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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 captivating destination known for its rugged terrain, immense cultural diversity, and world-class biodiversity. It offers adventurous travelers a chance to explore remote highland tribes, pristine coral reefs, and history-steeped World War II wreckage.

Visa Requirements

Visa on Arrival
e-Visa / ETA Available

Most international tourists require an e-visa or visa on arrival for entry, with specific rules depending on your nationality and purpose of travel.

Typically Required Documents

  • Passport with at least 6 months validity
  • Confirmed return or onward flight itinerary
  • Proof of sufficient funds for the duration of the stay
  • Completed visa application form
  • Evidence of accommodation or invitation letter

Popular Attractions

1

The Kokoda Track: A grueling but rewarding 96-kilometer trekking trail through the rugged Owen Stanley Range that played a significant role in World War II history.

2

Mount Hagen Cultural Show: An incredible gathering of hundreds of tribes showcasing traditional singing, dancing, and elaborate, colorful costumes known as 'singsings'.

3

Kimbe Bay: Renowned for its extraordinary marine biodiversity, this area is a premier destination for scuba divers to witness pristine coral reefs and diverse sea life.

4

Tufi Fjords: Spectacular volcanic fjords offering breathtaking scenery, clear waters for snorkeling, and authentic interactions with local villagers.

5

Sepik River: The longest river in the country, known for the intricate wood carvings of the local tribes and traditional spirit houses that line its banks.

Local Customs & Etiquette

Always ask for permission before taking photographs of locals, especially in remote villages or during traditional ceremonies.

Dress modestly in rural areas, as exposing too much skin can be seen as disrespectful to local community standards.

Avoid public displays of affection, as this is considered inappropriate behavior in most of the country.

Respect the 'wantok' system, which is a complex social obligation network that governs community loyalty and support.

When visiting a village, it is customary to be introduced by a local guide or to present a small gift to the village elder as a sign of respect.

Use both hands when giving or receiving items to demonstrate courtesy and humility.

Safety Tips

Avoid traveling at night in urban centers like Port Moresby, where security concerns are more prevalent.

Only use reputable tour operators and pre-arranged transport services for transfers and excursions.

Keep your valuables, such as passports and large amounts of cash, locked in a secure hotel safe rather than carrying them on your person.

Stay informed about the local political and social climate, and avoid any public gatherings or demonstrations.

Ensure you have comprehensive travel insurance that includes emergency medical evacuation, given the remoteness of many regions.

Register your travel plans with your national embassy to ensure you can be contacted in case of emergencies.

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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