Papua New Guinea travel guide
About Papua New Guinea
Papua New Guinea is a fascinating country where travellers can explore remote villages, as well as enjoying spectacular diving, stunning wildlife, scenic surfing and myriad cultures. The tribal diversity of a country with over 800 languages and 600 islands cannot easily be summarised, although in Papua New Guinea it is the tribal life that is most fascinating to the visitor.
Beyond the dizzying array of ethnic groups to get to know, there are many unique attractions, excursions and activities on offer, from discovering wrecks of World War II aircraft that lie in the jungle, to peeking inside the sacred wooden haustambarans (spirit houses) of towns and villages in the country.
One of the largest draws for those visiting Papua New Guinea is the country's extensive wildlife and unique ecosystem. From the mountainous highlands to the Evian-blue waters, travellers can expect to discover weird and wonderful creatures, from tree-climbing kangaroos to spectacular birds of paradise; there are almost 700 bird species on the islands. Be sure to visit the National Botanic Gardens in Port Moresby, which is probably the capital's greenest, most beautiful sport. Most of the country remains undeveloped, with the largest island of Bouganville avoiding from resort hotels and commercialisation – ideal for the independent traveller.
Above all, though, it's the inhabitants that make Papua New Guinea truly unique. Many of the hundreds of languages spoken here are kept alive by a just a few dozen people. Each ethnic group has its own proud artistic traditions, with deft handicrafts, entrancing dance performances and bracing music. If you happen to visit during a festival – to be fair, there are many of them occurring throughout the year – prepare to be spellbound by tribal concerts and elaborate headdresses. Spend a bit of time here, and you'll feel as if you've gained access to a bygone era, although it would be wrong to describe the inhabitants as stuck in the past. Anyone welcomed into their embrace will say that they are thriving.
Key facts
462,840 sq km (178,704 sq miles).
7,776,115 (UN estimate 2016).
14.4 per sq km.
Port Moresby.
Constitutional monarchy.
HM King Charles III since 2022, represented locally by Governor-General Sir Bob Dadae since February 2017.
Prime Minister James Marape since 2019.
Travel Advice
The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) advises against all but essential travel to Hela and Southern Highlands provinces because of the high risk of tribal fighting.
Before you travel, check the ‘Entry requirements’ section for Papua New Guinea’s current entry restrictions and requirements. These may change with little warning. Monitor this advice for the latest updates and stay in contact with your travel provider.
If you plan to pass through another country to return to the UK, check the travel advice for the country you’re transiting.
It is more important than ever to get travel insurance and check it provides sufficient cover. See the FCDO guidance on foreign travel insurance.
Following widespread civil disorder, violence and looting in Port Moresby on 10 January, a 14 day state of emergency has been declared. If you are in Port Moresby, monitor the local media, stay alert and consider your personal security.
There is a high risk of tribal fighting in Hela and Southern Highlands provinces. If you’re planning to travel there, you should take greater care than usual, stay away from large crowds and gatherings, and consider enhanced security precautions. A curfew has been imposed in Enga province due to an escalation in violence. See Tribal Fighting.
There is a high level of serious and violent crime. Law and order is poor or very poor in many parts of the country. Carjacking is an ever-present threat, particularly in Port Moresby and Lae. See Crime
Papua New Guinea is prone to seasonal natural disasters including tropical cyclones and flash flooding. Monsoon season in Papua New Guinea runs from November to May. Monitor the latest weather reports. See Natural disasters
Although there is no recent history of terrorism in Papua New Guinea, attacks cannot be ruled out. See Terrorism
If you need consular support, contact the British High Commission in Port Moresby.
Consular support is limited outside of Port Moresby.
Coronavirus travel health
Check the latest information on risk from COVID-19 for Papua New Guinea on the TravelHealthPro website
See the TravelHealthPro website for further advice on travel abroad and reducing spread of respiratory viruses during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Entry and borders
See Entry requirements to find out what you will need to do when you arrive in Papua New Guinea.
Be prepared for your plans to change
No travel is risk-free during COVID-19. Countries may further restrict travel or bring in new rules at short notice, for example due to a new COVID-19 variant. Check with your travel company or airline for any transport changes which may delay your journey.
Plan ahead and make sure you:
- can access money
- understand what your insurance will cover
- can make arrangements to extend your stay and be away for longer than planned
Travel in Papua New Guinea
The latest information on the measures in place to tackle COVID-19 in Papua New Guinea can be found on the National Control Centre for COVID-19 Facebook page. See Safety and security for further details on local, air and road travel.
