Risk level

Safety and security

Inter-ethnic violence

Inter-ethnic tensions often lead to communal violence, sometimes deadly. They occur particularly in:

• the province of Enga
• the province of Hela
• the province of Southern Highlands
• the city of Lae
• the city of Port Moresby

Crime

Violent crime

Violent crime, such as sexual assault, carjacking, home invasion, kidnapping, and armed robbery, is common and often includes the use of lethal weapons such as firearms or machetes. The Highlands provinces and the cities of Lae and Port Moresby are particularly affected.

In Port Moresby, the area around Parliament and the suburb of Waigani experience increased levels of crime.

• Do not travel alone, especially after dark
• Consider hiring private security as police capacity to respond to crimes and other incidents is very limited

Criminals tend to target areas and establishments often frequented by foreigners, including:

• hotels
• clubs
• restaurants and bars
• schools
• places of worship
• outdoor recreation events
• tourist areas, including markets, parks and beaches

Petty crime

Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and purse snatching, frequently occurs, particularly in public markets.

• Ensure that your belongings, including your passport and other travel documents, are secure at all times
• Avoid displaying signs of affluence

Carjacking

Carjacking occurs in Port Moresby and along the highway between Lae and the Lae Nadzab Airport. They are particularly frequent in the Two-Mile and Nine-Mile settlement areas. Violent attacks on vehicles travelling on the Highlands Highway also occur, particularly between Goroka and Kainantu.

Criminals may attempt to open doors of cars that are stopped or moving slowly in traffic. Assailants may assault their victims while robbing them. Criminals may demand tolls at illegal roadblocks and can assault you if payment is not made.

• Be vigilant while travelling by road
• Drive with windows up and doors locked at all times
• Avoid travel after dark
• Avoid leaving personal belongings unattended in your vehicle

Piracy

Pirate attacks and armed robbery against ships occur in coastal waters, particularly in the Milne Bay and its capital, Alotau. Mariners should take appropriate precautions.

Live piracy report - International Maritime Bureau

Fraud

Credit card and ATM fraud occurs. Be cautious when using debit or credit cards:

• pay careful attention when your cards are being handled by others
• use ATMs located in well-lit public areas or inside a bank or business
• avoid using card readers with an irregular or unusual feature
• cover the keypad with one hand when entering your PIN
• check for any unauthorized transactions on your account statements

Overseas fraud

Women's safety

Sexual assault, including gang rape, frequently occurs. Foreigners have been targeted. Women travelling alone may be subject to some forms of harassment and verbal abuse.

Advice for women travellers

Demonstrations

Demonstrations take place from time to time, particularly in the cities of Port Moresby, Lae and Mount Hagen. Even peaceful demonstrations can turn violent at any time. They can also lead to disruptions to traffic and public transportation.

• Avoid areas where demonstrations and large gatherings are taking place
• Follow the instructions of local authorities
• Monitor local media for information on ongoing demonstrations

Mass gatherings (large-scale events)

Unexploded Ordnance

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

Avoid walking or hiking off marked roads and trails.

Bougainville Island

There are no tourist facilities in the area. Transportation options are limited.

There is a risk of violence in the central mountainous area around the Panguna mine and access is restricted. You need a special permission to enter this area.

Adventure sports

Trekking

Attacks on trekkers have occurred, including on the Black Cat track, in Morobe, and on the Kokoda track. Facilities along the Kokoda track are limited.

If you intend on trekking:

• never do so alone
• always hire an experienced guide from a reputable company
• buy travel insurance that includes helicopter rescue and medical evacuation
• ensure that your physical condition is good enough to meet the challenges of your activity
• do not venture off marked trails
• ensure that you're properly equipped
• ensure that you're well informed about weather and other conditions that may pose a hazard
• inform a family member or friend of your itinerary, including when you expect to be back
• obtain detailed information on each activity before setting out

Diving

Rescue services may not be consistent with international standards.

• Ensure that rental aquatic equipment is safe and in good condition
• Ensure you are diving within the limits outlined by your tour company

Water safety abroad

Venomous snakes

Venomous snakes are common throughout Papua New Guinea.

If bitten, seek immediate medical attention. The cost of anti-venom is very high. Medical staff can charge up to CAD $6,000 for treatment.

Road safety

Road conditions and road safety are poor throughout the country.

Driving can be hazardous, especially outside major towns. Poorly maintained cars, drunk drivers and roads in disrepair increase the safety risks.

Roads may become impassable due to flash floods and landslides during the rainy season.

If you are involved in a traffic accident, proceed directly to the nearest police station. Crowds tend to form quickly after an incident, and could become hostile and aggressive.

