Visa Free Countries for Papua New Guinea: A Comprehensive Guide

As of 2024, Papua New Guinean citizens enjoy visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 85 countries and territories worldwide. This article provides a detailed overview of the visa-free travel options available to Papua New Guinean passport holders, including entry requirements, stay durations, and important considerations for international travel.

Passport Ranking and Global Mobility

The Papua New Guinean passport ranks 59th in the world according to the Henley Passport Index, tied with the Chinese passport. This ranking reflects the number of destinations Papua New Guinean citizens can access without obtaining a visa in advance. While not among the most powerful passports globally, it still offers considerable travel freedom compared to many other nations.

Visa-Free Countries for Papua New Guinean Citizens

Papua New Guinean passport holders can enjoy visa-free access to several countries across different continents. Here’s a comprehensive list of destinations where Papua New Guinean citizens can travel without obtaining a visa in advance:

Oceania and Asia

1. Fiji (4 months)
2. Hong Kong (90 days)
3. Israel (90 days)
4. Kiribati (90 days)
5. Malaysia (30 days)
6. Micronesia (30 days)
7. Philippines (30 days)
8. Samoa (60 days)
9. Singapore (30 days)
10. Thailand (60 days)
11. Vanuatu (120 days)

Americas and Caribbean

1. Antigua and Barbuda (6 months)
2. Bahamas (3 months)
3. Colombia (90 days)
4. Dominica (6 months)
5. Dominican Republic (30 days)
6. Ecuador (90 days)
7. Grenada (3 months)
8. Haiti (90 days)
9. Jamaica
10. Panama (90 days)
11. Peru (90 days)
12. Saint Kitts and Nevis (3 months)
13. Saint Vincent and the Grenadines (3 months)

Africa

1. Angola (30 days)
2. Botswana (90 days)
3. Eswatini (30 days)
4. Gambia (90 days)
5. Lesotho (90 days)
6. Malawi (90 days)
7. Mauritius (180 days)
8. Rwanda (30 days)
9. Tanzania (3 months)

Europe

1. United Kingdom and Crown dependencies (6 months)

Visa on Arrival and eVisa Options

In addition to visa-free destinations, Papua New Guinean citizens can obtain visas on arrival or eVisas for several countries, further expanding their travel options:

Visa on Arrival

1. Armenia (120 days)
2. Bahrain (14 days)
3. Bangladesh (90 days)
4. Bolivia (90 days)
5. Burundi (1 month)
6. Cambodia (30 days)
7. Cape Verde
8. Comoros (45 days)
9. Egypt (30 days)
10. Guinea-Bissau (90 days)
11. Indonesia (30 days)
12. Laos (30 days)
13. Madagascar (60 days)
14. Maldives (30 days)
15. Marshall Islands (90 days)
16. Mauritania
17. Mozambique (30 days)
18. Nepal (90 days)
19. Nicaragua (90 days)
20. Palau (30 days)
21. Saint Lucia (6 weeks)
22. Senegal (90 days)
23. Seychelles (3 months with Electronic Border System)
24. Solomon Islands
25. Somalia (30 days)
26. Sri Lanka (30 days)
27. Timor-Leste (30 days)
28. Tonga (31 days)
29. Tuvalu (1 month)
30. Zimbabwe (30 days)

eVisa Options

1. Albania
2. Benin (30 days)
3. Djibouti (90 days)
4. Ethiopia (up to 90 days)
5. Gabon (90 days)
6. Georgia (30 days)
7. India (30 days)
8. Kenya (90 days with Electronic Travel Authorisation)
9. Kyrgyzstan (60 days)
10. Myanmar (28 days)
11. Nigeria (90 days)
12. Pakistan (3 months)
13. São Tomé and Príncipe (15 days)
14. Sierra Leone (3 months / 30 days)
15. South Sudan
16. Tajikistan (60 days)
17. Uganda (3 months)
18. Vietnam (90 days)
19. Zambia (90 days)

Important Considerations for Papua New Guinean Travelers

While visa-free travel offers great convenience, Papua New Guinean citizens should be aware of several factors that may affect their international journeys:

Passport Validity

Many countries require passports to be valid for at least six months beyond the intended stay. Always check the specific requirements for your destination before traveling.

