Papua New Guinea is one of the most popular destinations for those looking to relax on beautiful beaches, explore the rainforest, and get away from it all for a while. But do you need a visa when visiting Papua New Guinea from Australia?
At Crown Currency Exchange, we've got all the information you need. Below, you'll find a guide on whether you need a visa for Papua New Guinea, what documents you'll need to get sorted in order to apply, and more.
Do Australian Citizens Need a Visa for Papua New Guinea?
The short answer to this is yes, Australian citizens do need a visa to visit Papua New Guinea. However, the type of visa you need to apply for will depend on how long you're planning to stay in Papua New Guinea and the purpose of your visit.
For those staying under 30 days and visiting for tourism purposes, an application for a Visitor Entry Permit will need to be completed. This needs to be done ahead of your visit, as visas cannot be granted at the airport on arrival. Luckily, it's a fairly straightforward process, and you can apply for a visa to Papua New Guinea through the ICSA Papua New Guinea Visa Portal.
You can also use this portal to apply for a visa that grants multiple entries into Papua New Guinea as well as an extension of your stay. At present, Papua New Guinea does not grant visas for work purposes. However, you can apply for Sportsperson and Film-Maker (Non-Commercial) visas.
What Documents Are Needed to Apply for a Visa to Papua New Guinea?
As with most other visa applications, you'll need to provide several documents in order to complete your application online. These include:
- Passport: You'll need to provide a copy of your Australian passport, making sure it is in date and still has at least six months left on it following your departure from Papua New Guinea. Passports that don't meet these requirements will need to be renewed before you can apply.
- Proof of Journey: A copy of your airline ticket showing both your outbound and return journey will need to be supplied as part of your supporting documents for a visa application.
- Proof of Accommodation: You will also need to provide information on where you'll be staying while you're in Papua New Guinea. This could be proof of your hotel booking, or if you're staying with friends or family, you'll need to provide an invitation letter.
- Bank Statements: The PNG Government immigration officers who will grant your visa will also need to see that you have sufficient funds available for the duration of your trip to Papua New Guinea. Supplying recent bank statements showing your account balance will need to be provided to do this.
How Do I Apply for a Visa to Papua New Guinea?
Once you have all of your documents together, you can start the online application form. This is relatively straightforward, but make sure you double-check everything before you submit your form, as incorrect information can lead to delays. Here's what you need to do:
- Visit the ICSA Papua New Guinea Visa Portal: You can do this by clicking here, and you'll then be able to select the type of visa you want to apply for.
- Complete the Application Form: You'll be asked to provide some personal details, including your name, date of birth, and address. You may also be asked to enter details of where you'll be staying, and even though this is in your documents, you'll still need to provide that information on the form.
- Scan and Upload Your Documents: Once the application form is complete, you'll be asked to upload your supporting documents. Make sure that your scans show the documents clearly and that nothing is obscured. Otherwise, there could be delays with your application.
- Pay: The final step of your visa application process is to pay the fee. This can be done online using a credit card or debit card, and you will be emailed a copy of your receipt.
Now, all you have to do is wait. This shouldn't take longer than five business days as a general rule, and as long as there aren't any issues with your application form, your tourist visa will be emailed to you.
Print this immediately and keep it safe, as you'll need to present it when you reach Papua New Guinea.
What Happens if I Attempt to Travel to Papua New Guinea Without a Visa?
Papua New Guinea has some very strict laws in place for those who try to enter the country without a visa, including fines, deportation, re-entry bans, and even jail. With this in mind, it's extremely important that you apply for your visa ahead of your trip.
It's also important that you use the correct portal for your visitor entry permit application, as there are some websites that have been reported for providing fraudulent visas to Papua New Guinea. Make sure you use the ICSA Papua New Guinea Visa Portal to avoid this and ensure your visa application is legally correct.
Final Thoughts
Compared to some other countries, applying for a visa for Papua New Guinea from Australia is a pretty straightforward process, as long as you have the correct documents in place and you use the right website to apply.
Do not attempt to risk it and enter Papua New Guinea without a visa, as this could lead to some serious problems with the authorities, including prosecution and imprisonment! Plan ahead, get your visa early, and you'll be on your way to the holiday of your dreams!
It's also a good idea to get your currency sorted before you leave for Papua New Guinea. Head over to one of Crown Currency Exchange's locations and speak to a member of our friendly and knowledgeable team about buying Papua New Guinea Kina (PGK). They'll give you a great deal, without the additon of any commissions or fees.
