Papua New Guinea

Safety and security

Emergency phone numbers  

Local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crimes and providing emergency services.  

• Dial 112 for police.   
• Dial 111 for ambulance.   
• Dial 110 for fire.  

Demonstrations   

Demonstrations are common. They may take place in response to political or economic issues. They may also occur on significant holidays and during large events.   

• Demonstrations can be unpredictable. Avoid areas around protests and other demonstrations.    
• Past demonstrations have turned violent and escalated into civil unrest and widespread looting.  
• Check local media for updates and traffic advisories.  

Crime  

Papua New Guinea has a high crime rate. Crimes occur everywhere.   

• Crime rates are highest in and around major cities, such as Port Moresby, Lae, Madang, Mount Hagen, and Goroka.  
• You are at greater risk of violent crime, such as assault, if you travel alone, especially if you plan to hike in isolated rural areas.  
• Pickpockets and bag-snatchers frequent crowded public areas, including parks, golf courses, beaches, and cemeteries.   
• Bag-snatchers may try to open doors of cars that are stopped or moving slowly in traffic.

Scams  

Follow the Department of State guidelines to protect yourself from scams.  

If you are a victim of a scam, learn how the FBI can help.     

Financial scams and Internet romance scams are common in Papua New Guinea. Be careful of anyone asking for money, especially those who start a "romantic" relationship online or claim local authorities want money. Scams often begin through online posts, emails, or letters. Scammers sometimes pretend to be U.S. citizens in need of help. Common scams include:   

• People claiming to be U.S. military personnel  
• People claiming to be detained or hospitalized abroad  
• Romance and online dating   
• Money transfers   
• Grandparent and relative targeting   
• Free trip or luggage   
• Lotteries   
• Inheritance notices   
• Work permits and job offers  

If using dating apps or websites in Papua New Guinea:   

• Criminals may use dating apps to target potential victims for robbery or assault.  
• Let your friends and family know where you are and consider sharing your location on your phone.    
• Meet in a popular public place.   
• Tell your family or friends all the details about the person you are meeting and how you met them (which app).  
• Set up and talk using a video call before agreeing to meet in person.   
• Avoid locations where you can be isolated, like hotel rooms, private apartments or houses.  
• Never leave food or drinks unattended at a bar or restaurant.  
• Observe the preparation of your food or drink order when possible.  
• Refuse offers of food or drinks from strangers.  
• Have a communication plan with friends or family. Send updates to them on an agreed schedule. 

Victims of crime  

Local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crime. You may report crimes to the local police by dialing 112.  

• Review our information for Victims of Crime.    
• The U.S. embassy can:   
• Replace a stolen or lost passport.  
• Help you find medical care.    
• Assist you in how to report a crime to the police.   
• Contact relatives or friends with your written consent.   
• Provide general information regarding the criminal justice system.    
• Provide a list of local attorneys. (We do not endorse or recommend any specific attorneys.)  
• Provide information on victim compensation programs in the United States.   
• Provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States or limited medical support in cases of need.   
• Help you find accommodation and options to travel home.  

Sexual assault and domestic violence   

U.S. citizen victims of sexual assault are encouraged to contact the U.S. embassy for assistance.   

U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence are encouraged to contact the U.S. for assistance.

Technology use abroad  

Mobile devices are vulnerable to compromise, theft, and damage anywhere in the world. Follow these safe practices:  

• Update all software (operating system and apps) before leaving the United States.   
• Use reputable, U.S.-based VPN or VoIP applications.    
• Don’t connect to public Wi-Fi networks.   
• Research the safety of routes recommended by GPS. The fastest route is not always the safest.  
• Be cautious using dating apps abroad, as scammers often target U.S. citizens.  

Drones  

You may need to register drones for commercial use or those above a certain weight with the Civil Aviation Authority.  

GPS   

Prior to using GPS abroad:   

• Research the route recommended by the GPS to make sure it is safe.   
• The fastest path may not be the safest.  

Tourism safety  

The tourism industry is unevenly regulated:  

• Safety inspections for equipment and facilities are rare.   
• Dangerous areas and activities are not always marked with signs.   
• Staff may not be trained or certified.   
• If you get injured, you will likely need to travel to a major city for appropriate medical care.   
• First responders cannot reach remote areas in case of emergencies.   
• U.S. citizens are encouraged to have medical evacuation insurance.   

