CONTENT|CONTENU

TRAVEL REPORT
Papua New Guinea

1. RECENT UPDATES

Section 2 has been updated (tsunami watch lifted).

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2. WARNINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

There is no Official Warning for this country.

Papua New Guinea

Exercise normal security precautions

Exercise high degree of caution

Avoid non-essential travel

Avoid all travel

Canadians should be extremely vigilant in Papua New Guinea at all times due to high levels of serious crime. Law and order remain very poor in the Highlands provinces and in the cities of Port Moresby and Lae. Exercise a high degree of caution, particularly in commercial and public establishments (hotels, clubs, restaurants, bars, schools, places of worship, outdoor recreation events) and tourist areas frequented by foreigners.

Travellers to the central mountainous area around the old Panguna mine on Bougainville Island should be extremely cautious. The general security situation in Bougainville has improved, however, the old Panguna mine remains a “no go zone”. Travellers who enter this zone may be detained by the local officials. Passports may be confiscated by the Papua New Guinea government if travellers are found without proper authorization. There are no tourist facilities, and transportation facilities are limited. Canadians should seek advice from the Australian High Commission in Port Moresby prior to travel.

OFFICIAL REGISTRATION RECOMMENDATION: We offer a registration service for all Canadians travelling or living abroad. This service is provided so that we can contact and assist you in an emergency abroad, such as a natural disaster or civil unrest, or inform you of a family emergency at home. Registration can be done on-line or by contacting a Canadian government office abroad. For more information, see our FAQs on Registration of Canadians Abroad.

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3. SAFETY AND SECURITY

The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. The traveller is also responsible for his or her own personal safety. The purpose of this Travel Report is to provide Canadians with up-to-date information to enable them to make well-informed decisions.

Violent crime is a serious problem and occurs often in urban areas such as Port Moresby, Lae and Mount Hagen. Car-jacking and armed robberies occur in Port Moresby and along the highway between Lae and the Nadzab Airport. Travellers should remain vigilant while travelling this road, especially in the two and nine mile settlement areas. Robberies are often accompanied by assault. Violence including the use of firearms or machetes is a serious risk. Canadians should avoid travel after dark if possible.

Outbreaks of ethnic and tribal violence, using weapons, have occurred in Lae, Port Moresby, the Highlands and Enga provinces. 

Sexual assault, including gang rape, occurs and foreigners have been targeted. Victims of any assault are encouraged to seek immediate medical treatment. Woman should not travel alone.

Women should dress conservatively in public.

Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada publishes a booklet, Her Own Way: Advice for the Woman Traveller, specifically targeted at female travellers. Its prime objective is to inform Canadian women and encourage them to travel safely. 

Hiking in rural areas and visiting isolated public areas such as parks, golf courses, or beaches can be dangerous.

Demonstrations and public protests, which may turn violent, should be avoided.

The Kokoda Track has reopened. Canadians intending to walk the track should travel with a guide from a reputable tour company and pay the required fee prior to walking the trail. There have been reports of security incidents involving tourists. Facilities along the track are limited. Canadians should register with the Australian High Commission in Port Moresby prior to travel.

Tourist facilities are available in Port Moresby, Lae, and Madang.

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4. ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS

It is the sole prerogative of each country or region to determine who is allowed to enter. All countries or regions have special requirements for persons intending to reside for extended periods (usually more than 90 days) or who plan to work, study, or engage in non-tourist activities. To obtain information on specific entry requirements, contact the nearest diplomatic or consular office of the destination(s) to be visited. Violations of entry and exit requirements may result in serious penalties.

The following information on entry and exit requirements has been confirmed with the authorities of Papua New Guinea. However, these requirements are subject to change at any time. It is the traveller’s responsibility to check with the Embassy of Papua New Guinea, for up-to-date information.

A valid Canadian passport is required for Canadians intending to visit Papua New Guinea. The passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the date of your expected departure from the country. Canadians must also be in possession of a visa, an onward or return ticket, and proof of sufficient funds.  It is advised that travellers obtain a tourist visa prior to departure; however, it is possible to obtain a visa upon arrival at Jacksons International Airport in Port Moresby. A 60-day tourist visa may be extended by a maximum of 30 days.

Tourist Visa: Required
Business Visa: Required
Student Visa: Required

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A Certificate of Canadian Citizenship is not a travel document. A Canadian passport is the only reliable and universally accepted travel and identification document available to Canadians for the purpose of international travel. Canadian citizens returning to Canada who present other documents, such as a Certificate of Canadian Citizenship, birth certificate, provincial driver’s license, or foreign passport, instead of a Canadian passport, may face delays or be denied boarding by transport companies.

