business eVisa border entry:
- Printed or digital copy of eVisa approval letter
- Passport (valid 6+ months, 2+ blank pages)
- Return/onward airline ticket (copy)
- Original host invitation letter from PNG sponsor
- Employer cover letter
- Digital Arrival Card confirmation (submit 72h before arrival at pngdac.ica.gov.pg)
- MSF payment receipt / confirmation email
- Yellow fever vaccination certificate (only if transiting through an endemic country)
PNG eVisa Business Visa Requirements: FAQ
Who is eligible for a PNG Business eVisa?
All nationalities may apply online. You must be a genuine business person with a legitimate commercial purpose and a valid invitation from a PNG-registered sponsor company registered with the Investment Promotion Authority (IPA).
Do I need a bank statement for a PNG Business eVisa?
Not by default. ICA may request one if there is no sponsor letter, your financial situation is unclear, or the sponsor company is newly registered. If requested, provide the last 3 months, signed on every page.
Can I get a PNG Business Visa on Arrival?
No. You must obtain a PNG Business eVisa prior to travel via evisa.ica.gov.pg. Apply online at least three weeks before your planned departure date.
Can family members accompany me on a Business eVisa?
No. Dependents must apply separately for a Tourist or Visitor Visa. Refer to the Visitor Visa page on ica.gov.pg for separate dependent visa procedures.
Is the APEC Business Travel Card an alternative?
Yes. Holders of a Virtual APEC Business Travel Card may enter Papua New Guinea under separate provisions without a standard PNG Business eVisa.
Do I need biometrics or a medical exam?
No. The PNG Business eVisa is 100% digital. No biometric scanning is required. A Supplementary Health Form may be needed depending on circumstances. A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required only if transiting through an endemic country.
What happens if my activity exceeds the Business eVisa scope?
Unauthorised employment or labour is illegal. Consequences include deportation, a future visa ban, and financial penalties. For hands-on technical work, apply for a Restricted Employment Visa (REV).
How long does PNG Business eVisa processing take in 2026?
Standard processing is approximately 3 weeks; fast-track 72 hours may be available. Incomplete documents cause delays.
Do I need separate invitation letters for multiple host companies?
One letter from the primary sponsor listing all companies with their addresses and contact details is recommended. Separate letters are accepted if the companies are unrelated.
What payment methods are accepted for the PNG Business eVisa?
Online: card payment via the MICA account portal. In-person: cash at the Immigration Finance Office, ground floor, Central Government Office. The total government fee is US$400.
PNG Business eVisa: Quick Summary
To apply for a Papua New Guinea Business eVisa in 2026, you need a valid passport (6+ months), a completed online application via evisa.ica.gov.pg, an invitation letter from a PNG host company registered with the IPA, and a cover letter from your employer. The total fee is US$400, and processing takes approximately three weeks. A Digital Arrival Card must be submitted 72 hours before entry. These png evisa business visa requirements apply to all nationalities.
This guide was last reviewed in September 2026. Immigration rules change frequently; always verify with the official ICA portal at ica.gov.pg before applying. Fee structure verified via the ICA MICA account portal.
