The PNG Digital Arrival Card (PNGDAC) is a mandatory electronic declaration required for every air traveller entering Papua New Guinea. It replaced the paper Incoming Passenger Card on 1 October 2025 and is free of charge. Since August 2026, airlines deny boarding to passengers without a valid PNGDAC reference. Travellers from the UK, typically connecting via Singapore or Australia, must complete the PNG Digital Arrival Card before departure. The form collects immigration, customs, biosecurity, and health data in a single submission at pngdac.ica.gov.pg. It is not a visa; a separate e-Visa, visa on arrival, or exemption is still required for entry.
What Is the PNG Digital Arrival Card (PNGDAC)?
The PNG Digital Arrival Card (PNGDAC) is a free, mandatory electronic form replacing the paper Incoming Passenger Card (IPC) for all air arrivals in Papua New Guinea. It serves immigration, customs, biosecurity, and health screening in a single submission. The Papua New Guinea Immigration and Citizenship Services Authority (ICSA) introduced the PNGDAC on 1 October 2025, phasing out the legacy paper IPC. This border control document is a mandatory pre-arrival registration for all air travellers. Each person requires a separate submission, though one adult may complete multiple submissions for a group. The form is free of charge at every stage and accessible only at pngdac.ica.gov.pg. Beware of third-party intermediaries charging unauthorised processing fees. The portal is available in English only; use browser-based translation tools if needed. For UK travellers connecting through Australia or Singapore, ensure mandatory completion of the PNG Digital Arrival Card before airline check-in, as carriers now verify the reference at boarding per the ICSA directive of 6 August 2026.
It Is Not a Visa – It Is a Pre-Arrival Declaration
The PNGDAC collects passenger data but does not authorise entry. Travellers must still hold a valid visa separately, whether an e-Visa, visa on arrival, or an applicable exemption. A confirmed PNGDAC does not replace any visa requirement under PNG immigration law.
Who Is Exempt? Transit Passengers and Crew
All air travellers (citizens, foreigners, children, infants) must complete a separate PNGDAC. Exempt: transit passengers staying airside and on-duty crew. Passengers who clear immigration must complete the PNG Digital Arrival Card regardless of layover duration.
When and Where to Submit the PNG Digital Arrival Card
Submit the PNG Digital Arrival Card free of charge at pngdac.ica.gov.pg within the 72-hour window before arrival in Papua New Guinea. Recommended: at least 24 hours before departure as a safety margin. Cost: $0. Beware third-party sites charging unauthorised processing fees. The PNG Digital Arrival Card applies to air travel only; land and sea arrivals are not yet covered. Primary port of entry: Jacksons International Airport (POM), Port Moresby.
August 2026 – Airlines Now Verify PNGDAC at Check-In
Under an ICSA directive dated 6 August 2026, airline check-in staff must verify PNGDAC completion before issuing a boarding pass. Without a valid PNGDAC reference, boarding is denied. Timeline: October 2025 (launch) to August 2026 (full mandatory check-in verification).
Documents and Information You Will Need
Prepare: passport valid for at least 6 months beyond travel dates, flight booking confirmation, accommodation address in PNG, and an email address. No document uploads required. The PNG Digital Arrival Card uses manual data entry only.
Visit pngdac.ica.gov.pg
Go to the official portal to start your submission.
Enter your email address for confirmation
Provide a valid email to receive your confirmation.
Provide personal information
Full name, date of birth, nationality, gender.
Enter passport details
Number, country of issue, expiry date.
Enter flight and accommodation details
Airline, flight number, arrival date, hotel or host address in PNG.
Complete customs, biosecurity, and health declarations
Goods carried, quarantine items, travel history, symptoms.
Submit to receive confirmation
Instant confirmation email with your QR code and reference number.
Customs Declaration in the PNG Digital Arrival Card: Allowances and Prohibited Items
The PNG Digital Arrival Card (PNGDAC) customs section, encountered in Step 6 of the form at pngdac.ica.gov.pg, requires travellers to declare goods, currency, and biosecurity-sensitive items before entering Papua New Guinea. Duty-free thresholds are set under the PNG Customs Act.
| Item | Duty-Free Limit |
|---|---|
| Spirits / wine | Up to 2.25 litres |
| Cigarettes | Up to 250 cigarettes or 250g of tobacco |
| Gifts / general goods | Up to approximately PGK 200 equivalent |
Cash or negotiable instruments exceeding PGK 20,000 (or foreign currency equivalent) must be declared per the PNG Customs Act. Travellers exceeding the duty-free threshold must select the customs red channel at the port of entry; those within limits proceed through the green channel.
