Discover the Mysteries and Adventures of Papua New Guinea
The remote country of Papua New Guinea is the quintessential island paradise. Stretching across half of the mountainous island of New Guinea, which it shares with Indonesia, it is a lush wonderland of steaming jungles and smouldering volcanoes, where coral reefs of astoninshing biodiversity lie beneath the surface. Papua New Guinea is a challenging travel destination due to its lack of transport infrastructure. However, the difficulty of exploring the territory has meant the country has remained one of the most mysterious and culturally authentic in the world, making it irresistible to adventurous travellers.
Hundreds of different cultures are evident in this small amount of land. Due to the drastic isolation some mountain communities have only recently discovered neighbouring tribes, despite living in close proximity for thousands of years. Even Port Moresby, PNG’s capital and largest city, has no major roads connecting it to other towns. Inaccessibility has allowed tribal culture to thrive undisturbed by the modern world. Papua New Guinea is home to more than 800 languages and a multitude of diverse customs and cultures. The best region to experience tribal culture in Papua New Guinea is in the Highlands, but these mountainous areas can only be explored on foot, remaining inaccessible to all but the most intrepid of visitors.
With almost no connecting paved roads, air travel is mandatory for getting around the country, even though there are also only a handful of paved runways. Planes flying over the jungle were once worshiped by ‘cargo cults’ in Papua New Guinea, especially during World War II, when locals would watch mesmerised at new airport runways as ‘spirits’ descended from the heavens. The safety record of airlines in PNG is patchy and travellers wanting to avoid prematurely turning into spirits themselves should review recent airline safety information.
It makes sense that the main attraction of the country for tourists is a hiking trail, the famous Kokoda Track, a 60-mile (96km) trek especially popular with Australian tourists. The region it covers saw intense fighting between Japanese and Australian forces during World War II, giving the trail historic relevance. It also traverses through beautiful, pristine jungle and allows travellers to experience some of the country’s famous biodiversity.
For those up for the challenge, July through August is the best time to visit Papua New Guinea for hiking. Surfers wanting to experience the uncrowded breaks of Papua New Guinea should visit the northern beaches between November and April, and the southern beaches between June and September.
Key Facts
- Language:
- More than 800 languages are recognised in Papua New Guinea. The official languages are Tok Pisin (the most widely spoken), English, Hiri Motu and Papua New Guinean Sign Language.
- Passport/Visa:
All visitors require a passport or passport replacing document that is valid for six months past their date of arrival. Visitors must hold sufficient funds to cover their stay, as well as return or onward tickets.
- Currency:
The local currency is the PNG kina (PGK), which is divided into 100 toea. Travellers should declare all amounts over PGK20,000 when they arrive or leave, and can change currency at local banks. There are ATMs in Port Moresby and major urban centres, but they aren’t always working; it’s best to only use ATMs in hotels and other secure locations due to the high risk of crime. Most hotels accept international credit cards.
- Electricity:
- The electrical current is 220 to 240 volts, 50Hz. Plug points are the same as in Australia, with three rectangular pins.
Health Notes when travelling to Papua New Guinea
Protection from insect bites is essential in all areas of Papua New Guinea below 5,906 feet (1,800m), as there is a risk of malaria and dengue fever. A yellow fever vaccination is required for travellers arriving from infected areas, and vaccinations are recommended for all travellers for Covid-19, hepatitis A, hepatitis B and typhoid. Travellers spending time in rural areas should also consider a vaccination for Japanese encephalitis. Medical facilities in Papua New Guinea are limited. Travellers should ensure they have comprehensive travel and health insurance and should bring along all required medication.
Safety Notes when travelling to Papua New Guinea
Petty and violent crime occur and visitors are advised to be vigilant, particularly in Port Moresby, Lae and Mt Hagen. Squatter settlements in towns and cities are especially dangerous. Credit card and ATM fraud occurs, so visitors should be cautious when using debit or credit cards. Unexploded ordnance and landmines are present in many islands, including Bougainville and East New Britain; travellers are advised to avoid walking or hiking off marked roads and trails.