Review our information on Travel Insurance.   

Adventure travel   

Diving safety tips   

Recreational diving may be dangerous.   

• Check the references, licenses, and equipment of tour operators before agreeing to a tour. Confirm the dive operator is certified through one of the international certification agencies, and that the certification is current.   
• Rent equipment only from trustworthy operators. Be sure to receive training before using the equipment. Some rental diving equipment may not be properly maintained or inspected.   
• Make sure that your travel medical insurance covers your sport. The Divers Alert Network (DAN) website has information on diver’s insurance.  
• During diving and snorkeling trips, deaths and serious accidents have occurred because basic safety precautions were not taken. Remember that safety measures and emergency responses may not meet U.S. standards.  
• Papua New Guinea has 1 hyperbaric recompression chamber to provide medical assistance for dive-related injuries. It is located in Port Moresby at the Tropicair Hangar at Jacksons International Airport. It may not always be operational.   
• Diving injuries may require medical evacuation to Australia. Many popular dive sites are located near outlying islands, and it may take several hours to reach facilities in the event of an accident

Water sports  

Exercise caution and common sense when engaging in all adventure sports, including but not limited to whitewater rafting, sea kayaking, and windsailing.   

• Make sure your travel medical insurance covers your sport.   
• Never participate in adventure sports alone.   
• Before kayaking, rafting, or windsailing, check water conditions.   
• Wear a life jacket and helmet.   
• Water conditions may become extremely dangerous during heavy rainfall, and flash floods are common.

Hiking  

Exercise caution if you plan to hike the Kokoda Track, the Black Cat Track, Mt. Wilhelm, Mt. Giluwe, or other hiking trails in Papua New Guinea.   

• Hikers have been attacked and killed, even along the most well-known routes.   
• Local landowners occasionally threaten to close parts of the tracks due to local land and compensation disputes.   
• Carry a first aid kit and observe all local and trail-specific regulations.  
• Review the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) tips for Adventure Travel.  

Local laws and customs

Criminal penalties  

• U.S. citizens must follow local laws. If you break local laws, even by mistake, you could be deported, arrested, or imprisoned.    
• Travelers who accidentally break local laws have been detained. Sometimes, this can be for a long time. They may also face criminal charges and even be convicted of a crime.  
• You may be prosecuted in the United States for crimes committed abroad regardless of the local law. Review the information provided by the U.S. Department of Justice about crimes against minors abroad.  
• Before you start a business or a profession in Papua New Guinea, seek information from the local authorities about what permits or licenses are required. 

Arrest notification   

• If you are arrested or detained, ask officials to notify the U.S. embassy immediately.    

Detention conditions  

• Detainees in Papua New Guinea are often unable to get their prescribed or over the counter medications.

Counterfeit and pirated goods  

Counterfeit and pirated goods are common in many destinations.   

• They may be illegal according to local laws.    
• Counterfeit and pirated goods may pose significant risks to consumer health and safety.    
• You may be subject to fines or have to surrender counterfeit and pirated goods to authorities if you bring them back to the United States.    

Learn more about U.S. restrictions on counterfeit and pirated goods:   

• U.S. Customs and Border Protection   
• U.S. Department of Justice    

Faith-based travelers  

Faith based travel includes pilgrimages, service projects, and mission work. Prepare for your travel using these resources:    

• Faith-Based Travel  
• Volunteering Abroad  
• International Religious Freedom Reports  

Gay and lesbian travelers  

Same-sex sexual relations are illegal. The maximum penalty is 14 years in prison. This law is not often enforced. There have been reports of discrimination and violence against gay and lesbian people in recent years. Papua New Guinea is a conservative country. Avoid public displays of affection.   

• Review our information for  Gay and Lesbian Travelers.  

Travelers with disabilities or accessibility needs  

The law in Papua New Guinea prohibits discrimination against people with physical, sensory, intellectual, or mental disabilities. The law is rarely enforced.  