Healthcare in Papua New Guinea
Medical care across Papua New Guinea is not as advanced as in the UK. Access to medical services may be impaired during the COVID-19 pandemic. See Health for further details on healthcare in Papua New Guinea.
Your emotional and mental wellbeing is important. Read guidance on how to look after your mental wellbeing and mental health.
Finance
For information on financial support you can access whilst abroad, see our financial assistance guidance.
Further information
If you need urgent consular assistance, contact your nearest British embassy, high commission or consulate. All telephone numbers are available 24/7.
Tribal Fighting
Outbreaks of tribal fighting are common across Papua New Guinea, including tourist areas. Pay particular attention in the settlement areas of Port Moresby and the Highlands provinces. Ethnic disputes can quickly escalate and lead to widespread destruction of property, disruption of normal services and serious injury. Stay alert, monitor local media and consult local contacts (accommodation or other service providers) before travelling to a new area. Tribal fighters and criminals in these areas may be armed. Although foreigners are not normally targeted, you should stay away from areas where tribal fighting is taking place.
In July, the Enga Provincial Government declared a daily curfew from 21:00 to 06:00 due to an escalation in tribal conflict. Travel and other restrictions may be imposed at short notice. You should take particular care throughout the province and stay away from the area around the Porgera gold mine (currently closed), which has been subject to violent landowner disputes.
Crime
Serious crime is high in the capital, Port Moresby, and in the cities of Lae and Mt Hagen. Settlement or squatter areas of towns and cities are particularly dangerous. ‘Bush knives’ (machetes) and firearms are often used in assaults and thefts. Carjacking, assault (including sexual assaults), bag snatching and robberies are common. Banks and cash machines are attractive targets for criminals. Walking after dark is particularly dangerous in Port Moresby and other urban centres.
Known high-risk crime areas include the area around Parliament House in the Port Moresby suburb of Waigani, particularly outside of working hours, and along the highway between Lae and Nadzab Airport. Criminals use roadblocks outside towns to stop and loot vehicles and then attack the occupants.
Pay close attention to your personal security and monitor the media for possible new security risks. If you intend to travel in these areas, particularly after dark, take great care and consider travelling in convoy or using a security escort. Always lock car doors and keep windows up.
There have been serious attacks and robberies along the Kokoda Track. Although community leaders have assured tourists of their safety and well-being while walking the Kokoda Track, you should take care. Avoid walking independently and travel with guides from trusted travel companies. You can get details from the Papua New Guinea Tourism Authority or the Kokoda Track Authority.
Most crime is random, but people have been aducted by organised gangs and forced to open office safes while others are held captive until a ransom has been paid. A foreign national was kidnapped in a remote part of Southern Highlands in February 2023. Risk of violent crime, rape and sexual assault in Papua New Guinea is high. In general:
- do not carry large amounts of cash or openly display expensive jewellery and electronic equipment
- be vigilant at all times and leave travel plans with friends, relatives or reliable local contacts
Local travel
Check your travel insurance before considering any travel to remote areas. The cost of rescue by boat or aircraft can be high.
Damage caused by heavy rain and cyclones can make travel difficult.
World War II unexploded ordnance still exists in Papua New Guinea, particularly along the Kokoda Track, at Milne Bay and Rabaul.
Bougainville Island has previously seen a periods of separatist conflict, but has been calm since a peace agreement was signed in 2001. You should still be vigilant when travelling in Bougainville, particularly in central and southern Bougainville. The mountainous area in central Bougainville around the old Panguna mine is designated a ‘No Go Zone’, which you should not enter without prior authorisation from the Mekamui who control the border/check point.
Border areas
The land boundary between Indonesia and Papua New Guinea stretches for around 760km and is poorly defined. There are occasionally clashes along the border between the Indonesian military and the OPM (Organisasi Papua Merdeka – Free Papua Movement).
The Papua New Guinea Government has defence units at its Wutung border post in Sandaun province. You should take extreme care and be prepared for possible sudden closure of the border crossing.
Air travel
Given the challenging terrain, extreme weather conditions and the condition of some remote airfields, flying in Papua New Guinea carries greater safety risks than flying in the UK. Since 2000, over 20 aircraft accidents have happened in Papua New Guinea. The worst recent crash was on 13 April 2016 when a Sunbird Aviation PNG Britten-Norman Islander aircraft crashed at Kiunga Airport in Western province, killing all 12 people on board.
