Migration Services

ENTRY PERMITS (FOR EMPLOYMENT PURPOSES)

These procedures are a guide to all employers recruiting non-citizens for employment purposes and for prospective employees who wish to obtain an entry permit for employment.

PNG position Approval and Work Permit Requirement

The Employment of Non Citizen's Act Chapter 374 and Fourth Edition Work Permit Guidelines prescribe that subject tot he receipt of a satisfactory Training and Localization Programme in the context of a Three Year training plan, approval will be granted to a company or an employer to recruit non-citizens to fill certain positions.

The approval by the Department of Industrial Relations (DIR) of a position to be held by a non-citizen is valid for up to three years.

The non-citizen also must obtain a valid work permit from the DIR before entry to PNG.

Immigration Requirements for Entry to PNG for Employment

In addition to DIR requirements the prospective employee must meet immigration requirements. To enter PNG the employee must obtain a valid and appropriate entry permit.

How to Obtain a Entry Permit for Employment: What the Employer Has to Do

The employee must provide:

a written sponsorship letter to the ICD indicating the job offer to the employee highlighting person's name, position number, position title, period of contract approved by the DIR, salary range and a company guarantee of accommodation and transportation for the employee and dependents.
an original maintenance guarantee bond/s for the employee/applicant and dependents.
copy of the work permit approval letter from the DIR for employment of the applicant in the approved position.
an Immigration Fee for an entry permit for employment purposes and appropriate dependent entry permit fees are to be paid by the employer/agent in PNG. Fees are to be paid tot he Department of Finance Cash Office, Bureau of Management Services or nearest Customs Office and receipts are to be given as evidence of payment to ICD. See Schedule 1 for appropriate fees.
the overseas Mission at which the applicant will apply for the entry permit.
What the Employee Has To Do

The prospective employee is to complete an entry permit application and forward/deliver it to the nearest PNG Overseas Mission or if there is no PNG presence the nearest Australian Overseas Mission.

The Entry Permit Application will require the applicant to provide full personal particulars of the applicant and his/her dependents (if any, whether travelling/not travelling as below:

Full Name
Date of Birth
Marital Status
Citizenship Status during last ten (10) years
What Does It Cost?

A fee of K50 is also payable to cover facsimile and telephone costs incurred in facilitating issue of the permit.

Processing of the Application

Once the employee completes the entry permit application, details of the application will be sent to the Immigration and Citizenship Division (ICD) in Port Moresby who will consider issue of an entry Permit for the non-citizen.

At the same time, the DIR in Port Moresby will consider the employer's application to employ the applicant against the approved position. If the DIR accepts the application, a work permit approval will be sent to the employer and notification to ICD.

Once the overseas Mission has the ICD approval to issue an Entry Permit, an entry permit with work permit number included will be issued. The permit will be issued for a maximum of three (3) years subject to the applicant's passport also being valid for the three year period. Should the passport expire before the three year period, the entry permit will only be issued for the period of validity of the passport. When the applicant obtains a new passport, ICD Port Moresby will issue an entry permit for the balance of the three year period. This new entry permit will be issued without charge.

An extension to a work permit beyond the three year limit is also possible. Please read the procedures for entry permit extension.

CHANGE OF STATUS

From/To Dependant's entry Permit (Foreign Employee)

A dependant spouse of a foreign employee ma be allowed to work in PNG after the DIR has assessed the labor market situation and upon receipt of authentic documents in relations o the qualifications and experience of the dependent.

In order to work, a work permit is required from the DIR and the status of the spouse's entry must be changed from "Employment Prohibited" to an employment entry permit. ICD will issue an employment entry permit for the applicant for the period of contract regardless of whether the principal applicant's entry permit expires at an earlier date. It is possible for the principal applicant, at the expiry of his/her contract/entry permit, to seek change of status from "employment" to "dependant" and remain in PNG with his/her spouse.

Persons arriving in PNG on visitor and business entry permits are not permitted to change status to employment.

