Papua New Guinea entry requirements for Ireland passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 18, 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
Irish passport holders must get a visa before traveling to Papua New Guinea for tourism, business, or any other purpose. There are no visa-on-arrival options for Irish citizens as of 2026, so arrange this before you depart.
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 Immigration and Citizenship Authority portal at immigration.gov.pg. Processing times vary, so submit your application well ahead of your planned departure.Apply for visa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your stay | Your Irish passport must have at least 6 months of validity remaining from your date of entry into Papua New Guinea. Airlines check this at check-in, and immigration officers enforce it strictly. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Papua New Guinea | Immigration officers will ask for a confirmed return or onward ticket before granting entry. Have a printed copy or a digital version ready on your phone. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Carry a printed hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host. Immigration may ask for it, especially if you're arriving without a pre-booked itinerary. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself during your stay | Have bank statements or a credit card ready to demonstrate you have enough money for your trip. There's no fixed minimum amount, but officers expect to see at least 500 PGK per day. | Recommended |
Visa required — no exceptions
Irish passport holders cannot enter Papua New Guinea without a pre-approved visa. There is no visa-on-arrival or eTA option. Apply well in advance.
Passport validity is strict
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date you enter PNG. If it expires sooner, you will be denied boarding or entry.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for your visa
Submit your visa application to the Papua New Guinea Immigration and Citizenship Authority or the nearest PNG embassy (e.g., in London or Canberra). Processing can take 2–6 weeks, so apply early.
2
Pack your documents
Print or save digital copies of your visa approval, passport, onward ticket, and accommodation booking. Keep them together in your carry-on.
3
Arrive at Port Moresby or other airport
At immigration, present your passport with the visa, your return ticket, and accommodation proof. The officer may ask a few questions about your plans. Answer clearly and calmly.
4
Collect your luggage and exit
After clearing immigration, collect your bags from the carousel and proceed through customs. Have your arrival card ready if given one on the plane.
Download Papua New Guinea Entry Checklist
PDF · Ireland Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 18, 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 date
CostPGK 200 (~$55 USD)
Requires valid passport, return ticket, and proof of funds.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay60 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue date
CostPGK 500 (~$140 USD)
Ideal for travellers planning multiple visits within the validity period.
Business visa
Max stay90 days, extendable
Validity6 months
CostPGK 600 (~$170 USD)
Requires invitation letter from a Papua New Guinea company.
work visa
Work Permit / Employment Visa
1 year, renewable
PGK 1,500 (~$420 USD) plus processing fees
For foreign nationals with a job offer from a Papua New Guinea employer. Requires employer sponsorship and approval from the Department of Labour.
student visa
Student Visa
Duration of course, renewable
PGK 500 (~$140 USD) per year
For enrolled students at recognised educational institutions in Papua New Guinea. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Investor / Business Visa
1–3 years, renewable
PGK 5,000 (~$1,400 USD) plus fees
For individuals investing a minimum of PGK 500,000 in a Papua New Guinea business. Requires business plan and proof of investment.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Standard fee for a single-entry tourist visa, payable at embassy or on arrival. | PGK 200 (~$55 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within validity period. | PGK 500 (~$140 USD) |
| Stay extension feeExtensions may be granted for up to 60 days total, subject to immigration approval. | PGK 100 (~$28 USD) per month |
| Overstay finePenalty for overstaying visa validity; must be paid before departure. | 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
Transit visa required
Irish passport holders transiting through Papua New Guinea must obtain a transit visa unless they remain airside and have a confirmed onward ticket within 24 hours.
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid visa for Australia, New Zealand, or the United States may transit without a visa for up to 24 hours.
Transit hubsJacksons International Airport (POM), Port Moresby · Lae Nadzab Airport (LAE), Lae
Health & vaccines for Papua New Guinea
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderJapanese EncephalitisConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Widespread in all regions, especially rural areas; prophylaxis strongly recommended.
Dengue FeverHigh risk
Common in urban and rural areas; mosquito avoidance is key.
TuberculosisModerate risk
Higher risk in crowded settings; consider screening if prolonged stay.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is present throughout the country, including urban areas. Prophylaxis (e.g., doxycycline, atovaquone-proguanil) is recommended for all travellers.
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 168, Waigani, NCD
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Main office for visa extensions and permits. Bring passport, visa, and extension application form.
Lae
ICA Regional Office – Lae
Top Town, Lae, Morobe Province
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Handles extensions and permits for travellers in the Highlands region.
Practical information for IE 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 Irish citizens. You must obtain a visa before travelling, either online or through a PNG embassy.
Processing times vary, but typically take 2–6 weeks. Apply at least 4–6 weeks before your planned departure to be safe.
Visa fees depend on the type and duration. Tourist visas typically cost around USD 50–100. Check with the PNG Immigration Authority or your local embassy for the exact fee.
If you are arriving from a country with yellow fever, you need a vaccination certificate. Otherwise, it is not required. Check the latest health advice before travel.
Extensions are possible but not guaranteed. You must apply to the PNG Immigration Authority before your visa expires. Fees and processing times vary.
Overstaying can result in fines, detention, or deportation. It is taken seriously, so keep track of your visa expiry date.
Papua New Guinea has areas with high crime rates, especially in Port Moresby and Lae. Exercise caution, avoid walking alone at night, and follow local advice. Travel insurance is strongly recommended.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 18, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.