Papua New Guinea Travel Guide

Papua New Guinea — Passport and Visa Information

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Passports

Country	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

Passport valid for at least 12 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. 1. On some occasions visitors are granted visas on arrival, although these countries are not specified and the decision is at the discretion of the Immigration Officer. It is strongly advised that all visitors obtain a visa prior to arrival.

Visa Note

On some occasions visitors are granted visas on arrival, although these countries are not specified and the decision is at the discretion of the Immigration Officer. It is strongly advised that all visitors obtain a visa prior to arrival.

Types of Visa and Cost

Charges vary from country to country. The charge for a UK tourist visa is £20

Validity

Up to 60 days for tourists; up to 12 months for business trips with 60 days maximum per stay. While in Papua New Guinea a Tourist / Visitor visa may be extended for a maximum of 30 days on application to the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

Applications to:

Consulate (or consular section at embassy or high commission); see Important Addresses. 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

Processing normally takes two working days if lodged in person and one week if lodged by post.

Travel Warnings

Widespread cholera outbreaks continue to be reported in Papua New Guinea, particularly in the regions of East Sepik, Madang, Morobe and Eastern Highlands.

Law and order remains poor or very poor in many parts of the country. Armed carjackings, assaults, robbery, shootings and serious sexual offenses, including rape, are common. There have been outbreaks of violence and looting against local Asian-owned businesses in Port Moresby, Mount Hagen and several other centers across Papua New Guinea. The situation is unpredictable. Travelers are advised to be vigilant in all cities, particularly during the hours of darkness.

The tropical cyclone season in Papua New Guinea normally runs from November to May.

Papua New Guinea sits along a volatile seismic strip called the Ring of Fire in the Pacific. Volcanic eruptions, earthquakes and tsunamis are possible.

There is a low threat from terrorism. But you should be aware of the global risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks, which could be in public areas, including those frequented by expatriates and foreign travelers.

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 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.