PNG Visa

Hi everybody.

This is my first question here. My mate and I are heading to PNG in a couple months and we need to know if we can obtain our visas on arrival at Port Moresby. I have researched this and I have only found conflicting information. I have a USA passport and my friend has a UK passport.

If we can not get the visas on arrival, is there a PNG consulate in Cairns, Australia and will we have to show a return ticket. If we do have to show a return ticket, any ideas on a refundable ticket.

I guess that is potentially 3 questions depending on the answere to the first. Thanks very much for your reply.

Normally you would have to be able to get a visa on arrival.
Unfortunately PNG is one of those places where you certainly can't count on things to work "normally" at all times.
You will need a ticket out of the country to get the visa. Unfortunately this is a standard requirement in pretty much every country in the South Pacific.

You don't have to many options about that refundable ticket, as there is only a VERY limited choice of airlines serving PNG. Travel agents should be able to see conditions of tickets they sell you, including whether they are refundable.

thanks laszlo!

so if i understand you correctly..... i NORMALLY DO NOT need to get the visa before i leave for PNG and I should be able to (normally) get the visa IN port moresby airport UPON ARRIVAL, but i will need a return air ticket. Really i thought this was how most people were getting their visas, but maybe things have changed a bit.

i had heard that immigration at port moresby waives the return ticket or ticket out of the country if you are from the west and could show them some credit cards, travelers checks and/or cash, to prove that you have the money. Do you know anything about this?

Many thanks again for your help!

I don't know of anyone being checked for an onward ticket at Port Moresby when passing through immigration. You may get asked when checking in for your flight to PNG though.

I don't think it should prevent you from entering the country though.

thanks PNGMangi!

so can i get the visa at the airport on arrival in port moresby or do i have to get it before i leave. the embassy here in canberra wants me to get a return ticket before i can get the visa, so i was hoping the rules are a bit more relaxed at the airport in port moresby and i would just get the visa there, assuming of course i am able to get on the plane to PNG without the visa in my passport.

many thanks!

As long as you are eligible to get a VOA then you should be ok.

Bonifide tourists should not have a problem.