We work hard to keep this guide accurate. If you spot outdated info, email updates to contact@desinri.com.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Short Description:<\/strong> Complete guide to Papua New Guinea\u2019s Official Visa: eligibility, documents, process, restrictions, official-use rules, and key compliance points.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Last Verified On:<\/strong> April 5, 2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n Papua New Guinea\u2019s Official Visa<\/strong> is a special entry permission intended for people traveling to PNG on official government business<\/strong> rather than for tourism, private business, employment in the ordinary labor market, or study.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In practical terms, it sits outside the usual visitor\/work\/student categories and is meant for:<\/p>\n\n\n\n It exists because governments often need a distinct channel for:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Within Papua New Guinea\u2019s immigration system, this is best understood as a special-purpose visa class<\/strong> administered by the Papua New Guinea Immigration and Citizenship Authority (ICA)<\/strong>, with application handling also affected by PNG diplomatic posts abroad.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Publicly available PNG materials indicate that PNG uses an eVisa framework for many categories, but not every class is always fully described online in the same level of detail. For the Official Visa, the practical format may depend on:<\/p>\n\n\n\n So this route may function as:<\/p>\n\n\n\n If your ministry or embassy is coordinating the trip, follow the channel they specify.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Public information is limited, and naming can vary. You may see references to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n If your travel is connected to an embassy, consular mission, or international organization, do not<\/strong> assume \u201cofficial\u201d and \u201cdiplomatic\u201d mean the same thing. They often do not.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This visa is generally appropriate for:<\/p>\n\n\n\n This visa is generally not<\/strong> the right fit for:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Because PNG visa naming and available streams can change, applicants outside official government travel should verify the current route with PNG Immigration. In broad terms:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Warning:<\/strong> Using an Official Visa for the wrong purpose can lead to refusal at application stage or problems at the border.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n The Official Visa is typically used for activities such as:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Unless specifically authorized, this visa should not<\/strong> be used for:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Official government meetings are likely permitted. There is no clear official publication saying that holders of an Official Visa may perform remote work for a foreign employer while in PNG. Treat this as not automatically permitted<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Short official training may be acceptable if it is part of the official mission. Full academic study is generally not the purpose of this visa.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If a traveler is coming in a press capacity, even if linked to a state body, separate permissions may be needed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Common Mistake:<\/strong> Applicants assume \u201cofficial\u201d means any important work trip. It does not. It generally means government or state-authorized official duty<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n Publicly accessible PNG immigration material does not always provide a highly detailed public-facing subclass structure for every visa category.<\/p>\n\n\n\n No fully clear, publicly available subclass code or stream identifier for this visa was found in official public materials reviewed. If your host ministry, embassy, or PNG mission gives you a category code, use that official label on your file.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Because PNG\u2019s public guidance on this exact category is limited, some criteria are clear in principle but not always published line-by-line. Where a point is not publicly stated in detail, it is marked accordingly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n To qualify, an applicant will generally need to show:<\/p>\n\n\n\n PNG visa requirements can vary by nationality. Some passport holders may have different application channels or documentary expectations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This means you should verify:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Applicants should generally hold:<\/p>\n\n\n\n PNG\u2019s public visa pages should be checked for the latest passport-validity standard, because specific month requirements can change by route.<\/p>\n\n\n\n No special age rule is publicly stated for official travelers in general. Minors may travel only if part of an official\/family arrangement and separately documented.<\/p>\n\n\n\n These are generally not core criteria<\/strong> for an Official Visa.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Usually important. Applicants may need:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Not usually relevant unless the \u201cofficial\u201d trip is tied to a formal posting. Ordinary private job offers do not make someone eligible for this category.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Not applicable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Only relevant if family members are trying to accompany the principal traveler, and such accompaniment is accepted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Not applicable unless official training is part of the trip.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Not applicable for this visa.<\/p>\n\n\n\n No clear publicly stated universal minimum fund threshold was found for this visa. However, applicants may need to show that:<\/p>\n\n\n\n May be required depending on the case, especially where the official host is arranging stay.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Return or onward arrangements may be requested, particularly for short official visits.<\/p>\n\n\n\n General health screening may apply if required by PNG immigration rules or public health controls.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Applicants may need to be of good character. Police certificates are not always publicly listed for every short official visit, but can be requested.<\/p>\n\n\n\n No universal public rule was found requiring travel insurance specifically for all Official Visa cases, but insurance is still wise and may be required by some sending agencies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Not clearly published as a universal requirement for this visa category. Check with the processing office.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Applicants must show:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Generally yes for short official visits, unless it is part of an official posting or stationing arrangement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Possible in some cases after arrival, especially for longer official assignments. Not clearly published as a universal rule.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Not applicable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Yes, possibly. PNG diplomatic posts may request:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Certain diplomatic or official passport holders may benefit from tailored handling or reciprocal arrangements, but these are nationality-specific and not uniformly published.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If interviewed, applicants can raise concerns if they:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Warning:<\/strong> If your trip mixes official duties with tourism or private work, separate the purposes clearly. Do not hide side plans.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n The Official Visa can offer several practical advantages for the right applicant.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Not clearly published as a standard benefit. Some official postings may involve family arrangements, but this is not reliably stated for general short-term Official Visa holders.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Only mission-related official activity is usually covered. This is not<\/strong> an open work visa.<\/p>\n\n\n\n No direct settlement advantage is publicly stated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Holders must generally:<\/p>\n\n\n\n The visa is often tied closely to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n If the mission is canceled, the visa basis may disappear.