The South Pacific nation has updated its visa rules, allowing citizens from 28 countries to obtain visas on arrival, aiming to simplify access for short-term visitors amidst shifting regional travel restrictions.
Papua New Guinea has updated its entry rules to allow citizens of 28 countries to obtain a visa on arrival, rather than applying before departure, according to the Papua New Guinea Immigration and Citizenship Authority. The measure applies under the country’s latest visa policy and is aimed at smoothing access for eligible travellers arriving at PNG ports of entry.
The list includes Canada, China, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, Japan, Singapore and several Pacific island nations, alongside French Polynesia, Wallis and Futuna, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands and American Samoa. The authority also makes clear that mainland New Zealand, France and the United States are not eligible for the visa-on-arrival scheme, despite appearing on similar regional travel lists elsewhere.
For visitors planning a short stay, the immigration authority says the standard visitor visa is generally issued for a single entry and allows up to 60 days from the date of arrival. Applicants are expected to show that they intend to leave Papua New Guinea at the end of their visit and may need to provide supporting documents.
The policy sits alongside a broader picture of mixed travel access for Papua New Guinean passport holders, with one recent mobility overview describing visa-free, visa-on-arrival and electronic authorisation options across different destinations, while also noting that many countries still require visas. That wider context underlines how closely Pacific travel rules continue to shift as governments adjust border arrangements and entry conditions.
Source Reference Map
Inspired by headline at: [1]
Sources by paragraph:
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Source: Noah Wire Services
Verification / Sources
- https://www.legit.ng/people/1720069-papua-guinea-publishes-list-28-countries-eligible-visa-arrival-2026/ – Please view link – unable to able to access data
- https://ica.gov.pg/visa-information/visa-on-arrival – The Papua New Guinea Immigration and Citizenship Authority (ICA) provides detailed information on the Visa on Arrival (VOA) policy. Citizens from 28 countries, including Canada, China, United Arab Emirates, and the United Kingdom, are eligible for VOA. The policy specifies that mainland New Zealand, France, and the United States are not eligible for VOA. The ICA outlines the requirements and conditions for obtaining a VOA, ensuring travellers are informed about the necessary documentation and procedures before arrival.
- https://ica.gov.pg/visa/visit/visitor – The ICA’s official website offers comprehensive details about the Visitor Visa for Papua New Guinea. This visa is intended for individuals and groups visiting for holidays, sightseeing, or to visit friends and family. The website specifies that in most circumstances, the Visitor Visa is valid for a single-entry stay of 60 days from the date of arrival. Applicants are required to demonstrate their intent to leave Papua New Guinea at the end of their stay and may need to provide supporting evidence for their application.
- https://visaxs.com/passport/papua-new-guinea – VISAXS provides an overview of the Papua New Guinea passport’s global ranking and mobility. As of July 2026, the passport ranks 115th globally, with a mobility score of 94.7. It offers visa-free access to 38 countries, visa-on-arrival to 32 countries, and e-Visa or Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) access to 43 countries. The website also lists 85 countries where a visa is required for Papua New Guinea passport holders, offering a comprehensive view of the passport’s international standing.
- https://www.visaandembassy.com/en/passport/papua-new-guinea – Visa and Embassy provides a detailed guide on the Papua New Guinea passport’s global visa policy as of December 2025. The guide categorises countries by visa requirements, including visa-free, eVisa, and visa-on-arrival access. It lists 28 countries where Papua New Guinea citizens can obtain a visa upon arrival, such as Canada, China, United Arab Emirates, and the United Kingdom. The guide also highlights countries where a visa is required, offering a comprehensive overview of the passport’s international mobility.
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cF2t2tkRK1I – This YouTube video provides an overview of the countries where Papua New Guinea passport holders can travel without a prior visa requirement or can obtain one upon arrival or through Electronic Travel Authority (ETA). As of 2025, the video lists 86 countries and territories accessible to Papua New Guinea citizens, including destinations in Africa, Asia, Europe, North America, Oceania, and South America. The video serves as a visual guide to understanding the global mobility of Papua New Guinea passport holders.
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2026_in_Papua_New_Guinea – The Wikipedia page for ‘2026 in Papua New Guinea’ provides a chronological account of events and developments in the country for the year 2026. It includes information on incumbents, national government officials, provincial governors, and significant events that occurred throughout the year. The page also lists public holidays observed in Papua New Guinea during 2026, offering a comprehensive overview of the country’s political and cultural landscape for that year.
Noah Fact Check Pro
The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first
emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed
below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may
warrant further investigation.
Freshness check
Score: 8
Notes: The article was published on 18 July 2026, which is within the past week, indicating freshness. However, the content is based on a press release from the Papua New Guinea Immigration and Citizenship Authority, which typically warrants a high freshness score. (ica.gov.pg)
Quotes check
Score: 7
Notes: The article includes direct quotes from the Papua New Guinea Immigration and Citizenship Authority’s official website. While these quotes are directly sourced, they cannot be independently verified as originating from the press release. (ica.gov.pg)
Source reliability
Score: 6
Notes: The article originates from Legit.ng, a Nigerian news outlet. While it is a known publication, it is not a major international news organisation, which may affect the perceived reliability. Additionally, the content is based on a press release from the Papua New Guinea Immigration and Citizenship Authority, which is a primary source but may have its own biases. (ica.gov.pg)
Plausibility check
Score: 9
Notes: The claims about Papua New Guinea’s visa-on-arrival policy are plausible and align with existing information. The list of eligible countries matches those previously reported. (ica.gov.pg)