How to Apply

To change entry permit status from dependant to employment the dependant must complete a Request For Entry Permit Extension form with a copy of the DIR work permit. To change entry permit status from employment to dependant, the application must also complete the relevant sections of a Request for Entry permit Extension form, submit details of the employment of his/her spouse and provide his/her passport and also that of the spouse.

Dependant of Citizen

A dependant (with foreign nationality) of a PNG citizen may engage in employment in PNG if:

he/she has a DIR work permit and
the appropriate change of status fee and employment entry permitfee are paid (change of status refers to change of status from dependant to working resident).
Change of Marital Status

A person who whilst in PNG changes marital status detailed on their entry permit is required to apply for change of entry permit status. The applicant must provide ICD with proof of marital status change i.e. marriage or divorce papers and ICD will re-issue the entry permit accordingly.

What is the fee?

Please contact the Embassy for fee.

Change of Name/Change of Employer Name

Where a person changes his/her name by Deed Pole etc or where the name of the company which employs the person changes, the Immigration Regulations require that a change of name be effected on the entry permit. Details of the change of name have to be furnished to ICD and the entry permit will be reissued accordingly.

What is the fee?

Please contact the Embassy for fee.

Change of Contractual Commitment/Status

Persons in the following categories must seek a change of entry permit status:

who resign from their position and find alternative employment.
whose contract expires and find alternative employment.
People whose contracts expire and are extended in their current position or in another position in the same company do not require a change of status.

The above change of status is usually undertaken in conjunction with an application for an entry permit extension. See entry permit extension guidelines.

What does it cost?

Please contact the Embassy for fee.

Penalties

A penalty of K5,000 (US$5,125.00) is payable in respect of failure to obtain an appropriate entry permit for employment and residence purposes and failure to apply for appropriate change of status.

ENTRY PERMIT EXTENSION FOR EMPLOYMENT PURPOSES

These procedures are a guide to all employers, agents and/or non-citizen employees requesting entry permit extension for employment or defendants purposes.

When Does An Entry Permit Need Extension?

An Entry Permit needs to be extended if the employee is required to continue in the same position beyond the expiry date of his/her initial (entry permits are usually issued for three years) and the DIR issues the necessary work permit.

Entry permits also need to be extended where the employee changes positions in the company or finds alternative employment i.e. changes employers.

When Can't An Entry Permit Be Extended?

Entry permits cannot be extended where:

the DIR has not issued the appropriate work permit for the position occupied.
for an unmarried child with a dependant entry permit reaches the age of sixteen (6) years. When the child attains sixteen year of age he/she must leave PNG unless he/she is enrolled in academic study in PNG. If the child is enrolled in academic study in PNG, then a student entry permit will be issued. For children over 16 years and not enrolled in study in PNG, future visits would normally occur under sixty day Tourist Entry Permit arrangements.
How To Obtain An Entry Permit Extension

What The Employer Has To Do

The Employer must provide to ICD:

the job offer to the employee highlighting person's name, position number, position title, period of contract approved by the DIR, salary range and a company guarantee of accommodation and transportation for the employee and defendants.
copy of the DIR work permit approval letter for the person to be employed in the position.
an original maintenance guarantee bond/s for the employee/applicant and defendants.
a copy of the changeof status (if appropriate) and entry permit extension fee receipt is to be attached.

What the Employee Has To Do

The applicant must complete a "Request to Extend Period of Validity of an Entry Permit Form" and submit it to ICD together with his/her passport and those of any defendants.

Rates For Entry Permit Extensions

Please contact the Embassy for cost of extension. It should be noted that a fee for change of status is also applicable where the applicant changes employers of class/types e.g. from dependant to working resident.

Contact the Embassy for extended dependent fee.

What Penalties Apply?

A penalty applies to late application for entry permit extension. Breaches on the Migration Act attract a penalty.

BUSINESS PERSON/INVESTOR ENTRY PERMIT

These procedures are a guide to all persons who wish to invest in PNG establish companies and seek an entry permit as an owner/operator or senior executive.

