Papua New Guinea Travel Information

Due to the spread of the corona virus, the authorities in March 26 have introduced entry denial for foreign nationals. For more information about coronavirus, see the section Health. According to Abbreviationfinder, PNG stands for Papua New Guinea in geography.

Safety

There is currently increasing political instability in Papua New Guinea and riots and increased crime have been reported. The increasing instability is mainly due to the July (2017) elections, and it is expected that this will continue until the political situation is clarified.

Travelers should exercise a great deal of caution, follow local news and avoid large crowds.

The level of crime is high and often targeted specifically at women. It is recommended to use transport arranged by the hotel, not public transport – nor taxi. One should not travel outside after dark.

The security situation is serious. Armed robbery, car hijacking, robbery, rape and other types of criminal acts are widespread especially in urban areas. Gang crime is particularly widespread.

The risk of terrorist incidents in Papua New Guinea is considered low. Papua New Guinea has severe penalties for import and export, possession, use and sale of drugs. There are further severe penalties for possession of weapons and pornography. Homosexuality is prohibited and can be punished with imprisonment. Papua New Guinea has reintroduced the death penalty for some crimes.

In Papua New Guinea, it is a left-hand drive. Road quality is generally poor. Always keep all windows closed and car doors locked while driving. If you become involved in traffic accidents where there is no danger to life or health, you should immediately drive to the nearest police station and ask for assistance. Avoid stopping at “roadblocks” unless you are absolutely sure it is set up by the police. If not, turn around and run an alternate route.

  • Countryaah: Port Moresby is the capital of Papua New Guinea. Check to find information of population, geography, history, and economy about the capital city.

Armed demonstrations and riots can occur in major cities. Clashes have occurred in markets in Port Moresby and Lae, among others. Ethnic contradictions, especially in the Highlands region, have led to fighting and armed fighting.

The mountain area of ​​Bougainville, especially at the old Panguna mine, is a prohibited area (“No Go Zone”). Foreigners entering this area without permission from Papua New Guinea authorities risk the arrest, interrogation and confiscation of travel documents.

You should only carry small amounts of cash and always keep copies of important documents (passports, tickets, credit cards, etc.) separately from the originals. Valuable assets should be kept locked up. It is also not recommended to keep credit cards, cash and travelers checks together. Spread the risk so that you will not be able to pay if you are hit by theft.

Papua New Guinea has several active volcanoes and from time to time volcanic eruptions, earthquakes and landslides occur. For advice and guidance on how to deal with an earthquake, see Emergency Management Australia (EMA).

Tropical storms with heavy rainfall and flooding can occur in Papua New Guinea. The country may also be affected by a tsunami. Follow local news and seek advice and advice from local authorities in the event of a crisis. General precautions for natural disasters in Oceania can be found here.

In a crisis situation where there is reason to believe that family and friends may be concerned, the embassy encourages Norwegians in the affected areas to contact family members in Norway. Family members can also contact the local authorities in the affected areas.

It is recommended that you check the Foreign Travel Office’s official travel advice before traveling. In addition, you are recommended to download the brochure Reiseklar, which provides advice and assistance to Norwegians traveling abroad. Norwegian citizens are encouraged to have valid travel insurance.

Norway is represented by an honorary consulate in the capital Port Moresby. Responsible Norwegian Embassy is the Norwegian embassy in Canberra.

Local emergency numbers are 000 for police in Port Moresby and some other cities/towns. Emergency numbers may vary between different cities/regions.

In crisis and emergency situations, the public is encouraged to contact the Norwegian Embassy in Canberra on tel: +61 2 6270 5700 or by e-mail: emb.canberra@mfa.no

Outside the opening hours, the public can contact the UD’s 24-hour operating center on tel: +47 23 95 00 00 or by e-mail: UDops@mfa.no

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs encourages anyone who is going to countries outside Europe and North America to register on www.reiseregistrering.no. Travel registration is also recommended for anyone who is going to be abroad for an extended period of time, including students and other residents.

Major Landmarks in Papua New Guinea

Entry

Please note that entry regulations may change. The Foreign Service is not responsible if the following information on entry regulations or visa requirements is changed at short notice. It is the responsibility of the traveler to ensure that travel documents are valid for entry and to familiarize themselves with the current entry rules for each country.

Norwegian citizens need a visa to stay in Papua New Guinea. Visas for a period of 60 days can be purchased on arrival at the airport for approx. 200 kroner. It is still recommended by travelers to arrange a visa before arrival. Passport must be valid for up to six months after scheduled entry date, one must be able to present return ticket.

