Changes:
All Visa applications are to be done online via the Immigration and Citizenship Authority website. To apply, click HERE
General Information On Visas
Welcome to the Visa Section of the website. By law All foreign visitors to PNG need a visa. There are a number of categories depending on the purpose of your visit. Information on the application procedure and the specific requirements for each category of visa are available here. Please download the appropriate form and send it with relevant documentation to the PNG High Commission – Wellington for processing.
HOW TO APPLY
All visa applications must be lodged online through the Immigration & Citizenship Authority website. Click here to go to the website.
PASSPORT VALIDITY
Passports should be valid for at least 6 months from the date of intended travel.
PROCESSING TIME
Standard processing time is 15 working days.
Other visa categories will be subject to receipt of authority to issue visa from the PNG Immigration & Citizenship Authority (ICA) in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea.
You may be eligible to get a visa on arrival. Please check the PNG ICA website for your country’s eligibility.
ENTRY AND RE-ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
In accordance with Migration Regulation 1979, the holder of an Entry Permit must enter PNG within six months of the Entry Permit being issued. Failure to enter PNG within six months will render the Entry Permit invalid, and as a result, further application will have to be made.
As a matter of policy, existing entry permit holders (excluding Permanent Resident Entry Permit Holders) must not be absent from PNG for any period exceeding six months. Entry Permit holders that are absent from PNG for six months or more will need to make further application for an Entry Permit before seeking to return to PNG. In such cases, new health and character checks will be required.
DESIGNATED PNG INTERNATIONAL PORTS OF ENTRY
Designated PNG international ports of entry are:
- Jackson’s International Airport, Port Moresby
- Daru
- Vanimo (Wutung)
- Rabaul
- Alotau
- Mount Hagen
MEDICAL & CHARACTER REQUIREMENTS
All applicants seeking to travel to PNG must be of good health and good character. In some cases, medical documentation and a local police clearance certificate will be required. This will depend on the purpose and duration of the visit (please refer to the appropriate entry permit category). If an applicant has a criminal conviction, or is subject to criminal prosecution, that information must be disclosed at the time of application. Failure to disclose this information may result in the entry permit being refused, cancelled or deemed void.
Where medical documentation is required, this consists of:
- Medical examination report obtained from an approved doctor or hospital;
- HIV tests (Pathology Report required) for applicants over 16 years of age; and
- Chest X-ray (Radiology Report) for applicants over 16 years of age.
The prescribed medical examination report form and radiology form are available from the nearest PNG Diplomatic mission. The doctor carrying out the examination and the radiographer carrying out the chest X-ray are required to complete and sign the relevant forms.
A police certificate must be obtained from your local police authority for all applicants 16 years of age and over (including dependents) intending to travel to PNG for a period of 6 months or more.
DEPENDENT FAMILY MEMBERS
Dependent family members (spouse, unmarried children and ageing parents), who hold travel documents must make separate application for an entry permit.
For specific requirements applying to dependent entry permits, please refer to the appropriate entry category. https://ica.gov.pg
Dependent children must be ordinarily resident in PNG to qualify for a Dependent Entry Permit. Children who study abroad and only return to PNG during study breaks should apply for a Visitor Entry Permit for each visit.
In limited cases, dependent entry permits may also be granted to children over the age 18 where they remain dependent on their parents. Such cases could include where the child suffers from a severe disability or where the child is continuing their education in PNG. Applications will be considered on a case by case basis.
Where a principal entry permit ceases a dependent entry permit ceases at the same time and both individuals must depart PNG. Where a dependent holds a Working Dependent Entry Permit they cannot make application to include a former principal entry permit holder as a dependent on their own entry permit. In such cases, individuals will need to make a fresh application.
DE FACTO RELATIONSHIPS
Persons seeking to enter PNG as dependents on the basis of a de facto relationship must provide:
– Statutory declarations from both parties indicating how long the relationship has been in existence;- A signed undertaking that the de facto partner will not seek employment while in PNG.
Relationships of less than 12 months.
Where the relationship has been in existence for less than 12 months, a short-term Dependent Entry Permit for a maximum validity of 12 months will be issued. At the conclusion of the 12 month period a further Entry Permit will be issued in accordance with the Principal’s approved period of stay.
Relationships of more than 12 months
Where the relationship has been in existence for more than 12 months, a Dependent Entry Permit will be issued in accordance with the Principal’s approved period of stay.
ENTRY AND RE-ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
In accordance with Migration Regulation 1979, the holder of an Entry Permit must enter PNG within six months of the Entry Permit being issued. Failure to enter PNG within six months will render the Entry Permit invalid, and as a result, further application will have to be made.
As a matter of policy, existing entry permit holders (excluding Permanent Resident Entry Permit Holders) must not be absent from PNG for any period exceeding six months. Entry Permit holders that are absent from PNG for six months or more will need to make further application for an Entry Permit before seeking to return to PNG. In such cases, new health and character checks will be required.
EXTENSION OF ENTRY PERMITS
Applications for extension of stay must be lodged well in advance of the expiry of the current entry permit. For specific requirements, please refer to the appropriate entry permit category. https://ica.gov.pg
Extensions are only issued to people currently in PNG. Extensions cannot be granted while a person is outside the country.
Applicants should be aware that there is NO period of grace in relation to extensions.
RE-EVIDENCING OF ENTRY PERMITS
Passports must be valid for six months or more to enable re-evidencing. Entry permits will only be issued for the period of validity of the passport. Where the validity of the entry permit extends beyond the validity of the passport, a new entry permit will be evidenced once a new passport has been obtained. When an applicant obtains a new passport, a new entry permit will be issued for the balance of the period of stay free of charge.
Applicants will be required to complete an application form and provide a copy of the original work permit approval (if applicable).
Where an Entry Permit holder is outside PNG, re-evidencing can be undertaken by the nearest PNG Mission. The missions must obtain approval from PNG ICS Waigani before re-evidencing can occur.
FORM DOWNLOAD
To download visa forms, please go to: Visa Forms
Information for PNG Citizens
Papua New Guinea citizens residing in New Zealand are requested to note the following information.
IMPORTANT NOTICE TO ALL PNG PASSPORT HOLDERS IN NEW ZEALAND
Expired PNG passports will only be revalidated for another 12 months period. Holders of revalidated passports must lodge Application for a new Passport with PNG Immigration and Citizenship Service soon after receipt of their revalidated Passport.
New Passport
To be lodged with PNG Immigration and Citizenship Service, Waigani
The following documentation will be required:-
- Photocopy of expired passport pages
- 2 recent passport photographs to be certified by Pastor/Commissioner of Oaths/Lawyer
- PNG Passport Application Form
Lost/or Stolen Passport
With lost or stolen passports, the matter must be reported immediately to the local Police Station.
The following documentation must then be submitted to Kundu Wellington soon after:-
- A letter explaining circumstances, date/time, location where passport was lost or stolen, including efforts made to recover the document, and
- Attach a Police Report.
The relevant document will be drawn up i.e. Document of Identity – Valid only for 1 year.
Visit the PNG ICA for the more details on applying for a passport passports : Click here
NID & Civil Registry
For all your NID & Civil Registry Births, Deaths and Marriages.
Contact:
PO Box 470
Waigani NCD
Papua New Guinea
NID Haus – Waigani
Phone: +675 313 3000 ext. 7002 or ask for Helpdesk
Civil Registry Office – Boroko
Phone: +675 323 6510
Email: helpdesk@pngcir.gov.pg