How To Obtain A Entry Permit For Business Person/Investor

What the Investor Has To Do

The investor has to invest a minimum of K150,000 in PNG in a company or business. The K150,000 must be transferred into PNG and not derived through loans raised with PNG banks. The investment may be by way of cash investment in plant and equipment or a combination of plant/equipment and annual salaries (including annual superannuation) of PNG staff and approved expatriate staff salaries/fees/superannuation paid to the investor or his/her immediate family cannot be included as part of the K150,000 investment.

The investor also has to seek a position and work permit from the DIR.

The investor must:

provide a letter to ICD indicating his/her name, position number, position title, period of contract approved by the DIR and salary range.
documentary evidence that the K150,000 )investment has been transferred into the country and a copy of the Investment Promotion Authority (IPA) approval letter and share/registration certificate.
copy of work permit approval letter in respect of the position from the DIR.
For entry permits for employment purposes and dependant, K250.00 and K10.00 are respectively required.
Fees are to be paid to the Department of Finance Cash Office. Bureau of Management Services or nearest Customs Office and receipts are to be given as evidence of payment to ICD.
complete an Entry Permit Application form and forward it to the ICD of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
Processing of the Application

The ICD in Port Moresby will consider issue of an Entry Permit for the non-citizen. If the applicant meets the criteria and a work permit has been issued by the DIR, any entry permit will be issued.

The applicant need not depart PNG in order to receive the entry permit i.e. a change of status in entry permit category may be effected in PNG at a cost of K500. An extension of the entry permit beyond an initial three year limit is also possible. Please read the procedures for entry permit extension.

Dependant Entry Permits

Entry permits for defendants are also available in the same manner as permits are issued to defendants of applicants for employment entry permits.

Extension of Entry Permits

An entry permit extension can be obtained in accordance with the fees and procedures outlined for Entry Permit Extension for Employment purposes.

BUSINESS ENTRY PERMIT

These procedures are a guide to all business people and agents requesting business entry permits.

What is a Business Entry Permit?

A Business Entry Permit permits a person to enter PNG to conduct business as a distinct from undertaking employment. Business Entry Permits are valid for a maximum of sixty (60) days per entry and are valid for twelve (12) months from date of issue. As such, business entry permits are multiple entry.

When is a Business Entry Permit Required?

Business activity encompasses such things as checking on investments, investigating business opportunities, holding meetings with suppliers/buyers, signing contracts, attending board meetings, etc. If a person engages in any of the above activities, a maximum entry business permit is required. A Tourist Entry Permit is not appropriate if the above activities are undertaken. Heavy penalties apply for engaging in business without having a business entry permit.

Where To Apply

Application for permits may be made at PNG Overseas Missions or if there is no PNG presence, the nearest Australian Overseas Mission. Application may also be made on arrival at Jackson's International Airport in Port Moresby.

How To Apply

The procedures below are to obtain multiple entry business permits for Papua New Guinea. These procedures apply both to applications lodged overseas and those lodged on arrival in Port Moresby.

The application must complete a "Request for entry Permit" (Form 1).
A covering letter from the sponsor detailing why the applicant is coming to Papua New Guinea and the expected number and length of visits is to be provided. Note that a sponsor letter is required in order to obtain a business entry permit on arrival.
Evidence of return tickets from Papua New Guinea must be supplied.
Please contact Embassy for Migrant Service Fee which can be obtained by contacting the Embassy.
An extension of up to thirty (30) days maybe granted in exceptional cases to the sixty (60) days entry period by application to the Minister of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and payment which can be obtained by contacting the Embassyof K200. Such applications must provide:
documentary evidence that the applicant still has business to complete in Papua New Guinea.
reasons why it could not be completed within the sixty (60) days period.
A dependant of the applicant may enter PNG under a visitor entry permit upon payment of the fee listed in Schedule 1.
What Penalties Apply?

A penalty applies to any breach of conditions and requirements for business entry permits. Please contact Embassy for fee.

SHORT TERM ATTACHMENT ENTRY PERMITS

These procedures are a guide to persons seeking short term attachment entry permits for Papua New Guinea.

What is a Short Term Attachment?

A Short Term Attachment refers to situations where a person wishes to enter PNG for a period of not more than three months and undertake a work assignment.

What are the Restrictions on Such Employment?

