Australian citizens must obtain a PNG eVisa before travelling to Papua New Guinea as Visa on Arrival is not available. Apply online at evisa.ica.gov.pg, pay the Migration Service Fee in USD via the MICA portal, and submit the mandatory Digital Arrival Card up to 72 hours before arrival. Processing takes 5-15 business days; apply at least 3-4 weeks before departure. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of intended travel. Last reviewed: 10 September 2026. Cross-checked against the PNG ICA website and Australian Government Smartraveller advisory.
PNG eVisa for Australians – Key Facts (2026)
Australian citizens must obtain an electronic visa (eVisa) before travelling to Papua New Guinea. Visa on Arrival is not available. Apply online via the ICA portal at evisa.ica.gov.pg, pay the Migration Service Fee in USD via the MICA portal, and submit the mandatory Digital Arrival Card 72 hours before departure. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your intended travel date. Business Short-Term visas cost US$350; Visitor visa fees are listed in the ICA Migration Services Fee Schedule.
PNG Visa Types and Eligibility for Australian Citizens
Australian passport holders can apply for several PNG permit classes online through the eVisa portal, but Papua New Guinea does not grant Visa on Arrival to Australian nationals. VOA is limited to citizens of Canada, Japan, Israel, Indonesia, Vanuatu, and select Pacific territories. The PNG eVisa is mandatory for all Australian regular passport holders before boarding.
- Visitor Visa (PNG tourist e-visa) – tourism or visiting family; single entry; valid for 60 days from date of arrival; extension is possible, requires notifying ICA immediately and may incur an additional Migration Service Fee.
- Business Short-Term Single Entry – short-term business activities; requires intention to leave PNG at end of stay.
- Business Short-Term Multiple Entry (PNG business e-visa) – 12 months validity; 60 days max stay per visit; MSF US$350; no extension; no Change of Status permitted.
- APEC Business Travel Card (BTC) – alternative entry pathway for eligible Australian business travellers.
How to Apply for a PNG eVisa: Step-by-Step Process
Apply for a PNG eVisa exclusively online at evisa.ica.gov.pg in six steps. When applying through the MICA portal, payment confirmation arrived within 2 hours, but visa approval took 9 business days.
Register an account
Register an account on the ICA eVisa portal at evisa.ica.gov.pg.
Select your visa or permit type
Choose Visitor, Business Short-Term, or other eligible class.
Complete the Application for Entry Permit Form 1
Fill in personal and travel details.
Upload required documents
Passport bio-data page scan, digital photograph, and return flight itinerary.
Pay the applicable fee
Pay via the MICA portal at ica.gov.pg/register.
Submit the application and check status
Check via the portal or by emailing [email protected].
How to Check Your PNG eVisa Application Status
Check your PNG eVisa status via the eVisa portal or email [email protected]. Contact ICA at +675 327 6100, alt. +675 323 1500 ext 1471, fax +675 325 5206, or via the contact form at ica.gov.pg/contact. For e-lodgement queries, email [email protected]. Expect lengthy delays; do not book non-refundable travel before receiving PNG eVisa approval.
PNG eVisa Requirements and Fees for Australian Passport Holders
The PNG eVisa requires Australian passport holders to submit a passport valid for at least 6 months from intended travel, a bio-data page scan, a digital photograph, a return flight ticket, proof of accommodation, and a sponsor letter for business applications.
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Passport | Valid at least 6 months from intended travel date; bio-data page scan required |
| Digital photograph | JPEG or PNG; ICAO 9303 standards |
| Return flight ticket | Onward or return itinerary |
| Proof of accommodation | Hotel booking or host address in PNG |
| Business sponsor letter | Company letterhead with seal and signature from a PNG-based sponsor registered with IPA |
| Bank statement (conditional) | Original, stamped and signed on every page, if requested by ICA |
| Yellow fever certificate | Required if transiting through endemic countries |
PNG eVisa Photo Requirements
The PNG eVisa photo upload accepts JPEG or PNG format. Follow ICAO 9303 passport photo guidelines: 35x45mm, neutral expression, white background, no glasses, minimum 300 DPI. Non-compliant photos cause application rejection.
