American passport holders need an electronic visa or travel authorisation to enter Papua New Guinea. What catches people out is the visa-on-arrival list: it exists, it is generous, and the United States is not on it — except for Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands.
Quick facts
The arrival list covers American Samoa, the Federated States of Micronesia, Kiribati, the Marshall Islands, Nauru, Palau, Samoa, Tonga, Tuvalu, the French territories of French Polynesia, Wallis and Futuna, and New Zealand passport holders including the Cook Islands, Niue and Tokelau.
Fees breakdown
| Item | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Tourist electronic visa | Published tariff | Single entry, leisure only |
| Business electronic visa | Published tariff | Business, conference, investment |
| Transit visa | Published tariff | Short validity |
| Long-term visa | Published tariff | Through the embassy |
| Visa on arrival | Charged at the airport | Eligible nationalities only |
The tourist electronic visa permits leisure travel only: no business, commercial or paid activity. Choosing the wrong category is a common and avoidable mistake.
How to apply
- Check whether your nationality qualifies for arrival entry or needs a visa beforehand.
- Choose the correct category, since tourist and business are not interchangeable.
- Apply through the official electronic visa system, not a reseller.
- For long-term categories, contact the embassy directly.
- Carry the printed approval, since airlines check it.
- Confirm health requirements and insurance for the region.
Required documents
- Passport valid well beyond the intended stay.
- Completed application and photograph.
- Return or onward ticket.
- Accommodation details.
- Evidence of funds where requested.
- Company or sponsor letters for business categories.
Where to apply
Online through the official system for most categories; at the embassy in Washington or the consulate general in Los Angeles for long-term ones.
No offices currently listed.
Additional notes
Only official channels
Several commercial sites resell Papua New Guinean electronic visas at a markup. The government system publishes the real price.
Health and remoteness
Malaria precautions and insurance covering evacuation are standard advice for travel outside the main towns, where medical facilities are limited.
Papua New Guineans need no visa
Citizens travel on their own passport. See the passport page for how to keep one current from abroad.
Verify close to travel
Entry categories and the arrival list have changed before. Confirm near the date.