Temporary changes to the PNG visa policy results in big changes to The Passport Index’ ranking.
In preparation of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Leaders’ Week held in Papua New Guinea (PNG), Visa on Arrival (VoA) to enter the nation will temporarily be suspended for the month of November. Although Leader’s Week starts on Monday 12th of November, The Papua New Guinea Immigration and Citizenship Authority (ICA) has announced that the VoA service will be suspended from 30 October until 30 November 2018 as part of enhanced border security.
Crime remains a serious concern in Port Moresby, with recurring outbreaks of violence in some of the provinces, which is the underlying reason behind such rigorous security measures taking place during the Leader’s Week.
As Heads of State, Ministers and delegations from 21 countries will be in Port Moresby, transport and hotel accommodation will be scarce. Road closures and restricted access is expected in some parts of the town.
Normally, PNG allows VoA to 71 nations, including Canada, Germany, Singapore, USA, and the UK. Although the suspension is temporary, the loss of VoA for these nations won’t see any changes in their ranking.
On the other hand, unaffected passports like the United Arab Emirates jump up to the 3rd place. Although only for the month of November, UAE is committed to taking its passport to the top of the list by December 2nd, in time with their National Day celebrations.
Lying just south of the equator, Papua New Guinea is part of a great arc of mountains stretching from Asia, through Indonesia and into the South Pacific. With a vibrant and colorful culture, more than 600 islands and 800 indigenous languages, the nation thrives off receiving travelers keen on exploring its rugged natural beauty and thriving traditional cultures.
Share post
Most recent report
