Papua New Guinea Arrival Card — PNGDAC in English
Since 1 October 2025, the PNG Digital Arrival Card (PNGDAC) is mandatory to enter Papua New Guinea. Complete your declaration in English with ArrivalCards before departing for Port Moresby or Lae.
Welcome to Papua New Guinea
Preparing well for a trip to Papua New Guinea also means anticipating administrative formalities. Since 1 October 2025, the arrival form has been modernised with the introduction of the PNG Digital Arrival Card (PNGDAC), managed by the PNG Immigration & Citizenship Service Authority (PNGICSA). Papua New Guinean authorities regularly remind travellers that this step is mandatory — the PNGDAC is not optional. Since August 2026, airlines verify completion before issuing boarding passes. Failure to comply before departure can result in denied boarding or complications on arrival.
Required before departure
PNGDAC: why airlines check your declaration before boarding
The PNG Digital Arrival Card is not a form to fill in on arrival. Papua New Guinean authorities regularly remind travellers it is mandatory — and since August 2026, airlines enforce it.
Launched on 1 October 2025, the PNGDAC replaces the paper Incoming Passenger Card once handed out on the plane. Initially presented as a way to speed up border controls, it has become a systematic requirement before departure.
The August 2026 turning point: the PNG Immigration & Citizenship Service Authority (PNGICSA) instructed all international airlines, ground handlers and check-in staff to verify that every passenger has completed their PNGDAC before issuing a boarding pass.
Practical consequence: arriving at your departure airport without a completed PNGDAC risks denied boarding — even though self-service kiosks remain available at Jacksons International (POM) for latecomers on arrival.
Remember
Treat the PNGDAC as a mandatory travel document, alongside your passport and ticket. Complete it within 72 hours before arrival, before heading to the airport.
When should I complete the PNGDAC?
The form can only be submitted within 72 hours before your arrival in Papua New Guinea — not earlier. For a often remote destination with layovers and time zones, this tight window requires careful planning.
Earliest
72 hours before arrival time in Papua New Guinea
Optimal
Between 24 and 48 hours before arrival
Latest
At least 1 hour before boarding
Strict 72-hour window
PNGDAC: managing the deadline on a long-haul flight
One of the main difficulties with the PNGDAC is its tight timing: the form can only be submitted within 72 hours before arrival. For a remote destination with layovers and time zones, this short window requires real organisation.
The system rejects early submissions: if you try to complete the PNGDAC a week ahead « just to be safe », the pngdac.ica.gov.pg platform refuses the submission. You must wait for the legal window to open.
The window runs from local arrival time in Papua New Guinea, not from your initial flight's departure time. With a Paris → Port Moresby flight via Singapore or Brisbane (24 to 30 hours of travel), it is tempting to submit too early — or, conversely, to wait until departure day and suffer airport Wi-Fi stress.
The ArrivalCards solution: send us your documents in advance. Our experts verify your file and submit your declaration accurately as soon as the legal window opens, giving you a stress-free departure.
Practical tip
Set a reminder for 70 hours before your arrival in Port Moresby. If you have a long layover (Brisbane, Singapore, Manila), that is the ideal time to submit with stable Wi-Fi.
Who must complete the PNGDAC?
The PNGDAC applies universally to all passengers entering Papua New Guinea. No exemptions are granted.
Papua New Guinean citizens returning home
Nationals of Papua New Guinea returning from abroad must complete the PNGDAC like any other traveller, with no nationality-based exemption.
Permanent residents
Permanent residents established in the country are subject to the same requirement as foreign visitors.
All foreign nationals
Regardless of purpose — tourism, business, Kokoda Track trekking, humanitarian missions — the PNGDAC is mandatory.
Children and infants
Each traveller, including children and infants, must have their own declaration. A parent or legal guardian completes the form on behalf of each minor.
Group declarations
The official platform allows group submission for up to 10 travellers. Each person in the group must nevertheless be declared individually.
Customs and health
Customs and health declarations: the strictest part of the PNGDAC
Beyond personal and travel data, the PNGDAC platform includes a very strict customs and health section. An inaccurate declaration can lead to thorough checks on arrival.
Goods and currency: you must accurately declare items you are bringing into the country, as well as the amount of foreign currency carried. Papua New Guinea protects its ecosystem and economic sovereignty through rigorous controls.
Food and specific equipment: hiking gear (Kokoda Track, Highlands treks), food products and professional equipment must be declared. Expedition travellers are particularly affected.
Recent travel history: the platform asks for countries visited in the 2 weeks before arrival — a health and border control measure.
Important
Prepare a list of your baggage and equipment before starting the form. If plans change, the PNGDAC can be updated online before arrival.
