Learn about the Papua New Guinean visa, customs and quarantine regulations. This includes types of visa applications, what to declare and what is prohibited in Papua New Guinea.
PNG has declared the State of Emergency until 2 June 2020. Additional restrictions, including lockdowns may be imposed at short notice. Curfews remain in place in Western and East New Britain Provinces. Follow the advice of local authorities. PNG's borders are closed to overseas travelers, including those arriving by sea. This includes the closure of traditional border crossings between PNG and Australia in the Torres Strait, as well as sea crossings between the Solomon Islands and the Autonomous Region of Bougainville. Air transit through PNG requires an exemption in advance of travel from the State of Emergency Controller. Domestic flights are restricted. Contact your travel provider for more information. The Kokoda Track is closed to trekkers due to COVID-19.
Poor road maintenance and crime make road travel dangerous. Keep windows up and doors locked. Consider using a security escort. Avoid driving at night. Avoid travel by motorcycle, taxis and public transport. Travel by boat can be dangerous. Marine search and rescue services are limited in PNG. Consider alternative options. PNG has declared the State of Emergency until 2 June. Additional restrictions, including lockdowns may be imposed at short notice. Curfews remain in place in Western and East New Britain Provinces. Follow the advice of local authorities. PNG has closed its borders to foreign travellers, stopped public transport and restricted domestic flights. If you’re in PNG and wish to return to Australia, do so as soon as possible as departure options are limited. If you can't or don't want to leave, follow the advice of local authorities, make arrangements for an extended stay and take care to minimise exposure to COVID-19.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has now declared the coronavirus outbreak a Pandemic, see: WHO Director-General Media Briefing 11th March 2020.
The COVID-19 pandemic was confirmed to have reached Papua New Guinea on 20 March 2020. On 4 May, all known cases recovered.
The Government of Papua New Guinea banned all travellers from Asian countries and closed its border with Indonesia, taking effect from 30 January. On 16 April, due to additional confirmed cases in the National Capital District (NCD) and the Western Province, the Emergency Controller issued National Emergency Order No.16, effectively locking down the NCD. The order established an 8pm-6am curfew, prohibited most public gatherings, limited groups to four people, banning public transportation, and suspending alcohol and Betel Nut sales. The order also prohibits domestic air travel and closes public venues such as gambling halls, night clubs, sports and sports clubs, and religious services.
On 3 May, the curfew for the National Capital District and Central Province has been lifted, alcohol restrictions have been lifted. Gatherings remain banned, social distancing measures have to be enforced, and washing hands before entering church services is mandatory.
On 5 May, the school reopened, however some schools required face mask and others have send their students back again.
No cases have been reported in the Autonomous Region of Bougainville
On 20 March, the first case in Papua New Guinea was confirmed
On 7 April, Papua New Guinea confirmed its second case of COVID-19
On 16 April, the PNG government confirmed five new COVID-19 cases
On 23 April, an elderly woman of age 45 from Eastern Highlands Province was confirmed to be infected. The tally now stands at 8 cases in Papua New Guinea.
On 4 May, acting Health Secretary Dr Paison Dakulala reported that all known cases have recovered, but stresses that they don't know what they are fighting. 2,400 tests have been carried out with the bulk in Port Moresby
The Government of Papua New Guinea banned all travellers from Asian countries and closed its border with Indonesia, taking effect from 30 January. On 16 April, due to additional confirmed cases in the National Capital District (NCD) and the Western Province, the Emergency Controller issued National Emergency Order No.16, effectively locking down the NCD. The order established an 8pm-6am curfew, prohibited most public gatherings, limited groups to four people, banning public transportation, and suspending alcohol and Betel Nut sales. The order also prohibits domestic air travel and closes public venues such as gambling halls, night clubs, sports and sports clubs, and religious services.
No cases have been reported in the Autonomous Region of Bougainville.