Online visa a boost for tourism, says Thomas

By HELEN TARAWA
The launching of online visa is a big boost for tourism in the country, says Minister for Immigration and Border Security Petrus Thomas.
Speaking at the launching of the website and the online facilities on Friday, Thomas said applying for visa and waiting was “a thing of the past”.
“We will appreciate that the world is moving forward with the digital world and we don’t want to be left behind,” he said.
“We want to be equal with the rest of the world in terms of digital technology.
“Visa has been a problem for most of our travellers into PNG because they have to apply with the overseas mission or the department.”
Thomas said with the approval of e-visa by the National Executive Council on Thursday, international travellers could apply online anytime and anywhere in the world.
He said the e-visa had a standard currency in US dollars for tourists who applied for 60 days or 30 days, short-term business visa, aid workers volunteer visa and journalist visa.
“The launching of this programme is timely as we have the Apec leaders’ meeting in seven days,” Thomas said.
“I’m proud of Immigration and Citizenship Authority’s achievement.
“It’s a great achievement for the organisation and the staff who have worked behind the scene to make it a reality.”
Chief Migration Officer Solomon Kantha said the e-visa was very user-friendly and much better than the US and Australia systems.
Tourism Promotion Authority chief executive officer Jerry Agus said visa was one of the biggest impediments apart from cost of visiting Papua New Guinea and other issues. “Our tourists have been finding it very difficult to get visas,” he said.
“We have been fighting for this since independence.
“The countries that don’t have PNG embassies and high commission go through so many processes.
“This project is the biggest positive announcement for tourism industry.
“I want to congratulate the minister and CMO for a job well done.”
Niugini Online managing-director Jacob Rynne, who developed the project in 14 weeks, said Immigrations and TPA were the two first impressions when people get into the country.“
Papua New Guiena struggles with not being known as a tourist destination,” he said.