Required Information Table
| INFORMATION TO PROVIDE | PERSONAL DATA |
|---|---|
| PERSONAL DATA | First name, Last name, Date of birth, Sex, Nationality, Passport number, Expiry date, Occupation, Means of subsistence for your stay |
| TRIP | Date and time of arrival, Country of origin, Purpose of travel, Countries visited in the past 2 weeks |
| TRANSPORT | By air: origin airport and flight number. By sea: origin port and ship name (or voyage/cruise number) |
| ACCOMMODATION | Full address of accommodation, City, Exact contact details (phone, email) |
| CUSTOMS AND HEALTH DECLARATIONS | Goods being imported, currency amounts, food and equipment (hiking gear), health declarations |
Common PNGDAC mistakes
Papua New Guinean authorities regularly remind travellers that the PNGDAC is mandatory. Here are the most frequent mistakes.
Waiting until departure day
Leaving it to the last minute exposes you to poor airport Wi-Fi, temporary platform issues or last-minute stress — with risk of denied boarding.
Submitting too early (D-7, D-5)
The system only accepts the PNGDAC within 72 hours before arrival. Any earlier submission will be rejected.
Passport data not matching the MRZ
A mismatch between the name entered and the passport machine-readable zone can block validation or delay immigration checks.
Incomplete accommodation address
A vague address without contact details is a common cause of rejection or additional questions on arrival.
Forgetting the PNGDAC for children
Each traveller, including infants, must have their own declaration. A parent's form does not cover children.
Arriving in Papua New Guinea with the PNGDAC
Once your application is validated, you receive a confirmation email containing a summary PDF with a unique QR code. This document is your official pass at the border.
- 1
Boarding check
Since August 2026, airlines (Air Niugini, Qantas, Philippine Airlines…) verify that your PNGDAC is completed before issuing your boarding pass.
- 2
Immigration presentation
Present your passport and PNGDAC confirmation (PDF on smartphone or printed copy) to immigration officers at Port Moresby, Lae or any other international entry point.
- 3
Customs and health checks
Online declarations are cross-checked with your baggage. Undeclared goods, currency and equipment may be penalised.
- 4
Kiosks at Jacksons International (POM)
Self-service kiosks remain available at Port Moresby airport for travellers who did not complete the PNGDAC online — but pre-departure completion is now required by airlines.
About the PNGDAC
What is the PNG Digital Arrival Card (PNGDAC)?
The PNGDAC (Papua New Guinea Digital Arrival Card) is the official electronic arrival declaration required by Papua New Guinea authorities for all travellers entering the country. Designed to replace the traditional paper disembarkation card once handed out on the plane, it streamlines border controls. The form can only be submitted within 72 hours before your arrival.
Universal requirement: no exemptions granted
This requirement applies universally to all passengers crossing the country's borders. It applies equally to Papua New Guinean citizens returning from abroad, permanent residents established in the country, and all foreign nationals, regardless of the purpose of their stay. Your passport or residence status does not exempt you from presenting the digital receipt on arrival.
Which entry points are covered?
The PNGDAC applies to all international entry points in Papua New Guinea: Port Moresby (POM — Jacksons International Airport), Lae (LAE), Mount Hagen (HGU), Goroka (GKA), Rabaul (RAB), Wewak (WWK), as well as international seaports.
PNGDAC validity
The PNGDAC confirmation is tied to a specific trip and arrival date.
Duration
Valid for the declared arrival only
Entries
One PNGDAC per entry into Papua New Guinea
Extension
Can be updated online before arrival if travel details change
Exit
Not applicable on departure — the PNGDAC covers entry only
Places to visit in Papua New Guinea
Papua New Guinea
The Kokoda Track, a historic Second World War trail through the Owen Stanley Range, attracts hikers and history enthusiasts. A demanding experience in the heart of the tropical jungle.
Port Moresby, the capital and international gateway, hosts the National Museum, Varirata National Park and waterfront craft markets. The starting point for the Highlands and the north coast.
The Sepik River, one of the country's largest river systems, offers cruises between traditional villages, sculptures and initiation rites. A unique immersion in Melanesian culture.
Rabaul, on the Gazelle Peninsula in New Britain, is famous for its volcanoes, sheltered bay and German colonial history. Diving, snorkelling and Second World War sites.
The Trobriand Islands, off the south-east coast, are renowned for traditional dances, kula exchanges and pristine beaches. A remote archipelago for travellers seeking authenticity.
Document Timeline
History and evolution of the document.
Before 2025
Travellers complete the paper Incoming Passenger Card (IPC), handed out on the plane or on arrival.