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This is one of the least publicly standardized parts of the Official Visa.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The visa\u2019s:<\/p>\n\n\n\n are likely set in the individual approval or according to the official mission.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You should check your visa grant or official authorization for:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Usually, visa validity begins from the date granted or date stated on the visa. Stay duration may begin on entry. But applicants must rely on the actual grant notice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n No publicly stated grace period was found. Do not assume one exists.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Likely consequences include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n If extension is possible, apply before expiry. Exact lead times are not clearly published for this category.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Because document requirements can vary by nationality and by the authority handling the file, use this as a structured guide and then confirm with PNG Immigration or the relevant mission.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Common mistake:<\/strong> submitting only a biodata page where full passport scans are required.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Where requested:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Common mistake:<\/strong> large unexplained deposits right before applying.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For official travelers, these are usually:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Usually not applicable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If family members are included or linked:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Possible examples:<\/p>\n\n\n\n These can vary by nationality or embassy and may include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n If documents are not in English, applicants may need:<\/p>\n\n\n\n PNG does not publicly state a universal apostille rule for all Official Visa files, so verify locally.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Use current PNG visa photo standards from the application portal or mission checklist. Common standards usually include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Pro Tip:<\/strong> If the mission gives you a checklist, treat that checklist as controlling over generic guidance.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n A clear publicly stated minimum maintenance amount for the Official Visa was not found in official materials reviewed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The decision-maker may want evidence of who pays for:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Usually one of these:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Even where visa fees are low or waived in some official cases, travelers may still pay for:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Common Mistake:<\/strong> Assuming \u201cofficial trip\u201d means no financial evidence is needed. Many files still need a clear funding explanation.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n Public fee information for this exact category is not consistently published in a simple universal format. Some official travelers may be subject to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n You should check the latest official PNG fee source or ask the processing authority.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If fees are not publicly listed for your exact case, do not<\/strong> rely on unofficial websites. Ask:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Make sure your trip is truly:<\/p>\n\n\n\nVisa Snapshot<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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\n \nItem<\/th>\n Details<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n \n Country<\/td>\n Papua New Guinea<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Visa name<\/td>\n Official Visa<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Visa short name<\/td>\n Official<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Category<\/td>\n Special-purpose entry visa for official government-related travel<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Main purpose<\/td>\n Travel to Papua New Guinea on official government or public-service business<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Typical applicant<\/td>\n Government officials, holders of official\/service passports, representatives on official duty<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Validity<\/td>\n Varies; check visa grant and issuing authority<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Stay duration<\/td>\n Varies by approval and mission length<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Entries allowed<\/td>\n Varies; single or multiple entry may be granted depending on approval<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Extension possible?<\/td>\n Possible in some cases, but not clearly published for all applicants; confirm with PNG Immigration<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Work allowed?<\/td>\n Limited; only activities consistent with the official assignment<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Study allowed?<\/td>\n Generally no, except incidental short official training if expressly covered<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Family allowed?<\/td>\n Not clearly published as a standard dependent route for this visa; confirm case by case<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n PR path?<\/td>\n No direct PR path publicly stated<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Citizenship path?<\/td>\n No direct path; at most indirect if later moving to another residence category<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n \n
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What form does it take?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Alternate names and related terms<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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2. Who should apply for this visa?<\/h1>\n\n\n\n
Ideal applicants<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Usually not appropriate for these applicants<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Which visa might be more appropriate instead?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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3. What is this visa used for?<\/h1>\n\n\n\n
Permitted purposes<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Prohibited or likely prohibited purposes<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Grey areas and misunderstandings<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Meetings<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Remote work<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Training<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Journalism<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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4. Official visa classification and naming<\/h1>\n\n\n\n
Best-supported current naming<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Internal streams or codes<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Related categories often confused with it<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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\n \nCategory<\/th>\n How it differs<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n \n Diplomatic Visa<\/td>\n Usually for diplomatic passport holders or accredited diplomatic missions<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Visitor\/Tourist Visa<\/td>\n For leisure or general short visits, not state business<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Business\/Visitor Visa<\/td>\n For private-sector commercial travel, not official state duty<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Employment Visa<\/td>\n For paid labor in PNG\u2019s workforce<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Student Visa<\/td>\n For study as the main purpose<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n 5. Eligibility criteria<\/h1>\n\n\n\n