Proof of Onward Travel

Some countries may require proof of onward travel, such as a return ticket or evidence of sufficient funds to purchase one. This is particularly common in Southeast Asian countries.

Length of Stay

While visa-free entry is possible, the duration of stay varies by country. Overstaying can result in fines, deportation, or future travel restrictions. Always adhere to the permitted length of stay.

Purpose of Visit

Visa-free travel typically applies to tourism, business meetings, or short-term visits. If you plan to work, study, or engage in other activities, you may need to apply for a specific visa.

Health Requirements

Some countries require proof of vaccination, particularly for yellow fever. Many African countries require all incoming passengers older than nine months to one year to have a current International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis.

Criminal Record

Certain countries may deny entry to individuals with criminal records, even for visa-free travel.

APEC Business Travel Card

Papua New Guinea is a member of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum. Holders of an APEC Business Travel Card (ABTC) travelling on business do not require a visa to the following countries:

1. Australia (up to 90 days)
2. Brunei (59 days)
3. Chile (90 days)
4. China (60 days)
5. Hong Kong (60 days)
6. Indonesia (60 days)
7. Japan (90 days)
8. South Korea (90 days)
9. Malaysia (60 days)
10. Mexico (90 days)
11. New Zealand (90 days)
12. Peru (90 days)
13. Philippines (59 days)
14. Russia (90 days)
15. Singapore (60 days)
16. Taiwan (60 days)
17. Thailand (90 days)
18. Vietnam (60 days)

The card must be used in conjunction with a passport and has the following advantages:

• No need to apply for a visa or entry permit to APEC countries, as the card is treated as such (except by Canada and United States)
• Undertake legitimate business in participating economies
• Expedited border crossing in all member economies, including transitional members

Dependent and Autonomous Territories

Papua New Guinean citizens should be aware of specific entry requirements for dependent and autonomous territories:

1. French Polynesia: Visa not required for 90 days
2. New Caledonia: Visa not required for 90 days
3. Wallis and Futuna: Visa not required for 90 days
4. Cook Islands: Visa not required for 31 days
5. Niue: Visa not required for 30 days
6. Anguilla: Visa not required for 3 months
7. Bermuda: Visa not required for 6 months
8. British Virgin Islands: Visa not required for 6 months
9. Cayman Islands: Visa not required for 6 months
10. Gibraltar: Visa not required for 6 months
11. Montserrat: Visa not required for 6 months
12. Pitcairn Islands: Visa not required for 14 days
13. Guam: Visa not required for 45 days
14. Northern Mariana Islands: Visa not required for 45 days

Future Outlook for Papua New Guinean Passport Holders

The number of visa-free destinations for Papua New Guinean citizens has been gradually increasing over the years. As Papua New Guinea’s economic and diplomatic ties strengthen globally, there’s potential for further expansion of visa-free travel options in the future.

Conclusion

Papua New Guinean passport holders enjoy visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to a diverse range of countries across Oceania, Asia, the Americas, Caribbean, Africa, and parts of Europe. While this offers significant travel freedom, it’s crucial to research specific entry requirements, stay durations, and any recent changes in immigration policies before embarking on international travel.

By staying informed and prepared, Papua New Guinean citizens can make the most of their global mobility opportunities and explore the world with greater ease. Always check with the respective embassies or consulates for the most up-to-date information, as visa policies can change without notice.

Remember that visa-free access is a privilege, and travelers should always respect local laws and customs when visiting foreign countries. By doing so, Papua New Guinean citizens can continue to enjoy and potentially expand their visa-free travel options in the future.

Citations: [1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Visa_requirements_for_Papua_New_Guinean_citizens [2] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Visa_requirements_for_Papua_New_Guinean_citizens