The following information applies to the Super Yachts and provides an outline of the procedures and legal requirements which apply to the Master of these vessels arriving in and departing from Papua New Guinea.
If you are in charge of any of the above-mentioned craft, you are considered the Master of the craft, even if you are not its owner and the owner is on board.
Whether you are a returning resident or a visitor, you need to comply with entry requirements.
You can help speed this up if you follow these simple steps:
- Make sure each person on board has a valid visa and passport;
- Let Customs and Quarantine at the intended first port of entry know that you are coming and where and when you will arrive;
- Clearly display the International Pratique Q-flag and travel directly to an appointed boarding station; and
- Complete the arrival forms and Incoming Passenger Card.
Papua New Guinea has strict laws to protect its citizens and natural environment.
Penalties may be imposed if you breach those laws by illegally importing:
- drugs
- animal or plant material
- firearms, weapons, or ammunition
- some food items
- some medicinal products
General Visa Requirements
Anyone who is not a Papua New Guinea citizen needs a valid visa to enter and spend time in Papua New Guinea. All foreign nationals should obtain a visa before travelling to Papua New Guinea. Persons who travel to Papua New Guinea on board a vessel without a visa must apply for a Border Visa at the first port of arrival. A Border Visa allows one entry into Papua New Guinea with a maximum stay of 30 days. Only officers of the Department of Immigration can grant these visas. As officers from the Department are not permanently present at the ports, applicants may suffer considerable inconvenience and delay on arrival. For more information on Papua New Guinea visa requirements please contact the PNG Immigration & Citizenship Services Authority (PNGICSA)
Visas for the Master and crew are different from any passengers or owner of the vessel. Please contact PNGICSA for further information.
Remember, don't overstay your visa!
If your visa is about to expire, you should leave Papua New Guinea or seek advice from the Department of Immigration.
When Arriving
The Master of a vessel arriving in Papua New Guinea is required to give notice of impending arrival. There are several agencies interested in your arrival - principally Customs, Quarantine and Immigration.
To make arrangements for smooth processing, prior notification of your arrival is necessary. The Master of a vessel arriving in Papua New Guinea is required by law to give notice of impending arrival not later than 48 hours before arrival. Penalties may apply for failure to do so.
You will need to provide the following information:
- the name of your yacht
- your intended first port of arrival
- your estimated arrival time
- your last four ports
- the details of people on board, including master and crew.
- including name, date of birth,
- nationality, and passport number
- details of any illness or disease
- recently encountered
- if you have any animals on board
- If you have any firearms on board.
Customs strongly recommends that Masters of the vessel ensure that voyage details are lodged with local police, Local agent, volunteer rescue organisations, yacht clubs, or friends and relatives who can raise the alarm if you do not arrive as expected.
When you arrive in Papua New Guinea, you must first call at a Customs port of where Customs, Quarantine and Immigration formalities can be completed. Please note that not all Customs ports have a permanent presence.
When entering Papua New Guinean waters you are required to clearly display the International Pratique Q-flag (yellow). Your craft must also travel directly to an appointed boarding station.
Customs, Quarantine and Immigration clearance must be completed before going ashore. Please stay on board. No persons other than a Quarantine or Customs officer is allowed to board your craft, nor can any person, animal or article leave the craft until you have been given full clearance.
Depending on your arrival time, Customs and Quarantine may require all persons to remain on board overnight before clearing you the following day.
Don't throw any waste or foodstuffs overboard while you're in Papua New Guinean waters or while you are moored. Use designated quarantine disposal points. Keep all food and animals secure until Quarantine officers have inspected your vessel. Don't trade foodstuffs with other overseas vessels. Keep your vessel free of insects.
To go ashore without prior clearance is an offence. Contact with other vessels in port before clearance is also prohibited.
All people on board will be required to produce a valid passport, visa, and completed Incoming Passenger Card.
The Master will be required to produce a completed Arrival Report.
