The U.S. Embassy in Papua New Guinea was pleased to announce that starting April 17, 2024, visitor visas (B-1/B-2 visas) issued to Papua New Guinean citizens traveling to the United States will be valid for a maximum of six months with single entry.
“B-1/B-2 visitor visas for Papua New Guineans were previously valid for a maximum of one month with single entry.”
“This update is reflected in the revised visa reciprocity schedule.”
“This update does not impact the validity of any B-1/B-2 visas issued prior to April 17, 2024.”
According to a statement, this change will bring immediate, tangible benefits to Papua New Guineans visiting family members, attending conferences, and engaging in tourism in the United States by enabling PNG nationals to apply for their visas several months in advance of their travel.
“This change will also enable U.S. Embassy Port Moresby’s consular section to make visa interview appointment times available for applicants to schedule more than a month in advance.”
Visitor visas are valid for 12 months with multiple entry remain an option only for qualified short-term business visa (B-1) applicants for an additional fee.
“As of April 17, 2024, 12-month, multiple entry visas are no longer available for tourist visa (B-2) applicants.”
Meanwhile through visa services to millions of customers each year, the Department of State promotes travel and tourism, facilitates the flow of regulated labour, enables business travel and investment, protects national security, and contributes to key U.S. economic sectors and supports thousands of U.S. jobs.
For more information on this, the U. S Embassy has urged people of PNG to see the revised visa reciprocity schedule on travel.state.gov for more information.