Assessing Travel and Visa Obligations

Whether you can travel lawfully as a business visitor or require work authorization depends on the types of activities you will be conducting during your time in Papua New Guinea. In case you are unsure if your activities constitute business or work, please seek advice from your immigration counsel.

Traveling for Business

Business visitors traveling to Papua New Guinea may engage in the activities below. This list is not comprehensive and other activities may qualify as business.

• Attend business meetings
• Attend conferences
• Attend board meetings
• Conduct an exploratory business visit
• Participate in business negotiations

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

All foreign nationals require a visa to enter Papua New Guinea to conduct business activities. Business visitors that require a visa to enter Papua New Guinea must obtain an Entry Permit from a Papua New Guinean Consulate or Embassy, prior to travel. Some business travelers may be eligible to obtain a Visa on Arrival to Papua New Guinea; however, BAL recommends only relying on the Visa on Arrival for urgent travel.

Papua New Guinea is a member of the Asian Pacific Economic Council (APEC). Foreign nationals in possession of valid APEC Business Travel Cards (ABTC) endorsed with “Valid for travel to PNG” are permitted to enter Papua New Guinea without a visa to conduct business activities.

Working in Papua New Guinea

What sorts of activities require a work permit?

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

• Hands-on technical work
• Repairs and maintenance
• Project planning or implementation
• Marketing
• Auditing

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

Whether you require a work permit depends on your qualifications, whether your employer has an entity in Papua New Guinea, and the nature of your work. The most common type of work authorization for Papua New Guinea is the Work Permit & Entry Permit (skilled work permit ).

Are there any nationals who are exempt from work permit requirements?

There are no nationalities who are exempt from the work permit requirement in Papua New Guinea.

What else should I know?

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

Copyright © 2016 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.