An arrival & Personnel Guide for Sea Ports in Papua New Guinea
“Passengers must comply with Customs requirements and must make all declarations truthfully. Misleading or false answers to questions will be guilty of an offence”
Sect.136, Customs Act
Passenger Arrival & Visa Requirements
Accurate identification and documentation of all passengers are fundamental requirements.
- Passenger Definition: Everyone on board who is not listed as crew is considered a passenger.
- Mandatory Documentation: All passengers must present a valid passport and a completed passenger declaration to the clearance officer.
- Visa Requirements:
- Pre-Arrival Visa: Non-citizen passengers must hold a valid PNG visa before arrival, regardless of whether they are transiting or disembarking.
- Border Visa: Those arriving without a visa must apply for a Border Visa at the first port. This allows one entry and a maximum 30-day stay.
- Important Note: Only Department of Immigration officers can grant visas. As they are not always present at ports, arriving without a visa may cause significant inconvenience and delays.
Master’s Reporting Obligations for Passengers
The vessel’s Master has specific reporting duties at each port of call.
At the FIRST Port of Arrival in PNG:
The Master must provide Customs with two copies of a detailed passenger list. This list must categorize passengers and include specific details for each individual.
Passenger Categorization:
- Passengers disembarking at that port.
- Passengers disembarking at subsequent ports (listed in port order).
- Transit passengers (departing PNG on the same vessel during the same voyage).
Required Details for Each Passenger:
- Full name
- Date of birth
- Passport number and country of issue
- Citizenship
- Intended address in Papua New Guinea
At EACH SUBSEQUENT PNG Port:
The Master must provide Customs with a copy of the list for passengers disembarking at that specific port.
Crew Management & Sign-On/Sign-Off Procedures
Strict procedures govern crew movement to ensure immigration compliance.
| Procedure | Key Requirement | Important Notes & Consequences |
|---|---|---|
| Crew Signing Off | Prior Customs approval is mandatory. | Approval is subject to a letter from the Master guaranteeing the crewmember’s departure within a specific period, and the crewmember holding valid travel documents. |
| Crew Taking Holiday in PNG | A visitor visa is required. | It is strongly advised to obtain this visa before travel to PNG. It can also be obtained from a PNG Immigration office before signing off. Failure results in unlawful status, subject to detention and removal. |
| Crew Joining a Vessel in PNG | Must obtain a visa allowing them to sign on within 72 hours of arrival. | This visa must be obtained overseas or on arrival at an airport before proceeding to the vessel. |
| Reporting Absent Crew on Departure | The Master must report any crewmember who was on board on arrival but is absent (with or without leave) when the vessel departs. | This excludes properly signed-off crew. Failure to report can result in a large fine. |
For related procedures on vessel pre-arrival reporting, cargo manifests, and ship’s documentation, please refer to Ships, Cruise Ships, Small Crafts, and Super Yachts