Papua New Guinea Visa: All You Need to Know About PNG Visas and How to Apply

Papua New Guinea (PNG) offers several types of visas for overseas applicants who wish to travel to the country for various purposes. These visa types include:

• Business Short-Term Single Entry, 
• Restricted Employment Visa (REV), 
• Aid Worker/Volunteer, 
• Easy Visitor Permit (30 days), and 
• Working Resident/Consultant Specialist Visa. 

It is important for applicants to understand the conditions, application process, cost, duration, and facts about each visa type before applying.

Read about the auto-grant PNG e-Visa Online

You can also find out about the eligible countries here.

Business Short-Term Single Entry Visa

This visa is for individuals who plan to visit PNG for short-term business activities, such as

• official trade missions, 
• buying or selling goods and services, 
• supporting infrastructure projects, or
• negotiating business setups. 

Applicants must demonstrate that they are genuine business persons or have approved employment and intend to leave PNG at the end of their stay. 

The visa is valid for a single entry and for a period of 30 days from the date of arrival. 

The application can be submitted online, and there is a Migration Service Fee (MSF) of US$350, along with an additional administrative fee of US$50 for e-Visa applications.

Restricted Employment Visa (REV)

This visa is for individuals with specialised skills and technical expertise that are not available in PNG. The visa is valid for a single entry and for a period of 30 days from the date of arrival. 

There is a Migration Service Fee (MSF) of US$350, along with an additional administrative fee of US$50 for e-Visa applications. 

Applicants are limited to four entries per calendar year and are prohibited from travelling to restricted facilities in the country without permission from the Chief Migration Officer.

Aid Worker/Volunteer Visa

This visa is for individuals who intend to visit PNG to undertake activities sponsored or facilitated by the Youth With A Mission (YWAM) organization. 

The visa prohibits the holder from engaging in paid work and requires applicants to demonstrate that they are genuine visitors sponsored by YWAM and intend to leave PNG at the end of their stay. 

The visa is valid for a period of up to 12 months from the day of first arrival and allows for a single entry within the 12-month period.

Easy Visitor Permit (30 days)

This visa is for individuals who plan to visit PNG for

• holidays, 
• sightseeing, 
• social or recreational reasons, or 
• to visit relatives and friends. 

There is no Migration Service Fee (MSF) payable for the Visitor Permit, but applications lodged via the e-Visa portal will attract a fee of US$50. The visa prohibits the holder from engaging in paid work.

Working Resident/Consultant Specialist Visa

This visa is for individuals who intend to visit PNG to undertake consultancy services that are sponsored by economic and industrial companies, including the government sector. 

The visa allows for short-term employment in PNG and requires applicants to demonstrate that they are genuine visitors sponsored by one of the mentioned sectors. 

The visa is valid for a single entry and for a period of 90 days (3 months) from the date of entry.

How to Apply for Papua New Guinea Visa

Applicants can apply for these visas online or through paper lodgment via the e-lodgment site through email address: newentries@immigration.gov.pg managed at the PNGICA, HQ for processing and issuance by any of the PNG diplomatic missions/posts overseas upon request. 

The application process typically involves:

• completing the online application or Application for Entry Permit (Form 1), 
• paying the Migration Service Fee (MSF) and online lodgment fee (if applicable), and 
• providing supporting documents.

Examples of supporting documents include a passport bio-data page and documentary evidence from business associates in PNG. 

The evidence you provide must indicate the purpose of the visit, duration of stay, location of business activity, and proposed frequency of visits. The fees are levied in US Dollars and converted into PNG Kina using the published conversion rate. It

Cost of PNG Visa

The cost of visas for Papua New Guinea varies depending on the type of visa and the method of application (this is indicated above). 

In addition, the Migration Service Fee (MSF) for the Business Restricted Special Exemption Visitor Working Resident/Consultant Specialist Visa is US$350, with an additional US$50 administrative fee for applications lodged via the e-Visa portal. 

The Easy Visitor Permit (30 days) does not require an MSF, but applications lodged via the e-Visa portal will attract a fee of US$50. 

It's important to note that all MSF and online lodgement fees are levied in US Dollars and converted into Papua New Guinea Kina (PGK) using the published conversion rate prior to the finalisation of application registration.

Duration of Papua New Guinea Visa

The duration of visas for Papua New Guinea also varies depending on the type of visa. Here are the eligible countries.

The Business Short-Term Single Entry visa is valid for a single entry and a period of thirty (30) days from the date of arrival in Papua New Guinea. 

The Restricted Employment Visa (REV) is also valid for a single entry and a period of thirty (30) days from the date of arrival in Papua New Guinea, with a limit of four (4) entries per calendar year. 

The AID Worker/Volunteer visa is valid for a period of stay up to 12 months from the day of first arrival in Papua New Guinea and allows for a single entry within the 12-month period.

The Working Resident/Consultant Specialist Visa is valid for a single entry and a period of ninety (90) days (3 months) from the date of entry in Papua New Guinea.

