Papua New Guinea: PNGDAC Digital Entry Card Now Required Before Departure

Since an announcement by the Immigration and Citizenship Services Authority (ICSA) on August 6, 2026, the PNG Digital Arrival Card (PNGDAC) has been subject to significantly stricter controls in Papua New Guinea. Airlines, ground handling services, and check-in staff have been instructed to verify at the departure airport whether travelers have fully completed the digital arrival card—before a boarding pass is issued. This marks a noticeable shift in the timing of the checks: What was previously primarily a formality upon arrival is now part of the departure screening in the country of departure.

The PNGDAC was already introduced on October 1, 2025, and replaces the previous paper entry card. Through the digital form, authorities collect personal information, travel details, and the declarations required for entry from travelers in advance. What’s new is the consistent enforcement: Airlines and their representatives are expressly required to demand that passengers present the completed form at the check-in counter before they are allowed to board.

In practice, this means one thing above all: Anyone who arrives at the airport without a completed PNGDAC risks delays or, in the worst case, being denied a boarding pass. Travelers should therefore complete the form well in advance, rather than waiting until the day of departure. The form can be submitted no earlier than 72 hours before arrival in Papua New Guinea; it must therefore be completed with some lead time, but not too early, so that the information matches the actual travel date.

These stricter controls apply to all international travelers entering Papua New Guinea, regardless of the purpose of their stay. It is important to note that the PNGDAC replaces the entry card but is not a substitute for a valid visa. For example, tourists still need an appropriate visa for their stay—such as a tourist visa for Papua New Guinea—while business travelers require a business visa for Papua New Guinea. Both documents must be applied for separately from the digital entry card and should be obtained well in advance of travel.

Since staff at the check-in counter now verify whether all entry formalities have been completed, it is advisable to prepare the visa and PNGDAC at the same time, rather than waiting until shortly before departure. We handle the entire preparation of visa documents for Papua New Guinea on behalf of travelers, verify that the information is complete, and ensure that all required documents are available in time for departure. This helps avoid unpleasant surprises at the check-in counter.

Anyone wishing to get an overview of the various visa categories—such as for private visits, journalistic activities, or cultural and sporting events—will find all relevant information on requirements and procedures in the visa overview for Papua New Guinea. Given the stricter pre-departure checks, it is advisable to familiarize yourself with the requirements well in advance and not to wait until the last minute to submit your application.