Papua New Guinea Visa Information

Passport/Visa

	Passport Required?	Visa Required?	Return Ticket Required?
British	Yes	Yes/1	Yes
Australian	Yes	Yes/1	Yes
Canadian	Yes	Yes/1	Yes
USA	Yes	Yes/1	Yes
Other EU	Yes	Yes/1	Yes

Passports
Passport valid for at least six months after entry required by all nationals referred to in the chart above.

Visas
Required by all nationals referred to in the chart above.

Note: Nationals not referred to in the chart above are advised to contact the embassy/high commission to check visa requirements (see General Info).

Visa Note
1. Nationals of Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Cyprus, Denmark, France, Germany, The Netherlands, Portugal, Sweden, the UK and the USA may all apply for a 60-day tourist visa on arrival.

Types of Visa and Cost
Charges change regularly, nationals are advised to contact the embassy for further information. On receipt of a stamped, self-addressed envelope, the high commission can supply information sheets on how to apply for visas for Papua New Guinea. Visa requirements may be subject to change at short notice.

Validity
Up to 60 days for tourists; up to 12 months for business trips with 60 days maximum per stay. Details of renewals or extensions are available from the embassy or high commission.

Applications to:
Consulate (or consular section at embassy or high commission); see General Info. In emergency cases, tourist visas can be obtained at Jackson International Airport in Port Moresby or at Mount Hagen on arrival, but only for a maximum period of 60 days in any 12-month period, which cannot be extended. However, visitors are strongly advised to obtain visas in advance (which is also the cheaper option).

Working Days Required
Two working days for business and tourist visas. It is advisable for visa applications to be made one week or more before departure date, depending on type of visa.

Warning
Law and order remains poor or very poor in many parts of the country. Armed carjackings, assaults, robbery, shootings and serious sexual offences, including rape, are common. Travelers are advised to be extra vigilant whilst traveling in all cities, particularly during the hours of darkness. 

Outbreaks of tribal fighting may occur without warning in the Highland Provinces and in particular in the Southern and Western Highlands and Enga Provinces.

The tropical cyclone season in Papua New Guinea normally runs from November to May. The severe flood damage caused by Cyclone Guba in November 2007 continues to affect travel in and around the Oro Province.

On 1 August 2006, the Papua New Guinea government declared a state of emergency in the Southern Highlands Province. Public order support in the Southern Highlands is being provided by 700 police reinforcements, as well as soldiers from the PNG Defence Force. Travelers should exercise caution and avoid demonstrations and large crowds.

In the cities of Port Moresby, Lae and Mt Hagen armed carjackings, assaults, robbery, random shootings and serious sexual assaults are common. In particular, armed attacks are on the increase. All visitors are advised to be extra vigilant whilst traveling in these cities, particularly during the hours of darkness.

Travelers should be aware of the global risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks, which could be against civilian targets, including places frequented by foreigners.

This advice is based on information provided by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in the UK. It is correct at time of publishing. As the situation can change rapidly, visitors are advised to contact the following organizations for the latest travel advice:

British Foreign and Commonwealth Office
Tel: 0845 850 2829.
Website: www.fco.gov.uk

US Department of State
Website: http://travel.state.gov/travel

Health

	Special Precautions	Certificate Required?
Diphtheria	Sometimes
Hepatitis A	Yes
Malaria	Yes
Rabies	Sometimes
Tetanus	Yes
Typhoid	Yes
Yellow Fever	No*

Health Care
The main hospitals are Port Moresby General (Papuan region), Goroka Base (Highlands) and Angau Memorial. Visitors can use any of the private doctors or public consultation clinics. Doctors and hospitals are not free and often expect immediate payment for medical services. Hospitals are poorly equipped and sudden shortages of common medications can sometimes occur; travelers who may need ongoing or routine medical treatment are advised to obtain visas for Australia, where medical facilities are more reliable, before leaving their country of origin. Dental care outside the main centers is limited, but pharmacies in the major centers are well stocked. Health insurance is essential and must include evacuation facilities.

Note
* A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required from travelers over one year of age arriving from an infected area.


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