Customs does not levy any charge for Customs and Immigration clearance. However, Quarantine operates on a full cost recovery basis.
You must declare all food, plant and animal items on your incoming Passenger Card. A Papua New Guinean Quarantine officer will inspect your galley stores and other quarantinable items to ensure that they do not include goods or items infested with insects or disease. These could harm Papua New Guinea's unique environment or introduce plant, animal or human, pest or diseases.
Goods of quarantine concern may be surrendered for destruction or treated at your expense. If your vessel has an animal on board you must remain at a mid-water mooring or anchorage and keep the animal secure for the duration of your stay in Papua New Guinea.
Please ensure that all waste is securely contained on your vessel and made ready for removal by the Quarantine officer. If you declare items of quarantine concern,
you may be given the option of re-exporting them at your expense. If you do not declare items of quarantine concern you could be prosecuted. To help keep marine pests out of Papua New Guinea before you leave your last port we ask that you voluntarily adopt a bio protection strategy by:
- Keeping all ancillary gear and internal seawater systems clean of marine pests and growths; and
- Cleaning your vessels' hull where possible before arrival; or
- Applying antifouling paint within one year before arrival.
You must report any drugs on board your craft to Customs on arrival and departure. This includes medications containing narcotics, hallucinogens, amphetamines, barbiturates and tranquillisers in your medical kit.
Any drugs landed in Papua New Guinea or on board vessels imported into Papua New Guinea will have to meet the requirements of the Department of Health.
WARNING! Penalties for drug offences in Papua New Guinea are severe and could result in imprisonment
All weapons and ammunition on board must be declared on arrival and will be checked by Customs and sealed in the vessels armoury in the care of the Master. The Master will report to Customs if at any time the armoury is opened and weapons and ammunitions removed.
For information about duty free allowances, visit the Customs website and follow the links from 'Travellers' in the navigation bar.
There is no limit on the amount of Papua New Guinean or foreign cash that may be brought into or taken out of Papua New Guinea, but travellers carrying K5000 or more, or the equivalent in foreign currency, must declare this on arrival and departure.
Commercial goods brought into Papua New Guinea with the intention of being sold are subject to the normal rates of duty and tax where applicable.
Goods, commercial or personal, that are brought into Papua New Guinea to remain temporarily may be admitted duty and tax-free, subject to certain conditions.
When you arrive in Papua New Guinea, there are two clearance options depending on when you intend to leave. You may be granted a cruise permit or asked to provide a security for temporary importation. Both options provide access to Papua New Guinean waters and lands.
A cruise permit may be issued to the Master of the craft if Customs is satisfied the craft will not be sold while in PNG waters. Any commercial use of the craft whilst in PNG waters must abide by the conditions set in the cruise permission approval. Cruise permits may be issued for the length of the Master's visa.
Extension of the permit may be granted on application, provided you have an appropriate visa. You will be required to comply with certain conditions attached to the issue of the permit.
Cruise permits will not be issued if:
- the vessel is owned or operated by a Papua New Guinean resident; or
- the vessel, or parts of the vessel, are to be sold or listed for sale.
If circumstances of the craft's presence in Papua New Guinea change, you are required to advise Customs. Failure to do so can result in a cruise permit being revoked and the vessel being imported at which time payment of duty and tax will be required.
Crew change on Super yachts, including the Master, is possible but prior approval from Customs must be obtained.
If the vessel is required to be in PNG for limited period you may be required to temporarily import vessel into Papua New Guinea. Temporary importation without paying Customs duty and tax is subject to:
- The vessel being exported within 12 months of arrival and
- A letter of guarantee is required from the local agent. Who will responsible for all taxes that are payable.
When Departing
Passengers on board may be required to pay a Departure Tax - this is currently K30.
Before departure from Papua New Guinea, Customs and Immigration clearance is required. This is available at any Customs port. Customs should be contacted in advance to avoid unnecessary delay. It is an offence to depart without clearance.
