Papua New Guinea Visa Requirements For British Citizens (2025)

British citizens must have a visa to enter Papua New Guinea — visas on arrival are currently not available, and you must apply before traveling

Papua New Guinea Visa Requirements For British Citizens

Visa Type & Application

Easy Visitor Permit (e-Visa)

Single-entry permit, valid for either 30 or 60 days.
Costs USD 50 via PNG’s online portal.
You can choose your duration when applying, and enter within 6 months of issuance
Note: No extensions for the 30‑day permit; 60‑day permits may allow limited extensions

Other Visitor Visas

For tourism, visiting relatives, or group tours, there are specific visitor visa classes:

Tourist (own itinerary), tourist (tour package), visiting relatives, etc.
Applied via PNG embassy or consulate (e.g., London), with typical processing times ~4 business days in-person, or ~7 by mail

Key Requirements

Regardless of visa type:

Passport validity: must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your arrival date
Documents: completed application, passport bio data page, passport‑photo, proof of onward travel, evidence of sufficient funds. Visiting relatives visa also needs a sponsor letter and relative’s work permit
Health: Yellow fever vaccination certificate required if coming from an at-risk country.
Fees: e‑Visa typically USD 50; embassy application fees apply (e.g., £25 admin fee at London High Commission).

No Visa on Arrival (Currently)

Although Papua New Guinea historically allowed visa on arrival for UK passport holders, this has been suspended since March 2020 and remains suspended as of late 2023. Thus, you must obtain your visa in advance.

Quick Checklist for British Citizens:

Requirement	What You Need
Visa type	Easy Visitor Permit (e‑Visa) – 30 days or 60 days
Application	Online via PNG Immigration portal or via embassy/High Commission
Fees	~USD 50 (e‑Visa); embassy fees apply
Passport	Valid ≥ 6 months beyond travel date
Documents	Bio page copy, photo, travel itinerary, funds proof, onward ticket; sponsor letter for family visit
Health	Yellow fever certificate if applicable

Next Steps

Apply online via PNG Immigration’s e‑Visa portal — choose 30 or 60 day duration.
Prepare documents: passport scan, photo, written proof of funds, onward ticket.
Wait for approval (often processed within 48 hours to a few days).
Print or save PDF of your e‑Visa to present on arrival.
Enter PNG within 6 months of issuance and stay up to your permit length.

Does British Citizens Needs Visa To Travel To Papua New Guinea?

Yes — British citizens do need a visa before traveling to Papua New Guinea.

How Long Does It Takes For A British Citizen To Get Papua New Guinea Visa?

The processing time for a Papua New Guinea (PNG) visa for a British citizen typically depends on the type of visa being applied for and the method of application. Here’s a detailed breakdown:

Standard Tourist or Business Visa (eVisa)

British citizens are eligible to apply for a Papua New Guinea eVisa, which is the most common and convenient method for short-term visits.

Processing Time:
3 to 10 business days
This can vary depending on the volume of applications and whether all required documents are submitted correctly.
Where to apply:
Online via the official PNG Immigration and Citizenship Authority eVisa portal
Delivery:
The visa is sent by email once approved.

Urgent Applications

There is no official express service, but applicants needing urgent processing can try contacting the PNG Immigration Authority or the nearest PNG High Commission to request assistance or guidance.

Visa on Arrival (VOA) — Not Always Available

Papua New Guinea has previously allowed visa on arrival for certain nationalities, including the UK. However, due to periodic policy changes or COVID-related suspensions, this option is not always reliable or available.

Current recommendation:
Always apply in advance online or through an embassy to avoid delays or entry denial.

Applying through an Embassy or High Commission

If applying through a PNG diplomatic mission (e.g., in London), the processing time may be longer due to physical documentation handling.

Processing Time:
Around 7 to 15 working days, plus postage time.

Summary Table

Visa Type	Where to Apply	Processing Time
eVisa (Tourist/Business)	Online (evisa.ica.gov.pg)	3–10 business days
Embassy Application	PNG High Commission (e.g., UK)	7–15 business days
Visa on Arrival	Not guaranteed	Immediate (if available)

Tips to Speed Up the Process

Apply at least 2–3 weeks before travel.
Ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months.
Have a return ticket, hotel booking, and supporting documents ready.
Double-check all information before submitting your eVisa form.

What Do You Need As A British Citizen To Move To Papua New Guinea

Moving to Papua New Guinea (PNG) as a British citizen offers a chance to experience a country rich in cultural heritage, dramatic landscapes, and natural biodiversity. Whether you’re relocating for work, retirement, research, or personal adventure, transitioning to life in Papua New Guinea requires thoughtful planning and a deep understanding of its local environment, lifestyle, and practicalities. .

