Papua New Guinea

Security Status

High Degree of Caution

General Travel Advice

Irish citizens require 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.

A valid passport is required for travel to Papua New Guinea. Irish passports should have a minimum validity of 6 months from the date of departure from Papua New Guinea. Passport cards cannot be used.

The security situation in Papua New Guinea is very challenging, both in Port Moresby and outside. Violent crime, including sexual assault, carjackings, home invasions, and armed robberies, is common. Visitors to Papua New Guinea are advised to follow the guidance of national and local authorities and stay fully informed of what is going on by monitoring local news and social media.

Citizens can also follow the Embassy on social media (X @irlembaustralia and Facebook @IrishEmbassyAustralia) to ensure access to relevant updates and alerts.

Emergency Assistance

The best help is often close at hand so if problems arise, try talking to your local contacts, tour operator representatives or hotel management.

Contact the emergency services in Papua New Guinea by dialling:

• Police: 000
• Fire brigade: 110
• Ambulance: 111

Our Tips for Safe Travels:

• Get comprehensive travel insurance that covers all planned activities.
• Register your details with us so that we can contact you quickly if there is an unforeseen crisis like a natural disaster or a family emergency.
• Follow us on X @dfatravelwise and Instagram @dfatravelwise for the latest travel updates.
• Read our ‘Know Before You Go’ guide.
• Read our Consular Assistance Charter that clearly sets out the assistance that can be provided to citizens in difficulty overseas, and the limits of what the Department can do.

As there is no Irish Embassy in Papua New Guinea, we are limited in the help we can offer in an emergency. However, if assistance is needed, please contact the Irish Embassy in Canberra, Australia.

Demonstrations

Avoid protests and other large public gatherings in Port Moresby and other major towns as they can turn violent. Always keep yourself informed of what is going on around you by monitoring local media for information about potential conflicts or the security or political situation of specific areas and staying in contact with your hotel or tour organiser.

Highland Provinces

Inter-tribal disturbances can happen without warning in the Highland Provinces, in particular the Southern Highlands and Enga Provinces. Be extremely careful, as law enforcement in these areas is weak.

Bougainville Province

Bougainville Province (including Bougainville Island) has recently emerged from a period of separatist conflict. Do not enter the mountainous area in central Bougainville around the old Panguna mine as it is a ‘No Go Zone’. Foreigners who have entered the Zone without authorisation from the Papua New Guinean government have been questioned by the authorities and had their passports confiscated on departure from the Zone.

Landmines

Unexploded ordnance and landmines are present in many islands, including Bougainville and East New Britain.

Avoid walking or hiking off marked roads and trails.

Crime

Crime is common in Papua New Guinea, especially personal crime. It tends to be opportunistic and can happen anywhere and at any time. However, it is especially prevalent in areas such as Lae, Mt Hagen and other parts of the Highland provinces and the capital city Port Moresby is particularly dangerous. We advise visitors to be extremely careful and take sensible precautions:

Do not carry credit cards, travel tickets and money together - leave spare cash and valuables in a safe place

Do not carry your passport unless absolutely necessary and leave a copy of your passport (as well as travel and insurance documents) with family or friends at home

Avoid walking after dark in Port Moresby and other urban areas. If travelling at night, do so by car. There have been serious attacks and robberies along the Kokoda Track.

Rape, kidnapping, and sexual assault are problems across the country. There is particular risk where law enforcement is weak, such as in the Northern and Southern Highlands, and the Enga Provinces.

Violence and use of 'bush knives' (machetes) and guns often accompany assault and robberies. Car-jacking, assaults, bag-snatching and other robberies, including in shops and restaurants, are common.

If arrested or detained, you are entitled to request that the local police notify the Embassy of your detention.

Criminals tend to target areas and establishments often frequented by foreigners, including hotels, restaurants and bars, places of worship and tourist areas.

Criminals may use roadblocks outside of towns to stop and loot vehicles and attack you. Keep doors and windows locked, including when travelling by vehicle, consider using private security and avoid travel by taxi or public transport, especially if you are a woman.

Lost or Stolen Passports

Always keep your travel documents secure at all times. If your passport is lost or stolen, getting a replacement can take some time, given the distance between Papua New Guinea and the nearest Irish Embassy in Canberra. Getting a replacement passport will be easier if you can provide a copy of the lost or stolen one, so keep photocopies of your passport.

Reporting a Crime

If a victim of a crime while in Papua New Guinea, report it to the local police immediately. Please contact us at the Irish Embassy in Canberra, in Australia if you need help.

Driving

If planning to drive in Papua New Guinea, be extremely careful. Driving is on the left. Roads are generally poor, particularly outside towns and cities and standards of driving are erratic. If you want to drive, bring your full Irish driver’s licence and make sure to have adequate and appropriate insurance. Ensure that rental aquatic equipment is safe and in good condition.

Car Jacking

Car jacking is a risk of travelling in Papua New Guinea. Always keep car doors locked and windows closed, particularly if travelling at night or through urban areas.

Hiring a Vehicle

If hiring a vehicle, we advise not to hand over your passport as a form of security. If allowing your passport to be photocopied, keep it in your sight at all times.