Passports and completed Outgoing Passenger card for all persons on board.
Departure Report to be completed by the Master
It is illegal to take out of Papua New Guinea, without a permit, items identified as being of great importance to Papua New Guinea's national heritage. These items can include a vast array of objects from works of art and archaeological finds, to objects associated with our history such as Second World War relics. Further information can be sourced from the National Museum.
Exportation of endangered and threatened (animal and plant) wildlife and Papua New Guinean native wildlife is strictly regulated and in some cases is illegal. Information and permits regarding the exportation of wildlife and products made from them is available from the Department of Conservation.
All permits must be obtained before you leave Papua New Guinea. Severe penalties apply for offences against the International Trade (Flora and Fauna) Act.
When Arriving
The Master of a vessel arriving in Papua New Guinea is required to give notice of impending arrival. There are several agencies interested in your arrival - principally Customs, Quarantine and Immigration.
To make arrangements for smooth processing, prior notification of your arrival is necessary. The Master of a vessel arriving in Papua New Guinea is required by law to give notice of impending arrival not later than 48 hours before arrival. Penalties may apply for failure to do so.
You will need to provide the following information:
- the name of your yacht
- your intended first port of arrival
- your estimated arrival time
- your last four ports
- the details of people on board, including master and crew.
- including name, date of birth,
- nationality, and passport number
- details of any illness or disease
- recently encountered
- if you have any animals on board
- If you have any firearms on board.
Safety
Customs strongly recommends that Masters of the vessel ensure that voyage details are lodged with local police, Local agent, volunteer rescue organisations, yacht clubs, or friends and relatives who can raise the alarm if you do not arrive as expected.
Arrival
When you arrive in Papua New Guinea, you must first call at a Customs port of where Customs, Quarantine and Immigration formalities can be completed. Please note that not all Customs ports have a permanent presence.
When entering Papua New Guinean waters you are required to clearly display the International Pratique Q-flag (yellow). Your craft must also travel directly to an appointed boarding station.
Berthing
Customs, Quarantine and Immigration clearance must be completed before going ashore. Please stay on board. No persons other than a Quarantine or Customs officer is allowed to board your craft, nor can any person, animal or article leave the craft until you have been given full clearance.
Depending on your arrival time, Customs and Quarantine may require all persons to remain on board overnight before clearing you the following day.
Don't throw any waste or foodstuffs overboard while you're in Papua New Guinean waters or while you are moored. Use designated quarantine disposal points. Keep all food and animals secure until Quarantine officers have inspected your vessel. Don't trade foodstuffs with other overseas vessels. Keep your vessel free of insects.
To go ashore without prior clearance is an offence. Contact with other vessels in port before clearance is also prohibited.
Documents required on arrival
All people on board will be required to produce a valid passport, visa, and completed Incoming Passenger Card.
The Master will be required to produce a completed Arrival Report.
Charges
Customs does not levy any charge for Customs and Immigration clearance. However, Quarantine operates on a full cost recovery basis.
Quarantine
You must declare all food, plant and animal items on your incoming Passenger Card. A Papua New Guinean Quarantine officer will inspect your galley stores and other quarantinable items to ensure that they do not include goods or items infested with insects or disease. These could harm Papua New Guinea's unique environment or introduce plant, animal or human, pest or diseases.
Goods of quarantine concern may be surrendered for destruction or treated at your expense. If your vessel has an animal on board you must remain at a mid-water mooring or anchorage and keep the animal secure for the duration of your stay in Papua New Guinea.
Please ensure that all waste is securely contained on your vessel and made ready for removal by the Quarantine officer. If you declare items of quarantine concern,
you may be given the option of re-exporting them at your expense. If you do not declare items of quarantine concern you could be prosecuted. To help keep marine pests out of Papua New Guinea before you leave your last port we ask that you voluntarily adopt a bio protection strategy by:
- Keeping all ancillary gear and internal seawater systems clean of marine pests and growths; and
- Cleaning your vessels' hull where possible before arrival; or
- Applying antifouling paint within one year before arrival.
