Last updated: 14 September 2026. This guide is provided for informational purposes only and is not affiliated with the ICA or the Government of Papua New Guinea.
The png evisa for us citizens must be obtained online before departure via the ICA MICA portal. Fees are payable in USD, processing takes 72 hours to 7 working days, and the visa grant notice arrives by email as a PDF. Apply at least one month before travel.
Is a PNG eVisa Required for US and Canadian Citizens?
US and Canadian citizens cannot obtain a Visa on Arrival (VoA). The VoA programme, reopened in September 2023, covers only selected Pacific and bilateral partner countries. North American passport holders must hold a pre-approved PNG eVisa or face denied boarding.
The PNG eVisa is issued entirely online through the ICA MICA portal and emailed as a PDF visa grant notice. Available categories include the tourist Easy Visitor Permit (single entry, 30 or 60 days) and the business Short-Term visa (single or multiple entry). Applicants must hold a passport valid for at least 6 months beyond the intended date of departure, with at least 2 blank visa pages. Canadian citizens follow the identical procedure, fees, and requirements.
How to Apply for a PNG eVisa – Step-by-Step Process
US citizens apply for a PNG eVisa by creating a MICA account, uploading documents, paying the fee online, and receiving a visa grant notice via email as a PDF.
Create a MICA account
Register at ica.gov.pg/register.
Log in to the eVisa portal
Access evisa.ica.gov.pg/evisa/account/Apply.
Select your visa category
Choose Visitor, Business, Journalist, etc.
Complete the application form
Exact spelling must match your passport.
Upload required documents
Biodata page scan and passport-style digital photo (JPEG/PNG).
Enter itinerary details
Travel dates, accommodation, return flight.
Pay the fees
MSF plus the US$50 lodgement fee via the MICA portal (Visa/Mastercard). Fees are converted from USD to PNG Kina (PGK) before finalisation.
Receive your visa grant notice
Arrives as a PDF via email. Download and print it.
Submit the Digital Arrival Card
Online up to 72 hours before arrival (mandatory since 6 August 2026).
Practical tips: Use a desktop or laptop, not a mobile phone, as browser compatibility issues are common on the ICA portal. Allow at least 15 minutes to complete the form. Beware of non-government third-party sites charging unnecessary fees. Use only the ICA portal at ica.gov.pg.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
- Name mismatch between passport and application form.
- Passport validity under 6 months beyond intended departure date.
- Uploading incorrect file formats or oversized photos.
- Leaving mandatory application fields incomplete.
Application Fees and Payment Methods in 2026
US citizens applying for a PNG eVisa in 2026 must pay a Migration Service Fee (MSF) and a US$50 online lodgement fee via the MICA portal. All fees are non-refundable and payable before submission.
| Visa Category | MSF | Lodgement Fee | Total | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Business Short-Term Multiple-Entry | US$350 | US$50 | US$400 | Non-refundable; 12-month validity; 60 days per arrival |
| Tourist eVisa | Not specified in available research data | US$50 (if applicable) | Check ICA schedule | Refer to the ICA fee schedule at ica.gov.pg for current tourist rates |
Fees are paid via the MICA portal at ica.gov.pg/register using Visa or Mastercard. The MICA system converts the amount from US Dollars into PNG Kina (PGK) prior to finalisation. Paper applications and on-arrival payments are not part of the eVisa system.
Processing Times, Validity, and What to Do If Refused
Standard PNG eVisa processing takes 72 hours to 7 working days. No expedited option exists, so apply at least 1 month before travel.
| Visa Type | Entry | Max Stay | Extension |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tourist Easy Visitor (30 days) | Single | 30 days from arrival | Not permitted |
| Tourist Easy Visitor (60 days) | Single | 60 days from arrival | Limited |
| Business Short-Term Multiple-Entry | Multiple | 60 days per arrival; 12 months validity | Not permitted |
Stay counts from the date of entry into PNG, not visa issuance. Change of Status (COS) is not permitted on a tourist PNG eVisa.
Common rejection reasons include name mismatches between application and passport, passport validity under 6 months beyond departure, missing or incorrect documents, and incomplete form fields. Reapplication is the standard route; no formal appeal process exists. Contact the ICA at +675 327 6100 or [email protected]. If your flight is imminent, contact ICA immediately with printed proof of application. Dual nationals must use the same passport for application, flight booking, and border clearance.
FAQ: PNG eVisa for US Citizens
Do US citizens need a visa for Papua New Guinea?
Yes. No exemption exists for US passport holders. Apply online via the ICA portal before departure; airlines will deny boarding without a verified eVisa.
Can US citizens get a visa on arrival in PNG?
No. VoA is not available for US or Canadian citizens; only selected Pacific and bilateral partner countries are eligible.
What documents are required for a PNG eVisa application?
Passport valid 6+ months beyond departure with 2 blank pages, digital passport-style photo, biodata page scan (JPEG/PNG), return or onward ticket, proof of accommodation, and a bank statement with bank stamp and signature on every page. Business applicants also need a sponsor invitation letter and Supplementary Health Form.
How long does PNG eVisa processing take for US citizens?
Standard processing takes 72 hours to 7 working days. No expedited option exists; apply at least one month before travel.
How much does a PNG eVisa cost for US citizens?
Business Short-Term Multiple-Entry: US$350 MSF + US$50 lodgement fee = US$400. Tourist eVisa fees are not specified in available research data; check the ICA fee schedule at ica.gov.pg for current rates.
What should I do if my PNG eVisa application is rejected?
Correct the issue and submit a new application. Fees are non-refundable; no formal appeal exists. Contact ICA at +675 327 6100 or [email protected].
Do children need a separate PNG eVisa?
Yes. Children require a separate eVisa, an unabridged birth certificate, and notarised parental consent if travelling without both parents.
Can I extend my stay in PNG on a tourist eVisa?
The 30-day Easy Visitor Permit cannot be extended. The 60-day permit allows limited extensions. COS is not permitted on any tourist eVisa.
Are vaccinations required for US citizens travelling to PNG?
No vaccinations are currently required, though a yellow fever certificate may be needed if transiting through endemic zones in Africa or South America.
Can I use a mobile phone to apply for a PNG eVisa?
Not recommended. The ICA portal has browser compatibility issues on mobile devices; use a desktop or laptop computer.