Biosecurity and Quarantine: What You Cannot Bring into PNG
The PNG Digital Arrival Card includes a prohibited/restricted items checklist referencing quarantine requirements set by the National Agriculture and Quarantine Inspection Authority (NAQIA). Prohibited items include fresh fruits, vegetables, seeds, bulbs, plant cuttings, unprocessed wood or bark, raw meat, poultry, eggs, dairy products, soil, and live animals without a NAQIA permit. Processed and commercially packaged foods may be permitted; consult NAQIA guidelines before travel.
After You Submit – Confirmation, Editing, Penalties, and Troubleshooting
Instant confirmation email with QR code and reference number is generated upon submission. Display on phone or print at immigration on arrival in Papua New Guinea; a screenshot serves as a reliable offline backup. The confirmation is valid for a single entry on the declared arrival date.
The PNG Digital Arrival Card remains editable online until presented to an immigration officer. If flight or accommodation details change, log back in and update; the most recently submitted version is the one used at the border.
| Offence | Consequence | Authority |
|---|---|---|
| No PNGDAC at check-in | Denial of boarding pass | ICSA directive, 6 August 2026 |
| No PNGDAC at immigration | Clearance delays, potential fine | PNG Immigration Act |
| False customs declaration | Goods seizure, penalty, prosecution | PNG Customs Act |
| Undeclared currency above PGK 20,000 | Seizure, fine | PNG Customs Act |
| Problem | Solution |
|---|---|
| Confirmation email not received | Check spam folder; re-submit using the same email |
| Portal timeout or errors | Clear browser cache; try a different browser; use stable Wi-Fi (not mobile data) |
| Lost reference code | Re-enter the portal using your email address to retrieve the submission |
| No prior online completion | Self-service kiosks at Jacksons International Airport (POM); last resort only |
For further assistance, contact [email protected]. Response time: 48-72 hours. All data in this guide is based on ICSA publications and the PNG Customs Act as of September 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is the PNG Digital Arrival Card free?
Yes. The PNG Digital Arrival Card is free of charge at all stages. ICSA provides it at pngdac.ica.gov.pg. Avoid third-party sites charging fees.
How far in advance should I complete the PNGDAC?
Submit the PNG Digital Arrival Card within 72 hours before scheduled arrival in Papua New Guinea. Submit at least 24 hours before departure as a safety margin.
Can I complete the PNGDAC at the airport?
Self-service kiosks at POM exist, but since August 2026 airlines deny boarding without online PNGDAC. Complete the PNG Digital Arrival Card online before check-in.
Does every child need a separate PNG Digital Arrival Card?
Yes. Each child and infant requires a separate PNG Digital Arrival Card submission with a unique reference code. A parent or guardian completes it on the child’s behalf.
Is the PNGDAC form available in other languages?
The PNG Digital Arrival Card portal at pngdac.ica.gov.pg is available in English only. Use browser-based translation tools if needed.
What if my flight details change after submission?
Log back into the portal at pngdac.ica.gov.pg and update your information before arrival. The latest version counts at immigration.
Do I need to upload a passport scan or documents?
No. The PNG Digital Arrival Card uses manual data entry only, with no document uploads required.
Can I save my progress and finish the PNGDAC later?
No. The PNG Digital Arrival Card must be completed in a single session with no offline save or draft capability. Use a stable Wi-Fi connection.
How does the PNGDAC compare to other digital arrival cards?
The PNG Digital Arrival Card is similar to Australia’s Digital Passenger Declaration, India’s Air Suvidha, and systems used in China and Vietnam. Unlike some countries, the PNGDAC is completely free of charge.
What happens if I make a false customs declaration on the PNGDAC?
Deliberate false declarations on the PNG Digital Arrival Card can result in goods seizure, financial penalties, and prosecution under the PNG Customs Act. Since August 2026, non-submission also leads to denial of boarding.
