Papua New Guinea
Is Papua New Guinea safe to visit? Advice, scams and health
First-time visitors should travel with a reputable local operator, avoid independent road trips and keep updated on security alerts. If the situation changes, skip or reroute the trip. Confirm current advisories before booking, and ensure your travel insurance covers medical evacuation.
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GuidePapua New Guinea
Key facts
- Capital
- Port Moresby
- Language
- Tok Pisin, English, Hiri Motu (official)
- Currency
- Papua New Guinean kina (PGK)
- Plugs
- Type I, 240 V 50 Hz
- Driving
- Left-hand side; self-drive not advised for visitors
- Emergencycheck
- 112 police · 111 ambulance · 110 fire (check)
- Time zone
- UTC+10 (Bougainville UTC+11)
- US State Department advisorycheck
- Level 3: Reconsider travel (check)
- UK FCDO advisorycheck
- Heightened caution, especially Highlands and some coastal provinces (check)
- Canada travel advisorycheck
- Level 3: Avoid non-essential travel (check)
- Australia Smartraveller advisorycheck
- Level 3: Reconsider your need to travel (check)
- New Zealand Safetravel advisorycheck
- Level 3: Reconsider travel (check)
- Malaria riskcheck
- Present in coastal and low-lying areas; prophylaxis recommended (check)
- Medical facilitiescheck
- Limited outside Port Moresby and major towns; evacuation cover essential (check)
Safety overview
Crime rates vary by region; Port Moresby and some provincial capitals have higher incidences of robbery and assault, especially after dark. Rural areas are generally safer but can have tribal conflicts. Travel insurance that covers medical evacuation is essential.
Health risks include malaria in low-lying coastal zones, dengue, and limited medical facilities outside major towns. Bring a malaria prophylaxis regimen and a basic first-aid kit.
- Use reputable operators for flights and tours (check).
- Avoid night travel on unpaved roads.
- Keep valuables hidden; use hotel safes.
- Stay in lodges with security staff.
Common scams
Tourists may be approached by unofficial 'guide' services that charge excessive fees; always confirm rates before accepting.
Currency exchange scams involve offering rates that are far below market; use banks or licensed exchange bureaus.
Taxi drivers sometimes overcharge or take longer routes; negotiate fare or use pre-booked transport.
- Ask for receipts and written quotes.
- Verify exchange rates on a trusted site before converting.
- Prefer rides arranged by your lodge or operator.
Government travel advisories
The US Department of State rates PNG at Level 3 (Reconsider travel) due to crime and civil unrest in some areas (check).
UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office advises heightened caution, especially in the Highlands and certain coastal provinces (check).
Canadian travel advice mirrors the US, highlighting robbery risk and limited health services (check).
Australian Smart Traveller and New Zealand Safetravel also issue Level 3 alerts, recommending travel with an organized operator (check).
Questions people ask
Is Papua New Guinea safe for tourists?
It can be safe if you travel with a reputable local operator, avoid night road travel, stay in secure lodgings and keep updated on security alerts.
What are the most common scams in Papua New Guinea?
Unofficial guide offers, inflated currency exchange rates, and taxi overcharging are typical. Always get written quotes and use licensed services.
What do government travel advisories say about Papua New Guinea?
US, UK, Canada, Australia and New Zealand all issue Level 3 (Reconsider) advisories, citing crime, civil unrest and limited medical care.
Do I need malaria prophylaxis for Papua New Guinea?
Yes, malaria is present in coastal and low-lying areas; a prophylaxis regimen is recommended (check local health guidance).
Is travel insurance essential for Papua New Guinea?
Yes, especially policies that cover medical evacuation, as health facilities outside major cities are limited.
Verify with the official source
Draft, not field-verified
Deep dive
Every source; changeable facts are marked check
Sources
Ask about Papua New Guinea
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