Fire and rescue services
Call 110.
Medical emergencies
Call 111 or go direct to the hospital.
Police
Call 112 or go to your local police station.
We advise:
Exercise a high degree of caution in Papua New Guinea overall due to high levels of serious crime.
Higher levels apply in some areas.
Call 110.
Call 111 or go direct to the hospital.
Call 112 or go to your local police station.
We advise:
Exercise a high degree of caution in Papua New Guinea overall due to high levels of serious crime.
Higher levels apply in some areas.
Exercise a high degree of caution in Papua New Guinea overall.
Exercise a high degree of caution in Papua New Guinea due to high levels of serious crime.
Reconsider your need to travel to Mount Hagen in the Western Highlands, all of the Southern Highlands, Hela and Enga Provinces.
Reconsider your need to travel to Mount Hagen in the Western Highlands, all of the Southern Highlands, Hela and Enga Provinces due to the potential for unrest and ongoing security concerns.
See 'Safety'
Full travel advice: Safety
Full travel advice: Health
Full travel advice: Local laws
Full travel advice: Travel
Full travel advice: Local contacts
Crime levels are high and police response can be slow.
Crime is common in PNG, but particularly in Port Moresby, Lae and other urban centres. This includes:
Squatter settlements in towns and cities are dangerous.
'Bush knives' (machetes) and guns are often used in assaults and robberies.
The crime rate increases leading into the Christmas holiday period.
Most crime is opportunistic but foreigners have been targeted at home, at work or while travelling.
Robbery is a higher risk while:
Most robberies involve guns and/or knives and machetes.
Criminal groups operate in remote areas of Papua New Guinea, particularly in the Highlands, including across provincial borders and in areas around logging, mining, oil and gas sites. There have been incidents of kidnapping in remote areas and near some mining sites where foreigners have been targeted.
Women are at greater risk of sexual assault and theft.
Disciplinary forces are poorly resourced and corruption is prevalent, many organisations, including the Australian High Commission, use private security.
More information:
Carjacking is common in Port Moresby, Lae, and along the highway between Lae and Nadzab Airport, especially at night.
Criminals may use roadblocks outside of towns to stop and loot vehicles and attack you.
To stay safe on the roads:
See Travel
Civil disorder and criminal activity, including armed robbery, has happened at tourist resorts in coastal areas and at other locations across PNG.
Consider using a security escort.
There have been armed robberies and attempted carjackings of foreign day trekkers near Sogeri, Varirata National Park and on the Kokoda Track, mostly recently in 2023.
Ensure walking companies are experienced.
Find out more about trekking the Kokoda Track under Travel.
You may be at risk of cyber-based threats during overseas travel to any country. Digital identity theft is a growing concern. Your devices and personal data can be compromised, especially if you’re connecting to Wi-Fi, using or connecting to shared or public computers, or to Bluetooth.
Social media can also be risky in destinations where there are social or political tensions, or laws that may seem unreasonable by Australian standards. Travellers have been arrested for things they have said on social media. Don't comment on local or political events on your social media.
More information:
Tension between tribal, communal or clan groups can occur without warning. There's an increased risk during election periods. There have been instances of unlawfulness during elections and in response to arrest and detention sometimes resulting in deaths. Violent tribal clashes often occur in Enga Province, Mendi and Nipa in the Southern Highlands Province, however conflicts can occur in any province. In July 2024, at least 26 people, mostly women and children, were killed as a result of a territorial dispute in Angoram District in East Sepik Province. Similar incidents have occurred in Hela Province since 2018, including in 2022.
Civil unrest occurs regularly, including in Port Moresby, and can escalate quickly. Avoid non-essential travel when civil unrest is occurring. Disputes between police and the Government often lead to civil unrest and can rapidly deteriorate into violence, rioting and looting. Activity is generally opportunistic or focussed toward government infrastructure. Significant civil disorder, violence and looting occurred in Port Moresby and other parts of PNG in January 2024.
