Here are our most frequently asked questions...
Travel Requirements
Yes, it’s important to check if your passport is valid for at least 6 months from your departure date from Papua New Guinea to your country of origin.
Yes, we highly recommend purchasing comprehensive travel insurance to ensure you have coverage for unexpected events during your journey.
Visa requirements can vary, so it’s advisable to check with the nearest Papua New Guinea consulate or visit this link for more information.
It’s essential to consult with your doctor for anti-malaria preparations before your arrival in Papua New Guinea to ensure a safe and healthy trip.
Safety and Security
Papua New Guinea is generally a safe and welcoming destination, much like any other country. However, it’s important to be aware of safety and security considerations in certain areas.
Yes, here are some simple precautions to enhance your safety:
- Travel with a local: Having a local guide or companion can provide valuable insights and enhance your safety.
- Avoid displaying valuables: Refrain from wearing or carrying expensive jewelry, gadgets, or large amounts of cash.
- Stay vigilant: Be aware of your surroundings, particularly in larger cities, where pickpockets may operate.
- Inform hotel/resort staff: If you plan to leave your accommodation, always let the staff know your whereabouts and inquire about safety. More information can be found here.
Crime rates, particularly petty and opportunistic crimes, tend to be higher in the larger cities. However, by taking the recommended precautions, you can significantly reduce your risk of becoming a target.
Yes, many areas outside the big cities are safe, secure, and filled with friendly Papua New Guineans. However, it’s still advisable to exercise general caution and follow local advice when exploring remote regions.
Health
Yes, malaria is the primary health risk in Papua New Guinea. Visitors are strongly advised to consult with their local doctor or a tropical disease clinic before traveling to PNG. Using personal insect repellents is also recommended to prevent malaria.
Dental, doctor, and hospital services are available in all major centers in Papua New Guinea.
Yes, HIV is a worldwide concern, including in Papua New Guinea. Travelers are encouraged to take appropriate precautions and look after their health.
In most towns, water quality meets World Health Organization standards. However, it is advisable to use bottled water as a precaution. In rural areas, it’s recommended to boil water before consumption.
Travelers over one year of age coming from or through infected areas are required to have certification or vaccination against yellow fever or cholera.
In the event of a medical emergency, you can contact Medivac Pacific Services at +675 323 5626 (Port Moresby) or the 24-hour emergency line at +675 76835227 or +675 76831818. For specific emergencies in Port Moresby, use the following numbers: Police – 112, Fire – 110/002, and St John Ambulance – 111.
What to Pack
Papua New Guinea has a tropical climate characterized by warm to hot temperatures and high humidity.
Depending on your activities, bring lightweight walking shoes or sneakers for general walking, sandals or flip-flops for beachside locations, and dive shoes if you plan to explore reefs to protect your feet.
Bring a travel adapter plug for devices not designed for the local voltage (240V). Protect your gadgets with sturdy cases and keep them in your pocket or bag. Consider a portable power bank or solar charger for remote areas and bring a headlamp or small torch.
The Papua New Guinean Kina (PNG Kina) is the most suitable currency. Credit cards are mainly accepted in major shopping centers, hotels/resorts, and banks. Check with your bank to ensure your ATM card works overseas. Currency exchange is available at Jackson’s International terminal for convenience, and if you plan to visit local villages, carry enough PNG Kina cash, as ATMs are scarce.
For a comfortable stay, pack lightweight, loose-fitting clothes made from natural fabrics like linen, silk, or cotton. Avoid short, tight, or revealing attire, and bring long sleeves and pants for evenings to protect against mosquito bites. Don’t forget to pack a lightweight raincoat or umbrella for the rainy season (December to March).
It’s important to respect local customs by covering up outside of resorts/hotels. While bikinis and swimwear are fine in designated areas, topless sunbathing is unacceptable. Leave valuable jewelry at home and bring versatile pieces. Consider packing a scarf and a sarong or pashmina for modesty and sun protection.
In major cities and towns, tap water is safe to drink. However, in rural areas, it’s advisable to boil, filter, or chemically disinfect water. Bottled water is also available for purchase.
Stay informed about the weather by checking local weather conditions through reliable sources such as:
Shopping
If you need to pick up some last-minute items in Port Moresby, we recommend visiting shopping centers like Vision City shopping mall and the Waterfront shopping center. Our team can also provide assistance.
While it’s not required, it’s encouraged to bring gifts when visiting remote villages or schools. Some suggested items include clothes, pens/pencils, reading and writing books, and fishing line.
You’ll find a variety of unique crafts to take home as souvenirs, including:
- Billums (local handbags) are handmade by local women in different sizes, colors, and patterns.
- Patterned baskets from the Southern Highlands.
- Wooden bowls from the Trobriands.
- Wooden masks from Sepik.
- Paintings by local artists depicting PNG culture and heritage.
- Tapa cloth design artifacts like hats, fans, and bags.
- Traditional weapons of various types.
- Our team can assist you in finding the best bargains.
Additional Information
Yes, we will send you the tour itinerary which contains all the details for your upcoming adventure in Papua New Guinea.
On arrival in Papua New Guinea, all goods are subject to customs and quarantine control. We recommend that all travelers complete a thorough Declaration of Customs and Quarantine. For detailed information, please visit this link.
You can explore more about Papua New Guinea’s culture by visiting this link.
You can find comprehensive information about transportation and getting around Papua New Guinea by visiting this link.
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