Papua New Guinea Working Holiday Visa - The Complete Guide

If working and living in a mostly untouched region—dense with rainforest, rich in biodiversity, and vibrant traditional culture—calls your name for your working holiday dreams, then Papua New Guinea (PNG) is well worth considering. You'll be exposed to over 800 languages and come into close contact with an Indigenous culture that is deeply entrenched in customs (kastom). It's the perfect destination for someone looking to immerse themselves in a way of life far removed from the Western world. The memories and experiences here will be like no other. The expat community in PNG is relatively large and well-established. Much of the employment centres around agriculture, mining, education, and health, making it an ideal opportunity to progress your career while diving headfirst into a new and exciting adventure.

Imagine this:

Kokoda Trail: A multi-day trek—not for the faint-hearted. Weaving your way through dense rainforest on this historic WWII trail has been described as a spiritual journey for those willing to take it on.

Milne Bay: Bring a waterproof or underwater camera—this is a must for ocean lovers. You'll encounter some of the world's most stunning coral reefs and WWII shipwrecks.

Tufi Fjords: The perfect place to kick back and relax. If you're after a little "vacay" vibe, this peaceful inlet region will deliver. With its laid-back pace and breathtaking scenery, it's the ultimate spot for some well-earned R&R.

Eligibility Requirements for the Papua New Guinea Working Holiday Visa

Unlike most working holiday visas, Papua New Guinea's option comes with fewer published eligibility requirements. It's assessed on a case-by-case basis and does not fall under a typical youth visa category, meaning there are no age limits. In some cases, you will be required to submit supporting documents and/or evidence for your application. For instance, if you have been offered employment in PNG, you may need to provide a written acceptance or offer of employment to confirm your position. In many cases, a valid work permit will also be required. These permits are issued by the Department of Labour and Industrial Relations (DILR), and it is recommended that you organise this beforehand to ensure eligibility before proceeding with your visa application. To begin the process of applying for a PNG Working Visa, you'll need to make an initial enquiry via the ICSA Papua New Guinea website. This is a great place to start, after which you'll need to complete a paper-based application form available on the main website.

You will need the following to apply:

• A valid passport with six months validity from your expected return date
• A letter of employment or PNG sponsor
• A letter of approval for your work permit
• A medical certificate confirming good health, a chest X-ray, and a recent negative HIV test
• A valid and current police clearance
• Recent passport-sized photos

Top tip: Ensure you have all relevant documentation ready to make the application process smooth and manageable. As the process is not fully online, having everything prepared will help you get it right the first time.

Health Insurance Is a Must for Your Travels

Before you jet off to the lush rainforests and remote highlands of Papua New Guinea, there’s one non-negotiable you’ll need to secure: comprehensive travel health insurance.

Unlike more urbanised destinations, Papua New Guinea has limited access to medical services—especially in rural and remote areas. Should you experience illness, injury, or require medical evacuation, adequate health cover becomes absolutely essential. Healthcare facilities may be few and far between, and costs can escalate quickly if you're uninsured or underinsured.

Top tip: Many embassies and immigration authorities require proof of adequate health insurance as part of your visa application or entry paperwork—so don’t leave this to the last minute. Ensure your policy covers the entire duration of your stay and is tailored to the unique conditions and healthcare landscape of PNG.

What to Do After Arriving in Papua New Guinea

Upon arrival, you will need to provide all relevant documents to immigration. Ensure you have paper copies of your visa and work permit for a seamless transition across the border and into the country.

Phone Connectivity

Setting up your phone upon arrival will make navigation and connectivity much easier. You can purchase a SIM card at the airport, giving you peace of mind while travelling to your next destination. The top service providers in PNG are Digicel and Telikom. This also allows you to stay in touch with loved ones and use the internet to navigate reliably.

Organising Your Finances

Opening a bank account when you arrive will help manage your finances, wages, and taxes. The top banks in PNG include OneSafe, Bank of South Pacific, and Kina Bank, offering services such as online and international banking. Check with your chosen bank regarding whether you need to apply in-branch or if online options are available.

Accommodation

It's highly recommended to have your living arrangements organised before arriving in Papua New Guinea. Given the remote nature of the country, securing adequate accommodation in advance is essential. Consider the location of your workplace and ensure you have reliable transport between home and work.

