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Papua New Guinea

Standard Coverage

Oceania • PNG

Last updated: May 18, 2026

Travel Information
AI-Generated

Papua New Guinea is a breathtaking destination known for its immense cultural diversity, untamed landscapes, and world-class diving spots. It offers an adventurous escape for travelers seeking to explore remote highlands and pristine coral reefs in one of the world's last frontiers.

Visa Requirements

Visa on Arrival
e-Visa / ETA Available

Most tourists require a visa to enter Papua New Guinea; an e-Visa or visa-on-arrival is available for eligible nationalities, typically valid for 30 or 60 days.

Typically Required Documents

  • Passport valid for at least six months
  • Return or onward flight ticket
  • Proof of sufficient funds for the duration of the stay
  • Completed visa application form
  • Recent passport-sized photographs
  • Letter of invitation or hotel booking confirmation

Popular Attractions

1

The Kokoda Track is a challenging and historically significant trail that winds through the rugged Owen Stanley Range.

2

Kimbe Bay offers some of the world's most spectacular scuba diving, featuring vibrant coral reefs and abundant marine life.

3

Mount Wilhelm is the highest mountain in the country, providing rewarding trekking experiences with stunning panoramic views.

4

The Goroka Show is a vibrant annual cultural festival where indigenous tribes gather to showcase their traditional singing, dancing, and elaborate costumes.

5

The Sepik River region is famous for its unique artistic traditions, including intricate wood carvings and fascinating stilt-house villages.

Local Customs & Etiquette

Respect the concept of 'wantok' or tribal loyalty, which is central to social life and influences community interactions.

Always ask for permission before taking photographs of locals, especially in remote villages where traditional beliefs are held.

Dress modestly in rural areas, as wearing overly revealing clothing can be considered offensive to local communities.

Avoid public displays of affection, which are generally seen as inappropriate in traditional Papua New Guinean society.

Chewing betel nut is a common cultural practice, but be mindful of where you spit, as it is considered respectful to keep public spaces clean.

Greeting people with a polite handshake and a smile is standard practice and helps establish positive relations.

Safety Tips

Avoid traveling alone, especially after dark, and stick to well-known tourist areas or guided excursions.

Keep your valuables, such as passports and cash, securely stored in a hotel safe rather than carrying them around.

Research your destination thoroughly before traveling and stay informed about current local security conditions.

Use only reputable transport services or guides recommended by your accommodation or official tourism operators.

Maintain a low profile and avoid flaunting expensive jewelry, cameras, or large amounts of cash in public.

Ensure you have comprehensive travel insurance that includes medical evacuation coverage, given the remote nature of many regions.

AI-generated content. Visa requirements vary by nationality — verify with the official embassy before travel.

Entry Requirements

Yellow Fever

Source: CDC

Not Required
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Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR)

Source: CDC

Required

All international travelers should be fully vaccinated against measles with the MMR vaccine.

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Polio

Source: CDC

Required

Ensure you are up to date with your polio vaccinations before traveling to Papua New Guinea.

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Chikungunya

Source: UK_FCDO

Recommended

Recommended for travelers to Papua New Guinea.

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Dengue

Source: UK_FCDO

Recommended

Recommended for travelers to Papua New Guinea.

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Malaria

Source: UK_FCDO

Recommended

Recommended for travelers to Papua New Guinea.

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Tuberculosis

Source: UK_FCDO

Recommended

Recommended for travelers to Papua New Guinea.

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Zika virus

Source: UK_FCDO

Recommended

Recommended for travelers to Papua New Guinea.

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Polio

Source: ECDC

Required

Travelers from Papua New Guinea are required to present proof of polio vaccination when entering certain countries, such as Saudi Arabia. This includes at least one dose of bivalent oral polio vaccine (bOPV) or inactivated polio vaccine (IPV) within the previous 12 months, administered at least four weeks prior to arrival. Additionally, travelers from Papua New Guinea may receive one dose of oral polio vaccine (OPV) at the border points of entry in Saudi Arabia, regardless of age and vaccination status.

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Recommended Vaccines & Precautions

Core Vaccines

Tdap

Source: CDC

All ages

Routine vaccination for tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis.

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MMR

Source: CDC

All ages

Routine vaccination to prevent measles, mumps, and rubella.

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MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella)

Source: CDC

All ages

Routine vaccination recommended for all travelers.

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Tdap (Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis)

Source: CDC

All ages

Routine vaccination recommended for all travelers.

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COVID-19 vaccination

Source: CDC

All ages

Updated vaccination is advised due to ongoing transmission of the virus.

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Malaria prophylaxis

Source: CDC

adult

Recommended depending on travel to areas where malaria is prevalent.