Check that you have adequate insurance and read the small print of the vehicle hire contract (particularly any waiver that will come into effect if the vehicle is damaged).

Public Buses (PMVs)

We recommend that visitors avoid using 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. Many PMVs are considered to be un-roadworthy.

Taxis

Taxis are available in some major centres, but they can be badly maintained, and you should check about their reliability with your hotel or guesthouse. If visitors use a taxi, make sure to agree a fare before getting into the vehicle, even if there is a meter.

Kokoda Track

If visitors intend to walk a trail or track in Papua New Guinea, particularly on the Kokoda Track, we strongly advise to travel with guides from a reputable tour company and pay the relevant fees before you set out. Visitors can get details through the Papua New Guinea Tourism Promotion Authority or the Kokoda Track Authority. Although community leaders have assured tourists of their safety and well-being while walking the Kokoda Track, there have been serious attacks and robberies at both ends of the Track and visitors should be cautious.

Flying

Flying in Papua New Guinea carries an increased level of risk due to the poor condition of airfields, remote locations, difficult terrain, extreme weather and poor maintenance of aircraft.

Vaccinations

Check with a doctor well in advance of travelling to see what vaccinations for Papua New Guinea are required. Be aware that if you have a compromised immune system you may be at greater risk of falling ill or contracting disease while travelling in this country.

HIV and AIDS

HIV and AIDs are increasingly common in Papua New Guinea, so we strongly encourage victims of violence, particularly victims of sexual assault, to seek immediate medical assistance.

Cholera

Cholera is endemic in Papua New Guinea so visitors need to take precautions; only drink ‘safe’ chlorinated or boiled water and avoid ice-cubes or uncooked food. Maintain high personal hygiene standards such as washing your hands frequently.

Mosquito-borne Diseases

Mosquito-borne diseases are present in Papua New Guinea and visitors should get up-to-date medical advice about immunisations and prophylaxis before travelling. Avoid being bitten by mosquitoes by using bed nets and repellents, and wearing closed shoes, long sleeves and trousers.

Other Diseases

Food and water-borne diseases are also common, as is tuberculosis. Swimming in Papua New Guinea may expose you to water-borne parasites, particularly if swimming in rivers. Stings from marine animals are also a risk and can be fatal.

Remember, the local laws apply to you as a visitor and it is your responsibility to follow them. Be sensitive to local customs, traditions and practices as your behaviour may be seen as improper, hostile or may even be illegal.

Citizenship

The government of Papua New Guinea does not recognise dual-national citizenship once a person is over 18 years of age. If travelling there as a Papua New Guinea citizen, Irish citizenship will not be recognised. This means we may be hindered in giving consular assistance if needed.

Local Customs

Standards of dress and behaviour in Papua New Guinea are quite conservative so even though the climate is hot, dress conservatively when in public. Adultery is also an offence and those convicted may be liable for compensation payments. Public displays of affection may cause offence so we advise discretion and caution at all times.

LGBT

Homosexual acts are unlawful - and punishment if convicted can include imprisonment.

Forbidden Products

The sale and possession of pornographic material is a criminal offence in Papua New Guinea. As a general rule, visitors are prohibited from entering Papua New Guinea with drugs, weapons, firearms, censored films, and obscene literature.

Illegal Drugs

Illegal drug use (no matter what the drug) carries stiff penalties, including fines and long prison terms.

Photography

Always get permission before taking photographs of people or important cultural or spiritual sites.

Earthquakes

Papua New Guinea is in an active seismic zone and earthquakes and volcanic eruptions happen regularly, particularly around Rabaul, Bougainville, West New Britain and the Manam Islands. If a natural disaster occurs, follow the advice of local authorities.

Tsunami

Depending on the severity and conditions of the seismic activity in the region, there may be a threat of tsunamis. If travelling to coastal areas, be alert for tsunami warnings that may be issued by the authorities.

Wet Season

During the wet season in Papua New Guinea (November to May) weather can damage infrastructure (roads, airstrips), cause flooding and landslides and contribute to the spread of infectious disease. Take care if travelling during this time; talk to your tour guides or follow the local media to see whether travel may be affected.

Volcanoes

Papua New Guinea has a number of active and extinct volcanoes.

• Mount Ulawun Volcano, on the island of New Britain, erupted three times in 2019 causing airport closures. A brief eruption occurred on 2 June 2022.
• Mount Bagana in Bougainville erupted on 13 August 2019.
• 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 planning travel in affected areas, check with your travel provider or airline before travelling.

Visa

Irish citizens require 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

Irish passports should have a minimum validity of 6 months from the date of departure from Papua New Guinea.

It is advisable to take a number of photocopies of your passport. During your stay carry a photocopy at all times.

As Ireland does not have an Embassy or Consulate in Papua New Guinea, consular assistance is provided via the Embassy of Ireland in Australia.

If emergency assistance is required from the Embassy, please contact us on +61 2 62140000

Outside normal working hours please contact the Duty Officer at the Department of Foreign Affairs in Dublin on +353 1 408 2000