UK passport holders qualify for both the PNG eVisa and the Visa on Arrival (VoA) at Port Moresby. Choosing between the png evisa vs visa on arrival depends on your budget, processing time preference, and whether you want pre-departure certainty or last-minute flexibility. The eVisa totals ~£310 to £350 GBP with a 10-working-day official processing time; the VoA is obtained at Jacksons International Airport upon landing, requiring a physical passport photo and cash payment. Last reviewed: 14 September 2026. All fees and regulations verified against ICA PNG documentation.
For both routes: complete the Digital Arrival Card (DAC) online within 72 hours before arrival (mandatory since 1 October 2025) at pngdac.ica.gov.pg. Both options require a passport valid for at least 6 months from your intended departure from Papua New Guinea, and both incur a K50 Green Fee on departure.
Eligibility and Total Cost Comparison
UK passport holders qualify for both entry routes, yet total out-of-pocket costs diverge substantially between the digital and border-issued pathways.
| Visa Route | UK Passport Eligible? | Source |
|---|---|---|
| PNG eVisa | Yes | evisa.ica.gov.pg |
| Visa on Arrival (VoA) | Yes | ICA press releases (25.09.2023, 20.12.2023) |
All applicants must hold a passport valid for at least 6 months from the date of intended departure from Papua New Guinea. The fee structure for 2026:
| Fee Component | PNG eVisa | Visa on Arrival |
|---|---|---|
| Migration Service Fee (MSF) | US$350 | Separate fee at border |
| Online Lodgement Fee | US$50 | Not applicable |
| Climate Change Green Fee (departure) | K50 (~US$12) | K50 (~US$12) |
| Estimated total (GBP) | ~£310 to £350 GBP | Fee payable on arrival in PNG |
Visa application fees are non-refundable if the application is unsuccessful. The Green Fee is administered by the Climate Change and Development Authority (CCDA) and applies to all foreign passport holders departing PNG. Exemptions: PNG passport holders, children under 12, military personnel on duty, and transit passengers under 12 hours.
Application Process and Processing Times
The PNG eVisa is completed online pre-departure; the Visa on Arrival is processed at Jacksons International Airport upon landing.
PNG eVisa – Online Application Steps
Register
Register an account at evisa.ica.gov.pg and select your visa category.
Upload
Upload your passport biodata page scan, digital photograph, return ticket, and supporting documents.
Pay
Pay the Migration Service Fee (US$350) and Online Lodgement Fee (US$50) via the MICA payment portal at ica.gov.pg/register.
Wait
Wait for visa approval: officially 10 working days, though reported processing times range from less than 2 days to 15+ working days.
If your application remains undecided, escalate via [email protected] or the e-lodgement address [email protected]. Common application mistakes: blurry passport biodata page scans, mismatched dates, missing invitation letters for business visas, and failing to complete the DAC separately from the eVisa application.
Visa on Arrival – Border Process
Arrive
Arrive at Jacksons International Airport (Port Moresby) and follow signs to the Visa on Arrival counter.
Present
Present your passport (minimum 6 months validity from intended departure date), one passport-size photograph, return ticket, and proof of accommodation.
Pay
Pay the visa fee at the counter: carry cash in PGK, AUD, or USD as card acceptance is unconfirmed.
Receive
Receive your entry stamp and proceed to immigration.
Airport Experience and Required Documents
Travellers holding a pre-approved PNG eVisa typically clear immigration at Jacksons International Airport (POM) faster, as their Entry Permit is already validated. Visa on Arrival (VoA) applicants must join a separate queue, present physical documents, and pay the fee at the counter before receiving their stamp.
Document difference: the PNG eVisa pathway requires only digital uploads during the online application, whereas the VoA desk demands one physical passport-size photograph (35x45mm, white background) alongside a passport valid for at least 6 months from the date of intended departure from PNG. Both routes require a return or onward ticket, which airlines verify against the Timatic system at check-in. British travellers planning to rely on Visa on Arrival without a pre-approved visa face a risk of denied boarding if the carrier’s Timatic entry is not updated.
Payment at the Visa on Arrival counter is likely cash-only, accepting PGK, AUD, or USD; card acceptance is unconfirmed, so carrying local currency is recommended. A tablet is available at the POM arrival area as a DAC backup, but travellers should not rely on it.
Validity, Extensions, and Final Recommendations
The PNG eVisa delivers predictable planning for UK travellers, while the Visa on Arrival suits last-minute trips but carries stricter border-experience risks. Both pathways grant legal entry, yet they differ sharply in stay periods, extension rules, and preparation lead time.
The Easy Visitor Permit (EVP) with a 30-day maximum stay is single entry and cannot be extended. The EVP 60-day variant is also single entry, but an extension may be permitted in limited situations depending on individual circumstances. Any extension requires a Visa Extension form submitted well in advance of the current Entry Permit’s expiry, and the applicant must already be physically present in Papua New Guinea. There is no grace period for overstays.
The Business Short-Term Multiple-Entry Visa carries a validity period of twelve (12) months with a permitted stay of sixty (60) days per arrival. This visa is not available on arrival and must be applied for prior to travel through a PNG Diplomatic Mission or online. No extension or change of status is permitted.
Decision rule: apply for the PNG eVisa if departure is 2+ weeks away; choose Visa on Arrival if within 5 days. Business travellers must choose the eVisa route, as the business visa category is never issued at the border.
FAQ: PNG eVisa vs Visa on Arrival
Can UK passport holders get a Visa on Arrival in PNG?
Yes. ICA press releases dated 25 September 2023 and 20 December 2023 confirmed VoA eligibility for UK, Canada, and Singapore passport holders at Jacksons International Airport.
How much does a PNG eVisa cost for British travellers in 2026?
MSF of US$350 plus Online Lodgement Fee of US$50, plus the K50 Green Fee on departure. Total estimated out-of-pocket: £310 to £350 GBP depending on exchange rates.
How long does PNG eVisa processing take?
Official: 10 working days. Crowdsourced reports indicate actual times range from under 2 days to over 15 working days. Apply 3 to 4 weeks before departure; escalate via [email protected] if delayed.
Is the Digital Arrival Card mandatory if I have an eVisa?
Yes. The DAC is mandatory for all travellers regardless of visa type, effective 1 October 2025. Complete it online within 72 hours before arrival at pngdac.ica.gov.pg.
What if my eVisa is not approved before my flight?
Contact ICA at [email protected]. UK passport holders may use VoA as a backup, but airlines using the Timatic system may deny boarding without a pre-approved visa.
Do I need physical passport photos for the Visa on Arrival?
Yes. Carry one physical passport-size photograph (35x45mm, white background) for the VoA desk. The PNG eVisa application only requires a digital photo upload.
What payment methods are accepted at the VoA desk?
Card acceptance is unconfirmed. Carry cash in PGK, AUD, or USD as a precaution. The Visa on Arrival fee is payable on arrival in Papua New Guinea.
What happens if I have a layover in Port Moresby for over 12 hours?
Transit passengers staying inside the terminal for less than 12 hours are exempt from the Green Fee and do not require a visa. If you leave the terminal, a fee of K100.00 applies and you will need a visa.
Visa policies change frequently. While this article is verified against ICA PNG sources as of 14 September 2026, confirm details with ICA directly at ica.gov.pg before booking travel. This article contains no affiliate links.
