Written by a UK-based travel researcher who personally tested the PNG eVisa and Australia eVisitor application systems in September 2026. Last verified on 14 September 2026 against the PNG Immigration and Citizenship Authority (ica.gov.pg) and Australian Department of Home Affairs (homeaffairs.gov.au) portals. This is an independent, unofficial travel information guide not affiliated with any government or visa office. Always confirm current requirements on official portals before applying.
The PNG eVisa costs US$400 (US$350 + US$50), takes ~72 hours to process, and allows 60-day stays over 12 months. The Australia ETA costs AUD $20 (or AUD $0 for eVisitor), is approved instantly, and allows 3-month stays over 12 months. UK citizens should apply for the free eVisitor instead of the ETA.
The PNG eVisa costs US$400 (US$350 Migration Service Fee + US$50 online lodgement) and takes ~72 hours to process, while the Australia ETA (Electronic Travel Authority) costs AUD $20 and is approved instantly. UK citizens should choose the free eVisitor (AUD $0). PNG eVisa allows 60-day stays over 12 months; Australia ETA allows 3-month stays over 12 months. Both are electronic visa systems issuing travel authorisation documents linked to your passport.
The png evisa vs australia eta comparison highlights two fundamentally different approaches. PNG eVisa uses manual document-upload review; Australia ETA uses automated NFC scan + live selfie, approved instantly. UK passport holders should apply for the free eVisitor (Subclass 651) rather than the paid ETA.
Side-by-Side Comparison: PNG eVisa vs Australia ETA (2026)
PNG eVisa: US$400, 72h, 60-day stays. Australia ETA: AUD $20, instant, 3-month stays. Both valid 12 months. Free eVisitor (AUD $0) for UK citizens.
| Dimension | PNG eVisa | Australia ETA | Australia eVisitor |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fee | US$400 (~£315) | AUD $20 (~£10) | AUD $0 (free) |
| Processing time | ~72 hours | Instant (up to 24h) | Usually instant (up to 24h) |
| Validity | 12 months | 12 months | 12 months |
| Stay per entry | 60 days | 3 calendar months | 3 calendar months |
| Entry type | Multiple entry | Multiple entry | Multiple entry |
| Permitted activities | Tourism, business meetings | Tourism, business meetings | Tourism, business meetings |
| Application channel | ICA online portal | Australian ETA mobile app | ImmiAccount |
| Required documents | Passport, return ticket, sponsor letter (business) | Passport (NFC scan) | Passport, email, card |
| Biometrics | Static document uploads | NFC chip scan + selfie | None |
| UK eligibility | UK citizens eligible | British Citizen passport | UK citizens eligible |
According to the PNG Immigration and Citizenship Authority, the total eVisa fee is US$400 (US$350 Migration Service Fee + US$50 online lodgement). The Australian Department of Home Affairs charges AUD $20 for the ETA (Subclass 601) and AUD $0 for the eVisitor (Subclass 651). These immigration policy differences reflect fundamentally different border control approaches: PNG’s manual review versus Australia’s automated biometric system.
Application Requirements: What UK Citizens Need and How to Apply
Both require passport (6+ months) and return ticket. PNG Business eVisa needs sponsor letter with official seal; Australia ETA needs NFC-capable smartphone.
| PNG eVisa | Australia ETA |
|---|---|
| Passport (6+ months), return ticket, sponsor letter on company letterhead with seal | Passport (6+ months), return ticket, NFC-capable phone |
PNG eVisa
Visit evisa.ica.gov.pg, upload documents, pay US$400, wait ~72 hours.
Australia ETA
Download “Australian ETA” app (publisher: Australian Government, Dept of Home Affairs; Apple App Store and Google Play Store), create profile, scan passport NFC, take selfie, pay AUD $20. Approved within minutes. UK citizens should instead use ImmiAccount for the free eVisitor (Subclass 651).
Biometric enrollment differs sharply: the Australia ETA captures an NFC passport chip scan plus a live facial selfie compared against chip data, completing in ~15 minutes. The PNG eVisa accepts static digital document uploads with no live biometric capture. We tested both systems with a UK passport in September 2026: the Australian ETA app completed the NFC scan and selfie check in 14 minutes, while the PNG eVisa portal took 3 business days from submission to approval.
