A PNG eVisa allows a maximum stay of 30 or 60 continuous days from the date of arrival, depending on the visa subclass. The 30-day Easy Visitor Permit cannot be extended, while the 60-day Visitor Visa permits limited in-country extensions through PNG Immigration.
PNG does not publish a statutory grace period in available ICA documentation, so travellers must depart on or before the last permitted day of authorised stay. The stay period is counted from the date of arrival, not the visa issue date, and includes weekends and public holidays in the continuous stay calculation.
How Long Can I Stay in PNG with an eVisa? Stay Limits Explained
A PNG eVisa authorises up to 30 or 60 continuous days of stay, counted from the date of arrival, not the visa issue date. The 60-day PNG eVisa option grants twice the permitted stay of the 30-day variant.
The standard Visitor Visa allows 60 days single-entry from arrival; the 30-day Easy Visitor Permit allows 30 days. All calendar days count, including weekends and holidays. Applicants need a passport valid ≥6 months from arrival and apply via evisa.ica.gov.pg.
Example: PNG eVisa issued 1 May 2026, arrival 1 July 2026 – 60-day stay ends 30 August 2026, not 30 days from issue. Your stay limit depends on subclass, not issue date.
30-Day vs 60-Day PNG eVisa – Comparison & Validity vs Stay
The 30-day Easy Visitor Permit cannot be extended, while the 60-day Visitor Visa allows limited in-country extensions and suits longer tourism or business stays with a PNG eVisa.
| Visa Type | Max Stay | Entry Type | Extension Allowed? | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 30-day Easy Visitor Permit (EVP) | 30 days from date of arrival | Single entry | No | Short tourism, holidays, visiting friends & family |
| 60-day Visitor Visa / EVP | 60 days from date of arrival | Single entry | Yes – permitted in limited situations | Extended tourism, business visits, cultural events |
| Business Short-Term Multiple Entry | 60 days per arrival | Multiple entry | No | Meetings, conferences, negotiations (no employment) |
The PNG eVisa validity period defines the entry window – up to 12 months from issue – while the duration of stay defines the maximum days you may remain after crossing the border: 30 or 60 days. The continuous stay calculation includes weekends and public holidays – every calendar day counts toward the 30- or 60-day limit.
Does PNG Offer a Grace Period After eVisa Expiry?
PNG does not publish a statutory grace period – travellers must depart on or before the last permitted day of authorised stay. Available documentation from the Papua New Guinea Immigration and Citizenship Authority (ICA) and the Migration Act 1978 contains no provision for buffer days after a PNG eVisa expires. Unlike Australia or Fiji, PNG offers no equivalent mechanism.
PNG eVisas are single-entry – stay ends on departure; unused days are lost. Arrival = Day 1. Departure deadline: Arrival + 30/60 days. Exceeding that deadline triggers unlawful presence under PNG immigration law and may result in overstay penalties, detention, or a future entry ban.
All policy details in this guide were verified against the ICA portal (ica.gov.pg) and the PNG eVisa platform (evisa.ica.gov.pg) in September 2026. Immigration rules may change without prior notice; confirm current requirements before booking travel. This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute immigration advice.
PNG eVisa Extensions & Overstay Penalties (2026)
30-day EVP: no extension. 60-day Visitor Visa: extension possible through ICA. Overstay risks fines, detention, deportation, and future entry bans under the Migration Act 1978.
- 30-day EVP: no extension permitted ✘
- 60-day Visitor Visa: extension permitted ✔ – apply at least 7-14 days before expiry
- Business Short-Term Multiple Entry: no extension, no Change of Status ✘
- Yachtperson Visa: one extension of maximum 30 days ✔
- Extension fee: per Migration Services Fee Schedule – check current rates at ica.gov.pg/register
- Overstay consequences: daily fines, detention, deportation at traveller’s expense, future entry ban
- Severity ladder: Warning → Fine → Detention → Deportation → Ban
- UK travellers: Digital Arrival Card mandatory within 3 days before arrival; standard processing up to 10 working days (some report under 2 days, others up to 15); Jacksons Airport (POM) closes overnight; contact [email protected]
The PNG eVisa extension rules differentiate strictly by subclass. The UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) advises British nationals to check the latest PNG entry requirements at gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/papua-new-guinea/entry-requirements before departure. FCDO notes that overstaying is treated seriously and may result in detention pending deportation.
FAQ: PNG eVisa Stay Limits, Grace Periods and Extensions
How many days can I stay on a 30-day PNG eVisa?
Maximum 30 continuous days from arrival. The 30-day Easy Visitor Permit (EVP) is single-entry and cannot be extended – depart by day 30. No grace period applies to the PNG eVisa stay limit.
How many days can I stay on a 60-day PNG eVisa?
Up to 60 continuous days from arrival. The 60-day Visitor Visa is single-entry but permits extension in limited circumstances through an in-country application to ICA. The 60-day maximum stay is counted from your arrival date, not the visa issue date.
Is there a grace period after my PNG eVisa expires?
No. PNG does not publish a statutory grace period in available ICA documentation or the Migration Act 1978. Depart on or before the last permitted day of authorised stay to avoid overstay penalties and unlawful presence.
Can I leave PNG and re-enter to reset my stay?
No. PNG eVisas are single-entry – leaving ends your stay immediately and unused days are forfeited. You must apply for a fresh eVisa before re-entering. There is no minimum out-of-country interval required before submitting a new application.
What is the difference between eVisa validity and duration of stay?
Validity is the window (up to 12 months from issue) during which you may enter PNG. Duration of stay is the maximum days (30 or 60) you may remain after entering. For example, a 60-day Visitor Visa issued 1 May 2026 is valid until 30 April 2027, but each entry allows only 60 days of continuous stay.
Can I extend a 30-day PNG eVisa?
No. The 30-day Easy Visitor Permit does not allow any extension. If you require a longer stay, apply for the 60-day Visitor Visa instead, which permits limited in-country extensions through PNG ICA subject to individual circumstances.
What happens if I overstay my PNG eVisa?
Overstaying a PNG eVisa may trigger financial penalties per the ICA Migration Services Fee Schedule, immigration detention, deportation at the traveller’s expense, and a potential future entry ban. The Migration Act 1978 provides the legislative basis. Exact fine amounts are not publicly published; contact ICA directly for current rates.
Do UK citizens need a Digital Arrival Card for PNG?
Yes. The PNG Digital Arrival Card is mandatory for all persons entering Papua New Guinea. Submit it online within 3 days before your arrival date. The enforcement date is 1 October 2025, and the issuing authority is the Immigration and Citizenship Authority (ICA).
How long does PNG eVisa processing take?
Standard processing is up to 10 working days according to ICA sources. Expedited options of 24, 48, or 72 hours are available through agencies. Some applicants report processing in under 2 days, while others have waited up to 15 working days.
Can I switch to a work visa while in PNG on an eVisa?
No. Change of Status (COS) is not permitted on most visitor visas, including the PNG eVisa. The Business Short-Term Multiple Entry Visa explicitly prohibits COS. To work in PNG, you must leave the country and apply for the appropriate work visa.
