Entry Requirements & Visas
New for 2026: Expanded eVisa System
Papua New Guinea has streamlined its eVisa process for 2026, allowing online applications for most nationalities with faster processing times of 3-5 business days. The fee remains K50 (about $13 USD), and approval grants a 30-day visitor visa. Ensure you apply via the official PNG Immigration website to avoid scams and delays.
Passport Requirements
Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your intended departure from Papua New Guinea, with at least two blank pages for entry and exit stamps. This is strictly enforced at airports like Jacksons International in Port Moresby to prevent issues upon arrival.
Renew early if needed, as processing times can vary, and some airlines may deny boarding without sufficient validity.
Visa-Free Countries
Citizens of Australia, Fiji, Vanuatu, and Samoa can enter visa-free for up to 30 days for tourism or business, provided they have a valid passport and return ticket. This privilege stems from PNG's Pacific Island alliances and is ideal for short regional trips.
For all others, including US, UK, EU, and Canadian citizens, a visa is required unless transiting briefly through the airport.
Visa Applications
Apply for a visitor visa online via the PNG eVisa portal (K50 fee) or at a PNG embassy/consulate abroad, submitting a passport copy, itinerary, proof of funds (at least K500 per day), and accommodation details. Processing typically takes 3-10 days for eVisas, but allow extra time during peak seasons.
Business visas require an invitation letter from a local company, while extensions for longer stays must be applied for in-country at immigration offices.
Border Crossings
Most visitors arrive by air at Port Moresby or Lae airports, where immigration checks are thorough but efficient; expect questions about your itinerary and funds. Overland borders with Indonesia (from Jayapura) require prior permits and guided transport due to remote terrain.
Sea arrivals via cruise or yacht need advance clearance from PNG Customs, and all ports enforce strict biosecurity rules for imports like food or plants.
Travel Insurance
Comprehensive travel insurance is mandatory for PNG entry, covering medical evacuation (essential due to limited facilities outside cities), trip delays, and adventure activities like diving in Milne Bay or trekking in the highlands. Policies should include coverage up to $100,000 for emergencies, starting at $50 for a two-week trip.
Choose providers experienced in remote travel, as PNG's rugged interior often requires airlifts for serious incidents.
Extensions Possible
Visitor visas can be extended up to 30 days (total 60 days stay) by applying at the Immigration Department in Port Moresby or regional offices, with a K100 fee and proof of onward travel or reasons like cultural immersion. Applications must be submitted at least seven days before expiry to avoid overstay fines of K500 per day.
Longer extensions for research or work require special permits and can take weeks to process.
Money, Budget & Costs
Smart Money Management
Papua New Guinea uses the Kina (PGK). For the best exchange rates and lowest fees, use Wise to send money or convert currency - they offer real exchange rates with transparent fees, saving you money compared to traditional banks.
Daily Budget Breakdown
Money-Saving Pro Tips
Book Flights Early
Find the best deals to Port Moresby by comparing prices on Trip.com, Expedia, or CheapTickets.
Booking 2-3 months in advance can save you 30-50% on international airfare, especially from Australia or Asia.
Eat Like a Local
Dine at haus kais (local eateries) for mumu or kaukau under PGK 30, avoiding resort restaurants to save up to 60% on food expenses. Markets in Goroka or Mount Hagen offer fresh fruits and street food at bargain prices.
Opt for family-run spots for authentic flavors and community support, often including generous portions.
Public Transport Passes
Use PMVs (public motor vehicles) for inter-town travel at PGK 20-50 per leg, far cheaper than domestic flights; no formal passes but negotiate group fares for savings.
In Port Moresby, city bus cards cost PGK 10 and cover unlimited rides, bundling transport with some free cultural site access.
Free Attractions
Explore public trails in the Kokoda Track (self-guided sections), village sing-sings, and coastal beaches, which are free and immerse you in PNG's diverse cultures without entry fees.
National parks like Varirata offer no-cost hiking, and many highland festivals welcome visitors gratis if you arrive respectfully.
Card vs Cash
Cards are accepted in major hotels and Port Moresby shops, but rural areas are cash-only; ATMs are limited outside cities, so withdraw PGK in advance for better rates.
Avoid airport exchanges due to poor rates; use bank ATMs and carry small notes for markets and PMVs.
Tour Packages
Join community-based tours for bundled deals at PGK 200/day covering transport, meals, and guides, ideal for highlands or Sepik River trips; it reduces individual costs by 40%.
Look for eco-tourism operators that include multiple sites, making it economical for extended adventures.
