COVID-19

If you are planning international travel at this time, please read our COVID-19 related travel advice here, alongside our destination specific travel advice below.

Avoid non-essential travel

Avoid non-essential travel to the Hela, Enga and Southern Highlands provinces due to ongoing violent tribal clashes and politically motivated unrest (level 3 of 4).

Exercise increased caution

Exercise increased caution elsewhere in Papua New Guinea due to violent crime and the potential for civil unrest (level 2 of 4).

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Papua New Guinea

Violent Crime
The law and order situation in Papua New Guinea continues to pose serious risks to travellers. Violent crime, including armed robbery, murder, carjacking, home invasions and sexual assault, is common throughout the country, especially in urban areas such as Port Moresby, Lae, Madang, Kokopo and Mt Hagen. The settlement areas in these centres are particularly dangerous.

Expatriates and foreigners have been the target of robbery, kidnapping and carjacking in the past. Women should consider additional gender-based risks associated with traveling, particularly if they are alone, such as sexual assault and verbal abuse. Robberies have been known to take place inside business premises in Port Moresby and other urban centres. Most of the time crime is opportunistic but organised criminal groups also operate in Papua New Guinea. There is a threat of kidnapping in remote areas and near mining sites, with previous incidents occurring in the Hela and Southern Highlands Province.

In Port Moresby, the area around Koki Market to 2 Mile Hill experience increased levels of violent crime.

New Zealanders in Papua New Guinea should exercise a high degree of personal security awareness at all times, especially in areas that are not frequented by foreigners. No resistance should be given if you are the victim of an armed robbery or carjacking, as this could lead to an escalation in violence. It is dangerous to walk the streets, particularly after dark. Avoid walking and travelling to isolated areas such as golf courses, beaches and parks. As victims of robbery are often targeted due to their perceived wealth, it is advisable to avoid wearing or displaying items that appear valuable, such as electronic devices and jewellery. Consider hiring private security services such as security escorts when driving or use secure transport services.

Road Travel
There is a higher risk of armed and unarmed carjackings, robberies and roadblocks in Port Moresby, Lae, Madang, Kokopo and Mt Hagen, as well as in the area between Lae and Nadzab Airport. Violence in such cases can occur. Road travel outside of major towns can be hazardous and travel along the Highlands Highway, and the highway connecting Lae to Madang, can be affected by bad weather, poor road conditions, tribal and community disputes.

Drivers are urged to take extra caution when driving at any time of the day, and driving at night should be avoided wherever possible. If travelling at night, you should not travel in a vehicle alone and strongly consider travelling in a convoy with other vehicles or with a security escort. Always drive with windows closed and car doors locked. Where possible, avoid smaller or remote roads with less traffic.

Following a road accident, crowds can form quickly and may attack those perceived to be responsible. If you’re involved in an accident and perceive that your safety is at risk, don’t remain at the scene, instead proceed to the nearest known safe place before getting in contact with the New Zealand High Commission in Port Moresby.

Visitors to Papua New Guinea should avoid using buses, known as PMVs (public motor vehicles), as they are poorly maintained and are often targeted by criminals. Vehicles hired from a reputable car hire company, or hotel transportation are a safer alternative. New Zealanders are advised to seek advice from their hotel or other trusted source.

Civil Unrest
Southern Highlands, Hela and Enga Provinces continue to pose risks with periodic civil unrest and tribal fighting.

Tensions between ethnic or clan groups occur periodically, particularly in the Highlands region and in larger urban areas such as Lae and Port Moresby. These sometimes lead to outbreaks of tribal fighting, often involving the use of machetes or firearms. Disputes can escalate with little warning and can result in destruction of property, disruption to services including ground and air transport, and injuries or deaths. While foreigners are not usually targeted in this violence, New Zealanders should remain vigilant, stay clear of settlement areas and avoid large crowds or gatherings. Closely monitor the media and other local information sources for advice about safety or security risks.

Protests and demonstrations occur in Papua New Guinea and previously have resulted in sporadic violent clashes between protestors and security forces.

New Zealanders are advised to avoid all demonstrations, protests and political rallies given the potential for these to turn violent with little warning. You should follow the instructions of local authorities at all times.

Seismic Activity
Papua New Guinea is in an active seismic area, and the most common natural disasters are earthquakes, landslides caused by heavy rain and volcanic eruptions. Mt Ulawun volcano erupted on 20 November 2023 forcing thousands to flee their homes and causing disruptions to services and flight cancellations. Kadovar island volcano erupted in January 2018 leading to an evacuation of the island. In March 2024, a 6.9 magnitude earthquake stuck the East Sepik Province resulting in fatalities as well as displacement of many locals. In September 2022, a 7.6 magnitude earthquake struck the Morobe Province resulting in fatalities, and disruptions to power and telecommunications across Madang, Eastern Highlands and Morobe.

Travellers should be aware of the possibility for travel disruptions in the event of seismic or volcanic activity. There is an ongoing possibility of further earthquakes, which increases the risk of avalanches and landslides. Pay attention to all warnings issued, and follow any evacuation orders from local authorities.

Local Travel
New Zealanders travelling outside major urban areas in Papua New Guinea, especially to more isolated areas, should seek local advice before beginning their journey. Tourist facilities outside major towns are limited. Travel plans should be left with friends, relatives or reliable local contacts. We recommend double-checking your travel insurance to ensure you will be covered in the event of rescue or medical evacuation.

Bougainville
New Zealanders travelling to Bougainville should seek local advice before doing so. Road conditions outside the main towns can be hazardous, particularly after heavy rains. Roadblocks also occur from time to time. Community sensitivities remain in the central mountainous area around the former Panguna mine, and in South Bougainville and New Zealanders are advised not to enter the area without seeking current local advice. Travellers should not enter or leave Papua New Guinea from Bougainville without making prior arrangements with Papua New Guinea Immigration.

Hiking Trails
New Zealanders intending to walk the Kokoda Track, Black Cat track, Mt Wilhelm, Sogeri and Variata National Park or other trails should hire a guide from a reputable travel company and ensure that the trekking permit is paid before leaving. For further information see the Kokoda Track Authority website. Exercise caution as serious crime is a risk and there have been attacks and robberies at each end of the trail.

Unexploded ordnance from WWII still exists in Papua New Guinea, particularly along the Kokoda Track and at Milne Bay, Rabaul, Bougainville and East New Britain. 

General Travel Advice
New Zealanders are advised to respect religious, social and cultural traditions in Papua New Guinea to avoid offending local sensitivities. Modesty and discretion should be exercised in both dress and behaviour.

Homosexual activity is illegal and could result in arrest and imprisonment.

Medical services in Papua New Guinea are very limited and New Zealanders travelling or living in Papua New Guinea should have a comprehensive travel insurance policy in place that includes provision for medical evacuation by air.

New Zealanders in Papua New Guinea are encouraged to register their details with the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

Travel tips

• For current health alerts

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The New Zealand High Commission Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea

Street Address Waigani, Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea Postal Address PO Box 1051, Waigani, NCD, Papua New Guinea Telephone +675 7373 7000 Emergency Telephone +675 7091 5613 (After-hours) Email NZHCPMY@mfat.govt.nz Web Site http://www.mfat.govt.nz/papua-new-guinea Hours Mon - Thurs 0800 - 1200, 1300 - 1630 hrs; Fri 0800 - 1200, 1230 - 1600 hrs

See our regional advice for the Pacific