Entry to PNG for short term attachment is only possible in respect of positions approved by the DIR. Short term attachments include, such activities as performing short work assignments (e.g. conduct a company audit, performance reviews, repair/commission equipment, train staff in new systems/procedures, etc) and relief duties.

Entry is only possible where there is a valid reason for the short term attachment. In this respect, employers are not permitted to employ non-citizens on a temporary basis while the permanent occupant is absent on either sick leave or recreation leave without first obtaining the written approval of the DIR. Approval will only be given by DIR where the occupation is classed as professional i.e. doctors, accountants, managers, lawyers, engineers, etc. In all other cases national employees who are qualified and experienced, or understudying non-citizen counterparts, are to assume full responsibilities for such positions during temporary absences of nominal occupants.

Are Dependant Entry Permits Available?

Dependant Entry Permits are not issued for short term attachments. Dependants may enter PNG as visitors and receive a 60 day entry permit. Visitor permits are available from PNG Missions overseas or on arrival at Jacksons International Airport in Port Moresby at a cost. A visitor entry permit may be extended for a further 30 days upon application to the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade. Please contact the Embassy for permit fees.

What are the Procedures for Application?

The applicant must complete an Application for Entry Permit detailing the reason for requesting a short term entry and have a confirmed return air ticket.
The employer must submit details of the DIR approved position to the Immigration and Citizenship Division in Port Moresby.
Where can Applications be Lodged?

Applications may be lodged at any PNG Overseas Mission or where there is no PNG presence, the nearest Australian Mission.

How is the Application Processed?

The PNG Overseas Mission will refer details of the application to ICD for decision. ICD will consider the application and advise the Mission of approval or rejection. The Mission will then issue the necessary entry permit.

What is the Fee?

Please contact the Embassy for fee amount.

What Penalty Applies for Overstay?

Heavy penalties apply for overstay of entry permits. It is the responsibility of the permit holder to ensure that he/she leaves the country on or before the date that his/her entry permits expires. If the permit holder is unable to leave on/before the due date it is his/her responsibility to contact the Director of Entries, ICD to explain the circumstances.

If the permit holder fails to contact the ICD and he/she overstays the entry permit.

CONSULTANT/SPECIALIST ENTRY PERMIT

These procedures are a guide for consultants/specifies wishing to enter PNG.

What is a Consultant/Specialist Entry Permit?

A Consultant/Specialist Entry Permit allows entry of a person to PNG for consultancy/specialist work for not more than three months.

What Restrictions Apply on Such Employment?

Persons entering under this category of entry permit are permitted to enter PNG only once per calendar year. The consultant/specialist must have a PNG sponsor.

What are the Procedures for Application?

The applicant must complete an Application for Entry Permit detailing the reason for requesting a permit and have a confirmed return air ticket.
The PNG sponsor must submit details of the requirement for the consultancy/specialist assistance in writing to the ICD in Port Moresby.
Are Dependant Entry permits Available?

Dependant Entry Permits are not issued in respect of this category of entry permit. Dependants may enter PNG as visitors and receive a 60 day entry permit. Visits permits may be obtained overseas or on arrival at Jacksons International Airport in Port Moresby. A visitor entry permit may be extended for a further 30 days upon application to the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade. Please contact the Embassy for permit costs.

Where can Applications be Lodged?

Applications may be lodged at any PNG Overseas Mission or where thee is no PNG presence, the nearest Australian Mission.

How is the Application Processed?

The PNG Overseas Mission will refer details of the application to ICD for decision. ICD will consider the application and advise the Mission of approval or rejection. The Mission will then issue the necessary entry permit.

What is the Fee?

Please contact the Embassy for fee.

What Penalty Applies for Overstay?

Heavy penalties apply for overstay of entry permits. It is the responsibility of the permit holder to ensure that he/she leaves the country on or before the date that his/her entry permit expires. If the permit holder is unable to leave on/before the due date, it is his/her responsibility to contact the Director of Entries, ICD to explain the circumstances.

If the permit holder fails to contact ICD and he/she overstays the entry permit.

