Do not travel to Papua New Guinea due to crime, civil unrest, health concerns, natural disasters, and kidnapping. Reconsider travel due to COVID-19-related restrictions. Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory.

Reconsider travel to:

• Bougainville, particularly areas near the Panguna mine, due to civil unrest.
• The Highlands region due to civil unrest.
• Areas in the vicinity of Mt. Ulawun on the island of New Britain due to natural disaster.

Country Summary: Violent crime, including sexual assault, carjackings, home invasions, kidnappings, and armed robberies, is common. Tensions between communal or clan groups may result in violence at any time without warning. Police presence is limited outside of the capital Port Moresby, and police may be unable to assist due to limited resources.

Public demonstrations, especially in population centers, are common and may turn violent. Even peaceful demonstrations may present opportunities for criminal elements or other actors to exacerbate local political tensions.

The U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens outside of Port Moresby due to limited transportation infrastructure. U.S. government employees must obtain authorization before traveling to areas of concern, including the southern part of Bougainville, Lae, Mt. Hagen, Southern Highlands Province, Hela Province, and other areas of Papua New Guinea where one is unable to fly directly.

Read the country information page for additional information on travel to Papua New Guinea.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has determined Papua New Guinea has a high level of COVID-19. Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel. Commercial transportation to/from Papua New Guinea is not available or only sporadically available. It may be difficult to enter or leave the country, and travelers should expect delays entering Papua New Guinea and/or returning to the United States

If you decide to travel to the Papua New Guinea:

• Read the Department of State’s COVID-19 page before planning any international travel, and read the Embassy’s COVID-19 page for country-specific COVID-19 information.
• Avoid using local taxis or buses, known as public motor vehicles or PMVs.
• Travel with guides from a reputable tour company, particularly if you plan to hike
• Avoid walking or driving at night.
• Do not physically resist any robbery attempt.
• Avoid demonstrations and crowds.
• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Follow the Department of State on Facebook and Twitter.
• Review the Country Security Report for the Papua New Guinea.
• Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler’s Checklist.

Areas Near the Panguna Mine – Level 3: Reconsider Travel

The Autonomous Bougainville Government has designated areas near the Panguna mine as “no go zones" due to the risk of violence and civil unrest. Bougainville police lack the resources to respond effectively to serious criminal incidents.

Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas.

The Highlands Region – Level 3: Reconsider Travel

There is a heightened risk of tribal violence in the region.

Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas.

Areas in the Vicinity of Mt. Ulawun – Level 3: Reconsider Travel

Recent years have seen regular volcanic activity at Mt. Ulawun, a volcano on the eastern end of the island of New Britain. A major eruption occurred in June 2019, leading to widespread ash fall, the displacement of local communities, and the temporary closure of the international airport in Hoskins.

Smaller, but still significant, eruptions occurred in August and October 2019. Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas.

Last Update: Reissued with updates to health information.