Papua New Guinea Visa RequirementsFor United States passport holders
US citizens can obtain a visa on arrival in Papua New Guinea for $100, allowing a stay of up to 60 days. Papua New Guinea is one of the world's most culturally diverse and least-explored destinations.
United States passport holders can obtain a Visa on Arrival at Papua New Guinea ports of entry.
Visa on arrival is available at Port Moresby airport for US citizens. Fee: $100 USD. Valid for 60 days. Required: valid US passport (6+ months validity), passport photo, return/onward ticket, hotel confirmation, and sufficient funds. An e-visa is also available in advance through the PNG Immigration and Citizenship Authority (immigration.gov.pg). Pre-arrival e-visa is recommended to avoid queues.
Entry Requirements
Passport Validity
6 months beyond date of entry
Blank Pages
2 blank pages required
Multiple Entry
Single entry only
Work Permitted
No - requires work visa
Required Documents
Valid US Passport
Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your arrival date with at least 2 blank pages
Passport-size Photos
Two recent color photos (2x2 inches or 35x45mm). Bring extra copies as requirements may vary
Completed Arrival Card
Immigration arrival/departure card provided on flight or at port of entry
Proof of Accommodation
Hotel reservation, booking confirmation, or address where you will be staying
Return or Onward Flight Ticket
Confirmed flight booking showing departure from the country within visa validity
Visa Fee (Cash)
Payment for visa on arrival fee - bring exact amount in USD or local currency
Proof of Sufficient Funds Recommended
Cash, credit cards, or bank statements showing adequate funds for your stay
Travel Insurance Recommended
Recommended coverage for medical emergencies during your trip
Travel Essentials
Health & Safety
Safety Rating
Vaccinations
Hepatitis A and B, typhoid, rabies, malaria prophylaxis essential.
Tap Water
Bottled water recommended
Safety Tips
Exercise high caution in PNG. Crime rates are high, especially in Port Moresby and other urban areas. Avoid walking after dark. Use organized tours and trusted guides. Tribal conflicts occur in highlands.
Money & Costs
Currency
K Papua New Guinean Kina (PGK)
Daily Budget (USD)
Budget: $80 · Mid: $200 · Luxury: $500+
Tipping
Tipping is not traditional but appreciated for good service.
Practical Info
Power
Type I, 240V
Driving
Left side
Emergency
000 (all emergencies)
Getting There
Main Airports
Port Moresby (POM) · Lae (LAE) · Rabaul (RAB)
Culture & Travel Tips
Best Time to Visit
Papua New Guinea has a tropical climate with regional variations. The dry season (May-October) is generally best for travel, with better road conditions and more reliable inter-island flights. The Highlands region (Goroka, Mount Hagen) has cooler temperatures year-round due to altitude. The wet season (November-April) brings heavy rains that can disrupt transport. The Highlands Show in Goroka (September) and Mount Hagen Show (August) showcase spectacular traditional sing-sing performances with over 100 tribal groups displaying elaborate headdresses and costumes. Diving is excellent year-round with water temperatures always warm.
Cultural Notes
Papua New Guinea is the worlds most linguistically diverse country, with over 800 languages spoken by a population of about 9 million. This diversity reflects thousands of years of isolated development in rugged terrain. Traditional cultures remain vibrant - tribal identity, ancestor worship, and ceremonial practices continue in most communities. The sing-sing gatherings showcase elaborate body decoration, headdresses of bird-of-paradise feathers, and traditional dances. Clan and tribal loyalties are paramount; inter-group conflicts (sometimes violent) persist. Christianity has made significant inroads but often blends with traditional beliefs. The country gained independence from Australia in 1975 but faces challenges with governance and development. Hospitality within communities is strong once trust is established.
Insider Tips
Papua New Guinea is one of the worlds last frontiers - over 800 languages, countless undocumented species, and tribal cultures that remained isolated until the 20th century. Travel is challenging but rewarding for adventurous visitors. The Highlands shows are among the worlds most spectacular cultural events. World War II wrecks near Rabaul and along the Kokoda Track offer historical significance. Diving around Kimbe Bay and Milne Bay is world-class. Safety concerns exist - Port Moresby has high crime rates, and tribal conflicts occasionally flare. Travel with reputable operators or guides. Infrastructure is basic; domestic flights are essential but unreliable. The kina is the currency. English (pidgin and standard) is widely used.
Current Travel Situation
United States to Papua New Guinea: What You Need to Know
Papua New Guinea (PNG) occupies the eastern half of the island of New Guinea (the western half is Indonesian Papua) and is one of the most linguistically diverse countries on Earth, with over 800 languages spoken among approximately 9 million people. Jacksons International Airport (POM) in Port Moresby has connections from Brisbane and Cairns (Australia), Singapore, Hong Kong, Manila, and Honiara. Air Niugini is the national carrier. PNG is popular with serious adventurers, ornithologists, dive enthusiasts, and anthropologists. The US State Department advises Level 2 (Increased Caution) due to crime and civil unrest.
How to Get There
Brisbane (BNE) and Cairns (CNS) in Australia are the main hubs for Papua New Guinea connections. Air Niugini, Qantas, and Virgin Australia connect regularly. Singapore (SIN) has direct connections. From the US, typical routing is via Honolulu or Sydney to Brisbane, then to Port Moresby. Total travel time from the US East Coast is 24-30 hours.
Money & Banking
Papua New Guinea uses the Papua New Guinean Kina (PGK). USD is not widely accepted in daily commerce but can be exchanged at banks and hotels. ATMs are available in Port Moresby and Lae but may run out of cash. Most upscale lodges and dive operations price in USD or AUD. PNG is expensive for independent travelers; accommodation runs $80-200/night at decent lodges. Remote trekking and tribal experiences require organized tours ($200-500+/day).
Practical Tips
The Kokoda Track is a grueling 96 km World War II jungle trekking route through the Owen Stanley Range, one of the world's most historically significant and challenging treks (8-12 days). Bird of paradise species and birds of paradise displays are extraordinary in highland forests. Tufi Fjords on the northeastern coast offer some of the world's best scuba diving. The Sepik River basin supports extraordinary traditional cultures with elaborate spirit houses and wood carvings. The Mt. Wilhelm (highest peak in PNG at 4,509 m) hike requires guides. Singas and tribal festivals showcase PNG's incredible cultural diversity.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Papua New Guinea best known for?
Papua New Guinea is famous for extraordinary cultural diversity (800+ languages, traditional tribal cultures), world-class scuba diving (Tufi Fjords, Milne Bay, Kimbe Bay), birds of paradise, and the Kokoda Track (grueling WWII jungle trek). It is one of the world's last truly wild frontiers for adventurous travelers.
Is Papua New Guinea safe?
The US State Department advises Level 2 (Increased Caution) for Papua New Guinea due to crime, particularly in Port Moresby and Lae. Violent crime, carjacking, and armed robbery occur in urban areas. Tourist areas and organized tours are generally safer. Avoid walking in Port Moresby at night and use hotel-arranged transport. Remote areas are generally safer but require guides.
How long is the Kokoda Track?
The Kokoda Track (or Trail) is 96 km long, running through the Owen Stanley Range in central Papua New Guinea. It follows the route of fierce WWII battles between Australian and Japanese forces in 1942. The trek takes 8-12 days and is considered very challenging due to extreme terrain, heat, and humidity. A licensed guide is mandatory, and trekkers must obtain a permit.