Travelling to Papua New Guinea in 2026: What Travelers Need to Know

Papua New Guinea (PNG) offers uncrowded reef breaks, rich culture, and raw tropical beauty.

If you are planning a surf trip in 2026, here is your essential guide to entry requirements, logistics, safety, and local etiquette.

For the latest official Government Travel Advice see the following; Australia – Smartraveller.

Entry Requirements & Visas for 2026

PNG requires a valid visa for most visitors and has introduced a digital arrival process to streamline entry.

1. Passport Validity

Your passport should have at least six months’ validity from your date of arrival in Papua New Guinea.

2. Visa (Apply Before Travel)

How to apply for PNG eVisa – read here for the full procedure.

Most tourists should apply online in advance via the official PNG Immigration & Citizenship Authority (ICA) eVisa portal:
https://evisa.ica.gov.pg/evisa/

Visa categories, fees, and eligible nationalities vary; confirm details on the official site before you book flights.

3. PNG Digital Arrival Card (PNGDAC)

The Papua New Guinea Digital Arrival Card replaces the paper arrival card (effective 1 Oct 2025). Submit it within 72 hours before arrival to speed up processing, especially if you have tight connections.

• Submit online: pngdac.ica.gov.pg
• What you’ll enter: Personal, travel, and declaration details
• After submitting: Review, submit, and receive a confirmation email
• On arrival: Present your confirmation with your passport to an officer
• If you didn’t submit in advance: Use the self-service kiosks at Jacksons International Airport (Port Moresby)

The PNGDAC is not a visa. Complete both your eVisa and PNGDAC before departure for the smoothest entry.

4. CCDA “Green Fee” (Carbon/Climate Departure Fee)

A K50 “Green Fee” is charged to foreign passport holders when departing PNG, payable at a Green Fee counter in the departure hall at Jacksons International Airport. This fee is administered by the Climate Change and Development Authority (CCDA) in partnership with the National Airports Corporation and supports climate programs.

• Amount: K50 per person (non-PNG citizens)
• Where to pay: Green Fee counter in the departure hall at Jacksons International Airport
• Exemptions: PNG passport holders, children under 12, airline/ship crew, certain official/military travellers, and transit passengers under 12 hours

⚙️ Essential Travel Logistics

Transportation

Distances can be large and roads remote.

Domestic flights connect Port Moresby with local airports in Kavieng (New Ireland) and Vanimo.

Connectivity (SIM Card & Wi-Fi)

• Mobile providers: Digicel (widest coverage), Telikom PNG, and bmobile-Vodafone serve major towns and many coastal areas.
• Where to buy: Airport kiosks and town stores; bring your passport for registration.
• Plans: Prepaid data bundles are common; coverage outside towns can be limited.

Electricity (Plugs and Voltage)

• Voltage: 240V
• Frequency: 50Hz
• Plug Type: Type I (three flat pins)

Bring a suitable Type I adapter. Most modern electronics are dual-voltage and will only need the adapter.

️ Safety & Health

General Safety

PNG is adventurous and welcoming, but requires extra situational awareness, especially in cities and at night.

• Transfers: Use pre-arranged, reputable transport. Avoid walking after dark in unfamiliar areas.
• Money & ATMs: Use bank-branch ATMs where possible; keep valuables out of sight.
• Guides: For remote areas and surf missions, Perfect Wave will connect you with established operators who know local conditions and communities.

Health & Surf Safety

• Insurance: Ensure your policy covers surfing and medical evacuation.
• Reef awareness: Many breaks are over sharp coral; consider booties and carry basic first aid for cuts.
• Conditions: Check local forecasts and talk to operators about tides, rips, and access. Some spots are boat-only.
• Food & water: Choose reputable venues; drink bottled or filtered water if you’re unsure.

Cultural Etiquette

Respect local customs and land/reef ownership, which may be community-managed.

• Permission: Some breaks require access agreements via local surf clubs or operators. Perfect Wave has established relationships with Surf Association PNG, and your package will include the surf fees.
• Dress & conduct: Modest attire in villages; always ask before photographing people.
• Community benefits: Many surf operations contribute to local projects. Support these where possible.

Surf Seasons & Where to Go

• Main season (Oct–Apr): North Pacific swells light up the north coast and islands. New Ireland, Vanimo, and Tupira are standouts.
• Boards & boats: Quality reef setups favor shortboards and step-ups; arrange boats and safety gear with licensed operators.
• Crowds: PNG is renowned for low surfer numbers; respect any local codes of conduct that keep it that way.