Civil unrest events often disable local transport networks, medical and social services, and force the closure of retail businesses.
Fighting often involves guns, bus knives and makeshift weapons. Rioting and looting can follow.
Outbreaks of violence have happened in squatter settlements, marketplaces and urban centres, and during elections including:
If a clash happens, it may cause:
There's ongoing violence because of illegal mining at the Porgera gold mine. People have been killed and injured.
Public protests and events that draw large groups of people can turn violent quickly.
To protect yourself from violence and unrest:
More information:
Kidnapping occurs across the world with political, ideological, and criminal motives. Foreigners, including Australians, have been kidnapped overseas whilst travelling. Kidnaps can happen anywhere, anytime, including destinations that are typically at lower risk.
There have been incidents of kidnapping in remote areas and near mining sites. A number of foreigners, including Australians, have been kidnapped in Hela and Southern Highlands Province since 2022. Isolated cases will continue to occur and can involve foreigners, especially in isolated rural locations. An Australian was kidnapped in Hela Province in February 2024.
If, despite our advice, you travel to an area with a high risk of kidnapping our ability to provide consular assistance in these destinations is limited.
To reduce the risk of kidnapping:
The Australian Government's longstanding policy is that it doesn't make payments or concessions to kidnappers.
Ransom payments to kidnappers have funded further terrorist attacks and criminal activity. Paying a ransom to terrorist groups will likely break Australian counter-terrorism financing laws.
More information:
Many organisations, including the Australian High Commission, use private security:
Australian officials always follow heightened security measures, including while travelling through PNG.
Officials receive security training and follow strict guidelines, which may include limiting or avoiding travel in certain areas during periods of increased risk.
To safeguard your personal security:
Terrorism is a threat worldwide. Terrorist attacks could occur anywhere and at any time. Be alert to possible threats, especially in public places. Terrorists may target tourist areas or other places frequented by foreigners and where large crowds may gather.
Possible targets include:
To stay safe:
If there’s an attack, leave the area as soon as it's safe to do so.
More information:
In Bougainville, you're more at risk in Central Bougainville and Southern Bougainville because of:
Medical services in Bougainville are basic. Make sure your insurance covers medical evacuations.
To reduce your risks while you're in Bougainville:
A large-scale landslide occurred on 24 May 2024 in the Porgera-Paiela district of Enga province. The landslide destroyed several villages and damaged local infrastructure, resulting in many casualties. The road network remains badly damaged and is usuable in parts. Small landslips continue to occur. Reconsider your need to travel to Enga. If you're in Enga, stay away from the affected areas, monitor the media, and follow the advice of local authorities.
PNG experiences natural disasters and severe weather, including:
To protect yourself during a natural disaster:
If you're visiting after a natural disaster, contact your tour operator to check if services are affected.
Timing of the wet season varies across the country.
During the wet season, heavy rain can cause:
Tropical storms can also happen in other months.
If you're arriving during the wet season, contact your tour operator to check if services are affected.
Active volcanoes erupt regularly in PNG. Volcanic eruptions often lead to displacement of communities and disruptions to services, including airport closures or flight cancellations. Monitor the local media and follow the advice of local authorities.
Active volcanoes erupt regularly, particularly around:
Get updates on ash clouds from the Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre.
PNG can experience earthquakes and tsunamis. Tsunamis can happen after an earthquake in the region.
In September 2022, a 7.6 magnitude earthquake struck Morobe Province causing some deaths and disruptions to power and telecommunications across Madang, Eastern Highlands and Morobe. In 2018, a 7.5 magnitude earthquake occurred in the Southern Highlands and Hela Provinces where over 100 people died.
Get updates on earthquakes via the US Geological Service.
To reduce your risk of harm during an earthquake:
Get comprehensive travel insurance before you leave. Your policy needs to cover all overseas medical costs, including medical evacuation. The Australian Government won’t pay for these costs.