• Papua New Guinea does not have legislation mandating access to transportation, communication, and public buildings for people with disabilities. The road network in Papua New Guinea is in poor condition.   
• Foot paths, road crossings, and stairways in most major towns are congested, uneven, and are generally not constructed or maintained to consider access for people with disabilities.   
• Facilities, information, and ease of movement are not accessible. Expect accessibility to be limited in public transportation, lodging, and general infrastructure.  
• Contact the U.S. embassy in Papua New Guinea to receive a list of providers.   
• Review our information on Accessibility Needs.  

Students  

• Review our information on Studying Abroad.    

Women travelers    

Sexual assault and gender-based violence are common in Papua New Guinea.   

• These attacks can occur anywhere and be directed against tourists or foreign residents. They are most often reported in urban centers.  
• Police have limited capacity to respond to such crimes.   
• Health workers at local medical facilities may not be trained or have the capacity to provide victim-centered care or administer post exposure prophylaxes.  

Safety tips  

Women should not travel alone.   

• If possible, travel with a group of people you trust.  
• Avoid public transport, especially after dark.  
• Limit evening entertainment to venues with professional security.  
• Avoid isolated areas when alone at any time of day.  
• Respect local dress and customs. Dress conservatively, and even more so in non-urban areas. Wear clothing that covers your shoulders and legs past the knees.   
• Ask if your lodging has a female-only floor or section. Some hotels in Papua New Guinea offer this option.  
• Review our information for  Women Travelers.   
• Review our information for  Victims of Crime.  

Human rights  

• Review the Department of State’s Human Rights Report for your destination prior to traveling.  

Health

Health resources  

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Papua New Guinea Traveler Information provides destination specific information on prevalent diseases and vaccination recommendations.   
• CDC Medical Tourism information   
• World Health Organization  
• Medicine and Health  
• Travel Insurance  

Emergency phone numbers 

• Dial 111 for emergency medical services.

Ambulance services 

Ambulance services are not widely available outside of Port Moresby and other major urban areas.  

• Ambulances may not be equipped with advanced medical equipment.  
• Training and response time of emergency responders may be poor.  
• Injured or very ill travelers might prefer to take a taxi or their own car to the nearest major hospital. This option can be faster than waiting for an ambulance.

Medical payments and insurance  

Make sure you know if your health insurance plan covers any medical expenses abroad. Most U.S. plans do not cover medical expenses abroad.   

• The U.S. government does not pay medical bills.  
• U.S. Medicare and Medicaid do not cover expenses or bills abroad.  
• Most hospitals and doctors abroad do not accept U.S. health insurance.  
• Medical care is not free in Papua New Guinea. If you require medical attention, you will incur expenses, even if you are treated in a public healthcare facility.  
• Lack of payment may bar future travel to Papua New Guinea.  
• Most overseas care providers only accept cash payments.  
• Hospitals often need payment up front or proof of good insurance before providing treatment or admitting a patient.    
• Make sure you know if your health insurance plan provides coverage abroad or reimbursement of payments. The CDC provides more information on types of insurance.  
• We strongly recommend supplemental insurance to cover medical evacuation.  
• If you purchase supplemental insurance, you are responsible for seeking reimbursement from the insurance provider. Follow their instructions for filing claims.   

Vaccinations  

Stay up to date with the vaccines recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.  

• CDC Travelers’ Health  
• World Health Organization Travel Advice   

Healthcare facilities   

Health facilities are generally limited or inadequate in Papua New Guinea.  

• The U.S. embassy maintains a list of doctors and hospitals. We do not endorse or recommend any specific medical provider or clinic.  
• Public medical clinics lack basic resources and supplies.  
• Hospitals and doctors often require payment upfront prior to service or admission.  
• Before agreeing to any medical care, travelers should gather full details on billing, pricing, and proposed medical procedures.  
• Medical staff usually speak English as it is one of the official languages in Papua New Guinea.  
• In public hospitals only minimal staff is available overnight. Consider hiring a private nurse. Another option is to have family stay the night with the patient, especially a child.  
• Patients must cover all costs for transfer to or between hospitals.  
• Psychological and psychiatric services are limited, even in larger cities.  
• Hospital-based care is only available through government institutions and in provincial centers.  

Prescription medications   

Always carry your prescription medication in original packaging, along with your doctor’s prescription.   