Smart Packing for Papua New Guinea
Essential Items for Any Season
Clothing Essentials
Pack lightweight, quick-dry clothes for the tropical humidity, including long sleeves and pants for mosquito protection and cultural respect in villages. Include modest attire like covered shoulders for highland communities and breathable fabrics for coastal heat.
Layer for cooler highlands (10-20°C) with fleece jackets, and always bring rain gear as showers are frequent year-round.
Electronics
Bring a universal adapter (Type I, Australian-style), solar charger or power bank for remote areas with unreliable electricity, waterproof phone case, and offline maps like Maps.me for spotty coverage.
Download language apps for Tok Pisin phrases and a headlamp for evening village stays without constant power.
Health & Safety
Carry comprehensive insurance docs, a robust first-aid kit with antimalarials, bandages, and rehydration salts, plus vaccinations proof for yellow fever if coming from endemic areas. Include high-SPF sunscreen, DEET repellent (30%+), and water purification tablets for remote treks.
Pack anti-diarrheal meds and allergy treatments, as medical facilities are basic outside Port Moresby.
Travel Gear
Opt for a durable daypack with rain cover for day hikes, reusable water bottle with filter, lightweight sleeping bag for guesthouses, and cash in small PGK notes secured in a money belt. Include a dry bag for river crossings and binoculars for birdwatching in the rainforests.
Bring extra passport copies and a notebook for jotting down cultural notes during homestays.
Footwear Strategy
Choose sturdy, waterproof hiking boots or trail shoes for muddy highlands paths like the Kokoda Track, paired with lightweight sandals for coastal villages and boat trips. Gaiters help against leeches in wet forests, and ensure all footwear is broken in to avoid blisters on long walks.
Pack extra socks and foot powder for the humid conditions that can lead to fungal issues.
Personal Care
Include biodegradable soap, shampoo, and toothpaste in travel sizes, plus a microfiber towel that dries quickly in humid air. Add lip balm with SPF, wet wipes for water-scarce areas, and a compact mosquito net for open-air accommodations.
Feminine hygiene products are scarce in rural PNG, so pack sufficient supplies along with any personal medications in original packaging.
When to Visit Papua New Guinea
Dry Season Start (May-July)
Perfect for beginning the dry period with temperatures of 25-30°C in lowlands and clearer skies for hiking in the Southern Highlands or diving off Tufi fjords. Fewer rains mean better access to remote trails and vibrant birdlife viewing without mudslides.
Cultural festivals like the Goroka Show kick off, offering sing-sings and crafts with moderate crowds and lower flight prices.
Peak Dry Season (August-October)
Prime time for outdoor adventures with minimal rain and highs of 28-32°C, ideal for Sepik River cruises, Kokoda Track treks, and surfing in Kimbe Bay. Visibility underwater is excellent for world-class diving, and highlands are accessible for clan visits.
Expect peak crowds at major events like the Mount Hagen Show, but accommodations book up fast—prices rise 20-30%.
Wet Season Transition (November-February)
Budget-friendly with lush greenery and temperatures around 26-30°C, great for indoor cultural experiences like mask carving in the Sepik or staying in highland longhouses during shorter showers. Wildlife is abundant, with easier whale watching off Rabaul.
Rains support river travel but can flood roads; opt for guided tours to navigate, saving on off-peak rates up to 40%.
Late Wet Season (March-April)
Transitional period with warming trends to 27-31°C and decreasing rains, suitable for coastal exploration in Milne Bay or birding in the Variarata National Park. Flowers bloom vibrantly, enhancing photography and eco-tours with fewer tourists.
Highlands can be cooler (15-25°C) for comfortable trekking; avoid if prone to malaria, as mosquitoes peak, but deals abound on lodges.
Important Travel Information
- Currency: Papua New Guinean Kina (PGK). ATMs are available in cities but scarce elsewhere; cards accepted in urban areas but carry cash for rural spots.
- Language: English is official, but Tok Pisin is widely spoken; over 800 indigenous languages exist—learn basic Tok Pisin phrases for rapport.
- Time Zone: Papua New Guinea Time (PGT), UTC+10 (no daylight saving)
- Electricity: 240V, 50Hz. Type I plugs (two flat pins, Australian standard)
- Emergency Number: Police 180, Ambulance 111, Fire 110—dial from any phone, but response times vary in remote areas
- Tipping: Not customary in PNG culture; small gifts to guides or hosts are appreciated more than cash tips
- Water: Tap water is not safe—use bottled or purified; boil or treat all sources in rural areas to avoid giardia
- Pharmacies: Available in Port Moresby and Lae; stock up on essentials abroad as rural supplies are limited