However, it is the only way to travel between Port Moresby and other provinces. Delays and cancellations of international and domestic flights occur regularly. Check with your airline before travel and be prepared for the possibility of a lengthy wait at the airport.
Road travel
Driving is on the left. When driving, you must keep your driving licence with you at all times. You may use your UK driving licence for up to one month. Roads, especially in rural areas, are in a poor state of repair and driving is often erratic. Drivers who are involved in, or witness road accidents may find themselves at personal risk. You should seek police assistance as soon as possible.
Don’t use public buses known locally as PMVs. There have been incidents of armed hold-ups of PMVs and of passengers being attacked and robbed of their personal belongings. There have also been reports of occasional rape attacks on Port Moresby PMVs. Many PMVs are not roadworthy.
Taxis are available in some major centres, but can be badly maintained. If you use a taxi, agree a fare before setting off, irrespective of whether or not there is a meter. Where possible arrange to be met by family, friends or a hotel courtesy bus when arriving at international or domestic airports.
Although there’s no recent history of terrorism in Papua New Guinea, attacks cannot be ruled out.
UK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe abroad and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad.
There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. You should remain vigilant at all times.
As a general rule, you’re prohibited from entering Papua New Guinea with fruit, vegetables and animal products due to local quarantine controls.
Marijuana and other narcotics are illegal in Papua New Guinea; offences can carry substantial prison sentences.
Homosexual acts are illegal; if found guilty, the penalty could result in up to 14 years imprisonment. See our information and advice page for the LGBT community before you travel.
If you have a health condition, or you are pregnant, you may need specialist healthcare abroad. Check whether your destination country can provide the healthcare you may need and ensure you have appropriate travel insurance for unexpected medical evacuation or local treatment
See the Coronavirus travel health and Healthcare sections in the Coronavirus page for COVID-19 health information.
At least 8 weeks before your trip, check the latest country-specific health advice from the National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC) on the TravelHealthPro website. Each country-specific page has information on vaccine recommendations, any current health risks or outbreaks, and factsheets with information on staying healthy abroad. Guidance is also available from NHS (Scotland) on the FitForTravel website.
General information on travel vaccinations and a travel health checklist is available on the NHS website. You may then wish to contact your health adviser or pharmacy for advice on other preventive measures and managing any pre-existing medical conditions while you’re abroad.
If you’re travelling with prescription or over-the-counter medicine, read this guidance from NaTHNaC on best practice when travelling with medicines. For further information on the legal status of a specific medicine, you’ll need to contact the embassy, high commission or consulate of the country or territory you’re travelling to.
While travel can be enjoyable, it can sometimes be challenging. There are clear links between mental and physical health, so looking after yourself during travel and when abroad is important. Information on travelling with mental health conditions is available on our guidance page. Further information is also available from the National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC).
Other health risks
Papua New Guinea suffered a serious polio outbreak in 2019 in Morobe, Madang, and Eastern Highlands provinces and Port Moresby.
Tuberculosis (TB) is also prevalent. Cases of drug resistant TB have been reported in Western and Gulf provinces and in Port Moresby.
UK health authorities have classified Papua New Guinea as having a risk of Zika virus transmission. For information and advice about the risks associated with Zika virus, visit the National Travel Health Network and Centre website.
Cases of Chikungunya virus have been confirmed in Papua New Guinea. Dengue fever and malaria are also present. You should take steps to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes.
Medical treatment
Medical facilities in Papua New Guinea are very basic. Hospitals often run out of basic drugs/supplies and suffer from power shortages. Evacuation by air ambulance to Australia is available in more serious cases. Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment abroad and repatriation.
If you need emergency medical assistance during your trip, dial 111 and ask for an ambulance. You should contact your insurance/medical assistance company promptly if you are referred to a medical facility for treatment.
This page reflects the UK government’s understanding of current rules for people travelling on a full ‘British Citizen’ passport, for the most common types of travel.
The authorities in Papua New Guinea set and enforce entry rules. For further information contact the embassy, high commission or consulate of the country or territory you’re travelling to. You should also consider checking with your transport provider or travel company to make sure your passport and other travel documents meet their requirements.
Entry rules in response to coronavirus (COVID-19)
Entry to Papua New Guinea
From 6 October 2022 there are no COVID-19 restrictions for international travel into PNG. The latest information on the removal of restrictions can be found on the National Control Centre for COVID-19 Facebook page.