If you can't afford travel insurance, you can't afford to travel. This applies to everyone, no matter how healthy and fit you are.
If you're not insured, you may have to pay many thousands of dollars up-front for medical care.
Confirm:
Consider your physical and mental health before you travel, especially if you have an existing medical condition.
See your doctor or travel clinic to:
Do this at least 8 weeks before you leave.
If you have immediate concerns for your welfare, or the welfare of another Australian, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on +61 2 6261 3305 or contact your nearest Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate to discuss counselling hotlines and services available in your location.
More information:
Not all medication available over the counter or by prescription in Australia is available in other countries. Some may even be considered illegal or a controlled substance, even if prescribed by an Australian doctor.
If you plan to take medication, check if it's legal in Papua New Guinea. Take enough legal medication for your trip, including for potential travel delays, as availability and supply issues are common.
Carry a copy of your prescription or a letter from your doctor stating:
More information:
Insect-borne diseases occur throughout PNG, including in Port Moresby.
Malaria and dengue are common throughout the year.
Cases of chikungunya and Zika virus have been reported.
Japanese encephalitis is a low-risk for short-term visitors in urban areas.
If you're pregnant, the Australian Department of Health recommends you:
To protect yourself from disease:
Consider taking medication to prevent malaria and getting vaccinated against Japanese encephalitis.
Seek medical advice if you have a fever, muscle pain, rash or severe headache.
More information:
A national vaccination campaign was undertaken in 2018 and 2019 following the World Health Organization (WHO) reporting cases of vaccine-derived poliovirus (type 1) in parts of PNG.
Make sure you're vaccinated against polio.
More information:
Tuberculosis is common.
Multi-drug-resistant strains are present, including in Port Moresby and Western Province.
People at greater risk include:
If you think you have tuberculosis, get urgent medical treatment.
The HIV/AIDS infection rate is high. Other sexually transmitted infections are widespread.
Take precautions if you're doing anything that exposes you to risk of infection.
Foodborne, waterborne and other infectious diseases are common. These include:
Local water services can be polluted or turned off. Waterborne parasites occur in many rivers. Outbreaks of whooping cough have been reported in some provinces, including Oro Province.
To protect yourself from illness:
Seek medical attention if you suspect food poisoning or have a fever or diarrhoea.
The government may declare a national emergency if there's a health outbreak of diseases such as:
In an emergency, the government may make provisions, laws, orders or regulations to stop the spread of diseases. This can happen without notice.
During an emergency health response there could be:
Venomous snakes are common. Reports of snake bites increase during the wet season.
Jellyfish and other marine animal stings can be fatal.
Seek advice from local authorities, your tour operator or hotel about:
Health care facilities are poor, including in Port Moresby.
A small number of private hospitals and clinics are present in Port Moresby and Lae. Access is very expensive and payment or insurance is required prior to receiving treatment.
Large towns usually have enough facilities for routine problems and some emergencies.
Health facilities in rural areas, including along the Kokoda Track, are basic.
Ambulance services outside Port Moresby are limited.
If you're seriously ill or injured, you'll need to be evacuated to Australia. Medical evacuation can be very expensive.
If you're diving, the only hyperbaric (decompression) chamber is in Port Moresby.
If you plan to dive in PNG:
You're subject to all local laws and penalties, including those that may appear harsh by Australian standards. Research local laws before travelling.
If you're arrested or jailed, the Australian Government will do what it can to help you under our Consular Services Charter. But we can't get you out of trouble or out of jail.
You may get a fine or jail sentence if you:
It's illegal to remove surplus war material from PNG. This includes:
More information:
Sexual acts between people of the same sex are illegal. Prison sentences apply.
More information:
Some Australian criminal laws still apply when you’re overseas. If you break these laws, you may face prosecution in Australia.
More information:
PNG only recognises dual nationality for a limited number of countries, including Australia.
