PNG eVisa Transit Requirements for Cruise Passengers, Yacht Crews & Transit Travellers (2026)

PNG eVisa transit requirements in 2026 depend on your layover duration and travel type. Transit passengers staying under 7 hours need no visa; 7 to 12 hours require a Visitor Visa but exempt the Green Fee; over 12 hours require both a visa and the K50 Climate Levy. Cruise passengers entering Papua New Guinea typically use a Seaman Pass arranged by their cruise line. Yacht crews and private vessels must apply via the Yachtperson visa class (Class 1h) through the ICA eVisa portal and submit an Advance Notice of Arrival 48 to 72 hours before reaching designated ports.

Transit Visa Rules & Exemptions for Papua New Guinea

Transit passengers remaining airside under 7 hours in Papua New Guinea need no visa; layovers exceeding 7 hours require an online Visitor Visa through the ICA eVisa system.

The 7-hour airside threshold is set by ICA (ica.gov.pg); the 12-hour Green Fee exemption is published by and the PNG Embassy in Tokyo . Airlines may deny boarding without a valid visa for connections exceeding 7 hours.

Transit eVisa vs Tourist eVisa: Which One Do You Need?

Relevant Visitor Visa classes for Papua New Guinea include 1c (Easy Visitor Permit, 30 days, not extendable), 1d (Easy Visitor Permit, 60 days), 1f (Tourist, Own Itinerary), and 1g (Tourist, Tour Package). Transit passengers whose plans change must select the appropriate class before entry.

Required Documents for PNG Transit eVisa

PNG eVisa transit requirements mandate a passport with 6 months validity from the date of intended travel and proof of onward travel. Apply via evisa.ica.gov.pg using a MICA account; third-party websites are prohibited. Application steps:

Register the Digital Arrival Card within 72 hours before arrival at pngdac.ica.gov.pg. Source: ICA (ica.gov.pg).

Visa Fees & Processing Time

Fees are charged in USD via the online gateway (credit/debit card; American Express not accepted). Standard processing: 10 working days (ICA benchmark). eVisa automated processing: approximately 72 hours. Diplomatic mission processing: approximately 1 week. In-person payment at ICA offices uses EFTPOS (credit/Visa debit only); cash not accepted at ICA. Overseas PNG embassies accept cash only. Fees are non-refundable if unsuccessful.

Cruise Ship Passengers: Seaman Pass & Shore Entry Rules

Cruise ship passengers entering Papua New Guinea shores use a Seaman Pass arranged by the cruise line; without one, a K100 shore-entry fee applies per person.

The Green Fee (Climate Levy) of K50 (approximately USD 12) applies unless your port stop is under 12 hours. Exemptions cover children under 12 and military personnel. Payment is accepted by credit card at collection booths in departure terminals or via direct bank transfer. The Green Fee is governed by the Climate Change and Development Authority (CCDA): contact +675 341 4287 or [email protected]. Revenue Office: Enchi Building, Fig Street, Wards Road, Hohola, Port Moresby.

Seaman Pass: What It Is and How to Get It

The Seaman Pass is organised by the cruise line for passengers going ashore during cruise-organised excursions. Without it, a K100 per person shore-entry fee applies, and independent travel may be restricted.

Independent Shore Excursions: Do You Need a Separate Visa?

For walk-off excursions not organised by the cruise line, a separate Visitor Visa (Class 1f Tourist Own Itinerary or 1g Tourist Package) may be required. Contact ICA at +675 327 6100 or [email protected] and confirm with your cruise line before departure.

Yacht Crew & Private Vessels: Class 1h Visa Entry Requirements

Private yacht crews entering Papua New Guinea must apply for a Yachtperson visa (Class 1h) and submit an Advance Notice of Arrival 48-72 hours before arrival. The Yachtperson visa (Class 1h) permits single entry for a stay of up to 60 days from arrival, with a one-time extension of 30 days permitted under specific circumstances. Applications are submitted via evisa.ica.gov.pg using a MICA account.

• Designated ports of entry: Port Moresby, Lae, Madang
• Submit Advance Notice of Arrival (NOA) 48-72 hours before arrival
• Required documents: passport (6+ months validity), crew manifest, vessel registration
• Biosecurity clearance via NAQIA (+675 180-1332, [email protected])
• Q-flag protocol on arrival at designated port
• Inter-provincial cruising permits required for domestic movement between provinces
• Green Fee of K50 / USD 12 applies if stay exceeds 12 hours

Designated Ports of Entry for Private Yachts

Private yachts must clear customs, immigration, and biosecurity at one of the designated ports of entry: Port Moresby, Lae, or Madang. These three ports are authorised for initial customs, immigration, and biosecurity clearance for the Yachtperson visa (Class 1h). Inter-provincial cruising permits are required for domestic movement beyond these ports in Papua New Guinea.

Pre-Arrival Reporting: Advance Notice of Arrival (NOA)

Yacht captains must submit the Advance Notice of Arrival 48-72 hours before estimated arrival, including passport details, crew manifest, and vessel registration. Biosecurity clearance is handled through NAQIA (+675 180-1332, [email protected]) to start the clearance process. A Q-flag must be flown upon arrival until clearance is granted. Submit the NOA well in advance to avoid delays.

FAQ: PNG eVisa Transit Requirements (2026)

Published: 14 September 2026. Last reviewed: 14 September 2026. Sources: ICA (ica.gov.pg),,. This is an unofficial informational guide; always verify current requirements with the ICA before travel.