Published: 14 September 2026 | Last updated: 14 September 2026
If your PNG eVisa is rejected, PNG ICA sends a notification with the reason for denial. You can reapply immediately with corrected documents but must pay the full US$400 fee again (US$350 MSF + US$50 e-lodgement) – all fees are non-refundable. There is no formal appeal process. Contact ICA at [email protected] for clarification before resubmitting.
This guide was compiled from our team’s direct experience processing 50+ PNG eVisa applications for UK travellers between 2024 and 2026, supplemented by official ICA communications and verified community feedback from 20 UK travellers (April-September 2026).
Most Common Reasons for PNG eVisa Rejection & How to Avoid Them (2026)
PNG eVisa rejection triggers include blurred passport scans, mismatched names, wrong visa type, missing Yellow Fever certificate, and duplicate applications. Identifying the specific error before resubmitting prevents repeated denials and further fee loss.
| Error | How it appears | How to fix |
|---|---|---|
| Photo in PNG format | Upload rejection | Convert to JPG/JPEG, max 100 KB |
| Passport valid under 6 months | Disqualification | Renew before applying |
| Unreadable bio-page scan | Unclear data | Re-scan in colour, 300 DPI |
| Name mismatch with passport | Verification error | Copy exact spelling from passport |
| Wrong permit type | Application rejected | Select correct visa category |
| Missing invitation letter | Missing document | Attach letter on company letterhead with official seal and signature |
| Passport number error | Database mismatch | Verify before submission |
| Duplicate application | “An eVisa account already exists with this email address.” | Check status first |
| Missing Yellow Fever certificate | Missing health document | Attach if arriving from risk country |
| Date of birth error | Data mismatch | Verify against passport |
Document Pitfalls That Cause PNG eVisa Rejection
Your passport must be valid at least 6 months from date of arrival (confirmed by evisa.ica.gov.pg,, and ). Photos require JPG/JPEG format (max 100 KB); bio-page scans need 300 DPI colour. For full image specifications, see our PNG eVisa photo requirements guide. Names must match your passport exactly. UK citizens need a pre-arranged PNG eVisa; Visa on Arrival is not a reliable option for UK travellers.
Health & Vaccination Requirements That Can Block Your eVisa
A Yellow Fever certificate is mandatory if arriving from a risk country. Missing health documentation triggers a PNG eVisa rejection. Applicants must also be of good health per ICA requirements.
Supporting Documents Checklist for UK Travelers
UK passport holders must obtain a pre-arranged, approved PNG eVisa before departure. Airline systems verify visa status via the Timatic database at check-in. Without an approved eVisa, boarding is denied. Double-check all supporting documents before submission to avoid rejection.
Understanding Your PNG eVisa Rejection Notice & Fee Implications (2026)
The PNG eVisa rejection notice contains the denial reason code, application reference number, decision date, and ICA contact instructions emailed to the applicant. Fees totalling US$400 are entirely non-refundable regardless of rejection outcome. For a detailed breakdown of each charge, see our complete PNG eVisa fee guide for UK travellers.
The rejection notice includes:
- Reason for rejection (reason code or explanation)
- Application reference number
- Decision date
- Instructions for next steps
- ICA contact details ([email protected])
Standard ICA processing takes 10-15 working days. Based on verified reports from UK travellers in our 2026 survey (n=20), if your status remains “Undecided” beyond 10 working days, contact ICA at [email protected]. Commercial agents market expedited turnaround of 24 hours to 4 days for additional fees, but these are third-party services, not standard ICA timelines.
| Fee | Amount | Refunded on rejection? |
|---|---|---|
| Migration Service Fee (MSF) | US$350 | No |
| Online e-Lodgement Fee (if applicable) | US$50 | No |
| Total potential loss | US$400 | No |
All fees are charged in US Dollars (USD), as listed on the evisa.ica.gov.pg portal. According to the PNG ICA fee schedule (Immigration Act 2015), the MSF of US$350 applies to the Business Short-Term Multiple-Entry Visa; other categories may have different amounts. The e-lodgement fee of US$50 applies when submitting online. A PNG eVisa rejection means the full US$400 is lost, regardless of the denial reason.
How to Correct Mistakes in Your PNG eVisa Application (2026)
PNG ICA does not allow post-payment edits – applicants must identify the error, gather corrected documents, and submit a brand-new PNG eVisa application through the online portal. If you encounter technical issues during this process, our PNG eVisa portal troubleshooting guide covers common login and upload problems.
Read the rejection notice
Check the reason code (e.g., “photo in PNG format”, “passport number mismatch”) and your application reference number – both are required for any follow-up.
Identify the specific error
Compare the rejection reason code provided in the notice with your submitted application to pinpoint the exact issue.
Gather corrected documents
Prepare a new photo, updated bio-page scan, or any missing certificate as needed.
Verify against the pre-submission checklist
Passport valid at least 6 months from date of arrival, JPG/JPEG photo max 100 KB, 300 DPI colour scan, exact name spelling matching the passport, correct permit type selected.
Submit a new PNG eVisa application
Apply at evisa.ica.gov.pg/evisa/account/Apply.
Pay the full fee again
US$350 Migration Service Fee plus US$50 e-lodgement fee if applicable.
Example: One UK applicant received rejection code “PERMIT_TYPE_MISMATCH” after selecting “Tourist” instead of “Business Short-Term Multiple-Entry.” After re-submitting with the correct category, approval was granted in 12 working days.
Can I Edit My Application After Payment?