Papua New Guinea is one of the most culturally diverse nations in the world, home to over 800 languages and numerous ethnic groups. Life here is deeply tied to community traditions, tribal customs, and a slower pace of living than in most Western countries. As a British citizen, adapting to PNG’s way of life will involve embracing its local customs, rural environments, and a strong sense of community.

Major cities like Port Moresby (the capital), Lae, and Mount Hagen offer relatively modern facilities, but much of the country remains rural and underdeveloped. Infrastructure can be basic in remote areas, and access to services such as healthcare, banking, and internet can vary greatly depending on your location.

Where you decide to settle in Papua New Guinea depends on your goals. Port Moresby, despite safety concerns in certain districts, is the most developed urban center and offers better access to employment opportunities, international schools, embassies, and health services. Lae is PNG’s industrial and commercial hub, and may appeal to those involved in manufacturing or trade. Meanwhile, smaller towns and villages offer a more immersive cultural experience but come with limitations in services and amenities.

If you are moving for work, your employer may help you with housing arrangements. In urban centers, expats often live in secure compounds or gated communities due to security concerns. In rural areas, housing might be more basic, and electricity or clean water may not be consistent.

PNG’s cultural fabric is complex and vibrant. Each region and tribe has its own unique customs and social structures. As a newcomer, it’s essential to be open-minded and respectful of traditional practices. Learning Tok Pisin — one of PNG’s official languages — will go a long way in helping you communicate and connect with locals, especially outside major cities where English may not be widely spoken.

Building relationships with local communities and understanding customary norms — such as the importance of extended family, respect for elders, and village hierarchy — can greatly enhance your experience and ease your transition.

Healthcare in Papua New Guinea is limited, particularly in rural areas. While urban centers have hospitals and clinics, their facilities may not meet Western standards. Most expats and wealthier residents travel abroad, particularly to Australia or Singapore, for major medical procedures. Therefore, having international health insurance that includes medical evacuation is strongly advised.

Safety is another major consideration. Some areas in PNG experience high rates of petty crime, and in certain parts, tribal conflicts and lawlessness can present real danger. Most foreign residents take precautions such as avoiding travel after dark, using secure transportation, and staying in safe zones. Port Moresby, for example, has areas that are considered high-risk and should be avoided unless absolutely necessary.

Papua New Guinea’s economy is largely based on natural resources — including mining, agriculture, and forestry. Expats often move to PNG for jobs in these industries, as well as in education, healthcare, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and diplomatic services.

It is important to have employment secured before you move, as job opportunities for foreigners are generally limited to specialized roles not easily filled by the local workforce. Additionally, working in PNG often requires adapting to different business customs, slower timelines, and a less formalized structure compared to the UK.

If you’re moving with children, international education options are limited but available in urban areas. Schools such as the Port Moresby International School follow curricula based on Australian or British standards, offering a familiar academic environment for expat children. That said, waiting lists can be long, and tuition fees are high.

Family life in PNG can be deeply rewarding, especially if you enjoy outdoor activities, nature, and cultural experiences. However, adjusting to limited entertainment facilities and ensuring a safe environment for children may require some effort and creativity.

Shopping in PNG is different from what most British citizens are used to. Supermarkets in cities stock a mix of local and imported goods, but selection and availability can be inconsistent. Prices for imported items are typically high due to transport costs. Local markets are a great source for fresh produce and can also be an opportunity to interact with locals.

Transportation in PNG can be unreliable. Public transport options are limited and often unsafe. Most expats rely on private vehicles or company-provided transport. Roads can be in poor condition, especially during the rainy season.

Internet and mobile connectivity have improved in recent years but remain inconsistent in many parts of the country. It’s advisable to arrange for local SIM cards and assess the coverage area before settling in a particular location.

Papua New Guinea has a tropical climate with high humidity and consistent temperatures year-round. The country experiences heavy rainfall, particularly between December and March. Coastal areas are hot and humid, while the highlands can be cooler.

Living in PNG means being close to nature — from dense jungles and volcanic mountains to pristine beaches and coral reefs. It’s a paradise for nature lovers, offering opportunities for diving, trekking, bird watching, and exploring remote islands. However, the environment also poses risks, such as tropical diseases like malaria and dengue, so precautions are essential.

Conclusion

Moving to Papua New Guinea as a British citizen is both a challenge and an adventure. While it may lack the conveniences and infrastructure of more developed countries, it offers an extraordinary opportunity to live among some of the most unique cultures and environments on earth. Successful integration depends on openness, resilience, cultural sensitivity, and a genuine willingness to adapt. With the right mindset and preparation, life in PNG can be deeply rewarding and transformative