If approved by the PNG Government, PNG nationals can apply for dual citizenship with Australia – see Immigration and Citizenship Authority (ICA) PNG.
If you're a dual citizen travelling on a non-Australian passport, this limits the consular services we can give if you're arrested or detained.
Always travel on your Australian passport.
More information:
The traditional custom of 'payback' occurs.
You could face 'payback' if you:
'Payback' can include violence or demands for money.
Dress and behaviour standards are conservative. Take care not to offend.
Ask permission before taking photos of:
Every country or territory decides who can enter or leave through its borders. For specific information about the evidence you'll need to enter a foreign destination, check with the nearest embassy, consulate or immigration department of the destination you're entering.
You need a visa to enter PNG and must apply for a visa before travel. Australian citizens cannot obtain a visa on arrival. You can apply for certain visas online, such as eVisas. eVisas are available through the PNG eVisa portal.
There have been reports of fraudulent websites targeting foreign nationals applying for eVisas to PNG. If applying for an eVisa, use the official PNG Immigration and Citizenship Authority website. It's illegal to work in PNG on a tourist visa.
If you breach PNG immigration laws, you can be:
Entry and exit conditions can change. Contact your airline or your nearest embassy or consulate of Papua New Guinea for details about the latest visa and entry requirements.
You can't bring fruit or vegetables into PNG due to quarantine restrictions.
Some countries won’t let you enter unless your passport is valid for 6 months after you plan to leave that country. This can apply even if you’re just transiting or stopping over.
Some foreign governments and airlines apply the rule inconsistently. Travellers can receive conflicting advice from different sources.
You can end up stranded if your passport is not valid for more than 6 months.
The Australian Government does not set these rules. Check your passport’s expiry date before you travel. If you’re not sure it’ll be valid for long enough, consider getting a new passport.
Your passport is a valuable document. It's attractive to people who may try to use your identity to commit crimes.
Some people may try to trick you into giving them your passport. Always keep it in a safe place.
If your passport is lost or stolen, tell the Australian Government as soon as possible:
Although Australian passports comply with international standards for sex and gender, we can't guarantee that a passport showing 'X' in the sex field will be accepted for entry or transit by another country. Contact the nearest embassy, high commission or consulate of your destination before you arrive at the border to confirm if authorities will accept passports with 'X' gender markers.
More information:
The local currency is the PNG Kina (PGK).
Declare all amounts over PGK20,000 when you arrive or leave.
Most hotels accept international credit cards.
ATMs are in Port Moresby and major urban centres but aren't always working. Only use ATMs in hotels and other secure locations due to the high risk of crime.
Ask your bank if your Australian cards will work in PNG.
Travel restrictions, including restriction of movement or checkpoints, may occur at short notice. Follow the advice of local authorities.
Walking the Kokoda Track is physically demanding. You must have a high level of fitness.
Weather conditions can be unpredictable.
Health risks include:
Every year several Australians are medically evacuated. It's expensive. You or your travel insurance provider must cover the costs. Some people have died.
Adequate travel insurance is essential.
Serious crime and civil disorder occur throughout PNG, including:
Consider using a security escort.
Unexploded weapons and remnants of war are found in PNG. Especially along the Kokoda Track, Milne Bay and Rabaul.
The condition and stability of these weapons is unknown. They can maim or kill you.
If you find a war remnant, don't disturb it.
The local authorities regulate trekking along the Kokoda Track and permits are required.
Your trekking operator will need a permit issued by the Kokoda Track Authority before you trek. Make sure they have the permit before you start trekking.
Track blockades can occur at short notice by local communities anywhere along the track. Track blockades have occurred in May 2023 and September 2024 and can last several weeks. Trekkers should contact their trekking company for the latest information.
If you plan to trek the Kokoda Track:
While on the Kokoda Track:
More information:
Mobile phone service in Port Moresby is generally good. In areas outside of Port Moresby the satellite and mobile phone global roaming services can be patchy.