Top tip: A great way to connect with other expats before travelling to PNG is by downloading and joining the Global Work & Travel community through our SuperLite app. It’s a fantastic way to meet fellow travellers already established in PNG who can share tips and tricks before you arrive—helping you make friends before you even land.

Popular Jobs Under the Working Holiday Visa in Papua New Guinea

There is a strong demand for certain professions, making PNG an ideal destination if you're seeking diverse job opportunities alongside a truly unique travel experience. PNG offers a perfect blend of professional growth and cultural immersion.

Engineering and Mining

Papua New Guinea boasts a rich and expansive mining and engineering industry, with a consistent demand for skilled professionals. Whether you're a senior specialist or just beginning your career, there are numerous opportunities for development. From large-scale mining operations to infrastructure projects, PNG provides a rewarding path for those in the field.

Healthcare

Many areas in PNG are underdeveloped, with limited access to healthcare services. As a result, there is a significant need for qualified and experienced healthcare professionals. If you're in this field, working in PNG offers a deeply fulfilling opportunity to support communities through improved access to essential health services.

Construction

PNG is undergoing rapid infrastructure development, creating high demand for construction workers. The sector offers lucrative, hands-on roles with real impact. With a lower cost of living, it's a great opportunity to earn well while enjoying an enriching lifestyle.

Hot Spots to Visit in Papua New Guinea

Rabaul

Once the capital of the New Guinea Islands, Rabaul was almost completely destroyed by the 1994 eruption of Mount Tavurvur. Today, it remains one of PNG's top destinations, offering a breathtaking harbour, WWII history, world-class diving, and volcano hikes.

Kokoda Trail

One of the most iconic treks in the world. Gruelling and not for the faint-hearted, it leads hikers through dense rainforests on the same path soldiers followed during WWII. A physically and emotionally profound experience.

Port Moresby

The largest city in PNG—and the South West Pacific outside of Australia and New Zealand. Visit the Port Moresby Nature Park, National Museum and Art Gallery, Parliament Haus, Bomana War Cemetery, and Ella Beach. A rich mix of culture, history, and beachside leisure.

Mount Hagen

Located in the Highlands, Mount Hagen is known for fertile land, a cool climate, and a welcoming community. With a population of just over 45,000, it's PNG's third-largest city and offers a stunning natural landscape, cultural diversity, and abundant wildlife.

Top tip: If you're planning to travel around PNG, it's essential to organise reliable transport and support. The country is relatively underdeveloped, and travelling without local knowledge can be risky. Ensure you understand your travel routes and have the right assistance in place.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What makes Papua New Guinea a unique destination for a Working Holiday Visa?

Papua New Guinea offers a rare opportunity to live and work in one of the world's most untouched regions. With dense rainforests, over 800 languages, and rich traditional cultures (kastom), PNG combines career development with cultural immersion.

2. Are there any age restrictions for the Papua New Guinea Working Holiday Visa?

Unlike many working holiday visas, PNG's version has no age limit and is assessed on a case-by-case basis, making it more accessible.

3. What documentation is required to apply for a PNG Working Holiday Visa?

You'll need:

• A valid passport (6 months validity)
• A letter of employment or sponsorship
• Work permit approval
• A medical certificate, chest X-ray, and recent negative HIV test
• A police clearance
• Recent passport-sized photos

4. What types of jobs are available under the Working Holiday Visa?

The most common roles include:

• Engineering and Mining
• Healthcare
• Construction

5. What are the top places to visit while living in PNG?

• Rabaul: Volcano hikes and WWII history
• Kokoda Trail: A legendary rainforest trek
• Port Moresby: Culture, history, and beaches
• Mount Hagen: Highlands lifestyle and adventure

Final Thoughts

Papua New Guinea is the perfect destination for those seeking a working holiday experience that is hard to replicate anywhere else. With a deeply rooted culture and a largely untouched landscape, your time in PNG will be rich with memories and stories. Given its thriving industries in mining, engineering, healthcare, and construction, there's no shortage of opportunity. If you're someone who leans towards adventurous, nature-driven experiences, Papua New Guinea should be at the top of your list for your Working Holiday Visa.

If you want to learn about the working holiday visa’s for other countries, we have extensive guides for countries like the United States, Canada, Australia, United Kingdom, Germany, France, Spain, Italy, Ireland, Korea, Argentina, Chile, Hong Kong, Estonia, Netherlands, Portugal, Peru, Greece, Singapore, Malaysia, Taiwan, New Zealand, Ecuador, Brazil and more coming.