Papua New Guinea

Travel Facts

US State Dept Travel Advisory

The US Department of State currently recommends US citizens Reconsider Travel to Papua New Guinea due to crime, civil unrest, and piracy. Consult its website via the link below for updates to travel advisories and statements on safety, security, local laws, and special circumstances in this country.

https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories.html

Passport/Visa Requirements

US citizens should make sure their passport will not expire for at least 6 months after they enter the country even if they do not intend to stay that long. They should also make sure they have at least 1 blank page in their passport for any entry stamp that will be required. A visa is not required as long as the stay is less than 60 days.

US Embassy/Consulate

+(675) 321-1455; EMER: +(675) 7200-9439; US Embassy Port Moresby, Douglas Street, adjacent to the Bank of Papua New Guinea, PO Box 1492, Port Moresby, NCD 121, Papua New Guinea; ConsularPortMoresby@state.gov; https://pg.usembassy.gov/

LGBTQIA+ Travelers

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, and asexual (LGBTQIA+) travelers can face unique challenges when traveling abroad. Laws and attitudes in some countries may affect safety and ease of travel. Legal protections vary from country to country. Many countries do not legally recognize same-sex marriage. Approximately seventy countries consider consensual same-sex sexual relations a crime, sometimes carrying severe punishment.

https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/before-you-go/travelers-with-special-considerations/lgbtqi.html

Telephone Code

675

Local Emergency Phone

Fire: 110; Police: 000

Vaccinations

The CDC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Papua New Guinea: hepatitis A, hepatitis B, yellow fever, typhoid, Japanese encephalitis, rabies, meningitis, polio, measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis), chickenpox, shingles, pneumonia, COVID-19, and influenza.

http://www.who.int/

Climate

Tropical; northwest monsoon (December to March), southeast monsoon (May to October); slight seasonal temperature variation

Currency (Code)

Kina (PGK)

Electricity/Voltage/Plug Type(s)

240 V / 50 Hz / plug types(s): I

Plug Type I

Major Languages

Tok Pisin, English, Hiri Motu, some 839 indigenous languages

Major Religions

Protestant 64.3%, Roman Catholic 26%, other Christian 5.3%, non-Christian 1.4%

Time Difference

UTC+10 (15 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time); note: Papua New Guinea has two time zones, including Bougainville (UTC+11)

Potable Water

Opt for bottled water

International Driving Permit

Suggested

Road Driving Side

Left

Tourist Destinations

Varirata National Park; Rainforest Habitat in Lae; Port Moresby (includes Parliament House, Boman War Cemetery, National Museum & Art Gallery); Kokoda Track; Tari Basin; JK McCarthy Museum

Major Sports

Rugby, cricket, soccer, Australian football, basketball

Cultural Practices

People will often point with their chins instead of their fingers.

Tipping Guidelines

A tipping culture does not exist. Tips are neither required nor expected.

Souvenirs

Woven billum bags; tribal masks; wood-carved storyboards, spirit boards, and drums; inlaid wooden bowls; woven baskets

Traditional Cuisine

Mumu — pork, sweet potato, rice, and vegetables cooked in an earth oven filled with hot coals or stones


Please visit the following links to find further information about your desired destination.

World Health Organization (WHO) - To learn what vaccines and health precautions to take while visiting your destination.

US State Dept Travel Information - Overall information about foreign travel for US citizens.

To obtain an international driving permit (IDP). Only two organizations in the US issue IDPs:
American Automobile Association (AAA) and American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA)

How to get help in an emergency? 
Contact the nearest US embassy or consulate, or call one of these numbers:
from the US or Canada - 1-888-407-4747 or from Overseas - +1 202-501-4444


Page last updated: Sunday, October 01, 2023