Selling, altering, or allowing another person to use your passport is a criminal offence. It could lead to the laying of charges and imprisonment if convicted. It could also lead to the denial of future passport services.

Special and diplomatic passport holders should verify all visa requirements for this and other destinations, as they may differ from those that apply to regular passport holders.

Any adult travelling with children may be required to show evidence of parental/custodial and/or access rights. Foreign and Canadian authorities may also require evidence that the adult has the consent of the parents, legal guardian, and/or the court to travel with the children. Some countries or regions may not permit children to enter or, in some cases, leave the country or region without proper documentation such as a letter of consent or a court order.

Although same-sex marriages are legal in Canada, many countries or regions do not recognize them. Attempting to enter as a same-sex married couple may result in refusal by local officials. For more information, contact the foreign government office accredited to Canada.

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5. CANADIAN GOVERNMENT CONTACTS

There is no resident Canadian government office in Papua New Guinea. Canadians in Papua New Guinea can obtain consular assistance and further information from the Australian High Commission in Port Moresby (under the Canada-Australia Consular Services Sharing Agreement) at the following address:

Papua New Guinea - PORT MORESBY, Australian High Commission
Address: Godwit Road, Waigani, NCD, Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea
Tel.: 675 325-9333
Fax: 675 325-9239
Internet: http://www.png.embassy.gov.au/

The High Commission of Canada in Canberra, Australia, has consular responsibility for Papua New Guinea. The address is as follows:

Australia - CANBERRA, High Commission of Canada
Address: Commonwealth Avenue, Canberra ACT, Australia 2600
Tel.: 61 (2) 6270-4000
Fax: 61 (2) 6270-4060
E-Mail: cnbra@international.gc.ca
Internet: http://www.australia.gc.ca

For emergency assistance after hours, call the Australian High Commission in Port Moresby and follow the instructions. You may also make a collect call to the Department in Ottawa at 613-996-8885.

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6. TRAVEL HEALTH

The Public Health Agency of Canada and the World Health Organization (WHO) report on disease outbreaks that occur throughout the world. For the latest travel health advisories and related information, visit the Public Health Agency of Canada’s Travel Health Web site.

The Public Health Agency of Canada strongly recommends that your travel plans include contacting a travel medicine clinic or physician six to eight weeks before departure. Based on your individual risk assessment, a health care professional can determine your need for immunizations and/or preventive medication and advise you on precautions to avoid disease. Travellers are reminded to ensure that their routine (childhood) immunizations (e.g., tetanus, diphtheria, polio, and measles) are up to date.

Standards of medical care may differ from those in Canada. Treatment may be expensive, and payment in advance may be required. Travellers are advised to arrange for medical insurance prior to departure. Prescription medications should be kept in the original container and packed in carry-on luggage.

The Public Health Agency of Canada also recommends that travellers who become sick or feel unwell on their return to Canada seek a medical assessment with their personal physician. Travellers should inform their physician that they have been travelling or living outside of Canada.

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7. ADDITIONAL HEALTH INFORMATION

A number of cholera cases have recently been reported in Papua New Guinea. The Public Health Agency of Canada reminds travellers that travel to tropical and sub-tropical climates and to developing countries poses a risk for food-borne and water-borne gastrointestinal disease. Travellers should take precautions regarding the quality of the food and water consumed and use good personal hygiene practices at all times.

Medical care is limited, especially outside Port Moresby. Shortages of basic medical supplies are common. Specialist services are extremely limited and there are long delays for emergency treatment. In the event of a major accident or illness, medical evacuation is often necessary. Canadian travellers should be aware that medical transport is very expensive and payment up front is often required.

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8. LAWS AND CUSTOMS

You are subject to local laws. A serious violation may lead to a jail or death sentence. The sentence will be served in local prisons.

Canadians arrested or detained have the right to contact the responsible Canadian government office (embassy, high commission, etc.) listed in Section 5 above. Arresting officials have a responsibility to assist you in doing so. Canadian consular officials can provide a list of local lawyers upon request.

The procedures required in legal proceedings or police investigations may be different from the procedures in force in the Canadian legal system. Canadians wishing to undertake such proceedings can expect to face long delays and additional efforts in order to resolve their case. The Government of Canada cannot intervene in ongoing legal proceedings in other countries or regions, unless requested to do so by local authorities. Such requests are rare.

