What you should have ready before opening PNGDAC
The form is easier to complete when your passport, itinerary and first-night address are beside you. Enter information from your actual travel documents rather than from memory, especially passport numbers, dates and flight details.
Passport details
Use the passport you will physically carry to PNG. PNG immigration separately advises travellers to have a passport valid for at least six months from intended entry.
Inbound journey
Have your airline, flight number, point of embarkation and expected arrival information ready. If your itinerary changes after submission, ICA provides an update function for PNGDAC.
PNG address
Keep the name and location of your hotel, lodge, residence or host available. Use the real first accommodation rather than a broad destination such as “Port Moresby” or “Highlands”.
Border declarations
Be ready to answer customs and biosecurity questions truthfully. Food, plant or animal material, wooden articles, soil-contaminated outdoor equipment and other controlled goods may need declaration and inspection.
The 72-hour submission window
PNG ICA describes the online service as available up to 72 hours before arrival. A separate August 2026 directive now requires travellers to have completed the Digital Arrival Card before airline staff issue a boarding pass. For practical planning, complete it after your flight details are settled and within the official 72-hour window rather than leaving it until airport check-in.
PNGDAC and your visa are different documents
Completing the arrival card does not grant permission to enter PNG. Foreign nationals still need to meet the visa or entry-permit rules that apply to their passport and reason for travel. PNG citizens and permanent residents also complete PNGDAC even though their immigration status is different from that of a visitor.
| Document | Purpose | When it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Passport | Identity and nationality | Booking, check-in and border clearance |
| Visa / entry permit | Permission for the relevant visit or activity when required | Before travel and at immigration |
| PNGDAC | Digital passenger, travel and border declaration | Pre-departure and arrival processing |
Customs and currency declarations
Do not treat the declaration questions as a list of items you must hide or discard. Declaring an item allows border officers to decide whether it can enter, requires treatment or must be surrendered. PNG Customs currently says currency or valuables over PGK 20,000 must be declared to a Customs officer.
Current Customs guidance also lists an adult duty-free allowance of 2.25 litres of alcohol and 200 cigarettes or 250 grams of tobacco or 50 cigars. Its current concessions page lists a general new-goods allowance of PGK 1,000 for adults and PGK 500 for travellers under 18. Because border allowances can change, travellers carrying goods near a threshold should check Customs shortly before departure.
After you submit the card
- Review before submitting. Check passport spelling, passport number, flight and accommodation details.
- Save the confirmation. ICA's traveller guide says PNGDAC documents are sent by email or can be downloaded after submission.
- Keep an offline copy. Save the document or confirmation on your device; a printed backup is sensible in case mobile data or airport Wi-Fi is unavailable.
- Correct changes before arrival. ICA provides an “Update PNGDAC” function for changes such as travel dates, flights, accommodation or personal information.
Common PNGDAC mistakes
- Submitting details from a different passport than the one used for travel.
- Treating PNGDAC as a replacement for an eVisa or other entry permit.
- Entering an old flight number after an airline schedule change and not updating the card.
- Giving an incomplete accommodation description instead of the actual property or host information.
- Answering customs questions casually instead of declaring controlled or uncertain items for inspection.
- Relying on airport completion even though the current 2026 directive requires completion before boarding-pass issuance.
Frequently asked questions
Is the PNG Digital Arrival Card mandatory?
Yes. PNG ICA's August 2026 public notice describes PNGDAC as mandatory for PNG citizens, permanent residents and all foreign nationals travelling to Papua New Guinea.
Is PNGDAC free?
Yes. PNG ICA states that the official Digital Arrival Card system is free of charge.
How early can I complete it?
ICA describes online submission as available up to 72 hours before arrival. Complete it before airline check-in under the current pre-departure rule.
Can I change my details after submission?
Yes. ICA publishes an update workflow for corrections or changes before arrival, including flight, travel-date, accommodation and personal-information changes.
Does every foreign visitor need an eVisa before completing PNGDAC?
No single visa rule applies to every passport. PNGDAC itself is not a visa; your separate visa or entry-permit requirement depends on nationality, travel purpose and the applicable PNG immigration class.