Papua New Guinea entry requirements for Australia passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 17, 2026·View sources
Visa required
Max stay
No fixed limit
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Australian passport holders need a visa to enter Papua New Guinea. You must arrange this before you travel — there is no visa on arrival for tourism. Processing can take a couple of weeks, so plan ahead.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa application Apply for a visa before travel | You need a visa to enter Papua New Guinea. Apply online through the PNG Immigration and Citizenship Authority portal at immigration.gov.pg. Processing times vary — start at least 4 weeks before your trip.Apply for visa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your stay | Your Australian passport must have at least 6 months validity remaining from your departure date from Papua New Guinea. Airlines enforce this strictly at check-in. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Papua New Guinea | Immigration officers routinely ask for a confirmed onward or return ticket. Have a printed copy or show it on your phone at the border. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a printed hotel confirmation or a letter of invitation from your host. Immigration may ask where you're staying on arrival. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself during your stay | Have bank statements or cash equivalent to at least 500 PGK per day of your stay. Immigration can ask for proof of sufficient funds. | Recommended |
Visa required — no exceptions
Australian passport holders cannot enter Papua New Guinea without a pre-approved visa. There is no visa on arrival for tourism. Apply well in advance.
Keep digital copies
Save your visa approval, passport photo, and travel documents as PDFs on your phone and in cloud storage. If you lose your passport, this makes replacement much faster.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for your visa online
Submit your visa application through the Papua New Guinea Immigration website or via the nearest PNG embassy. You'll need your passport details, travel dates, and proof of accommodation and onward travel. Processing typically takes 5–10 business days.
2
Wait for approval
Once submitted, you'll receive a reference number. Check your email regularly — they may request additional documents. Approval comes as a visa grant letter or sticker.
3
Arrive at Port Moresby (or other entry point)
At the airport, join the queue for foreign passport holders. Have your passport, visa approval, return ticket, and accommodation confirmation ready. The officer will check your documents and stamp you in.
4
Collect your luggage and exit
After immigration, proceed to baggage claim. Customs may ask to inspect your bags — declare any restricted items. Then exit into the arrivals hall.
Download Papua New Guinea Entry Checklist
PDF · Australia Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 17, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay60 days, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue
CostPGK 200 (~$55 USD)
Standard option for tourism; extension possible at immigration office.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay60 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue
CostPGK 500 (~$140 USD)
Suitable for multiple visits; extension possible.
Business visa
Max stay60 days, extendable
Validity3 months
CostPGK 300 (~$84 USD)
Requires invitation letter from PNG company.
work visa
Work Permit / Employment Visa
1 year, renewable
PGK 1,000 (~$280 USD) plus processing
For those with a job offer from a PNG employer. Requires sponsorship and approval from the Department of Labour.
student visa
Student Visa
Duration of course, renewable
PGK 500 (~$140 USD)
For enrollment in a recognized educational institution in PNG. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Investor Visa
1–3 years, renewable
PGK 2,000 (~$560 USD) plus investment
For individuals investing a minimum amount in PNG business. Requires business plan and proof of investment.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Standard single-entry visa for tourism. | PGK 200 (~$55 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within validity. | PGK 500 (~$140 USD) |
| Stay extension feeExtensions are possible but limited and subject to approval. | PGK 100 (~$28 USD) per month |
| Overstay fineOverstay penalties apply; avoid exceeding authorized stay. | PGK 50 (~$14 USD) per day, max PGK 1,000 (~$280 USD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete documentation20%
Approval probability calculator
Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.
Transiting through Papua New Guinea
No transit visa needed
Australian passport holders transiting through Papua New Guinea do not require a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Transit hubsJacksons International Airport (POM) · Lae Nadzab Airport (LAE)
Health & vaccines for Papua New Guinea
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever transmission.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderJapanese EncephalitisConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Widespread in lowland areas; prophylaxis recommended.
Dengue FeverHigh risk
Common in urban and rural areas; mosquito avoidance crucial.
TyphoidModerate risk
Risk from contaminated food/water; vaccination advised.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is present throughout the country, especially in lowland areas. Prophylaxis (e.g., doxycycline, atovaquone-proguanil) is strongly recommended.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Port Moresby
Papua New Guinea Immigration and Citizenship Authority
P.O. Box 727, Port Moresby, NCD
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Main office for visa extensions and inquiries.
Lae
Lae Immigration Office
Top Town, Lae, Morobe Province
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Regional office for visa-related services.
Practical information for AU travellers
Country basics
CapitalPort Moresby
LanguageEnglish, Tok Pisin, Hiri Motu
Driving sideLeft-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS visitors can drive with a valid US driver's license for up to 3 months.
Money
CurrencyPapua New Guinean kina (PGK)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 4.36 PGK
Time zone
Local timeUTC+10
vs New York+15h
vs Los Angeles+18h
Electricity
Voltage240V / 50Hz
Plug types
IAustralian/New Zealand type I plug with three flat pins
⚠ US adapter needed
Water & health
Tap water
Not safe — use bottled
Tap water is not safe to drink; use bottled or boiled water.
Emergency numbers
Frequently asked questions
No. There is no visa on arrival for tourism. You must apply and receive approval before you travel.
Typically 5–10 business days, but it can take longer during peak periods. Apply at least 3 weeks before your trip.
The visa fee varies depending on the type and duration. Expect around AUD 100–150 for a single-entry tourist visa. Check the PNG Immigration website for current fees.
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your entry date. If it's shorter, renew your passport before applying for the visa.
If you're arriving from a country with yellow fever, you'll need a vaccination certificate. Australia is not a yellow fever country, so this doesn't apply unless you've recently travelled to an affected area.
Extensions are possible but not guaranteed. You'll need to apply at the PNG Immigration office in Port Moresby before your visa expires. Fees and processing times vary.
Have your passport with the visa sticker, your return ticket (printed or on your phone), and your accommodation booking confirmation. Keep them together in your carry-on.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 17, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.