The Compliance Agreement
The process is centered around securing a Compliance Agreement with the PNG Immigration & Citizenship Authority (ICSA). This agreement is mandatory for streamlined clearance and affects how both ICSA and Customs process your vessel.
- Before your voyage, visit the PNG ICA – Cruise Ships page to understand and apply for this agreement.
- Once ICSA approves your agreement, they notify Customs, establishing the basis for your clearance.
Customs Processing
Follow these steps in order for a smooth arrival and departure.
Step 1: Pre-Arrival Reporting (Mandatory)
You must submit an Impending Arrival Report to Customs:
- Standard Notice: 48 hours before your estimated time of arrival (ETA).
- Short Voyage Notice: If the journey from the last port is less than 48 hours, report at least 24 hours before ETA.
- Who Can Help? Your local shipping agent in PNG can assist in meeting this and all other legislative reporting requirements.
Step 2: Submission of Electronic Manifests (A Condition of the ICSA Agreement)
As part of the ICSA Compliance Agreement, you must submit advance electronic manifests. This is required for both arrival and departure.
- Provide the advanced electronic passenger manifest to Customs.
- Submit the electronic manifest in the prescribed format to ICSA.
Step 3: Prepare Documents for Arrival
Upon arrival at a PNG port, have the following reports ready for Customs:
- Ship’s Report of Arrival
- Combined Passenger and Crew Report
- Report of Ship’s Stores
- Crew Effects Declarations
Step 4: Manage Passenger Declarations
All passengers must complete an Incoming Passenger Declaration.
- The vessel operator must hold these declarations on board as a condition of the ICSA agreement.
- Important: Passengers intending to land goods under Customs/NAQIA control or disembark permanently in PNG must present their declaration to a Customs officer.
Step 5: Understand On-Ground Procedures
- A Streamlined Clearance: For vessels with an approved ICSA agreement, Customs typically will not conduct face-to-face passport checks or collect declarations from all passengers.
- Right to Inspect: Customs officers may inspect any goods being carried on or off the vessel by anyone at any location in PNG.
Special Requirement for Un-Proclaimed Ports
If your itinerary includes visiting any un-proclaimed port (a port not officially declared for international traffic), you must obtain a Section 25(3) Permission from the Commissioner of Customs.
- You must undertake to meet all prescribed conditions.
- Application: Direct cruise-specific enquiries and permission applications to the Director, National Border Command via email at ncc@customs.gov.pg.
Summary & Key Contacts
| Requirement | Responsible Agency | Key Action / Contact |
|---|---|---|
| Compliance Agreement | PNG Immigration & Citizenship Authority (ICSA) | Apply via PNG ICA website. |
| Pre-Arrival & Customs Reports | PNG Customs Service | Submit Impending Arrival Report 24-48 hrs prior. Prepare 4 reports for arrival. |
| Permission for Un-Proclaimed Ports | PNG Customs Service | Email application to ncc@customs.gov.pg. |
| Passenger Declarations | Cruise Operator (to hold) / PNG Customs (to inspect if needed) | Ensure all passengers complete forms. Present to officer if goods are landed or passenger disembarks. |