DEPENDANTS OF PNG CITIZENS

Dependants of citizens may enter PNG and reside as non-working or working residents.

Where to Apply?

Application for entry permits may be made at PNG Overseas Mission or where there is no PNG presence or the nearest Australian overseas Mission.

How to Apply

To reside in PNG as a non working resident, the following information must be provided to ICD or the PNG Mission.

a letter from the applicant's spouse (i.e. the PNG citizen) outlining the personal particulars of the applicant and providing a copy of the marriage certificate (or birth certificate for children).
payment of a landing bond (equivalent tot he cost of return airfare for the dependant/s) and a copy of the receipt.
Please contact the Embassy for visa fee.
To resident in PNG as a working resident, the following information must be provided to ICD or the PNG Mission.

information/receipts as per a non-working resident.
a work permit from the DIR. See procedures for obtaining an employment entry permit. In certain circumstances, a spouse can obtain a letter from the Minister for the DIR exempting him/her from the provisions of the Employment of Non-Citizens Act i.e. exempting the person from the need to obtain a work permit. This letter is accepted by ICD in lieu of a work permit.
payment of an immigration fee for an employment entry permit (instead of a dependant of citizen entry fee).
It should be noted that dependants of citizens who initially enter PNG as non working spouses and subsequently seek employment are required to pay not only the fee for an employment entry permit but also pay for a change of status.

TOURIST ENTRY PERMITS

These procedures are a guide to all tourist requesting tourist entry permits.

Where to Apply

Application for permits may be made a PNG Overseas Missions or where there is no PNG presence, the nearest Australian Overseas Mission or Jacksons International Airport, Port Moresby. Tourist Entry Permits are valid for sixty (60) days.

How to Apply

The procedures below are to be followed to obtain tourist entry permits for Papua New Guinea.

The applicant must complete a "Request for Entry Permit" (Form 1).
Evidence of return tickets from Papua New Guinea must be supplied.
Please contact the Embassy for Payment of the Migration Service Fee if the application is lodged at a PNG or Australian Overseas Mission or where an entry permit application is made on arrival at Jacksons International Airport in Port Moresby. It should be noted that while entry permits for visitors will be issued on arrival, this process obviously takes more time than for passengers with permits. For this reason, it is advisable to obtain entry permits before arrival in PNG.
What is the Fee?

Please contact the Embassy for the cost of a tourist visa.

Tourist Entry Permit Extensions

The sixty (6) days entry permit may be extended by a maximum of thirty (30) days by application tot he Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade. The procedure is as follows:

The Applicant must complete a Request to Extend Period of Validity of an Entry Permit, Form 3.
The applicant must provide evidence of payment of the Migration Service Fee for Permit Extensions i.e. a copy of the receipt paid to the Department of Finance Cash Office, Bureau of Management Services or nearest Customs Office.

TOURIST YACHTSMAN ENTRY PERMIT

Special entry permits are issued for yachtsmen (owner/captain of yacht) and are valid for 60 days. an extension of 30 days is possible upon application tot he Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade.

The crew of yachts are treated as visitors and are provided with Tourist Entry Permits valid for 60 days. An extension of 30 days is possible upon application to the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

Where Can Entry Permits for Yachtsmen be Obtained?

They can be obtained at PNG Overseas Missions or where there is no PNG presence, the nearest Australian Overseas Mission, on arrival in PNG from any Customs Office or at the ICD in Port Moresby.

How Much Do they Cost?

Please contact the Embassy for fee.

What Penalties Apply?

Please contact the Embassy for penalty amount.

ENTRY PERMITS FOR OTHER CATEGORIES

JOURNALIST/REPORTERS

Special entry permits are necessary for journalists/reporters wishing to enter PNG and are valid for 60 days.

How to Apply

The applicant must complete an entry permit application and attach a letter of confirmation from the Institute of Papua New Guinea Studies.

Where to Apply

Application may be made through a PNG overseas Mission or where thee is no PNG presence, the nearest Australian overseas Mission. Applicants may also be made direct with the ICD of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

Are Dependant Entry Permits Available?

