PASSPORT holders from only selected countries can now access Visa on Arrival (VoA) at an authorized port of entry in Papua New Guinea, the Chief Migration Officer, Stan Hulahau announced earlier this week.
Based on the bilateral visa exemption agreements on reciprocal basis, the passport holders from Japan, State of Israel, Republic of Indonesia, People’s Republic of China, and all Member States of the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) countries can access visa on arrival at Jacksons International Airport in Port Moresby.
PNG has also signed bilateral visa agreements with the Republic of India and Republic of Korea and awaits ratification by the Parliament before these agreements can enter into force.
“I am pleased that the Government of Papua New Guinea is eventually opening up the VoA facility to selected countries that we have bilateral reciprocal arrangements with and soon we will be considering other countries who are eligible under the similar arrangements,” said the Chief Migration Officer.
Diplomatic and Official or Service passport holders from Japan, State of Israel, Republic of Indonesia and People’s Republic of China are eligible for VoA for either 30 or 60 days per visit.
Mr Hulahau said the VoA is not applicable to diplomat and officials who are officially engaged for a long term contract but only for those who visits for short-term engagements.
Ordinary passport holders from Israel can get a 60 days single or multiple entry visa on arrival for short term of stay of business or for tourism purposes.
Chinese tourists who holds ordinary passports and travels under registered and organized tour groups are eligible for a 30 days single entry visitor visa at no cost.
Mr Hulahau said the Papua New Guinea Government is reciprocating the same treatment to passport holders who are offering the same to PNG passport holders (either Diplomatic, Official or Standard).
The VoA facility has been forcefully suspended in 2019 following the Coronavirus Pandemic that forced the government to impose the strict entry requirements.
However, ICSA reopened the facility early this year to Member States of the MSG and is now further extending it to Japan, Israel, India, Indonesia, China and Korea.
The full details of the VoA is available on the website www.ica.gov.pg
