Oceania
Is Papua New Guinea safe?
L3Reconsider travel
Is Papua New Guinea safe?
High risk: armed robbery, carjacking and violent crime are common in Port Moresby, Lae and Highlands towns; tribal fighting flares without warning. Use hotel transport and local guides.
Key facts
- US travel advisory: Level 3: Reconsider travel, updated 2025-04-28.
- Homicide rate: 9.3 per 100,000 people (2010, UNODC via World Bank).
- Road deaths: 12.6 per 100,000 people a year (2019, WHO).
- Emergency numbers: Police 112 · Ambulance 111 · Fire 110.
- Solo women: High risk of sexual violence; never walk alone or use taxis or PMV minibuses. Travel with trusted drivers and guides and stay in secure hotels.
Risks, scams and laws
Main risks
- Armed robbery and carjacking, especially in Port Moresby and Lae
- Tribal fighting in Enga, Hela and Southern Highlands
- Kidnappings near remote mining areas
- Malaria and dengue nationwide, including Port Moresby
Common scams
- Fake PNG eVisa websites charging extra fees
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
Safety by place in Papua New Guinea
| Place | Safety |
|---|---|
| Port Moresby | 2/5 · High risk |
Quick answers
Is Papua New Guinea safe for tourists?
High risk: armed robbery, carjacking and violent crime are common in Port Moresby, Lae and Highlands towns; tribal fighting flares without warning. Use hotel transport and local guides.
Is Papua New Guinea safe for solo female travelers?
High risk of sexual violence; never walk alone or use taxis or PMV minibuses. Travel with trusted drivers and guides and stay in secure hotels.
What is the emergency number in Papua New Guinea?
Police 112 · Ambulance 111 · Fire 110.
Safety by place
Sources
- World Bank: intentional homicides
- 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
Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.