Dependent Entry Permits are not issued in respect of this category of entry permit. Dependants may enter PNG as visitors and receive a 60 day entry permit. A visitor entry permit may be extended for a further 30 days upon submission of application to the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade. Please contact the Embassy for permit extension costs.

How Much Do Entry Permits Costs?

Please contact the Embassy for permit cost.

ENTERTAINERS

Entry Permits for commercial entertainers for 60 days are available at a cost listed by category as follows: Comedian (Commercial); Musician (Commercial). Please contact the Embassy for permit fees.

Applicants must complete an entry permit application and have a letter from the event organizer providing details of the event and expected length of stay. Entry Permits for dependants are issued under visitor entry permit provisions.

FILM MAKERS (COMMERCIAL)

Please contact the Embassy for entry permit fee.

The applicant must complete an entry permit application and produce a letter from the Institute of PNG Studies indicating its approval tot he project and expected length of stay. Entry permits for dependants are issued under visitor entry permit provisions.

GOSPEL AND CULTURAL EXCHANGE GROUPS

For Gospel Group (Charity), for Cultural Exchange (Charity) and for Dependant (considered as tourist) please contact the Embassy for all entry permit fees.

Gospel groups require a letter from the sponsoring religious organization or performance event organizer providing details of the event and the expected length of stay. Cultural groups require a letter from the Institute of PNG Studies indicating its agreement to the exchange or a letter from the event organizer providing details of the exchange and expected length of stay. In either case, an entry permit application must be completed.

OCCUPATIONAL TRAINEES

Entry Permits for foreign cadets and trainees are available. Contact the Embassy for fee. Applicants must complete an entry permit application and have a letter from the educational institution or sponsoring organization providing details of the course of study and the expected length of stay. A maintenance guarantee for the costs of repatriating the trainee at the end of their course must also be provided by the sponsoring organization.

STUDENT/FORMAL EDUCATION

Entry Permits will be issued to student applicants undertaking full time study in Papua New Guinea. Contact the Embassy for fee. Student applicants must complete an entry permit application and present a copy of a letter from the educational institution or sponsoring organization providing details of the course of study and the expected length of stay. Confirmation of acceptance into the course must be provided.

Penalties Applicable to the Above Categories

A penalty applies to breaches of the Migration Act in respect of the above categories.

SPECIAL EXEMPTION ENTRY PERMITS

Multiple Entry Permits for periods of one to five years may be granted to the following categories of persons. Contact the Embassy for cost of entry permit. with the exception of the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) member countries category which is gratis and the diplomatic category which is gratis if the country in question reciprocates for PNG diplomatic staff:

resident or accredited diplomats of foreign governments and international organizations.
nationals of MSG countries (Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, and FLNKS) and Fiji nationals.
church workers engaged in pastoral duties and Mission volunteers not engaged in business activities of a church. Such workers are required to be employed in positions approved by the DIR for foreign occupancy.
volunteers/aid workers from overseas agencies working directly with the PNG community. These volunteers require a sponsor letter detailing work to be performed and the expected length of stay. They are required to be employed in positions approved by the DIR.
Volunteers from overseas on secondment to PNG agencies. These volunteers require a sponsor letter and are required to be employed in positions approved by the DIR. In addition they must obtain a work permit from the DIR.
foreign aid personnel from approved organizations as per the aid Status Act.
personnel from approved research or educational institutions from abroad. Foreign academics working in PNG are required to be employed in positions approved by the DIR for foreign employment.
employees of foreign governments.
researchers/film makers (non commercial).
dependants of the above categories of exempt persons.