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Insect bite prevention

Source: CDC

All ages

Insect bite prevention is necessary due to the risk of mosquito-borne diseases.

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MMR (Measles, Mumps, and Rubella)

Source: CDC

All ages

Ensure you are up to date with routine vaccines before your trip.

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Malaria chemoprophylaxis

Source: CDC

All ages

Recommended for travelers going to certain areas of Papua New Guinea to prevent malaria.

Depending on the medicine you take, you will need to start taking this medicine multiple days before your trip, as well as during and after your trip.

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Japanese Encephalitis vaccine

Source: CDC

All ages

Recommended for travelers who are moving to an area with Japanese encephalitis to live, spend long periods of time, or frequently travel to areas with Japanese encephalitis.

Consider vaccination for travelers spending less than a month in areas with Japanese encephalitis but will be doing activities that increase risk of infection.

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Hepatitis B vaccine

Source: CDC

All ages

Recommended for unvaccinated travelers of all ages traveling to Papua New Guinea.

Vaccination is essential to protect against Hepatitis B.

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Hepatitis A vaccine

Source: CDC

All ages

Recommended for unvaccinated travelers one year old or older going to Papua New Guinea.

Infants 6 to 11 months old should also be vaccinated against Hepatitis A. The dose does not count toward the routine 2-dose series.

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Dengue prevention

Source: Canada_Travel

All ages

During travel

Prevent mosquito bites at all times to reduce the risk of dengue, as there is no vaccine available in Canada.

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Chikungunya vaccination

Source: Canada_Travel

All ages

Before travel

A vaccine for the prevention of chikungunya is approved in Canada. Discuss whether it's right for you with your health care provider.

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Rabies vaccination

Source: Canada_Travel

All ages

Before travel

Discuss rabies vaccination with a health care professional before travel. It may be recommended for travellers who are at high risk of exposure, such as those in close contact with animals.

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Measles vaccination

Source: Canada_Travel

All ages

Before travel

Ensure your measles vaccinations are up to date before travelling. Measles is part of the routine vaccine schedule for children in Canada.

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Altitude sickness prevention

Source: UK_FCDO

All ages

Recommended for travelers to high-altitude areas in Papua New Guinea to prevent altitude sickness.

Altitude sickness is a risk in parts of Papua New Guinea.

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Mosquito bite prevention measures

Source: ECDC

All ages

Essential for travelers to malaria-endemic areas to reduce the risk of mosquito bites, especially at night when Anopheles mosquitoes are most active.

Personal protective measures to reduce the risk of mosquito bites include the use of mosquito bed nets (preferably insecticide-treated nets), sleeping or resting in screened or air-conditioned rooms, wearing clothes that cover most of the body, and using mosquito repellent in accordance with the instructions indicated on the product label.

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Polio vaccination

Source: WHO

All ages

Before traveling to polio-affected areas

Ensure full vaccination against polio and obtain a vaccination certificate.

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Measles-mumps-rubella (MMR)

Source: CDC

All ages

Recommended if not previously vaccinated or immune.

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For Most Travelers

Insect bite prevention

Source: CDC

All ages

Insect-borne diseases are common; use repellents and nets.

Use insect repellent containing DEET.

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Food and Water Safety

Source: CDC

All ages

Practicing safety measures to prevent food and waterborne illnesses is crucial.

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COVID-19 Vaccination

Source: CDC

All ages

Stay updated with COVID vaccines as per health guidelines.

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Typhoid

Source: CDC

All ages

Recommended for travelers with food/water safety concerns.

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Hepatitis A

Source: CDC

All ages

Recommended for all travelers to Papua New Guinea.

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COVID-19 vaccinations

Source: CDC

All ages

Stay updated on COVID-19 vaccinations and requirements before travel.

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Itinerary-Specific

Malaria prevention measures (e.g. chemoprophylaxis)

Source: CDC

All ages

In areas where malaria is prevalent, preventive measures are crucial.

Consult healthcare provider for specific medications.

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Japanese Encephalitis

Source: CDC

All ages

Consider vaccination for travelers spending significant time in rural areas or during outbreaks.

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Hepatitis B

Source: CDC

adult

Recommended for adults who may be exposed to blood or body fluids.

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Rabies

Source: CDC

All ages

For travelers engaged in outdoor activities or at risk of animal bites.

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Tetanus-diphtheria-pertussis (Tdap)

Source: CDC

All ages

Ensure routine vaccinations are up-to-date, including Tdap.

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Hepatitis B

Source: CDC

All ages

Consider vaccination if you might have sexual contact with local population or need medical care.

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Malaria Information

Risk Area: No malaria risk

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Official Sources
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