Entry Requirements and Visas
Everyone needs a visa to enter Papua New Guinea. However, the process varies depending on your citizenship.
Citizens of many countries—including all EU/EFTA nations, the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, and many others—can obtain a 60-day visa on arrival. A shorter list of countries, including India, Russia, and Vietnam, qualify for a 30-day visa on arrival. Citizens of other countries must obtain a visa in advance from the nearest Papua New Guinea diplomatic mission.
Important: visa on arrival is only available for stays longer than 8 hours. If you're transiting through Port Moresby for a short connection, you will not be permitted to leave the airport.
If crossing by land from Indonesia, you can apply for a tourist visa at the Papua New Guinea consulate in Jayapura. The process involves some bureaucracy, and note that immigration officers are known to be unreliable—they may not show up for work, particularly on market days. Plan accordingly and have backup options.
Money, Currency, and Costs
Papua New Guinea's currency is the Kina (PGK). The two major daily newspapers—The Post Courier and The National—publish up-to-date exchange rates and other important financial information.
For current information on typical costs and budgeting, consult recent travel guides or tourist resources, as prices fluctuate and vary significantly between urban centers like Port Moresby and rural areas.
Staying Safe and Emergency Contacts
Papua New Guinea has significant safety concerns in certain areas. According to the U.S. State Department, travelers should reconsider visiting due to crime, civil unrest, and piracy. The country has limited emergency infrastructure, particularly outside Port Moresby.
Areas to avoid:
- Central Bougainville, particularly near the Panguna mine, due to civil unrest
- Most of the Highlands region, except the towns of Mt. Hagen and Goroka
- Several provinces where travel authorization is required for government employees: Southern Highlands, Western Highlands (excluding Mt. Hagen), Eastern Highlands (excluding Goroka), Hela, Enga, and Jiwaka
Crime concerns in major cities: Port Moresby and Lae have problems with criminal gangs known as raskols. This stems largely from unemployment and migration from rural farming areas to cities. Safer alternatives include Madang, Wewak, Goroka, Mt. Hagen, and Tari, which have more established settlements and greater stability.
Safety tips:
- Most hotels in Port Moresby are secure, situated in compounds with perimeter guards
- Avoid going out after dark; if you must, stay very alert
- Many hotels can arrange transportation or accompany you when exploring local areas
- Villages are generally quite safe, as locals may welcome and protect visitors
- Stay informed about the current law-and-order situation in areas you plan to visit
Additional hazards:
- Small plane travel carries significant risk due to mountainous terrain, cloud cover, and remote airfields in steep valleys. Air Niugini, the national airline, has had only one fatal accident since 1973 and is the safest option for domestic flights
- Saltwater crocodiles are common in coastal waters, freshwater lakes, and rivers. They can grow larger than 6 meters and occasionally attack humans. Avoid swimming except at higher elevations and in hotel pools
- Papua New Guinea has many active volcanoes. Always heed local advice before attempting volcano treks, and monitor The Smithsonian Institute's Volcanic Activity Report
Health
Tap water in some regions is unsafe to drink. Boil or treat water before consumption, or use bottled water.
Malaria is a potential hazard, though many villages connected to industry are regularly treated for mosquitoes. Take appropriate precautions against mosquitoes and mosquito-borne diseases. Malaria medication is available at pharmacies.
According to WHO advice, get a booster shot for polio if you haven't received one in the last decade, as vaccine-derived polio has been detected in the country.
Healthcare services are inconsistent in availability. The U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency medical services outside Port Moresby due to limited transportation infrastructure.
Staying Connected
Papua New Guinea has two mobile GSM operators:
- Digicel PNG
- bmobile-Vodafone
4G LTE coverage is available in Port Moresby and Lae. Most populated areas have 3G or 2G coverage. You can purchase SIM cards from either operator and use your mobile phone with local service.
The international dialing code for Papua New Guinea is +675.
Local Customs and Etiquette
Greeting people with a friendly handshake is very important in Papua New Guinea's Melanesian culture. However, be aware that avoiding direct eye contact during a handshake is a sign of respect. Don't be surprised if hotel staff and others shake your hand while looking at the floor—this is normal and courteous behavior.
Always ask permission before taking photographs of people. While their clothing and makeup may be striking, remember that they are real people, not tourist attractions. Photographing without consent is disrespectful.
In villages, locals may welcome you warmly and "adopt" you as one of their own, making these areas particularly safe and culturally enriching to visit.