Where to Apply

Application may be made through any PNG Overseas Mission or where there is no PNG presence, the nearest Australian Overseas Mission. Applications may also be made direct with the ICD of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

Papua New Guinea Citizens

Download Current Immigration Guidelines
Application for New Papua New Guinea Passport
Renewal of Papua New Guinea Passport

Non-Papua New Guinea Citizens

Entry Requirements for Business Visa
Requirements for Short-Term Visas (other than tourism and business)
Entry Requirements for Tourist/Visitors Visa
Visa on Arrival
Visa obtained on Post
Long-Term Entry Requirements

APPLICATION FOR NEW PAPUA NEW GUINEA PASSPORT

New passports can only be issued by the PNG Immigration and Citizenship Service Authority in Port Moresby. If you want us to forward your application to the PNGICSA for a new passport, you must provide the following:

  • Completed application form FA 81 - Download Here
  • Expired passport
  • 3 recent passport photographs certified by a Commissioner of Oaths, a Lawyer, Doctor, Teacher or Pastor
  • Fee of $175 in the form of a bank check or money order made payable to Embassy of Papua New Guinea

Otherwise send to:

The Chief Migration Officer
PNG Immigration & Citizenship Service Authority
P. O. Box 1790
BOROKO
National Capital District
Papua New Guinea

☎ (675) 327 6100

RENEWAL OF PAPUA NEW GUINEA PASSPORT

Renewal of Passports

Due to recent changes by the government, PNG passports can no longer be renewed. All expiring PNG passports must be sent to the PNG Immigration and Citizenship Authority for a new passport.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS FOR BUSINESS VISA

  • Valid passport (must be valid at least six months from the date visa is issued)
  • Completed Application for Entry Permit with 1 passport photo
  • Complete bio-data of the applicant
  • A covering letter from the sponsor in Papua New Guinea, detailing why the applicant is coming to Papua New Guinea and the expected number and length of visits is to be provided. Note that a sponsor letter is required in order to obtain a business entry permit on arrival.
  • A covering letter from the employer, detailing why the applicant is going to Papua New Guinea and the expected number and length of visits is to be provided. Note that a sponsor letter is required in order to obtain a business entry permit on arrival.
  • Evidence of round trip tickets from Papua New Guinea must be supplied (tentative flights schedule, highly recommended)
  • Self-addressed prepaid return (if visa is obtained by mail)
  • Visa Fee:
    • Single Entry $250.00 USD
    • Payment by Money order or company check payable to "Embassy of Papua New Guinea"

REQUIREMENTS FOR SHORT-TERM VISAS OTHER THAN TOURISM AND BUSINESS

All applicants for Medical Elective, Research, Short Term Consultancy, Volunteer,(see separate section for Journalist & media) are advised to take note of the following important information.

It is very important that approval for all above categories of visas are obtained from Immigration in Port Moresby before visas are issued at this Embassy.

This is necessary to ensure that integration into the rural people of researchers is done with the knowledge of the local authorities to avoid indiscriminate interference with the people's lives.

It is also to ensure that visitors into the country have a genuine interest in the lives and culture of the traditional life of Papua New Guinea in carrying out their programme.

Journalist and Film Makers

All applications for the above two (2) categories require the approval of the Secretary of Foreign Affairs, through the Assistant Secretary, Media and Information Branch, Department of Foreign Affairs, P.O. Wards Strip, Waigani.

Telephone: (675) 271260
Fax: 254467
Telex: NE 22136 FOREIGN
NE 22194 FOREIGN

The request for approval to enter Papua New Guinea should be sought in advance of the request for visa being presented at the Embassy.

Any tourist writers travelling on the invitation of a tourist agent in Papua New Guinea, or on behalf of a tour agent in the United States or Canada, must submit the letter of invitation and their itinerary for consideration.

Procedures

When visas for above are requested, they should be done with a knowledge of an agency in Papua New Guinea. The agency in Papua New Guinea having established where the visit will take place and the purpose of the visit, should formally request for the visa from the Immigration Division, Department of Foreign Affairs, Waigani, PNG. Telex: NE 22377. On the basis of this request from the local authority, approval will then be telexed to the Embassy to issue the visa.

It is also advisable that applications should be accompanied by a copy of their research or programme proposal, as well as a copy of the letter to the Immigration Division from a local authority. This is necessary for the Embassy staff to know if approval for visa requests are delayed.

Important

It is therefore important for all interested persons to ensure that a copy of a letter from the Papua New Guinea agency is submitted with the passport and the applications for visa, for speedy processing and to avoid unnecessary delays.

The process of request and approval for visas sometimes takes up to 6 months if members of the public are not familiar with the procedures.

