Advice changes quickly. Check it before you travel and again before you leave.
Prices here are about 58% of US prices (World Bank, 2025). This compares a country's overall prices, not the cost of a trip.
Crime is high in some places in Papua New Guinea, and parts of the Highlands see tribal conflict. A high degree of caution is advised by many governments. Just before departure, read your own government's travel advice. In other cities as well as Port Moresby, never walk on your own outside hotels, avoid travelling at night and rely on transport arranged by your hotel or operator. Also keep the contact details for your own embassy, or for whichever country represents yours.
Which visa rules apply is set by your passport, so consult the official immigration authority (ICA) prior to booking. Sources mention a visa for tourists granted at the main airports on arrival, as well as an e-Visa requested online beforehand, though they disagree on details; applying early for the e-Visa gives more certainty. The usual documents are a return ticket, hotel details, proof of funds and a passport that remains valid for 6 months. A doctor can advise on malaria prevention. Overland entry from Indonesian Papua follows separate rules, so check with both immigration offices first.
More than 800 languages are spoken in PNG, where customary land ownership is a strong tradition. Always get permission before going into a village or photographing it, and respect local customs. Wear modest clothing. Festivals like the 'sing-sing' are colourful, yet a reputable operator should be used for visiting them. Betel nut chewing is widespread, and red stains on the ground should not be mistaken for blood. Flying domestically is the main means of getting around, and flights often run late, so leave spare days in the schedule. A licensed guide and a permit are required for the Kokoda Track. Do not drink the tap water. Halal choices are limited.
Emergency numbers differ by city - ask your hotel or operator for the local police and ambulance numbers on arrival.
Papua New Guinea's tourism authority says visitors may need an adapter for the Type I plug, which has two flat pins forming an inverted V and sometimes a third vertical pin. It gives the electrical current as 220 to 240 volts, alternating at 50 hertz.
The currency is the kina, says Canadian advice. Cash machines are available in Port Moresby and other main cities but may be rare in rural areas, so cash needs planning. Card and ATM fraud occurs; the advice is to use machines in well-lit public areas or inside a bank or business, cover the keypad, and check statements. UK advice adds that criminals target people using banks and ATMs.
UK advice says using, possessing or trafficking illegal drugs, marijuana included, is a serious offence that can bring a long prison sentence. Canadian advice adds that adultery is a criminal offence and that possessing or selling pornography is strictly prohibited. On same-sex relations, UK advice says sexual activity between men is illegal with up to 14 years in prison, and Canadian advice says same-sex sexual acts are illegal.
Armed criminals have attacked and robbed passengers on public buses, known as PMVs, and in taxis, and many of these vehicles are not roadworthy, UK travel advice says. Canadian advice describes PMVs and taxis as poorly maintained and a common target for criminals, recommends hotel or private transport, and says to arrange for someone to meet you at the airport, especially at night.
Fraud on credit cards and at ATMs happens in Papua New Guinea, Canadian travel advice says. It recommends taking care with your cards, using ATMs in well-lit public areas, and checking statements for unauthorised transactions.
local government
Helps with: Papua New Guinea's national tourism body. Its contact page lists a phone, email and office address for tourist information.
Who qualifies: Anyone visiting Papua New Guinea or planning a trip there.
Phone: +675 325 0318
Email: [email protected]
Address: 6th Floor, Kwalimu Haus, Somare Circuit, Waigani
un agency
Helps with: The UN migration agency. In Papua New Guinea it works on complex emergencies, providing humanitarian relief and building government capacity.
Who qualifies: Migrants and people affected by emergencies. It is not a help service for ordinary tourists.
Phone: +675 321 3655
Email: [email protected]
Address: Level 3, Cuthbertson House, Granville, PO Box 1876, Port Moresby, NCD
local government
Helps with: Reaches the police. UK government travel advice lists this number.
Who qualifies: Anyone in the country, including visitors.
Phone: 112
local government
Helps with: Reaches the ambulance service. UK government travel advice lists this number.
Who qualifies: Anyone in the country, including visitors.
Phone: 111
local government
Helps with: Reaches the fire service. UK government travel advice lists this number.
Who qualifies: Anyone in the country, including visitors.
Phone: 110
Port MoresbyBesides serving as the main air gateway, the capital has Parliament House, a nature park for native wildlife and the National Museum.Photo: MSchlauch, Public domain
Kokoda TrackA tough jungle trek that lasts multiple days and covers a well-known World War II route over the Owen Stanley Range.Photo: Luke Brindley, CC BY-SA 4.0
Mount HagenBirds of paradise, cool mountain villages and a colourful tribal sing-sing show are the highlights of this highlands town.Photo: Jialiang Gao (peace-on-earth.org), CC BY-SA 3.0
MadangCoral reefs, World War II wrecks and offshore islands make this pretty coastal town good for diving and snorkelling.Photo: David Bacon, CC BY 2.0
Kokopo and RabaulOn New Britain, active volcanoes stand beside these towns, which have the Kenu and Kundu festival, hot springs and war tunnels.Photo: Stefan Krasowski from New York, NY, USA, CC BY 2.0
Sepik RiverVillages along this great river keep strong traditions of crocodile culture, spirit houses and wood carving.Photo: Top1963 / Tryfon Topalidis, CC BY-SA 3.0
culture
Tribes from the highlands meet in traditional dress, in what is called sing-sing.
culture
A large cultural show of the highlands is held near Independence Day on 16 September.