What the PNGDAC is
The Papua New Guinea Digital Arrival Card (PNGDAC) is the online passenger declaration used for border processing. It collects passport and travel details together with health, goods and prohibited-item declarations. It is not a visa and does not replace any entry permit required for your passport or travel purpose.
PNG Immigration introduced the digital card to replace the paper-based arrival declaration. A government notice issued in August 2026 also instructs international airlines, ground handlers and check-in personnel to ensure travellers complete the PNGDAC before a boarding pass is issued. Travellers should therefore complete it before airport check-in rather than plan to rely on an arrival kiosk.
Prepare these details before you start
The official FAQ says an unfinished PNGDAC cannot be saved for later. With the information ready, a submission generally takes only a few minutes per traveller.
- Passport details: use the passport you will actually present for travel.
- Flight information: have your flight number and scheduled arrival date ready.
- PNG address: keep your hotel, lodge, host or other local accommodation address available.
- Travel purpose: select the purpose that accurately describes your trip.
- Declarations: know what is in your baggage so you can answer health, goods and prohibited-item questions truthfully.
- Email: use an address you can access while travelling because the confirmation is delivered electronically.
How to complete the PNG Digital Arrival Card
Open the official government portal
Go to pngdac.ica.gov.pg. The official service is free. VisaPNG is an independent information service and is not PNG Immigration.
Choose individual or family/group submission
Use the option that fits your party. The official FAQ allows up to 10 passengers in a family/group submission. An authorised tour leader or travel agent can also submit on a traveller's behalf.
Enter passport and personal details
Copy the requested identity information carefully from the travel document. Instructions are available in English and Tok Pisin, but the official FAQ says information entered into the form must be completed in English.
Add your flight and arrival information
Enter the requested flight number and arrival date. Check codeshare flight numbers carefully and use the information requested by the live form.
Provide your Papua New Guinea address
Enter the hotel, lodge, host or other local address requested. If your accommodation changes before entry, update the PNGDAC or submit a corrected form.
Complete the health and goods declarations
Read each question. Food, plant material, wooden articles, animal products, biological material and soil are among the categories that can require declaration or inspection. Declaring an item does not automatically mean it will be confiscated.
Check currency and valuables
PNG Customs currently requires travellers carrying covered currency or valuables with a combined value of PGK 20,000 or more to complete the applicable Cross-Border Movement of Currency & Valuables declaration.
Review, submit and keep the confirmation
Check the passport details, flight, arrival date, PNG address and declarations before submission. Download the confirmation or keep the emailed copy accessible offline. The official FAQ says printing is not mandatory; a paper copy is simply a useful backup.
Information the PNGDAC currently requires
| Identity | Passport details. |
|---|---|
| Journey | Flight number and arrival date. |
| Stay | Address in Papua New Guinea. |
| Purpose | Reason for travel. |
| Health | Health declaration information. |
| Border goods | Goods and prohibited-item declarations. |
| Contact | Email for receiving PNGDAC information and confirmation. |
Portal screens can change. Follow the fields shown by the live government service rather than relying on old screenshots or third-party form replicas.
Children, infants and group travel
Every traveller entering under the PNGDAC requirement needs a declaration, including infants and children. A parent or authorised person can complete it for them. Family/group submissions can contain up to 10 passengers.
The PNGDAC does not replace any separate passport, visa or parental-consent documentation that may apply. Families should also review travelling to PNG with children.
How to correct a mistake
The PNGDAC provides an update function for many changes. According to the official FAQ, Full Name, Passport Number, Nationality and Date of Birth cannot be changed through that update function. If one of those fields is wrong, submit a new form with the correct details. When multiple submissions exist, the system considers the most recent valid submission.
Confirmation: digital copy or printout?
Current official guidance does not require a printed PNGDAC confirmation. Download the confirmation after submission or keep the emailed version on a phone or other device. A printed copy can still be carried as a backup in case your phone loses power or internet access.
This is different from claims on some travel sites that a paper PNGDAC is universally compulsory.
PNGDAC is separate from your PNG visa
Completing the arrival card does not give you permission to enter PNG by itself. Check whether your passport requires an eVisa, another visitor permit or qualifies for Visa on Arrival. Also review the broader entry requirements and onward travel requirements.
Common submission problems
No confirmation email
Check spam/junk folders and confirm that you entered the correct email address. The official FAQ advises contacting an Immigration Officer at the entry checkpoint if the confirmation is not received.
The website is unavailable
The official FAQ recommends keeping a screenshot of the error. Because the August 2026 ICA notice makes pre-boarding completion mandatory, try the service again before check-in and seek airline/immigration guidance rather than assuming the form can always be completed after landing.
You need to stop halfway
The form does not save unfinished progress. Gather the required information and restart when you can complete the submission in one session.
PNGDAC FAQs
When can I submit it?
Within 72 hours before arriving in Papua New Guinea, including the arrival date.
Is the PNGDAC free?
Yes. The official government submission service is free.
Do children need one?
Yes. The official FAQ includes infants and children.
Can I reuse one for a second trip?
No. A new PNGDAC is required for each entry and expected arrival date.
Must I print the confirmation?
No. Keep the downloaded or emailed confirmation accessible; printing is optional backup.
Official verification links
- Official PNGDAC submission portal
- Official PNGDAC FAQ
- ICA PNG Digital Arrival Card information
- ICA mandatory completion notice
- PNG Customs currency and valuables declaration
VisaPNG is an independent travel and visa information service and is not affiliated with the Government of Papua New Guinea or the Immigration and Citizenship Service Authority.