• Check with the Papua New Guinea Federal Office of Public Health to ensure the medication is legal in Papua New Guinea  
• Exercise caution when purchasing medication abroad. Pharmaceuticals are usually easy to buy with few controls.   
• Counterfeit medication is common and may not work, have the wrong strength, or have dangerous ingredients. You should buy medication with the help of a medical professional and from trusted places.  
• Papua New Guinea does not allow the importation of narcotics or opioids, recreation drugs like marijuana, or abortion medications. Travelers should avoid carrying these medications.   

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have rules for bringing medication back into the United States.  If you buy medications abroad, the medications must meet CBP’s and the FDA’s requirements to bring them back legally.   

The medications must also be for personal use and approved for use in the United States.   

For more information:   

• U.S. Customs and Border Protection   
• Food and Drug Administration  

Non-traditional medicine   

Belief in sorcery and witchcraft (locally called "sanguma") is widespread in Papua New Guinea. Unexplained deaths, illnesses, or misfortunes are sometimes attributed to sorcery, which can trigger mob violence against accused individuals. U.S. citizens should be aware of the following:  

• Violence risk: Accusations of sorcery have led to brutal, sometimes fatal, mob violence, particularly in the Highlands region (Enga, Southern Highlands, Hela, Jiwaka, Chimbu, and Eastern Highlands), and Madang Province.  
• Limited police protection: Law enforcement response to sorcery-related violence is often inadequate or unavailable, especially in rural areas.  
• "Glasmen" (diviners): Self-proclaimed spirit mediums, known as "glasmen," claim to identify alleged sorcerers for a fee, often fueling violent sorcery accusations.  
• Theise accusations can lead to violence and property seizure, though this practice was criminalized in 2022.  
• Healthcare gaps: Limited access to modern medical diagnosis in some areas contributes to reliance on sorcery-based explanations for illness and death.  

Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) and surrogacy  

If you are considering traveling to Papua New Guinea to have a child through use of assisted reproductive technology (ART) or surrogacy, please review our information on ART and Surrogacy Abroad.   

• Surrogacy is largely unregulated in Papua New Guinea with no clear legal protections for foreign intended parents. Surrogacy agreements may not be enforced by Papua New Guinean courts.  
• If you decide to pursue parenthood in Papua New Guinea via ART with a surrogate, consider hiring a reputable local attorney and be prepared for long and unexpected delays with local authorities while documenting your child’s birth or citizenship status.   
• People who try to avoid local law risk legal consequences. 

Water quality and food safety   

• Due to aging pipes and contamination issues, avoid drinking tap water.  
• Bottled water and beverages are generally safe. Use major brands and ensure the seal is intact.  
• Many restaurants and hotels serve tap water unless bottled water is specifically requested.  
• You may want to request no ice in your drinks since it may be made using tap water.  
• Make water safe by filtering, boiling, disinfecting, or distilling.  
• Impure water can cause diseases like typhoid, cholera, hepatitis, and dysentery.  
• Eating uncooked vegetables and fruits can make you sick.  

Altitude   

Some areas of Papua New Guinea, such as the Highlands and the Kokoda Trail, are at high altitude.   

• Be aware of the symptoms of altitude sickness and take precautions before you travel.  
• If you have a pre-existing medical condition, like diabetes or high blood pressure, talk with your doctor before traveling to high-altitude areas.  
• Visit the CDC website for more information about Travel to High Altitudes.   

Air quality  

Air pollution can be a significant problem in many destinations abroad.   

• For information about common air pollutants, check the CDC’s Air Quality page.   
• For information about the U.S. Air Quality Index and health guidance, check out the EPA’s AirNow.   
• For general health information, visit the Medicine and Health page.  

Transportation

Road conditions and safety  

• Motor vehicle accidents are a common cause of serious injury in Papua New Guinea.   
• Road travel outside of major towns can be dangerous. This is due to car jackings, armed robbery, and criminal roadblocks, often placed near bridges, curves in the road, or other areas where vehicle speed and mobility is restricted.   
• Other risks include poor road conditions, erratic and intoxicated drivers, poorly maintained vehicles, overcrowded vehicles, and landslides. This is especially during the rainy season along stretches of the Highlands Highway between Lae and Mount Hagen.  