Regular entry requirements
Visas
You need a visa to enter Papua New Guinea. Entry clearance can be arranged on-line through the Papua New Guinea Immigration & Citizenship Authority (PNGICA). Entry requirements can change so check the latest information with the PNGICA before travelling. The visa on arrival service is currently suspended.
Passport validity
Your passport should be valid for a minimum period of 6 months from the date of entry into Papua New Guinea.
Papua New Guinea sits along a volatile seismic strip called the “Ring of Fire” in the Pacific. Volcanic eruptions, earthquakes and tsunamis are possible. Seismic and volcanic activity is more likely to occur near Rabaul in East New Britain province, Kimbe in West New Britain province, and on Manam Island in Madang province.
Earthquakes
There is a constant danger from earthquakes, which can be followed by tsunami warnings.
A 7.6 magnitude earthquake occurred in Morobe province in September 2022, causing damage there and in the Highlands and Madang province.
To learn more about what to do before, during and after an earthquake, see the Ready.gov website of the US Federal Emergency Management Agency.
Volcanoes
Papua New Guinea has a number of active and extinct volcanoes. You should check with your travel provider or airlines and seek advice from local authorities before travelling to affected areas.
Mount Ulawun volcano, on the island of New Britain, erupted in November 2023, resulting in flight cancellations and the evacuation of over 5,000 people. Increased volcanic and seismic activity may continue.
Mount Bagana in Bougainville has seen increased volcanic activity since July displacing thousands of local residents.
Manam Island volcano, one of Papua New Guinea’s most active, erupted on 25 August 2018 forcing thousands to flee to the mainland. Further low level activity has occurred since then, most recently in April 2022.
Kadovar Island volcano erupted in January 2018, leading to an evacuation of the island. If you’re planning travel in affected areas, check with your travel provider or airline before travelling.
Tropical cyclones
The tropical cyclone season normally runs from November to May. Monitor local and international weather updates from the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) and the Australian Bureau of Meteorology.
See our tropical cyclones page for advice about what to do if you are caught up in a storm.
Floods
Flooding and landslides can occur, especially in rural areas and during monsoon season (November to May). Coastal areas experience monthly King Tides, which may cause localised flooding.
If you’re abroad and you need emergency help from the UK government, contact the nearest British embassy, consulate or high commission. If you need urgent help because something has happened to a friend or relative abroad, contact the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) in London on 020 7008 5000 (24 hours).
Foreign travel checklist
Read our foreign travel checklist to help you plan for your trip abroad and stay safe while you’re there.
Travel safety
The FCDO travel advice helps you make your own decisions about foreign travel. Your safety is our main concern, but we cannot provide tailored advice for individual trips. If you’re concerned about whether or not it’s safe for you to travel, you should read the travel advice for the country or territory you’re travelling to, together with information from other sources you’ve identified, before making your own decision on whether to travel. Only you can decide whether it’s safe for you to travel.
When we judge the level of risk to British nationals in a particular place has become unacceptably high, we’ll state on the travel advice page for that country or territory that we advise against all or all but essential travel. Read more about how the FCDO assesses and categorises risk in foreign travel advice.
Our crisis overseas page suggests additional things you can do before and during foreign travel to help you stay safe.
Refunds and cancellations
If you wish to cancel or change a holiday that you’ve booked, you should contact your travel company. The question of refunds and cancellations is a matter for you and your travel company. Travel companies make their own decisions about whether or not to offer customers a refund. Many of them use our travel advice to help them reach these decisions, but we do not instruct travel companies on when they can or cannot offer a refund to their customers.
For more information about your rights if you wish to cancel a holiday, visit the Citizen’s Advice Bureau website. For help resolving problems with a flight booking, visit the website of the Civil Aviation Authority. For questions about travel insurance, contact your insurance provider and if you’re not happy with their response, you can complain to the Financial Ombudsman Service.
Registering your travel details with us
We’re no longer asking people to register with us before travel. Our foreign travel checklist and crisis overseas page suggest things you can do before and during foreign travel to plan your trip and stay safe.
Previous versions of FCDO travel advice
If you’re looking for a previous version of the FCDO travel advice, visit the National Archives website. Versions prior to 2 September 2020 will be archived as FCO travel advice. If you cannot find the page you’re looking for there, send the Travel Advice Team a request.
Further help
If you’re a British national and you have a question about travelling abroad that isn’t covered in our foreign travel advice or elsewhere on GOV.UK, you can submit an enquiry, or contact us on Twitter or Facebook. We’re not able to provide tailored advice for specific trips.