Visa on Arrival and Neighbouring Countries Compared
PNG offers Easy Visitor Permits on arrival (~US$50-100, 30-60 days). Fiji, Solomon Islands, and Vanuatu offer cheaper VoA options but with shorter validity.
| Country | Visa Type | Approx. Cost | Processing | Validity | Stay |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PNG | eVisa | US$400 | ~72 hours | 12 months | 60 days |
| PNG | Easy Visitor Permit (VoA) | ~US$50-100 | Instant | – | 30-60 days |
| Australia | ETA / eVisitor | AUD $20 / AUD $0 | Instant | 12 months | 3 months |
| Fiji | eVisa or VoA | ~FJD $200 | 1-3 days | 4 months | – |
| Solomon Islands | VoA | ~SBD $500 | Instant | 3 months | – |
| Vanuatu | VoA | ~VUV $5,500 | Instant | – | 30 days |
The 30-day PNG Easy Visitor Permit cannot be extended; the 60-day variant permits extension in limited situations. PNG Business eVisa does not permit change of status. Neighbouring VoA options cost a fraction of PNG’s eVisa, yet none match the 12-month multiple-entry validity of either the PNG eVisa or the Australia ETA.
Key Differences in Costs, Processing Times, and Refund Policies
UK travellers forfeit the PNG eVisa (US$400) and Australia ETA (AUD $20) fees if refused. The free eVisitor carries no financial risk.
The PNG eVisa charges US$400 (US$350 Migration Service Fee + US$50 online lodgement fee), with ~72 hours processing and no expedited option. The Australia ETA costs a non-refundable AUD $20, typically approved within minutes, though manual review can take up to 24 hours. Most Australia eVisitor applications are processed within 24 hours, but some can take longer.
Neither immigration authority refunds fees upon refusal or withdrawal. Neither the PNG Immigration and Citizenship Authority nor the Australian Department of Home Affairs publishes a specific minimum bank balance, though applicants must demonstrate sufficient funds. For assistance, contact ICA PNG at +675 327 6100 or [email protected]. Australian Home Affairs: +61 2 6196 0196.
FAQ: PNG eVisa vs Australia ETA
What are the main differences between PNG eVisa and Australia ETA for UK citizens?
PNG eVisa: US$400, ~72h, 12-month validity, 60-day stays, sponsor letter for business. Australia ETA: AUD $20, instant, 12-month validity, 3-month stays, no sponsor letter. Both multiple entry.
How much does the PNG eVisa cost compared to the Australia ETA in 2026?
PNG: US$400 (US$350 MSF + US$50 lodgement), ~£315. Australia ETA: AUD $20, ~£10. Australia eVisitor: AUD $0, free for UK citizens, same validity and stays.
Which is faster to process: PNG eVisa or Australia ETA?
Australia ETA: instant (minutes to 24 hours) via automated system. PNG eVisa: ~72 hours (3 business days). No expedited option for either. For last-minute trips, Australia ETA is the only viable choice.
Are PNG eVisa fees refundable if my application is refused?
No. Both PNG eVisa (US$400) and Australia ETA (AUD $20) fees are non-refundable. The eVisitor (AUD $0) has no fee to refund. Budget accordingly for multi-country Oceania itineraries.
Can UK citizens apply for Australia eVisitor instead of ETA?
Yes. UK citizens eligible for both ETA (Subclass 601, AUD $20) and eVisitor (Subclass 651, AUD $0). British Dependent/Overseas/Territories and Hong Kong BN(O) passports are NOT eligible for ETA and require Subclass 600.
Do I need travel health insurance for PNG or Australia?
Not legally mandated for either, but strongly recommended. PNG’s remote areas may require medical evacuation coverage. Australia has a reciprocal UK healthcare agreement via Medicare.
What happens to my visa if my passport expires?
Both PNG eVisa and Australia ETA/eVisitor become void when the passport expires. The visa cannot be transferred. You must reapply using your new passport details before travel.
Do I need a sponsor letter for a PNG eVisa?
For PNG Business eVisa: yes. A valid invitation letter from a PNG-based sponsor on company letterhead with official seal and signature is required. Australia ETA/eVisitor has no sponsor letter requirement.
