Papua New Guinea
Summary
The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) advises against all but essential travel to Hela and Southern Highlands provinces because of the high risk of tribal fighting.
COVID-19 entry restrictions for Papua New Guinea
Before you travel, check the ‘Entry requirements’ section for Papua New Guinea’s current entry restrictions and requirements. These may change with little warning. Monitor this advice for the latest updates and stay in contact with your travel provider.
Travelling from and returning to the UK
Check what you must do to travel abroad and return to England, Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland.
If you plan to pass through another country to return to the UK, check the travel advice for the country you’re transiting.
ItIf you’re planning travel to Papua New Guinea, find out what you need to know about coronavirus there in the Coronavirus section.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, it is more important than ever to get travel insurance and check it provides sufficient cover. See the FCDO guidance on foreign travel insurance.
For information about COVID-19 vaccines, see the Coronavirus page.
There is a high risk of tribal fighting in Hela and Southern Highlands provinces. Enga province has also suffered significant unrest during national elections in July. If you’re planning to travel there, you should take greater care than usual and consider enhanced security precautions.
Outbreaks of tribal violence may occur anywhere with little warning and may escalate very quickly. The risk has been more acute since July 2022 following the national elections. You should avoid large crowds and public gatherings and any electoral related activities, including count centres, as they may turn violent. See Crime
There is a high level of serious and violent crime. Law and order is poor or very poor in many parts of the country. Pay close attention to your personal security, particularly after dark, and monitor the media for possible new security risks. See Safety and security
Carjacking is an ever present threat, particularly in Port Moresby and Lae. Lock car doors and keep windows up at all times. If possible travel in convoy or with a security escort after dark. See Crime
UK health authorities have classified Papua New Guinea as having a risk of Zika virus transmission. For information and advice about the risks associated with Zika virus, visit the National Travel Health Network and Centre website.
Papua New Guinea is prone to seasonal natural disasters including tropical cyclones and flash flooding. Monitor the latest weather reports. See Natural disasters
Monsoon season in Papua New Guinea runs from November to May. This could lead to flooding and landslides. See Natural disasters
Although there is no recent history of terrorism in Papua New Guinea, attacks cannot be ruled out. See Terrorism
If you need consular support, contact the British High Commission in Port Moresby.
Consular support is limited outside of Port Moresby.
Update history
2025-04-04 23:32
Updated information following an earthquake in the region (‘Warnings and insurance’ & ‘Safety and Security’ page).
2024-02-22 14:03
This travel advice has been rewritten to make it easier to read and understand.
2024-01-12 10:59
Information about a state of emergency in Port Moresby (‘Summary’ page).
2024-01-10 10:45
Information about civil disorder in Port Moresby (‘Summary’ page).
2023-11-24 16:38
Information about volcanic activity (‘Natural disasters’ page) and curfew Tribal violence (‘Safety and Security’ page).
2023-08-14 15:42
Information about volcanic activity (‘Natural disasters’ page) and curfew in Enga province (‘Summary’ and ‘Safety and security’ pages).
2023-06-22 09:17
Information about the global terrorism risks to British nationals abroad on all FCDO travel advice pages.
2023-06-09 09:12
Updated information on Crime (‘Safety and security’ page).
2023-04-24 16:05
Updated information on entry rules in response to coronavirus (COVID-19) (‘Entry requirements’ page).
2022-10-12 09:49
Updated information on Entry rules in response to Coronavirus (COVID-19) (‘Entry requirements’ page).
2022-09-15 09:40
Updated information on earthquakes (‘Natural disasters’ page).
2022-09-05 09:41
Updated information on entry rules in response to coronavirus (COVID-19) (‘Entry Requirements’ page). Updated information on areas experiencing civil unrest (‘Summary’ and ‘Safety and Security’ pages).
2022-08-10 13:10
Updated information on entry rules in response to coronavirus (COVID-19) (‘Entry requirements’ page)
2022-07-21 09:31
Updated information on risk of tribal fighting and national elections taking place in July 2022 (‘Summary’ and ‘Safety and security’ pages)
2022-04-29 16:39
Updated information on mask wearing and authorised COVID-19 test centres (‘Coronavirus’ page). Updated information on changes to entry rules and visas (‘Entry requirements’ page)
2022-04-21 11:09
Updated information on changes to entry rules in response to COVID-19 (‘Entry requirements’ page)
2022-03-21 15:48
Updated information on changes to entry rules in response to COVID-19 (‘Entry requirements’ page) and recent low level volcanic activity (‘Natural disasters’ page).
2022-02-22 15:51
Updated information on changes to entry rules in response to COVID-19 (‘Entry requirements’ page)