Core likely eligibility requirements<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Nationality rules<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Passport validity<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Age<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Education, language, work experience<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Sponsorship \/ invitation<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Job offer<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Points requirement<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Relationship proof<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Admission letter<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Business\/investment thresholds<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Maintenance funds<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Accommodation proof<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Onward travel<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Health<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Character \/ criminal record<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Insurance<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Biometrics<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Intent requirements<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Residency outside PNG<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Local registration rules<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Quota\/cap\/ballot requirements<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Embassy-specific rules<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Special exemptions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
6. Who is NOT eligible \/ common refusal triggers<\/h1>\n\n\n\n
Likely ineligibility factors<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Common refusal triggers<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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\n \nRefusal trigger<\/th>\n Why it causes problems<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n \n Wrong visa class<\/td>\n Purpose does not match Official Visa<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Weak invitation<\/td>\n Host letter is vague or not from a proper authority<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n No proof of official duty<\/td>\n No mission order, no note verbale, no ministry support<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Inconsistent purpose<\/td>\n Form says official visit, documents show tourism or private business<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Unverifiable documents<\/td>\n Host, employer, or ministry details cannot be confirmed<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Prior immigration issues<\/td>\n Overstays, removals, or misrepresentation history<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Poor passport condition<\/td>\n Damaged or invalid passport<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Family members added without basis<\/td>\n Dependents not clearly eligible under this route<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n Interview and presentation risks<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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7. Benefits of this visa<\/h1>\n\n\n\n
Main benefits<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Travel and mission benefits<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Family benefits<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Work\/study benefits<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
PR or settlement benefits<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
8. Limitations and restrictions<\/h1>\n\n\n\n
Key restrictions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Compliance restrictions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Sponsor dependence<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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9. Duration, validity, entries, and stay rules<\/h1>\n\n\n\n
What is clearly true?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Practical interpretation<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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When does the clock start?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Grace periods<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Overstay consequences<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Renewal timing<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
10. Complete document checklist<\/h1>\n\n\n\n
A. Core documents<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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\n \nDocument<\/th>\n What it is<\/th>\n Why needed<\/th>\n Common mistakes<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n \n Visa application form or online application<\/td>\n Official application record<\/td>\n Starts the case<\/td>\n Wrong visa selected, inconsistent answers<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Cover note \/ purpose statement<\/td>\n Short explanation of mission<\/td>\n Clarifies official purpose<\/td>\n Too vague, no dates or host details<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Official support letter<\/td>\n Letter from sending ministry\/agency<\/td>\n Proves official assignment<\/td>\n Missing signature, no designation, no travel dates<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Host invitation<\/td>\n Letter from PNG authority<\/td>\n Confirms reason for visit<\/td>\n Issued by wrong entity, lacks contact details<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n B. Identity\/travel documents<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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C. Financial documents<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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D. Employment\/business documents<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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E. Education documents<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
F. Relationship\/family documents<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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G. Accommodation\/travel documents<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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H. Sponsor\/invitation documents<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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I. Health\/insurance documents<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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J. Country-specific extras<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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K. Minor\/dependent-specific documents<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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L. Translation \/ apostille \/ notarization needs<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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M. Photo specifications<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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11. Financial requirements<\/h1>\n\n\n\n
Official rule position<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
What applicants should expect<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Who can sponsor costs?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Acceptable proof<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Hidden costs<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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12. Fees and total cost<\/h1>\n\n\n\n
Official fee position<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Typical cost components<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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\n \nCost item<\/th>\n Notes<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n \n Visa application fee<\/td>\n Check official PNG fee page or mission<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Biometrics fee<\/td>\n Only if biometrics are required<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Medical exam fee<\/td>\n Only if requested<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Police certificate fee<\/td>\n Depends on issuing country<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Translation\/notary cost<\/td>\n Varies by country<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Courier fee<\/td>\n If passport\/document handling is physical<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Insurance cost<\/td>\n If required or strongly recommended<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Travel cost<\/td>\n Flights, hotel, internal transport<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Dependent fee<\/td>\n If dependents are accepted and applying<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n Important fee caution<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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13. Step-by-step application process<\/h1>\n\n\n\n
1. Confirm the correct visa<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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