Customs in Papua New Guinea
Both male and female visitors to Papua New Guinea should avoid revealing clothing, and make sure to save their bathing costumes for the beach. Women should try to make sure that their thighs are covered at all times, and couples should bear in mind that public displays of affection are frowned upon. Papua New Guineans are friendly and usually keen to engage with foreigners; in fact, it is considered rude not to stop and chat to people that greet on the street. Visitors should avoid stepping over food if it is being prepared or served on the ground. Homosexual acts are illegal in Papua New Guinea.
Duty Free in Papua New Guinea
Visitors to Papua New Guinea age 18 and older may import 250 cigarettes/250g cigars or tobacco, two litre of alcohol, and a reasonable quantity of perfume for personal use. Uncanned foodstuffs and animal products from countries other than Australia and New Zealand, and pig meat from New Zealand are prohibited.
Doing Business in Papua New Guinea
Men’s business attire can either be ‘tropical informal’ and ‘tropical formal’. The former typically consists of long, lightweight trousers and an open-necked shirt, while the latter refers to an outfit consisting of trousers paired with a long-sleeved shirt and tie. Women’s business attire is generally conservative yet lightweight. Although ‘PNG time’ is common throughout society, business culture is trying to develop an expectation of punctuality. Foreigners should be punctual, but should not necessarily expect their local counterpart to be. Introductions should involve the person’s title followed by their surname, and it’s important to have plenty of business cards and to treat other business cards with respect when they are given. Foreigners should discern the age hierarchy and pay special attention to the opinion of those present that are older than they are. Gift giving is not commonly practised in business dealings.
Communication in Papua New Guinea
The international access code for Papua New Guinea is +675. It is often cheaper to get a local SIM card than to pay international roaming costs; free WiFi is available in hotels, cafes, restaurants and similar establishments.
Tipping in Papua New Guinea
Tipping in restaurants and bars isn’t part of the local culture but visitors can add 10 percent to the bill for exceptional service.
Passport/Visa Note
All visitors require a passport or passport replacing document that is valid for six months past their date of arrival. Visitors must hold sufficient funds to cover their stay, as well as return or onward tickets.
Entry Requirements
- Entry requirements for Americans:
US nationals require a passport valid for six months beyond arrival date. A visa is required.
- Entry requirements for Canadians:
Canadians require a passport valid for six months beyond arrival date. A visa is required.
- Entry requirements for UK nationals:
UK nationals require a passport valid for six months beyond arrival date. A visa is required.
- Entry requirements for Australians:
Australians require a passport valid for six months beyond arrival date, and a visa. Those carrying APEC Business Travel Cards endorsed for travel to Papua New Guinea do not require a visa for a maximum stay of 60 days.
- Entry requirements for Irish nationals:
Nationals of Ireland require a passport valid for six months beyond arrival date. A visa is required.
- Entry requirements for New Zealanders:
New Zealanders require a passport valid for six months beyond arrival date. A visa is required. Those carrying APEC Business Travel Cards endorsed for travel to Papua New Guinea do not require visas for stays of up to 60 days.
- Entry requirements for South Africans:
South African nationals require a passport valid for six months beyond arrival date. A visa is required.
Tourist Offices
Papua New Guinea Tourism Promotion Authority, Port Moresby: +675 320 0211
Papua New Guinea Embassies
- In the United States:
Embassy of Papua New Guinea, Washington, D.C: +202 745 3680 or [email protected]
- In Canada:
Embassy of Papua New Guinea, Washington, D.C (representing Canada): +202 745 3680 or [email protected]
- In the United Kingdom:
High Commission of Papua New Guinea, London: + 44 (0)207 930 0922 or [email protected]
- In Australia:
Consulate General of Papua New Guinea, Brisbane: (07) 3221 7915 or [email protected]
- In New Zealand:
High Commission of Papua New Guinea, Wellington: +64 4 385 2474
Foreign Embassies in Papua New Guinea
- American Embassy
U.S Embassy in Papua New Guinea, Port Moresby: +675 321 1455 or [email protected]
- Canadian Embassy
U.S Embassy in Papua New Guinea, Port Moresby (also representing Cananda): +675 321 1455 or [email protected]
- British Embassy
British High Commission in Port Moresby: +675 303 7600 or [email protected]
Public Holidays Around the World
Planning your year? Knowing public holidays in different countries can help you plan trips, schedule events, or understand global schedules. Below, find a comprehensive list of public holidays sorted by country.
