Small Crafts

Customs and Shipping Guidelines
Regional Operations Border Security Sea Travel Small Crafts

Procedures and legal requirements for the Master of non-commercial vessels—such as yachts, motor sailers, and motor cruisers—arriving in and departing from Papua New Guinea.

Arrival Requirements

The Master of any small craft must comply with specific entry requirements to protect PNG’s citizens and natural environment.

Pre-Arrival Checklist
  • You are required by law to give notice of impending arrival no later than 48 hours before arrival.
  • Email all pre-arrival information and notices to NCC@customs.gov.pg.
  • Ensure every person on board has a valid passport and visa.
  • Customs strongly recommends lodging your voyage details with local police, yacht clubs, or rescue organizations before you arrive.
Information Needed for Arrival Notice
  •   Name of the yacht and its last four ports.
  •   Estimated arrival time and intended first port of entry.
  •   Complete details of everyone on board (Name, DOB, Nationality, Passport number).
  •   Details of any animals or firearms on board.
  •   Report of any recently encountered illnesses or diseases.

Customs, Health, and Immigration Procedures

The Arrival Process
  • Travel directly to an appointed boarding station at an official Customs port.
  • Display the Q-Flag: You must clearly display the International Pratique Q-flag (yellow) when entering PNG waters.
  • Stay on Board: No one may leave the craft, and no unauthorized persons may board, until you have received full clearance from Customs and Quarantine.
  • Complete the Smallcraft Arrival Report and the Incoming Passenger Card for all persons.
Visa Requirements
  •   Foreign Nationals: Should obtain a visa before traveling to PNG.
  •   Border Visas: If you arrive without a visa, you must apply for a 30-day Border Visa at the first port of entry. Note that this may cause delays as Immigration officers are not always permanently present at all ports.
⚠️Warning: Do not overstay your visa; if it is about to expire, you must leave the country or seek an extension from the Department of Immigration.

Prohibited and Restricted Items

Papua New Guinea has strict laws regarding what can be brought into the country. Penalties for illegal imports are severe. Also refer to Prohibited Imports 

  • Quarantine (Food/Plants/Animals): You must declare all food, plant, and animal items. Items of concern may be destroyed or treated at your expense.
  • Animals on Board: If you have an animal, you must stay at a mid-water mooring or anchorage for the duration of your stay.
  • Drugs and Medicine: You must report all drugs on board, including medications in your medical kit containing narcotics or tranquillisers.
    ⚠️Penalties for drug offences include imprisonment.
  • Weapons and Firearms: All weapons must be reported. Customs may detain them in safe storage until your departure.
  • Currency: You must complete a CMCV report if you are carrying currency (cash/coins) worth more than K20,000.00.

Your Stay and Vessel Importation

Depending on your plans, there are two primary options for your stay in PNG waters:

Cruise Permits
  •  Issued if the vessel is transiting for non-commercial purposes.
  •  Valid for the length of the Master's visa.
  •  Cannot be issued if the vessel is owned by a PNG resident or if the vessel is for sale.
Temporary Importation
  •  If you are residing in PNG for a limited period, you may be required to "temporarily import" the vessel.
  •  This requires the vessel to be exported within 12 months and a cash security or bank guarantee to be provided. Temporary Imports 

Departure Requirements

Clearance Procedures
  •   You must obtain Customs and Immigration clearance before departing. It is a legal offence to leave without it.
  •   You must present passports and completed Outgoing Passenger Cards for everyone on board.
  •   Contact Customs in advance to avoid delays.
Export Restrictions
  •  Heritage Items: It is illegal to remove items of national heritage (e.g., WWII relics, certain artworks) without a permit from the National Museum.
  •  Wildlife: Exporting native or endangered wildlife is strictly regulated and often illegal without permits from the Department of Conservation.

ℹ️ All PNG-owned vessels must be registered with the Registrar of Ships before leaving the country to ensure diplomatic protection while overseas.

Here's a Checklist for Masters
  •   Email pre-arrival notice 48 hours before arrival.
  •   Ensure all passengers have valid visas and passports.
  •   Display the Yellow Q-Flag upon entry.
  •   Declare all food, animals, drugs, and firearms.
  •   Report currency over K20,000.00.
  •   Obtain official Customs clearance before departing PNG.
 Most Related Documents
 Recent News