Norwegians need visas for travel to Papua New Guinea. A visa for a maximum period of 60 days can be purchased on arrival at Papua New Guinea airport and costs approx. 200 Norwegian kroner. However, it is recommended to obtain a visa before entry. The passport must have a minimum period of six months upon entry. You must also be able to present a return ticket. It is possible to apply for a visa extension for a maximum of 30 days.

Visa rules and other regulations on entry and exit to Papua New Guinea are frequently changed. Contact the nearest Papuan Embassy or Consulate for updated information.

When departing from the international airport in Port Moresby you have to pay a departure tax of PGK 30, approx. NOK 85.

Special import permits are needed to bring food, seeds, spices, live or dried plants, animals and animal products into Papua New Guinea. For more information see PNG Immigration and Citizenship Service.

Health

Coronavirus (covid-19): Due to the spread of the virus, the authorities from March 26 have introduced entry denial for foreign nationals. Information on the measures can be read on the Ministry of Health website. It is the authorities of Papua New Guinea who are responsible for updating the websites.

Norwegian travelers should also keep abreast of the development of the coronavirus, as well as keep up to date with guidance and instructions from the authorities of Papua New Guinea.

You can find more information and guidance from the Norwegian health authorities on the website of the Norwegian Institute of Public Health. See also UD’s answers to frequently asked questions about travel and coronavirus.

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Diseases such as malaria, Japanese encephalitis, dengue fever, tuberculosis and waterborne parasites are widespread in Papua New Guinea. HIV/AIDS is also widespread and the number of people infected has increased in recent years. Travelers should carefully check the public health guidelines and recommendations before departure.

A number of diseases are widespread in Papua New Guinea and travelers should therefore carefully check the National Institute of Health’s guidelines and recommendations before departure. Health care is limited and the standard is poor by Norwegian standards. There are hospitals, doctors’ offices and pharmacies with most common medicines in the cities, but conditions are far worse in outskirts. This also applies along the Kokoda Track.

The embassy strongly encourages all necessary vaccines in order and a good travel insurance covering hospital stays, etc. Talk to your doctor about how to best protect yourself against illnesses while traveling. See the World Health Organization and the Public Health Institute for further information.

Malaria is widespread across the country, and dengue fever is common along the coast. Precautions should therefore be taken to avoid mosquito bites and insect bites. Tuberculosis is also common. HIV/AIDS is becoming an increasingly serious problem in Papua New Guinea and other sexually transmitted diseases are widespread in urban areas.

By the way, one should take all the usual hygiene measures for staying in the tropics. Water should be bottled or boiled before drinking or consumed in food, and travelers should avoid eating ice cubes and raw or low-cooked food. Local water sources can be polluted and dangerous, so it is important to ensure access to clean water at all times.

Dangerous parasites are found in several of the rivers in Papua New Guinea. Seek help if you experience fever and/or diarrhea after contact with water.

Practical information

Area code for phone calls to Papua New Guinea is +675. Papua New Guinea is nine hours ahead of Norway. Visa, Mastercard, Diners and Amex can be used in most hotels, restaurants and shops.

Traveling in Papua New Guinea can be challenging as the infrastructure is poor and it can be difficult to obtain information about the country ahead of the journey. Papua New Guinea is nine hours ahead of Norway. Power uses 240V and three-point plugs.

English is the official language in addition to Tok Pisin (pidgin) and Motu. In total, about 820 different languages ​​are spoken in Papua New Guinea. The population is culturally and geographically very diverse and consists of 700 different cultural groups, many of which are in conflict with each other. Especially in the southern highlands, dangerous situations can develop as a result of disputes between cultural groups.

Papua New Guinea has a conservative standard in clothing and behavior. Both women and men should pay attention and avoid hitting anyone when choosing clothes. Sandals may be prohibited in certain restaurants and bars. It is recommended that you request permission before taking pictures of individuals and cultural sites.

In Papua New Guinea, the practice of “eye for eye, tooth for tooth” is also practiced. Therefore, do not offend anyone or act so that you will be met with damages or other forms of extramarital retaliation.

Common credit cards such as Visa, Mastercard, Diners and Amex can be used in leading hotels, restaurants, shops and car rental companies. Cash can be exchanged at the airport or in banks. Public offices are open Monday to Friday from 0745-1600. Banks are open Monday to Thursday 0900-1500 and Friday 0900-1600. Shops and private companies are normally open Monday to Friday 0800-1630 and Saturday 0800-1200. ATMs are relatively common in cities, but only ANZ and Westpac ATMs accept foreign credit cards.

Contact the Honorary Consulate in Port Moresby for more information:
Royal Norwegian Consulate General
Turumu Street, Boroko
Port Moresby
Tel: +675 3255 411
Fax: +675 3250 167
Email: pngnorway@brianbell.com.pg