We therefore thank you for taking the time to familiarise yourself with the above notes for time and cost effectiveness of all of us concerned.

VISA FEES:

Please contact the Embassy for all fees.

Entertainer (Commercial)
Film Maker (Commercial)
Journalist/Reporter
(Extension of 30 days)


Revised Migration & Citizenship Policies
Effective: March 5, 1996

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS FOR TOURIST/VISITORS VISA

VISA ON ARRIVAL

Please click here for list of countries eligible for visa on arrival, for only tourist visa and single entry business visa only.

Note: Visa-on-arrival is not guaranteed, applicants are subjected to a denial of a visa by PNG authorities.

Entry is subject to the following conditions:

  • one is not adversely recorded by PNG authorities;
  • have sufficient funds;
  • in possession of return/onward tickets to country for which entry rights are assured (ticket may not be purchased at Jackson Airport);
  • in possession of 1 completed Application for Entry Permit form
  • passports bear automatic returnability;
  • total stay of 60 days;
  • entry is made at Jacksons Airport, Port Moresby

VISA OBTAINED ON POST (Washington, D.C.)

The following are the short-term entry requirements for applicants travelling to Papua New Guinea for the purpose of tourism (maximum of sixty (60) days visa):

  • The applicant must complete an Application for Entry Permit (Form 1).
  • Completed Supplementary Health Form
  • Evidence of round-trip flight tickets from Papua New Guinea must be supplied (tentative flight schedule is recommended).
  • Copy of the tour itinerary/program or details to your stay in Papua New Guinea must be supplied.
  • If mailing in requirements, please provide a self-addressed/prepaid return envelope (highly recommend something with tracking).
  • Please contact Embassy for Migration Service Fee
    • Only acceptable forms of payment are: Money Order, Cashier Check (no personal checks)
    • Payable to "Embassy of Papua New Guinea"

All items on the application form must be completed/signed. Failure to do so will result in return of your visa application.

Upon receipt of all the required documents your visa will be processed within three (3) to seven (7) working days. This processing time is only for nationals who are eligible for visa on arrival. Other nationals that are not on this list require approximately a processing time of three (3) to four (4) weeks.

Revised Migration & Citizenship Policies
Effective: March 5, 1996

LONG TERM ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

The following are the long term entry requirements for applicants travelling to Papua New Guinea (PNG) for the purposes of employment and all other applications other than the Tourist/Business/Official Business:

  • Valid Passport
  • Completed Application for Entry Permit
  • Completed Supplementary Health Form
  • 1 passport-size photograph
  • Medical Examination report form
  • HIV/AID test results from a U.S. Government Health Agency
  • Radiological Report form (do NOT send the X-ray film)
  • Security (police) checks from local place of residence
  • Character reference from competent authorities
  • Letter of confirmation from sponsoring organisation or employer
  • Visa Fee in money order or company check payable to the Embassy of Papua New Guinea.
    *PERSONAL CHECKS OR CASH NOT ACCEPTABLE.
  • Must provide a Self-addressed envelope, stamped either certified, Federal express, DHL, UPS, Airborne or Express Mail

MULTIPLE EMPLOYMENT

Contact the Embassy for all multiple employment fees.

Period of 3 months to 3 years
Extension to Employment Entry Permit
Dependents
Volunteer church workers/researchers/missionaries

Children under the age of 16 and accompanying their parent(s) are exempted from requirements 6 to 9.

The medical X-ray reports will be returned to the applicants, who will hand carry together with the X-ray film for presentation to the Immigration Office, Waigani, Port Moresby (PNG)

The Immigration Division of the Department of Foreign Affairs in Papua New Guinea authorises long term entry visas. Employers and sponsoring organisations liaise with Immigration Division to authorise Papua New Guinea Diplomatic Missions and Posts to issue the appropriate visa.

The foregoing are the requirements of the Government of Papua New Guinea.

Revised Migration & Citizenship Policies
Effective: March 5, 1996




Copyright © 2004 Embassy of Papua New Guinea to the Americas and Globescope, Inc.
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