The Papua New Guinea Immigration and Citizenship Authority (ICA) has announced that starting October 1, 2025, it will launch a new digital arrival card, known as the “PNG Digital Arrival Card (PNG DAC)”. This new system will permanently replace the traditional paper form that passengers have been required to fill out before landing.
This shift to digital is part of a broader trend seen across the Asia-Pacific region, with countries like New Zealand, and more recently, Laos and Indonesia, embracing digital border processing to enhance both efficiency and security.
In addition to reducing paper usage, the PNG DAC is designed to improve pre-arrival data processing, shorten wait times at immigration counters, and create a smoother overall travel experience.
“Papua New Guinea is embracing new digital systems to strengthen our border security and make your journey smoother,” explains the ICA.
How to fill out the PNG DAC
The official website, pngdac.ica.gov.pg, will go live on September 27, 2025, just a few days ahead of the system’s official launch. This early access will allow travelers to familiarize themselves with the platform and complete the process before departure.
According to Papua New Guinea authorities, the digital arrival process involves four simple steps:
- Visit the website and start your application, no earlier than three days before arriving in Papua New Guinea.
- Enter your personal and travel information, including flight details, arrival date, and declarations. You’ll have the option to upload a photo of your passport’s biographical page to auto-fill some fields.
- Add information for accompanying travelers (family or travel companions), if applicable.
- Submit your application. A confirmation email will be sent, download and present it upon arrival.
If any details need to be updated before departure, travelers can simply log back into the site and make the necessary changes. “Is that easy?” says the ICA.
Papua New Guinea “is taking another step towards a digitally connected future”
In unveiling this reform, the ICA emphasized its commitment to improving the traveler experience.
“By introducing the PNGDAC, Papua New Guinea is taking another step towards a digitally connected future and making travel more efficient while keeping our border secure,” the ICA states. It adds that border agencies are “working to ensure your arrival is safe, welcoming, and seamless.”
It’s important to note that the PNG DAC does not replace the requirement for an electronic visa (e-Visa), which remains the official authorization for entry into the country. The digital arrival card is an additional step designed to streamline the arrival process by centralizing traveler information.
However, certain nationalities are eligible for visa-on-arrival privileges. Citizens of the following countries and territories can obtain a visa upon entry in PNG when traveling with a regular passport:
- American Samoa, Canada, Cook Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, French Polynesia (Tahiti), Guam, Israel, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Northern Mariana Islands, Nauru, New Caledonia, Palau, Niue, Samoa, Singapore, Solomon Islands, Tokelau, Tonga, Tuvalu, United Kingdom, Vanuatu, and Wallis and Futuna.