Drugs
You must report any drugs on board your craft to Customs on arrival and departure. This includes medications containing narcotics, hallucinogens, amphetamines, barbiturates and tranquillisers in your medical kit.
Any drugs landed in Papua New Guinea or on board vessels imported into Papua New Guinea will have to meet the requirements of the Department of Health.
WARNING! Penalties for drug offences in Papua New Guinea are severe and could result in imprisonment
Weapons and firearms
All weapons and ammunition on board must be declared on arrival and will be checked by Customs and sealed in the vessels armoury in the care of the Master. The Master will report to Customs if at any time the armoury is opened and weapons and ammunitions removed.
Duty-free allowance
For information about duty free allowances, visit the Customs website and follow the links from 'Travellers' in the navigation bar.
Currency
There is no limit on the amount of Papua New Guinean or foreign cash that may be brought into or taken out of Papua New Guinea, but travellers carrying K5000 or more, or the equivalent in foreign currency, must declare this on arrival and departure.
Temporary import of goods
Commercial goods brought into Papua New Guinea with the intention of being sold are subject to the normal rates of duty and tax where applicable.
Goods, commercial or personal, that are brought into Papua New Guinea to remain temporarily may be admitted duty and tax-free, subject to certain conditions.
Your stay
When you arrive in Papua New Guinea, there are two clearance options depending on when you intend to leave. You may be granted a cruise permit or asked to provide a security for temporary importation. Both options provide access to Papua New Guinean waters and lands.
Cruise permits
A cruise permit may be issued to the Master of the craft if Customs is satisfied the craft will not be sold while in PNG waters. Any commercial use of the craft whilst in PNG waters must abide by the conditions set in the cruise permission approval. Cruise permits may be issued for the length of the Master's visa.
Extension of the permit may be granted on application, provided you have an appropriate visa. You will be required to comply with certain conditions attached to the issue of the permit.
Cruise permits will not be issued if:
- the vessel is owned or operated by a Papua New Guinean resident; or
- the vessel, or parts of the vessel, are to be sold or listed for sale.
If circumstances of the craft's presence in Papua New Guinea change, you are required to advise Customs. Failure to do so can result in a cruise permit being revoked and the vessel being imported at which time payment of duty and tax will be required.
Crew change on Super yachts, including the Master, is possible but prior approval from Customs must be obtained.
Temporary importation of vessels
If the vessel is required to be in PNG for limited period you may be required to temporarily import vessel into Papua New Guinea. Temporary importation without paying Customs duty and tax is subject to:
- The vessel being exported within 12 months of arrival and
- A letter of guarantee is required from the local agent. Who will responsible for all taxes that are payable.
When Departing
Passenger Movement Charge
Passengers on board may be required to pay a Departure Tax - this is currently K30.
Clearance
Before departure from Papua New Guinea, Customs and Immigration clearance is required. This is available at any Customs port. Customs should be contacted in advance to avoid unnecessary delay. It is an offence to depart without clearance.
Requirements for Departure
Passports and completed Outgoing Passenger card for all persons on board.
Departure Report to be completed by the Master
Heritage Items
It is illegal to take out of Papua New Guinea, without a permit, items identified as being of great importance to Papua New Guinea's national heritage. These items can include a vast array of objects from works of art and archaeological finds, to objects associated with our history such as Second World War relics. Further information can be sourced from the National Museum.
Wildlife
Exportation of endangered and threatened (animal and plant) wildlife and Papua New Guinean native wildlife is strictly regulated and in some cases is illegal. Information and permits regarding the exportation of wildlife and products made from them is available from the Department of Conservation.
All permits must be obtained before you leave Papua New Guinea. Severe penalties apply for offences against the International Trade (Flora and Fauna) Act.