Public transportation

Public buses, known as public motor vehicles (PMVs), and taxis are poorly maintained. They also are a common target for criminals.

• Avoid travelling by taxi or on public buses
• Whenever possible, arrange for hotel or other private transportation
• Plan to have someone waiting for you at the airport, particularly if arriving in the evening

Air travel

We do not make assessments on the compliance of foreign domestic airlines with international safety standards.

Information about foreign domestic airlines

Entry and exit requirements

Every country or territory decides who can enter or exit through its borders. The Government of Canada cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet your destination’s entry or exit requirements.

We have obtained the information on this page from the authorities of Papua New Guinea. It can, however, change at any time.

Verify this information with the Foreign Representatives in Canada.

Passport

Entry requirements vary depending on the type of passport you use for travel.

Before you travel, check with your transportation company about passport requirements. Its rules on passport validity may be more stringent than the country’s entry rules.

Regular Canadian passport

Your passport must be valid at least 6 months upon entering Papua New Guinea.

Passport for official travel

Different entry rules may apply.

Official travel

Passport with “X” gender identifier

While the Government of Canada issues passports with an “X” gender identifier, it cannot guarantee your entry or transit through other countries. You might face entry restrictions in countries that do not recognize the “X” gender identifier. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

Other travel documents

Different entry rules may apply when travelling with a temporary passport or an emergency travel document. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

Useful links

• Foreign Representatives in Canada
• Canadian passports

Visas

Tourist visa: required 
Business visa: required 
Student visa: required

You may obtain a tourist e-visa prior to travelling to Papua New Guinea. It’s also possible to obtain your e-visa upon arrival at the Jacksons International Airport in Port Moresby.

Online visa application - Government of Papua New Guinea

Other requirements

Customs officials may ask you to show them a return or onward ticket and proof of sufficient funds to cover your stay.

Children and travel

Learn more about travelling with children.

Yellow fever

Learn about potential entry requirements related to yellow fever (vaccines section).

Health

Routine vaccines

Be sure that your routine vaccinations, as per your province or territory, are up-to-date before travelling, regardless of your destination.

Some of these vaccinations include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, varicella (chickenpox), influenza and others.

Pre-travel vaccines and medications

You may be at risk for preventable diseases while travelling in this destination. Talk to a travel health professional about which medications or vaccines may be right for you, based on your destination and itinerary. 

Safe food and water precautions

Many illnesses can be caused by eating food or drinking beverages contaminated by bacteria, parasites, toxins, or viruses, or by swimming or bathing in contaminated water.

• Learn more about food and water precautions to take to avoid getting sick by visiting our eat and drink safely abroad page. Remember: Boil it, cook it, peel it, or leave it!
• Avoid getting water into your eyes, mouth or nose when swimming or participating in activities in freshwater (streams, canals, lakes), particularly after flooding or heavy rain. Water may look clean but could still be polluted or contaminated.
• Avoid inhaling or swallowing water while bathing, showering, or swimming in pools or hot tubs. 

Insect bite prevention

Many diseases are spread by the bites of infected insects such as mosquitoes, ticks, fleas or flies. When travelling to areas where infected insects may be present:

• Use insect repellent (bug spray) on exposed skin
• Cover up with light-coloured, loose clothes made of tightly woven materials such as nylon or polyester
• Minimize exposure to insects
• Use mosquito netting when sleeping outdoors or in buildings that are not fully enclosed

To learn more about how you can reduce your risk of infection and disease caused by bites, both at home and abroad, visit our insect bite prevention page.

Find out what types of insects are present where you’re travelling, when they’re most active, and the symptoms of the diseases they spread.

Animal precautions

Some infections, such as rabies and influenza, can be shared between humans and animals. Certain types of activities may increase your chance of contact with animals, such as travelling in rural or forested areas, camping, hiking, and visiting wet markets (places where live animals are slaughtered and sold) or caves.

Travellers are cautioned to avoid contact with animals, including dogs, livestock (pigs, cows), monkeys, snakes, rodents, birds, and bats, and to avoid eating undercooked wild game.

Closely supervise children, as they are more likely to come in contact with animals.

Person-to-person infections

Stay home if you’re sick and practise proper cough and sneeze etiquette, which includes coughing or sneezing into a tissue or the bend of your arm, not your hand. Reduce your risk of colds, the flu and other illnesses by:

•  washing your hands often
• avoiding or limiting the amount of time spent in closed spaces, crowded places, or at large-scale events (concerts, sporting events, rallies)
• avoiding close physical contact with people who may be showing symptoms of illness 

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs), HIV, and mpox are spread through blood and bodily fluids; use condoms, practise safe sex, and limit your number of sexual partners. Check with your local public health authority pre-travel to determine your eligibility for mpox vaccine.  

