Papua New Guinea

Papua New Guinea offers rugged mountains, remote rainforest and remarkable cultural diversity, with the best regions to explore including the Kokoda Track, the Sepik River, the Highlands, Milne Bay and Rabaul in New Britain.

Kokoda Track & Owen Stanley Range: The legendary Kokoda Track crosses the rugged Owen Stanley Range where trekkers follow a historic wartime trail through dense rainforest, mountain villages and dramatic jungle landscapes.

Sepik River: The remote Sepik River winds through vast rainforest where travellers journey by boat to visit traditional villages renowned for their spirit houses, carvings and rich cultural traditions.

Papua New Guinea Highlands: The Highlands reveal dramatic mountain landscapes and vibrant tribal culture where travellers visit traditional villages and colourful sing-sing festivals.

Milne Bay Islands: Milne Bay’s tropical islands and coral reefs offer superb snorkelling and exploration across one of the South Pacific’s most pristine marine environments.

Rabaul & New Britain: The volcanic landscapes around Rabaul on New Britain combine active volcanoes, World War II history and remarkable coastal scenery.

The best time to travel to Papua New Guinea for hiking, trekking, kayaking and adventure touring is usually during the drier months, May–October, when rainfall is lighter and conditions are more comfortable for exploring forests, coastlines and national parks.

Papua New Guinea has a tropical climate with warm temperatures year round, typically ranging between 24°C and 32°C (75°F–90°F). Most regions experience a dry season and a wetter season which influence outdoor travel conditions.

During the wetter season tropical showers refresh the landscape and create lush green forests and flowing rivers. While humidity is higher, this time can still be rewarding for adventurous travellers seeking vibrant scenery and quieter trails.

Papua New Guinea is +10 hours ahead of UTC/GMT

Tok Pisin (official), English (official), Hiri Motu (official), plus 836 indigenous languages

Papua New Guinean Kina

It is strongly recommended to convert your money to local currency (the Kina) at Port Moresby Airport. There is a money change office in the baggage collection area, before customs.

Money can be changed outside of PNG if you request it far enough in advance but rates are often lower than at Port Morseby Airport. As a last resort, money can be changed in Port Moresby itself but it is a time consuming and sometimes frustrating process. Money changing is extremely difficult in Popondetta or Buna and should not be relied upon.

Credit cards are next to useless in PNG. Accommodation in Port Moresby will usually accept Visa and Mastercard for payment (with large merchant fees) however they will not supply cash.

There are a few ATMs in Port Moresby only that will accept overseas cards (usually takes a journey by vehicle to find them) and there are NONE in Popondetta or Buna.

You can withdraw money from the ATM in the Ela Beach Hotel in Port Moresby; check with your bank for fees and charges.

+675

Electricity in Papua New Guinea is 240 Volts, at 50 hertz. The most common pin type is I. (Aust - 3 flat prong).

Visas are required for passport holders from the following countries for a stay of up to 60 days:-

Australia

New Zealand

Canada

United States

United Kingdom

You must apply for a visa before travel. Visa Applications must be submitted online via the below website.

Refer to the ICA website: https://evisa.ica.gov.pg/evisa/account/Apply

Click the “Visitor” button; and then click the “Easy Visitor Permit (30 days)”.

Register your visa application account using your valid email address.

Complete the Online Visa Application for “Visitor / Easy Visitor Permit (30 Day)”.

Provide a scan of your passport bio data page

Provide a scan of any supplementary health forms (as required by PNG Government).

Pay the US$50 online lodgement fee

Details of obtaining visas are provided in your confirmation kit. All other nationalities should check with your nearest embassy or consulate.

The PNG Immigration and Citizenship Service Authority (ICSA) has launched a PNG Digital Arrival Card (DAC). This replaces the paper-based incoming Passenger Arrival Card at PNG international entry points. You’ll need to answer questions about your trip and what you’re bringing into the country. You can complete the DAC online up to 72 hours before arrival at https://pngdac.ica.gov.pg/sbs-dac-ui/#/home

The PNG Climate Change and Development Authority (CCDA) introduced a PGK50 Green Fee as a carbon offset. You're required to pay the Green Fee when departing PNG unless you are exempt.

Exemptions are:

PNG passport holders

Crew of vessel/ship

Diplomats

Military personal of a country or members of an international security force either be police of military, corrections and or considered special agents while on official duties

Children under 12

Transiting passengers of less than 12 hours

As the rollout is still being implemented, check in advance with your airline or port authorities in PNG to confirm whether the fee applies at your specific airport/port. Expects delays especially during the early implementation phase and allow additional check-in time at the airport.

Your safety is our number one concern. Our safety track record is exemplary thanks to careful management and thorough consultation with local partners. Our industry leading risk management procedures have become a skill that we continue to refine. Our leaders in the field are highly trained and have safety as their number one priority. Expert leaders, risk assessments, quality inclusions and your financial security all come standard when you travel with us.

Please refer to our Travel Advisory page for updates on recent events, travel warnings and advice.

We strongly recommend that all clients take out travel insurance at the time of booking to cover against sickness, accident, loss of baggage, unexpected alterations to travel arrangements and travel disruption, emergency evacuation, cancellations, etc. Insurance information is enclosed with your pre-departure information. Please contact us if you would like to obtain a quote for your trip duration.

We suggest that you consult your doctor, local government inoculation centre or a travel medical specialist in order to get the most current advice regarding vaccination requirements.

Money and valuables should always be stored safely when travelling. Keep your passport with you at all times and do not leave it in your main luggage. You will need it to change money and check into hotels. Where safety deposit boxes are available, we recommend that you use them. Keep jewellery and valuables to a minimum.