Satellite and mobile phone global roaming services can be patchy.
Landline phones can have outages.
To stay in communication:
You can drive in PNG for up to 6 months using a valid Australian driver's licence.
After 6 months, you'll need a local licence.
You're more likely to die in a motor vehicle accident in PNG than in Australia.
Roads are poor, especially in rural areas.
Other hazards include:
Large crowds can form quickly after road accidents. These crowds can become violent without warning.
Carjacking occurs across PNG, including in Port Moresby.
Flash floods and landslides can cause roads to close during the wet season. This can result in travel delays. The timing of the wet season varies across the country.
Parts of the Highlands Highway between Lae and Mount Hagen are particularly affected.
Police use roadblocks to check licences and vehicle registrations in Port Moresby.
If you plan to drive in PNG:
More information:
Avoid travel by motorcycle.
Poor roads and high crime risks mean riding a motorbike in PNG is more dangerous than in Australia.
It's safer to travel in a locked vehicle.
Make sure your travel insurance covers riding a motorcycle.
Always wear a helmet.
Avoid taxis, especially if you're a woman.
Taxis are poorly maintained and often targeted by criminals.
Use vehicles hired from a reputable company, hotel or secure transport provider.
Avoid public transport.
Also avoid privately owned minibuses, known as public motor vehicles (PMVs). They are poorly maintained and often targeted by criminals.
Use vehicles hired from a reputable company, hotel or secure transport provider.
More information:
Travel by ferry or small local boats can be dangerous. Modern boats may be overcrowded and lack basic safety equipment (especially for small children), these include:
Several ferries have sunk in rough weather. Many people have died.
Boat services can be disrupted at short notice. Overcrowding of ferries and boats is common.
Consider flying to your destination instead.
There are limited marine search and rescue services in PNG.
To reduce your risk when travelling on the water:
Register EPIRBs and PLBs with the Australian Maritime Safety Authority. In case of maritime accident, notify the PNG National Maritime Safety Authority on its 24-hour emergency number: +675 7351 7017.
International passengers arriving by sea require a visa. Seek further advice from your cruise company or PNG Customs. You may be detained or fined if you arrive illegally.
More information:
Flying in PNG can be dangerous because of:
Since 2000, there have been more than 20 aircraft accidents.
Flight delays and cancellations are frequent. Ongoing shortages of aviation fuel can disrupt domestic air travel with little or no notice. Check your flight schedule with your airline.
DFAT doesn’t provide information on the safety of individual commercial airlines or flight paths.
Check PNG's air safety profile with the Aviation Safety Network.
More information:
Depending on what you need, contact your:
Call 110.
Call 111 or go direct to the hospital.
Call 112 or go to your local police station.
Always get a police report when you report a crime.
Your insurer should have a 24-hour emergency number.
Read the Consular Services Charter for what the Australian Government can and can't do to help you overseas.
For consular assistance, contact the Australian High Commission in Port Moresby or the Australian the Consulate-General in Lae (if you are in Morobe province) to make an appointment. Note the Consulate-General in Lae can't issue emergency travel documents.
Godwit Road
Waigani NCD
Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea
Phone: +675 7090 0100
Fax: +675 325 9239
Website: png.embassy.gov.au
Facebook: Australian High Commission Papua New Guinea
X: @AusHCPNG
Check the High Commission website for details about opening hours and any temporary closures.
For passport or consular services email consular.portmoresby@dfat.gov.au
Nanbawan Supa Building
4th Floor, 2nd Street
Lae, Morobe Province, Papua New Guinea
Phone: +675 7999 5300
Email: consulate-general.lae@dfat.gov.au
Website: png.embassy.gov.au/pmsb/Lae.html
X: @AusCGLae
In a consular emergency, if you can't contact an embassy, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on:
Be the first to know official government advice when travelling.