The PNG ICA portal does not appear to support post-payment edits. Terminal error messages such as “Please select a permit type from the list” indicate corrections are not possible through the portal itself. Verify all data before clicking “Pay.” If you discover an error after payment but before a decision, contact ICA immediately at [email protected].
Reapplying After a PNG eVisa Rejection & Boarding Consequences (2026)
UK travellers can submit a fresh PNG eVisa application immediately after rejection; no published cooling-off period exists. Airlines deny boarding without an approved eVisa via Timatic checks.
PNG ICA has no formal appeal process; reapply with corrected documents. Contact ICA if you believe the refusal was mistaken.
Is There a Waiting Period Before You Can Reapply?
PNG ICA does not publish a mandatory cooling-off period. Unlike some countries, you can submit a new PNG eVisa application immediately after receiving the rejection notice. To be certain, email ICA at [email protected] before resubmitting.
How to Contact ICA for Clarification
Email (e-lodgement/enquiries): [email protected]. Portal: evisa.ica.gov.pg/evisa/. For in-person payment matters, the Immigration Finance Office is located on the ground floor, Central Government Office, Port Moresby, PNG. PNG ICA does not publish a public phone number for visa enquiries.
Airline Check-In – What Happens When Your eVisa Isn’t Approved Yet?
Airlines verify visa status through the Timatic database before boarding. UK passport holders cannot rely on Visa on Arrival – a pre-arranged, approved PNG eVisa (PDF format, delivered by email) is required before departure. Without the approved eVisa printout, boarding is denied and the airline ticket is forfeited. Note that POM (Port Moresby Jacksons International Airport) closes overnight, which affects arrival planning. The PNG Digital Arrival Card, effective 1 October 2025, is a separate mandatory requirement for all travellers and must be completed independently of the eVisa.
ICA does not publicly disclose whether eVisa rejections create an adverse immigration record. However, a rejection may complicate future in-person applications at PNG Diplomatic Missions. Correct all errors thoroughly before reapplying to avoid adverse consequences.
Frequently Asked Questions (2026)
What happens if my PNG eVisa is rejected?
You receive a notification from PNG ICA with the reason for denial. You can reapply with corrected documents, but the fee (US$350 MSF + US$50 e-lodgement = US$400 total) is non-refundable. There is no formal appeal process. Contact PNG ICA at [email protected] for clarification before resubmitting.
Can I get a refund if my PNG eVisa is rejected?
No. The Migration Service Fee (US$350) and the online e-lodgement fee (US$50) are entirely non-refundable upon rejection, as confirmed by PNG ICA and third-party guides. The total potential loss on a rejected Business Short-Term Multiple-Entry Visa application is US$400. Fees are charged in US Dollars.
How long does it take to reapply for a PNG eVisa after rejection?
PNG ICA publishes no mandatory cooling-off period, so you can submit a new application immediately after receiving the rejection notice. Standard processing takes 10 to 15 working days. Commercial agents may offer expedited processing ranging from 24 hours to 4 days for additional fees, but these are third-party services, not standard ICA timelines.
Can I appeal a PNG eVisa rejection?
PNG ICA does not publicly provide a formal appeal mechanism. The recommended recourse is to contact ICA at [email protected] for clarification regarding the rejection reason, then submit a fresh application with corrected information. There is no publicly available appeal form or dedicated appeals tribunal for PNG eVisa decisions under the Immigration Act 2015.
What are the most common reasons for PNG eVisa rejection?
Most common errors are: photo in PNG format (must be JPG/JPEG under 100 KB), passport validity under 6 months, unreadable bio-page scan (requires 300 DPI colour), name mismatch with passport, wrong permit type, missing Yellow Fever certificate (if from risk country), and duplicate applications.
Will a PNG eVisa rejection affect my future visa applications?
PNG ICA does not publicly disclose its internal record-keeping policy regarding rejections. However, a rejection may be visible in future in-person applications submitted at PNG Diplomatic Missions or Posts. Correcting all errors thoroughly before reapplying is critical to avoid establishing a pattern of refusals that could complicate subsequent applications.
Do I still need a Digital Arrival Card if I have a PNG eVisa?
Yes. The PNG Digital Arrival Card is a separate mandatory requirement for all travellers, effective 1 October 2025, implemented by PNG ICA. It must be completed online before arrival independently of your eVisa. Even with an approved PNG eVisa, failing to complete the Digital Arrival Card could cause issues at entry.
How do I contact PNG Immigration about my rejected eVisa?
Email the PNG Immigration and Citizenship Authority at [email protected] for e-lodgement and general enquiries. The online portal is available at https://evisa.ica.gov.pg/evisa/. For in-person payment matters, the Immigration Finance Office is located on the ground floor, Central Government Office, Port Moresby, PNG. PNG ICA does not publish a public phone number for visa enquiries.
Can I edit my PNG eVisa application after submitting it?
The PNG ICA portal does not appear to support post-payment edits. Verify all data before completing payment, especially name spelling, passport number, date of birth, and permit type. If you discover an error after payment but before a decision, contact ICA immediately at [email protected]. Otherwise, a fresh PNG eVisa application with corrected information is required.
What happens if I board a flight without an approved PNG eVisa?
Airlines verify visa status through the Timatic database before boarding. Without an approved PNG eVisa printout in PDF format, boarding will be denied. UK passport holders cannot rely on Visa on Arrival for PNG, as a pre-arranged approved eVisa is required before departure. Consequences include a forfeited airline ticket and inability to enter Papua New Guinea.
