Genetic transformation involves non sexual transfer of genes and traits they control from one organism into another. Papaya, Carica papaya L., is one of the major fruit crops cultivated in tropical and sub-tropical zones. Worldwide over 6.8 million tonnes (Mt) of fruit were produced in 2004 on about 389,990 Ha (FAO 2004). Although, in vitro techniques namely somatic embryogenesis and somaclonal variation are useful tools for genetic manipulation, genetic transformation can be used and has been used in papaya to alter superior cultivars for a specific trait. Stable transformation of papaya has been achieved through the use of various DNA transfer technologies since the initial report of Pang and Sanford (1988). A brief review of the various methods and success achieved by them in papaya is presented in the given paper.