Papua New Guinea Travel Safety
Travel Safety in Papua New Guinea
General travel safety in Papua New Guinea on a scale of 1 to 4 — where 1 is safe and 4 is dangerous. Data compiled on the basis of Canadian Department of Foreign Affairs.
Country
Papua New Guinea
Updates
Updated: 24 Sep 2024 • Still current at: 13 Oct 2024
Status
LEVEL 3 - Reconsider your need to travel
There are serious and potentially life-threatening risks. This could be due to: an ongoing threat of terrorism or kidnapping, frequent incidents of violent crime, ongoing civil unrest, widespread disease or other safety risks. This can make the destination unsafe for tourism and unsuitable for most travellers. Think seriously about your need to travel to these places - this may mean postponing non-essential travel, or choosing a less risky destination.
Safety and Security Tips
Precautions
Exercise a high degree of caution, particularly in commercial and public establishments, such as hotels, clubs, restaurants, bars, schools and places of worship, at outdoor recreation events and in other tourist areas. These are preferred targets for criminals because they are often frequented by foreigners. Travelling alone increases the possibility of being a victim of a crime such as robbery or sexual assault. Consider hiring private security as police capacity to respond to crimes and other incidents is very limited. On the road. Carjacking occurs in Port Moresby and along the highway between Lae and the Lae Nadzab Airport, particularly in the Two-Mile and Nine-Mile settlement areas. Violent attacks on vehicles travelling on the Highlands Highway also occur, particularly between Goroka and Kainantu. Assailants have, in the past assaulted their victims while robbing them. Be vigilant while travelling by road. Avoid leaving personal belongings unattended in vehicles, and drive with windows up and doors locked at all times. Avoid travel after dark. Criminals may demand tolls at illegal roadblocks and can assault you if payment is not made. Be particularly careful if you use an ATM. These are often monitored by criminals and users are followed and robbed of their cash and other belongings.
Road safety
Poorly maintained cars, drunk drivers and roads in disrepair increase the safety risks. Flash floods and landslides may make roads impassable during the rainy season (between October and May). Road conditions are poor and driving can be hazardous, especially outside major towns. If you are involved in a traffic accident, proceed directly to the nearest police station rather than remaining at the scene. Crowds tend to form quickly after an incident, and accident victims or on-lookers may attack those they perceive to be responsible.
Public transportation
You should avoid travelling by taxi or on public buses, known as PMVs (public motor vehicles). The vehicles are poorly maintained and a common target for criminals. Whenever possible, arrange for hotel or other private transportation, which are safer alternatives. You should also arrange to be met at the airport, particularly when arriving in the evening.
Women's safety
Women travelling alone may be subject to some forms of harassment and verbal abuse. Avoid dark or non-tourist areas at night. Instead try to be around larger crowds, whether they are fellow tourists or local citizens. In addition, don't flash money or valuables in public. Doing so may make you a potential victim of criminal activity.
Crime
Violent crime is common and often includes the use of firearms or machetes. The Highlands provinces and the cities of Lae and Port Moresby are particularly affected.
Update 1 November 2020Emergency Calls
- Police112
- Fire110
- Ambulance111
Embassy of us
American Embassy in Port Moresby
AddressDouglas Street
Local Law and Culture
Culture
You should dress conservatively and respect religious and social traditions to avoid offending local sensitivities.
LGBT
Papua New Guinean law prohibits sexual acts between individuals of the same sex. If found guilty, the penalty could result in up to 14 years imprisonment. LGBT travellers should carefully consider the risks of travelling to Papua New Guinea.
Illegal or restricted activities
The possession and sale of pornographic material is strictly prohibited. Photography may be restricted at certain cultural sites. If in doubt, check with local authorities. Do not photograph individuals without their prior consent.
Illegal drugs
Marijuana and other narcotics are illegal in Papua New Guinea. Offences can carry substantial prison sentences.
Driving
Traffic drives on the left. An International Driving Permit is required. You must always carry the following when driving: valid driver's licence and International Driving Permit, valid registration, safety sticker. Police roadblocks are common. You could be fined if your documents are not up-to-date.
Update 1 November 2020Vaccinations and Medications
A doctor's consultation is required prior to any vaccinations being administered. This section is for informational purposes and does not exhaust all issues related to vaccination. Please contact your doctor for complete information on this subject.
Stay Healthy and Safe
Act in advance of to prevent. Check the vaccines and medicines list and visit your doctor at least 4-8 weeks before your trip to get vaccines or medicines you may need.
All travelers
You should be up to date on routine vaccinations while traveling to any destination. Some vaccinations may also be required in Papua New Guinea.
Before each trip, it is worth making sure that we are up to date with the routine vaccinations. These include vaccinations against measles, mumps and rubella, diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough, chickenpox, polio and flu.
Prevention
- Get vaccinated
- Reduce your exposure to germs
Most travelers
Get travel vaccines and medicines because there is a risk of these diseases in the country you are visiting.
Hepatitis A is a digestive disease caused by the hepatitis A virus and is closely related to a lack of good hygiene.
It can be asymptomatic, moderate, or very severe.
Prevention
- Get vaccinated
- Eat and drink safely
Typhoid fever is an acute, systemic infectious disease caused by Salmonella typhi.
The source of the infection may include dirty water, raw fruits, vegetables, dairy products, as well as dirt containing bacteria.
Prevention
- Get vaccinated
- Eat and drink safely
Some travelers
Vaccinations and medications that may be recommended under certain conditions, depending on where you will be, the length of your stay and the nature of your stay.
Hepatitis B is a disease caused by the hepatitis B virus.
Infection occurs through contact of injured skin or mucous membranes with virus-infected blood or other secretions (e.g. during sexual contact, through contaminated needles or as a result of medical procedures).
Prevention
- Get vaccinated
- Avoid sharing body fluids
- Avoid non-sterile medical or cosmetic equipment
Japanese encephalitis is an infectious disease caused by arboviruses from the same family of microbes (Flaviviridae) that cause yellow fever or tick-borne encephalitis.
The vector of infection is mosquitoes of the genus Culex and Aedes.
Prevention
- Get vaccinated
- Prevent bug bites
Malaria is a life-threatening parasitic disease transmitted by mosquitoes.
Prevention
- Take antimalarial meds
- Prevent bug bites
Estimated relative risk of malaria in Papua New Guinea
Wysokie
Areas with malaria
Present throughout the country at altitudes <2000 m (6561 ft)
Rabies is an acute infectious disease caused by neurotrophic viruses from the rhabdovirus family.
The infection is most often caused by biting a sick animal or other contact of its saliva with mucous membranes, conjunctiva or damaged skin.
Prevention
- Get vaccinated
- Keep away from animals
We have made every effort to ensure that the information presented reliably reflects the general safety situation in a given place. However, the data is provided for informational purposes only and we do not take responsibility for any damages or losses resulting from incorrect risk assessment. Before each trip, we recommend checking the current situation in the country of destination on the websites of the relevant Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
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