Oceania
Papua New Guinea
Hugely diverse and rarely visited: highland shows, the Kokoda Track, the Sepik River and superb diving. High crime, tribal violence and costly, patchy transport make it for experienced travelers with local support.
- US travel advisoryLevel 3Reconsider travelDetails
- Visa0 of 198passports can visit visa-freeDetails
- CurrencyPGKUS$1 ≈ K4.47Details
- Price level58%of US prices (World Bank PPP)
- English3/5Common in tourist areas
- PlugsType I240 V, 50 HzDetails
- Emergency112Police 112 · Ambulance 111 · Fire 110
- Tap waterNo, drink bottledDrink bottled or boiled water; supplies can be cut or contaminated, even in Port Moresby.Details
- LGBTQ+CriminalizedStrongly conservative and religious; there's no visible scene and same-sex couples should be very discreet.Details
- Internet68 MbpsMedian fixed broadbandDetails
- DrivingOn the leftForeign licences are valid for the first 6 months; most visitors use drivers from hotels or tour operators instead.
Where to go in Papua New Guinea
1 place with full guides. Comfortable monthly budget for one person, rent included.
| Place | Safety | Month, comfortable | Best months | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Port MoresbyCapital city | 2/5 | $2,230–3,580 | May–Oct | 4/100 |
When to visit Papua New Guinea
May–October is drier in Port Moresby and the south. The Mount Hagen (August) and Goroka (September) shows are the big draws. Wet seasons vary by region.
Good to know
Entry
- Nearly all visitors need a visa: apply online through the ICSA eVisa portal; visa on arrival covers only some travelers.
- Since October 2025 everyone must submit the free online Digital Arrival Card within 72 hours before arrival.
- Fake eVisa websites exist; use only ica.gov.pg. Working on a tourist visa is illegal.
- Many fruits, vegetables and animal products are banned at the border.
Laws visitors break by accident
- Removing WWII relics or war material is illegal
- Possessing pornography and adultery can bring fines or jail
- Damaging property or livestock can trigger customary 'payback' demands
Etiquette
- Ask before photographing people, cultural sites or spirit houses
- Dress conservatively, covering shoulders and knees
- Agree fees for land, waterfall or village access in advance
- Betel nut chewing is everywhere, but some towns ban spitting
Tipping
Not expected or customary.
Neighbouring countries
Sources
- US State Department travel advisory
- PNG Immigration and Citizenship Service Authority
- Smartraveller: Papua New Guinea
- UK FCDO travel advice: Papua New Guinea
- Speedtest Global Index: Papua New Guinea
- World Bank open data
Country facts are researched by SoloSquare; advisory levels, crime, health and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.