Facts Applicants Need to Know

1. Genuine Intentions

Applicants for all types of visas for Papua New Guinea must show genuine intentions to visit for the purpose stated in their visa application and with the intention of leaving Papua New Guinea at the end of their stay.

2. Visa Conditions

Each type of visa comes with specific conditions that must be adhered to. 

For example, the:

• Business Short-Term Single Entry visa allows for short-term business activities as approved by the Papua New Guinea government, 
• AID Worker/Volunteer visa expressly prohibits engaging in paid work, and 
• Working Resident/Consultant Specialist Visa is limited to consultancy services sponsored by economic and industrial companies including the government sector.

3. Visa Validity

It's important to note the validity of the visa, which may vary depending on the type of visa. 

Overstaying the visa duration may result in adverse consequences and could affect future travel to Papua New Guinea.

4. Entry Requirements

It's the responsibility of the applicant to ensure they have the appropriate visa or are eligible to obtain a visa on arrival in Papua New Guinea before commencing their travel. 

Attempting to enter Papua New Guinea without a valid visa may result in a denial of entry.

Know About PNG Visas

Ib conclusion, Papua New Guinea offers various types of visas for overseas applicants depending on their intended purpose of visit. 

It's essential for applicants to carefully review the requirements and conditions of each visa type before applying.

Following the proper visa application process and adhering to the visa conditions will ensure a smooth travel experience to Papua New Guinea.

GAMSAT Results: March and September Sittings

The Graduate Medical School Admissions Test, commonly known as GAMSAT, is a pivotal step for aspiring medical and health professionals seeking entry into graduate-entry programs in Australia, Ireland, and the UK. 

Developed by the Australian Council for Educational Research (ACER) in collaboration with GEMPASS Australia Limited, GAMSAT is meticulously designed to evaluate a candidate's aptitude for high-level intellectual studies essential for medical and health-related courses.

GAMSAT is not just any ordinary test. It plays a vital role in determining a candidate's eligibility for entry into prestigious graduate-entry programs. To provide students with flexibility, GAMSAT is conducted twice a year, in the months of March and September. 

This article looks at the significance of GAMSAT results, their comparability across sittings, and the essential details you need to know.

The GAMSAT Result Timeline

One of the most eagerly awaited moments for GAMSAT test-takers is the release of their results. Candidates do not have to wait long, as GAMSAT results are typically disclosed within two months of sitting the exam. Candidates receive an email containing login information that enables them to access their personalized results report.

For the most accurate and up-to-date information on exam dates and any other modifications, prospective candidates should visit the GAMSAT ACER website.

Currency of Results (Australia and UK)

GAMSAT results hold their value over time. Results obtained from different sittings remain directly comparable and can be used for applications to specific universities for varying durations:

• In Australia, GAMSAT results can be used for up to four consecutive years after the test date.
• In the UK and Ireland, results remain valid for up to two consecutive years.

This means that candidates have the flexibility to apply for admission to graduate-entry programs within these timeframes, enhancing the appeal of GAMSAT as a valuable credential.

Test Sittings and Multiple Attempts

Test-takers have the choice of sitting the GAMSAT in either March or September. The results from either of these sittings can be utilized for applications to graduate programs in Australia, Ireland, and the UK. Additionally, candidates are not restricted in the number of times they can sit the GAMSAT, affording them multiple opportunities to improve their scores.

Candidates who take the test more than once can use their best score when applying for admission to graduate-entry programs. However, it is important to note that Admissions Committees may set thresholds for both section scores and overall scores. If you are uncertain about which scores to use for your application, it is advisable to contact your preferred schools for guidance.

Withholding of Results

While GAMSAT results are eagerly anticipated, it is important to note that not all test-takers may receive their scores. ACER maintains stringent policies and procedures to ensure the integrity of the test. Test-takers will only receive their GAMSAT scores if they have complied with these policies and procedures as outlined in the GAMSAT Information Booklet.

ACER may withhold or cancel a test-taker's scores if there is any suspicion or violation of the test policies and procedures. Examples of situations where the validity of GAMSAT test scores may be challenged include:

• Intended or unintended exposure to GAMSAT test content.
• Contradictory performance on different parts of the GAMSAT test.
• Abnormal answer patterns in the GAMSAT test.
• Atypical performance across different GAMSAT test sittings.

It is crucial for test-takers to adhere to the policies and procedures to ensure that their hard-earned scores are not jeopardized.

GAMSAT Results: Complaints and Appeals

For detailed information regarding the ACER Complaint and Appeals Policy, candidates can refer to the [ACER Complaint and Appeals Policy, PDF]. ACER maintains a rigorous and transparent process for handling complaints and appeals to ensure fairness and accountability.

In conclusion, GAMSAT is a critical stepping stone for those aspiring to enter graduate-entry medical and health programs in Australia, Ireland, and the UK. The release of GAMSAT results marks a pivotal moment in this journey. Candidates should be aware of the currency of results, multiple sitting options, and the importance of adhering to GAMSAT policies and procedures to ensure their scores remain valid. 

GAMSAT scores are a testament to a candidate's dedication and capability, representing a significant milestone on their path to a rewarding career in the medical and health professions.