Homosexual activity is illegal. Convicted offenders may face lengthy jail sentences.

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9. TRAVEL AND CURRENCY

Traffic drives on the left. Road conditions are poor and driving can be hazardous, especially outside major towns. Do not leave personal belongings unattended in vehicles. Drive with windows up and car doors locked at all times.

Travel on public buses, known as PMVs (public motor vehicles) is not recommended. The vehicles are poorly maintained and are a common target for criminals. Travel by taxi is preferable; however, you should determine your fare prior to departure. Hotel transport is a safer alternative.

Flight delays or cancellation occur on a regular basis. Travellers should verify their flight schedule before departure.

Travelling alone increases the possibility of being a victim of a crime such as robbery or sexual assault. Tolls may be demanded at illegal roadblocks and assault can occur if payment is not made. Do not travel after dark. Arrange to be met at the airport, particularly when arriving in the evening. Drivers involved in a traffic accident should proceed directly to the nearest police station rather than remaining at the scene. Crowds tend to form quickly after an incident and accident victims or on-lookers may attack those they perceive to be responsible.

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is required.

See our FAQ on transportation in order to verify if national airlines meet safety standards.

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The currency is the kina. Credit cards are accepted at major hotels and restaurants. American Express is most commonly used. Traveller's cheques are accepted by most shops and hotels. U.S. dollar traveller's cheques are recommended.

Check with your bank for information on automated banking machine (ABM) services outside Canada. You can also check the VISA ATM locator page or the MasterCard ATM locator page for the addresses of ABMs around the world. Verify with your financial institution whether your bank card can be used with ABMs abroad. Some countries use chip and/or personal identification number (PIN) technology for credit cards. Check with your bank to find out if your credit card will be accepted abroad. Credit cards and debit cards should be used with caution due to the potential for fraud and other criminal activity. ABMs should be used during business hours inside a bank, supermarket, or large commercial building. Leave copies of your card numbers with a family member in case of emergency.

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10. NATURAL DISASTERS AND CLIMATE

Papua New Guinea is located in an active seismic zone. There are active volcanoes in Rabaul, Bougainville, West New Britain, and Manam Island. Canadians should know the address and telephone number of the Australian High Commission in Port Moresby in the event of an emergency.

Heavy smoke and ash from volcanoes periodically lead to flight disruptions, particularly in the Rabaul region. Travellers should verify all travel schedules with local authorities or travel service providers.

The monsoon season extends from December to March in the northwest and May to October in the southeast. Landslides occur, especially on the Highlands Highway between Lae and Mount Hagen. Travellers should keep informed of regional weather forecasts and plan accordingly.

Canadians living or travelling in these regions should be aware that flash floods and landslides may occur. Transportation and telecommunication systems may be impacted. Other services that may be affected include emergency and medical care, as well as water and food supplies. Water-borne diseases could also become a threat. Canadians should monitor local weather reports, avoid disaster areas.

See our Global Issues page for information on typhoons and monsoons.

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11. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Returning to Canada

Traveller's Checklist

Health and Travel Insurance: Do not rely on your provincial health plan to cover all expenses if you get sick or are injured while abroad. It may cover nothing or only a portion of the costs. Understand the terms of your supplementary insurance policy. Some credit cards offer their holders health and travel insurance. Do not assume the card alone provides adequate coverage. Carry details of your insurance with you. Also, tell your travel agent, a friend or relative, and/or travelling companion how to contact your insurer. Get a detailed invoice from the doctor or hospital before you return to Canada. Always submit original receipts for any medical services or prescriptions received abroad. Most insurance companies will not accept copies or faxes.

Cancelling a scheduled trip abroad could cost you money. Before cancelling a scheduled trip, you should discuss the matter with your travel agent, your travel insurer, or the airline. The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller.

Adoption: Provincial and territorial authorities in Canada are responsible for authorizing international adoptions. If you are thinking of adopting a child abroad, you must first obtain information about the adoption regulations of the province or territory in which the child will reside. While adoption is a provincial/territorial responsibility, Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) is responsible for allowing an adopted child entry into Canada. Entry can be refused if the child does not hold the appropriate immigrant visa. A visa may be denied, even if the adoption has already been completed. For more information contact CIC at 1 888 242-2100 (in Canada only), check the CIC Web site or contact your provincial or territorial government.

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12. ANNEX

N/A

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