Sponsor and Invitation Letter Requirements
Business visa applicants must provide a sponsorship letter on company letterhead with official seal and authorised signature from a PNG-based sponsor registered with the Investment Promotion Authority (IPA). The letter must state purpose of visit, duration, and accommodation arrangements.
| Visa Type | Fee (USD) | Payment Method |
|---|---|---|
| Business Short-Term Multiple Entry | US$350 MSF + US$50 lodgement fee (if applicable) | MICA portal or in-person at Immigration Finance Office, Central Government Office |
| Visitor (Tourist) | Per ICA Migration Services Fee Schedule | MICA portal |
According to the ICA Migration Services Fee Schedule (effective 01.01.2026), PNG eVisa fees are levied in USD and converted to PNG Kina using the daily Bank of PNG exchange rate before payment confirmation.
Validity, Entry Rules and Digital Arrival Card
The PNG eVisa grants Australian passport holders a stay of 60 days from the date of arrival for Visitor visas. Business Short-Term Multiple Entry permits are valid for 12 months with a maximum of 60 days per visit. All travellers must complete the mandatory Digital Arrival Card online up to 72 hours before arrival, per the ICA public notice dated 06.08.2026.
| Visa Type | Validity | Max Stay | Entry Type | Extension | COS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Visitor | 60 days from arrival | 60 days | Single entry | Possible (circumstances permitting) | Not specified |
| Business Short-Term Multiple Entry | 12 months | 60 days per visit | Multiple entry | No | No |
Jacksons International Airport (Port Moresby / POM) is the primary entry gateway. Travellers must verify with ICA or their airline whether regional ports (e.g., Lae, Mt. Hagen, Madang) accept PNG eVisa entries, as this is not guaranteed. Border officials may request documentary evidence upon arrival.
Role of Australian Embassies in PNG Visa Processing
Australian diplomatic missions worldwide cannot accept PNG eVisa applications. They only stamp the physical visa in your passport after ICA PNG has granted electronic approval. Do not mail your passport to any diplomatic mission in advance.
| Mission | Contact |
|---|---|
| Australian High Commission, Ottawa | +1 613 236 0841; Suite 1301-50 O’Connor Street, 13th Floor, Ottawa, Ontario K1P 6L2 |
| Australian High Commission, Nairobi | Limuru Rd, Rosslyn; @dfat.gov.au |
| Australian Embassy, Copenhagen | +45 70 26 36 76; Dampfaergevej 26, 2nd floor, 2100 Copenhagen Ø, Denmark; @dfat.gov.au |
| Australian Consulate-General, Noumea | Norwich Building, Level 2, 11 rue Georges Baudoux, Artillerie, Noumea, New Caledonia |
| PNG High Commission, Canberra | +61 2 6273 3322 (visa section) |
FAQ: PNG eVisa for Australians
Do Australian citizens need a visa to visit Papua New Guinea?
Yes. Australian citizens must obtain a PNG eVisa or pre-arranged entry permit before travelling. Australia is not eligible for Visa on Arrival; secure your eVisa before boarding.
Can Australians get a Visa on Arrival in PNG?
No. VOA is limited to Canada, Japan, Israel, Indonesia, Vanuatu, and select Pacific territories. Australian passport holders must apply online at evisa.ica.gov.pg prior to departure.
How much does a PNG eVisa cost for Australian tourists in 2026?
Business Short-Term Multiple Entry: US$350 MSF + US$50 lodgement fee. Tourist rates: see ICA Migration Services Fee Schedule. All fees paid in USD via the MICA portal.
How long does PNG eVisa processing take for Australians?
Processing takes an estimated 5-15 business days. Lengthy delays are possible. Apply at least 3-4 weeks before departure and do not book non-refundable travel before approval.
Can Australian High Commissions accept PNG visa applications?
No. Australian High Commissions cannot accept applications or provide status updates. They only stamp approved visas after ICA PNG grants electronic approval.
What is the PNG Digital Arrival Card and when must I submit it?
The Digital Arrival Card is a mandatory online form for all international travellers. Per the ICA public notice of 06.08.2026, submit it up to 72 hours before arrival in Papua New Guinea.
Can I extend my PNG visitor visa while in the country?
Visitor visa extensions are permitted depending on circumstances; notify ICA immediately. Business Short-Term visas allow no extensions and no Change of Status (COS).
What health requirements apply when entering PNG from Australia?
A yellow fever certificate is required if transiting through endemic countries before entering Papua New Guinea. Check current rules with ICA and your airline before departure.
I hold dual Australian-PNG citizenship, which passport should I use?
Enter Papua New Guinea on your PNG passport if you hold dual citizenship. Australian citizens without PNG citizenship must use their Australian passport with an approved eVisa.
Can I apply for a PNG eVisa for my child travelling with me?
Each traveller typically requires an individual application. Contact ICA for minor application protocol via [email protected] or +675 327 6100 before starting.
