Papua New Guinea entry requirements for United Kingdom 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
British passport holders need a visa to enter Papua New Guinea. You must get this visa before you travel — there is no visa-on-arrival option for UK citizens as of 2026.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa application Apply before travel | You need a visa to enter Papua New Guinea. Apply online at the official Immigration and Citizenship Authority portal. Processing takes 3–5 business days — do not book flights until you have the approval letter.Apply for visa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for 6 months beyond departure | Your passport needs at least 6 months of validity left from the date you leave Papua New Guinea. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | Immigration officers at Port Moresby Jacksons International Airport always ask for a confirmed onward or return ticket. Have a printed copy or show it on your phone — they will not let you through without one. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a printed hotel booking confirmation or a letter of invitation from your host in Papua New Guinea. Immigration may ask where you are staying on arrival. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Have bank statements or a credit card ready showing you have enough money for your stay. Immigration rarely asks, but if they do, you need to show at least 500 PGK (around $130 USD) per day of your trip. | Recommended |
No visa-on-arrival for UK citizens
British passport holders cannot get a visa on arrival in Papua New Guinea. You must apply and receive approval before you travel. Arriving without a visa means immediate refusal and deportation at your own cost.
Passport validity counts from entry date
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the day you land in Papua New Guinea, not from your departure date. If your passport expires sooner, renew it before applying for the visa.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for your visa
Submit your visa application through the Papua New Guinea Immigration and Citizenship Authority (ICA) online portal or at the nearest PNG embassy or consulate. Processing typically takes 5–10 business days. You'll need to upload your passport copy, flight itinerary, hotel booking, and a passport photo.
2
Prepare your documents
Print your visa approval letter (if applying online) and keep it with your passport. Also print or save digital copies of your flight booking, hotel confirmation, and travel insurance.
3
Arrive at the airport
At Port Moresby's Jacksons International Airport (POM), proceed to the immigration queue. Present your passport with the visa sticker (or approval letter), your return ticket, and accommodation details. The officer will stamp you in — typically for up to 30 days.
Download Papua New Guinea Entry Checklist
PDF · United Kingdom 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)
Requires invitation letter or hotel booking.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay60 days per entry, extendable 30 days
Validity6 months from issue
CostPGK 500 (~$138 USD)
Suitable for frequent travellers.
Business visa
Max stay60 days, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue
CostPGK 300 (~$83 USD)
Requires business invitation letter.
work visa
Work Permit (Employment Visa)
1 year, renewable annually
PGK 1,000 (~$276 USD) plus processing fees
For those with a job offer from a PNG employer. Requires sponsorship and labour market test. Allows long-term stay.
investor visa
Investor Visa
1 year, renewable
PGK 5,000 (~$1,380 USD) plus fees
For individuals investing a minimum of PGK 500,000 in PNG business. Requires business plan and proof of funds.
student visa
Student Visa
Duration of course, renewable
PGK 500 (~$138 USD) plus fees
For enrolment in a recognised PNG educational institution. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
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 (~$138 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayPenalty for overstaying visa validity. | PGK 100 (~$28 USD) per day, max PGK 5,000 (~$1,380 USD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds proof30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete visa application20%
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
UK passport holders transiting through Papua New Guinea do not need 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 risk.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderJapanese EncephalitisConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country, especially in rural areas.
Dengue FeverHigh risk
Common in urban and rural areas; mosquito-borne.
TuberculosisModerate risk
Higher risk in crowded settings; consider screening.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is high risk in all regions, including urban areas. Prophylaxis recommended (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline).
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 (ICA) Headquarters
P.O. Box 727, Port Moresby, NCD
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Main office for visa extensions and permits. Bring application form, passport photos, and fee.
Lae
ICA Lae Regional Office
P.O. Box 123, Lae, Morobe Province
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Handles extensions and permits for the Highlands region.
Practical information for GB 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 facility for British citizens. You must obtain a visa before you travel, either online or through a PNG embassy.
Standard processing takes 5–10 business days. Apply at least 3 weeks before your trip to allow for any delays. Rush processing is not always available.
Fees vary by visa type. A standard tourist visa typically costs around USD 100–150. Check the PNG Immigration website for the exact fee at the time of application.
Extensions are not available for tourist visas. You must leave before your visa expires. Overstaying can result in fines or deportation.
If you're arriving from a country with yellow fever (or have transited through one for more than 12 hours), you'll need a yellow fever vaccination certificate. Otherwise, no specific vaccines are required for entry, but hepatitis A, typhoid, and malaria prophylaxis are recommended.
You will be refused entry and put on the next flight out. There are no exceptions for UK passport holders. Always secure your visa before departure.
Yes, the Papua New Guinea Immigration and Citizenship Authority offers an online visa application portal. You'll need to create an account, upload documents, and pay the fee by credit card. The approval letter is emailed to you.
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.