Papua New Guinea entry requirements for Ireland passport holders

Updated weekly · Last reviewed August 5, 2026·View sources
eVisa 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 obtain an eVisa 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.

Apply for Papua New Guinea eVisaOfficial portal: Papua New Guinea eVisa

Entry requirements

RequirementDetailsStatus
e-VisaYou cannot get a visa on arrival; you must have the approved e-Visa before you board your flight.
Apply before travel
Irish passport holders must obtain an e-Visa before arriving in Papua New Guinea. Apply online at the official Immigration & Citizenship Authority e-Visa portal.Required
Passport validityCheck your passport expiry date well in advance — if it's close to expiring, renew it before applying for the e-Visa.
At least 6 months
Your Irish passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended date of departure from Papua New Guinea.Required
Blank passport pagesThe immigration officer will stamp your passport on arrival; a blank page is needed for that stamp.
At least 1 blank page
Your passport must have at least one blank page for the entry stamp. It is recommended to have more than one blank page to avoid issues.Required
Return or onward ticketHaving a confirmed onward ticket helps show you intend to leave the country within the allowed period.
May be requested
Although not explicitly required in the database, immigration officials may ask for proof of onward travel. Carry a printed copy of your return or onward ticket.Recommended
Proof of fundsCarry documents that show you can support yourself financially during your visit.
May be requested
While not listed as a formal requirement, be prepared to show evidence of sufficient funds for your stay (e.g., bank statements, credit cards) if asked by immigration.Recommended
Arrival declarationYou don't need to fill out any online arrival form before you travel.
Not required
No separate arrival declaration is required for Papua New Guinea beyond the standard immigration and customs forms provided on arrival.Not required
eVisa required — no exceptions
Irish passport holders cannot enter Papua New Guinea without a pre-approved eVisa. 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 eVisa
Submit your eVisa application online through the PNG Immigration eVisa portal. Processing can take 2–6 weeks, so apply early.
2
Pack your documents
Print or save digital copies of your eVisa 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 eVisa, 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 August 5, 2026
Download PDF

Staying longer & fees

Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:

Business eVisa
Max stay60 days
Validity60 days from issue
CostUSD 50 (approx.)

Requires invitation letter from PNG company

Multiple entry eVisa
Max stay60 days per visit
Validity1 year
CostUSD 150 (approx.)

For frequent business travelers; apply through PNG Immigration

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
ServiceCost
eVisa (tourist/business)Single entry, valid for 60 days from date of issueUSD 50 (approx.)
Visa extensionApply at the Papua New Guinea Immigration and Citizenship Authority in Port MoresbyPGK 200 (approx.)
Exit feeMost international airlines include departure tax in ticket priceIncluded in airfare

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 citizens transiting through Papua New Guinea (e.g., at Jacksons International Airport) must obtain a transit eVisa before arrival, even if staying airside.

Exceptions & conditions
  • Diplomatic or official passport holders may be exempt
  • Passengers with confirmed onward ticket and no need to clear immigration may still require a transit visa – check with airline
Transit hubsJacksons International Airport (POM)

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 = 4.39 PGK
updated Jul 3
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
Police112
Medical111
US EmbassyFind contact

Frequently asked questions

No. There is no visa-on-arrival facility for Irish citizens. You must obtain an eVisa 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 August 5, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.