Before 2025
Travellers complete the paper Incoming Passenger Card (IPC), handed out on the plane or on arrival.
1 October 2025
Official launch of the PNG Digital Arrival Card (PNGDAC) by the PNG Immigration & Citizenship Service Authority (PNGICSA), at pngdac.ica.gov.pg.
1 October 2025
Official launch of the PNG Digital Arrival Card (PNGDAC) by the PNG Immigration & Citizenship Service Authority (PNGICSA), at pngdac.ica.gov.pg.
October 2025 – July 2026
The PNGDAC is encouraged before arrival to streamline checks. Self-service kiosks are deployed at Jacksons International Airport (POM).
October 2025 – July 2026
The PNGDAC is encouraged before arrival to streamline checks. Self-service kiosks are deployed at Jacksons International Airport (POM).
6 August 2026
PNGICSA instructs all international airlines to verify the PNGDAC before issuing boarding passes.
6 August 2026
PNGICSA instructs all international airlines to verify the PNGDAC before issuing boarding passes.
August 2026
Air Niugini and other carriers remind passengers that the PNGDAC is mandatory before departure, within 72 hours of arrival.
August 2026
Air Niugini and other carriers remind passengers that the PNGDAC is mandatory before departure, within 72 hours of arrival.
Consequences of a missing or invalid PNGDAC
The PNGDAC is not optional. Failure to comply before departure can have immediate consequences.
Denied boarding pass
Denied boarding pass
Since August 2026, airlines verify the PNGDAC before issuing boarding passes. Without confirmation, you cannot board.
Delays and stress at the departure airport
Delays and stress at the departure airport
Completing the PNGDAC on your phone at check-in at the last minute can cause you to miss your flight if the platform is slow or the connection unstable.
Complications on arrival
Complications on arrival
Without a valid declaration, your immigration processing may be delayed or refused, despite kiosks being available in Port Moresby.
Customs penalties
Customs penalties
Inaccurate declarations on goods, currency or equipment can lead to thorough checks and penalties at the border.
A reliable and secure service.
Processing Time
Your arrival card is typically processed within 24 hours. We recommend applying at least 3 days before your travel date.
Requirements
Valid passport with at least 6 months validity, recent passport photo, travel itinerary, and accommodation details.
Fees
The service fee is €29 incl. tax per arrival card issued, excluding any consular fees. This covers form translation, application verification, and customer support.
Frequently Asked Questions — Papua New Guinea
What is the PNG Digital Arrival Card (PNGDAC)?
The PNGDAC is the official electronic arrival declaration required by Papua New Guinea authorities. Launched on 1 October 2025, it replaces the paper disembarkation card and generates a PDF confirmation with QR code to present at immigration.
Is the PNGDAC mandatory?
Yes. The PNGDAC is mandatory for all travellers entering Papua New Guinea — citizens, permanent residents and foreign nationals. No exemptions are granted. Since August 2026, airlines verify completion before boarding.
How do I complete the PNGDAC online?
You can complete your PNGDAC through ArrivalCards. The form requests personal data, passport details, transport information, accommodation and customs/health declarations. The PDF confirmation with QR code is emailed to you.
When should I complete the PNGDAC?
The PNGDAC must be submitted within 72 hours before arrival in Papua New Guinea — and not earlier. Waiting until departure day exposes you to connection issues, platform problems or denied boarding.
Does the PNGDAC replace a visa?
No. The PNGDAC is not a visa. You must still meet all entry and visa requirements for your nationality. The arrival declaration is a separate, mandatory formality.
How much does the PNGDAC cost?
Submission on the official portal pngdac.ica.gov.pg is free. On ArrivalCards, the service fee is €29 incl. VAT per arrival card issued, covering translation, file verification and customer support.
Is the PNGDAC required for children?
Yes, each traveller — including children and infants — must have their own PNGDAC. A parent or legal guardian completes the form on behalf of each minor.
Can I submit a declaration for a group?
Yes, the official platform allows group submission for up to 10 travellers. Each person must nevertheless be declared individually with their own passport data.
What happens if I have not completed the PNGDAC before boarding?
Since August 2026, airlines may refuse to issue your boarding pass. Kiosks remain available at Port Moresby airport (POM), but completing the PNGDAC before departure is now the norm.
Is the form available in my language?
The official portal pngdac.ica.gov.pg is in English only. ArrivalCards offers a translated, simplified form in 9 languages.
How It Works
Simple, fast, and stress-free.
Fill in the online form
Complete our secure form with your personal information and travel details
Receive your arrival card by email
We process your application and send your electronic arrival card directly to your inbox
Present your card upon arrival
Upon arrival, simply present your electronic card to immigration authorities