Papua New Guinea has released an updated list of 28 countries whose citizens are eligible for a visa on arrival in 2026, according to an official statement from the government. The policy allows travelers from these nations to apply for and receive a visa after arriving in the country, rather than securing one before departure.
Eligible Countries for Visa on Arrival
The full list of countries whose citizens qualify for the Papua New Guinea visa on arrival includes: Canada, China, United Arab Emirates, Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, Indonesia, Japan, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Nauru, New Caledonia, Palau, Samoa, Singapore, Solomon Islands, State of Israel, Tonga, Tuvalu, United Kingdom, Vanuatu, French Polynesia, Wallis and Futuna, Cook Islands, Niue, Tokelau, American Samoa, Guam, and Northern Mariana Islands.
Exemptions and Restrictions
The Papua New Guinea government also confirmed that citizens of certain countries are not eligible for the visa-on-arrival privilege. According to the official website: "Mainland New Zealand, French and United States of America are not eligible for VOA." This means travelers from New Zealand (mainland), France, and the United States must obtain a visa before traveling to Papua New Guinea.
Context and Similar Policies
This update comes as part of Papua New Guinea's broader efforts to streamline entry procedures for tourists and business visitors. The policy is similar to visa-free arrangements adopted by other nations. For instance, Liberia recently released a list of 12 African countries whose citizens can enter Liberia without a visa, primarily ECOWAS member states. Travelers from countries not on that list must meet Liberia's standard visa requirements.
The Papua New Guinea government advises all travelers to check the latest visa policies on official channels before planning their trips, as rules may change. The visa-on-arrival system is designed to facilitate easier access for eligible nationals while maintaining border security.
