Papua New Guinea

When traveling to Papua New Guinea, your nationality and the types of activities you will conduct during your trip will determine whether you may travel lawfully as a business visitor or if you require a work permit. Please seek advice from your immigration counsel if you are uncertain about the specific types of activities that constitute business or work.

What types of activities may I engage in as a business visitor?

As a business visitor to Papua New Guinea, you may engage in the activities below. While this list is not exhaustive and other activities could qualify as business, you may:

• » Attend business and sales meetings
• » Buy and sell goods and services in Papua New Guinea
• » Conduct exploratory business visits
• » Explore business opportunities

If I qualify as a business visitor, do I need a visa for Papua New Guinea?

Most foreign nationals, including nationals of the United States and the European Union member states, are required to obtain a Business Entry Permit from a Papua New Guinea Consulate or Embassy prior to travel. Only travelers who hold an Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Business Travel Card endorsed with the statement “valid for travel to PNG” are eligible for visa waiver status, which allows visitors to enter and conduct business activities in Papua New Guinea. Please obtain an individual assessment prior to travel to determine your eligibility for a visa waiver.

What types of activities require a work permit?

The activities below, whether paid or unpaid, generally constitute work under Papua New Guinea law. This list is not exhaustive, and many other professional activities are considered work in Papua New Guinea, even if conducted for a short duration.

• » Facility tours
• » Performing audits
• » Hands-on technical work

Foreign nationals seeking to engage in short-term emergency work activities may be eligible to apply for the Restricted Employment Visa (REV), though additional eligibility criteria will apply. An individual assessment is required before deciding whether the REV is appropriate.

If I am traveling to Papua New Guinea for work, what type of work permit do I need?

The requirements for a work permit depend on your qualifications, on the nature and duration of your work, and on whether your employer has an entity in Papua New Guinea. The most common types of work permits for Papua New Guinea are:

• » Short-Term Work Permit and Employment Visa (short-term work permit for work up to six months)
• » Work Permit and Working Resident Employment Visa (long-term work permit for local contract or assignment work)

Is it possible to be exempted from work permit requirements?

Some categories of foreign nationals are exempt from work permit requirements, including those who have been granted permanent residency and employees of certain aid organizations. In these cases, a legal assessment to determine the possibilities for work permit exemptions should be obtained prior to traveling. Please contact your immigration counsel for an individual assessment or for more information regarding the exemptions available.

Inevitably, the legal and strategic considerations impacting visa selection, as well as visa waiver and work authorization eligibility, entail the careful consideration of many factors. We recommend that you consult with your immigration counsel before taking any course of action.

Copyright © 2021 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. Government immigration agencies often change their policies and practices without notice; please consult an immigration professional for up-to-date information. This document does not constitute legal advice or create an attorney-client relationship. BAL maintains comprehensive immigration information and processing specifics for our clients.