Medical services and facilities

Good health care is limited in availability. Quality of care varies throughout the country.

Specialist services are extremely limited. There are long delays for emergency treatment.

Shortages of basic medical supplies are common. Doctors often expect immediate cash payment for services.

Medical evacuation, which can be very expensive, may be necessary in the event of serious illness or injury.

Make sure you get travel insurance that includes coverage for medical evacuation and hospital stays.

Health and safety outside Canada

Keep in Mind...

The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. The traveller is also responsible for his or her own personal safety.

Be prepared. Do not expect medical services to be the same as in Canada. Pack a travel health kit, especially if you will be travelling away from major city centres.

Laws and culture

You must abide by local laws.

Learn about what you should do and how we can help if you are arrested or detained abroad.

Drugs

Penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are severe. Convicted offenders can expect lengthy jail sentences.

Drugs, alcohol and travel

Photography

Photography may be restricted at certain cultural sites.

Do not photograph individuals without their prior consent.

Intimate relationships

Adultery is a criminal offence. Offenders can face imprisonment.

Pornography

The possession and sale of pornographic material are strictly prohibited.

2SLGBTQI+ persons

Papua New Guinean law prohibits sexual acts between individuals of the same sex. Those convicted can face up to 14 years' imprisonment.

2SLGBTQI+ persons should carefully consider the risks of travelling to Papua New Guinea.

Travel and your sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression and sex characteristics

Dress and behaviour

To avoid offending local sensitivities:

• dress conservatively
• behave discreetly
• respect religious and social traditions

Dual citizenship

Dual citizenship is legally recognized in Papua New Guinea.

If you are a Canadian citizen, but also a citizen of Papua New Guinea, our ability to offer you consular services may be limited while you're there. You may also be subject to different entry/exit requirements.

Dual citizens

International Child Abduction

The Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction is an international treaty. It can help parents with the return of children who have been removed to or retained in certain countries in violation of custody rights. It does not apply between Canada and Papua New Guinea.

If your child was wrongfully taken to, or is being held in Papua New Guinea by an abducting parent:

• act as quickly as you can
• consult a lawyer in Canada and in Papua New Guinea to explore all the legal options for the return of your child
• report the situation to the nearest Canadian government office abroad or to Global Affairs Canada by calling the Emergency Watch and Response Centre

If your child was removed from a country other than Canada, consult a lawyer to determine if The Hague Convention applies.

Be aware that Canadian consular officials cannot interfere in private legal matters or in another country's judicial affairs.

Useful links

• International Child Abductions: A guide for affected parents
• Children and travel
• Canadian embassies and consulates by destination
• Request emergency assistance

Driving

Traffic drives on the left.

You must always carry the following when driving:

• valid driver’s licence and International Driving Permit
• valid registration
• safety sticker

If your driver’s licence is in a language other than English, it must be accompanied by an official English translation.

Police roadblocks are common. You could be fined if your documents are not up-to-date.

International Driving Permit

Money

The currency of Papua New Guinea is the kina (PGK).

ATMs are available in Port Moresby and other main cities but may be rare in certain rural areas.

Natural disasters and climate

Seismic activities

Papua New Guinea is located in an active seismic and volcanic zone. Earthquakes, tsunamis and volcanic eruptions occur.

Volcanoes

There are several active volcanoes throughout Papua New Guinea, and eruptions occur regularly.

Heavy smoke and ash from volcanoes periodically lead to flight disruptions, particularly in the Rabaul region.

In the event of an eruption:

• pay careful attention to all warnings issued
• avoid restricted areas
• follow the instructions of local authorities, including evacuation orders
• check with your carrier or tour operator to determine if the situation could affect your travel plans

Tsunamis

A tsunami can occur within minutes of a nearby earthquake. However, the risk of tsunami can remain for several hours following the first tremor. If you’re staying on the coast, familiarize yourself with the region’s evacuation plans in the event of a tsunami warning.

Tsunami alerts - U.S. Tsunami Warning System

Monsoon

The rainy (or monsoon) season extends from:

• December to March in the northwest
• May to October in the southeast

Seasonal flooding and landslides can hamper overland travel, damage infrastructure and reduce the provision of essential services. Roads may become impassable and bridges damaged. This is of particular concern on the Highlands Highway between Lae and Mount Hagen.

• Keep informed of regional weather forecasts
• Avoid affected areas
• Follow the instructions of local authorities

Tornadoes, cyclones, hurricanes, typhoons and monsoons