Traffic laws    

Traffic in Papua New Guinea moves on the left. Police roadblocks are common and check vehicle registrations at night in Port Moresby. Police may not always act in a professional manner.   

• Always make sure that your vehicle registration and safety stickers are up to date to minimize difficulties at police checkpoints.   
• To avoid trespassing, seek permission from local landowners before accessing non-public areas, including beaches. Some landowners may charge a fee for access.  
• Many local drivers are not well trained and do not follow basic traffic laws.   
• Be aware of drivers under the influence of alcohol, pedestrians who are not aware of traffic, and children running onto the road.   
• Traffic signage exists but is limited, and often damaged or missing, particularly outside major centers like Port Moresby.   
• Traffic lights and pedestrian crossings can be found in urban areas but are frequently faded, neglected, or obscured.   
• While vehicle standards and weight limits exist in legislation, enforcement is highly inconsistent, resulting in widespread vehicle overloading and unroadworthy vehicles on the road.  

In case of an accident  

After a car accident, crowds of people can get upset and angry. Sometimes they react in unpredictable and dangerous ways.  

• A crowd can gather quickly after an accident. If they think someone caused the crash, they might attack that person's car by throwing rocks or even setting it on fire.  
• Family and friends of an injured person may demand money right away from the person they blame. They may do this even if it's not clear who caused the accident.  
• If you're in an accident and feel unsafe, don't stay at the scene. Drive or go straight to the nearest police station instead.  
• Roadside assistance is limited throughout Papua New Guinea. The Corps Security, a local security firm, offers roadside assistance through its 24-hour Control Room hotline at +675 761 56349.  
• Reactions to automobile accidents in Papua New Guinea vary widely and can include life-saving medical assistance, opportunistic theft, mob violence, or demands for tribal compensation. In densely populated urban areas like Port Moresby, accident scenes can quickly draw large, hostile crowds, leaving drivers and passengers vulnerable.   
• Travelers involved in an accident should exercise caution and prioritize personal safety when assessing how to respond.  
• Travelers are strongly encouraged to carry at least two full-size spare tires, extra fuel, and a comprehensive toolkit when driving in Papua New Guinea.   
• Road networks, particularly the Highlands Highway, are rugged and face significant maintenance backlogs.   
• Fuel stations can be scarce, especially in provincial areas, so travelers should plan fuel stops accordingly  

Taxis and ride-shares  

• Avoid using local taxis. Use a trusted service provided by your hotel, employer, or colleagues.   

Public and commercial transportation   

• Avoid buses, known as Public Motor Vehicles (PMVs). Crimes such as robbery and sexual assault are common.   
• Review our information on Driving and Transportation Safety Abroad.   

Aviation safety oversight   

• The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has not assessed Papua New Guinea’s Civil Aviation Authority for compliance with international standards for aviation safety oversight.  FAA's website includes more information on its assessment program.  

Maritime travel  

Mariners and passengers planning travel to Papua New Guinea should check the following:    

• U.S. Maritime Advisories   
• U.S. Maritime Alerts   
• Maritime Safety Office Navigational Warnings    
• U.S. Coast Guard Maritime Commons   

Weather and natural disasters

Weather conditions  

Papua New Guinea is among the most natural disaster-prone countries in the world. Be aware that natural disasters can occur at any time with little notice.  

• Earthquakes, tropical cyclones, tsunamis, exceptionally high tides, seasonal and flash flooding, and landslides can occur with little or no notice.   
• The country has many active volcanoes. Recent eruptions have occurred in Bougainville, East and West New Britain, and Manus Island. Ash from volcanoes in East and West New Britain occasionally disrupts air and ground operations at the airports in Kokopo and Hoskins.  

U.S. citizens living abroad

Living abroad resources  

If you live outside the United States for a long time, you or your family may experience various life events, wish to exercise U.S. citizenship rights, or need to meet U.S. legal obligations while abroad.  

• Learn how to prepare for voting in U.S. elections, the birth of a child, or getting married.  
• Ensure you have a plan for healthcare and medical insurance abroad.  
• Even abroad, you still have certain obligations such as paying your U.S. taxes or registering for military selective service.  
• Review information on federal benefits, such as Social Security and Veterans Affairs benefits.

Embassies and consulates