Papua New Guinea is a truly unique destination, offering breathtaking tropical landscapes, rich cultural diversity, and unforgettable adventures. From lush rainforests and beautiful beaches to the authentic traditions of local tribes, this country is a hidden gem for anyone looking to explore nature and culture beyond the usual tourist spots.

This article is here to guide you with everything you need to plan your trip to Papua New Guinea. We’ll cover essential details like visa requirements, cultural etiquette, and useful travel tips to help you navigate and enjoy this amazing destination. With all the information gathered for you, you can prepare for a smooth and memorable journey. Let’s dive in and get you ready for an incredible adventure!

Read more: 10 Best Things to Do in Papua New Guinea

Papua New Guinea is a country located in the eastern part of the island of Papua, sharing a direct border with Indonesia. It is renowned for its rich cultural diversity, with over 800 local languages spoken by its inhabitants. Before planning a trip to this unique destination, it's essential to familiarize yourself with the entry requirements and procedures for visiting the country.

If you are an Indonesian citizen planning to visit Papua New Guinea for tourism, you are required to obtain a visa before entering the country. Tourist visas can be applied for through the Embassy of Papua New Guinea or online via the official Papua New Guinea government website.

Required Documents:

Visa Fees: Visa fees vary depending on the type of visa you are applying for. Be sure to check the most up-to-date information from the Embassy of Papua New Guinea.

Processing Time: Visa processing can take several days to a few weeks, so make sure to apply well in advance of your planned travel date.

Visa Exemptions:

Currently, there are no visa exemptions for Indonesian tourists visiting Papua New Guinea. Therefore, applying for a visa remains mandatory before departure.

Upon arrival in Papua New Guinea, you must adhere to specific customs regulations to ensure the items you bring comply with local laws.

Prohibited Items:

Restricted Items:

Declaration and Customs Duties:

If you are bringing high-value items that exceed the permitted limit, you must declare them at customs and be prepared to pay the appropriate duties. The declaration form will be provided to you before entering Papua New Guinea, and you must fill it out accurately.

Currency Restrictions

Papua New Guinea does not impose specific restrictions on the amount of cash you can bring in or take out of the country. However, if you are carrying more than PGK 20,000 (approximately USD 5,600), you must declare this to customs officials.

Upon arriving in Papua New Guinea, there are several important steps you must go through to ensure a smooth and safe entry into the country.

Health Screening:

Papua New Guinea continues to enforce strict health protocols, particularly in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. You are advised to check the latest regulations regarding health screening, vaccination requirements, or any testing procedures that may be in place prior to your travel.

Immigration Control:

After completing health screening, you will proceed to immigration control. Immigration officers may ask questions about the purpose of your visit, the duration of your stay, and the accommodation you have arranged. Ensure that you carry your passport and an approved visa to avoid any issues at immigration.

Customs Inspection:

After passing through immigration, you will move to the customs area. Ensure that any goods requiring declaration, such as tobacco, alcohol, or high-value electronics, have been properly noted on your declaration form. Failure to declare restricted items could result in fines or confiscation.

Exiting Papua New Guinea:

When leaving the country, be sure to have all essential travel documents, such as your passport and airline ticket, readily available. Arriving at the airport well in advance of your flight will give you ample time to complete the check-in and immigration procedures.

Papua New Guinea offers several transportation options to make traveling easier for visitors. You can choose from taxis, buses, or renting a car. Make sure to use licensed official taxis to avoid any problems during your trip. If you plan to rent a car, ensure you have a valid international driving license.

Visiting Papua New Guinea offers a unique opportunity to experience one of the world's most culturally diverse countries. With over 800 distinct languages and numerous traditions, Papua New Guinea has a rich cultural heritage. For Indonesian travelers, it's essential to understand the local laws, customs, and religious practices to ensure a respectful and enjoyable visit.

Papua New Guinea’s diverse society is built upon various customs and traditions that vary from one region to another. However, there are general etiquette rules you should follow during your visit.

Familiarizing yourself with the laws of Papua New Guinea is crucial to avoid legal issues during your trip. Below are some key points to keep in mind.

Religion plays an important role in the daily lives of Papua New Guineans, with Christianity being the dominant religion. However, many communities still practice traditional beliefs that are deeply rooted in their culture.

Papua New Guinea is known for its incredible linguistic diversity. The official languages are English, Tok Pisin, and Hiri Motu, with Tok Pisin being the most widely spoken language across the country.

Learning Basic Phrases:

Although many people, especially in urban areas, speak English, learning a few basic phrases in Tok Pisin can help you connect with locals on a deeper level. Here are a few useful phrases:

Papua New Guinea (PNG) is an island nation located in the southwestern Pacific Ocean, sharing a border with Indonesia to the west. The country consists of the eastern half of the island of New Guinea and hundreds of smaller islands, with a total area of about 462,840 square kilometers. The country is also famous for its stunning natural landscapes, including mountains, rainforests, and pristine beaches.

Although Papua New Guinea is generally safe for tourists, there are some safety concerns that travelers should be aware of, particularly in urban areas like Port Moresby and Lae. Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and bag snatching, is relatively common, especially in crowded places like markets and public transportation hubs. In some cases, more serious incidents, such as armed robberies, have occurred, so it's essential to remain cautious.

For those visiting remote or rural areas, it’s important to note that some regions have limited access to basic services and may lack adequate law enforcement. Tribal conflicts, although infrequent, can sometimes arise in these areas, but they rarely pose a direct threat to visitors.

Practical Safety Tips:

For Indonesian travelers visiting Papua New Guinea, it’s crucial to be aware of local customs and cultural norms. Papua New Guineans are generally warm and welcoming, but respect for their traditions is highly important.

Embassy Contact Information:

Papua New Guinea has a developing healthcare system, with significant differences between facilities in major cities and those in rural areas. In major cities like Port Moresby and Lae, you will find several large hospitals and private clinics offering reasonably good medical services. Private hospitals generally provide more modern facilities and more comprehensive services compared to public hospitals.

However, in rural areas and more remote islands, access to healthcare can be very limited. Clinics in these areas often have only basic facilities, and trained medical personnel may not always be available. If you plan to visit remote areas, it is highly recommended that you bring personal medications and any healthcare supplies you may need.

Medical treatment costs in Papua New Guinea can be quite high, especially in private clinics. Therefore, make sure you have travel insurance that covers medical expenses abroad, including medical evacuation if necessary.

Before traveling to Papua New Guinea, there are several mandatory and recommended vaccinations to help maintain your health while in the country.

Mandatory Vaccinations:

Currently, Papua New Guinea does not require mandatory vaccinations for tourists entering the country. However, in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, you may be required to show a valid COVID-19 vaccination certificate.

Recommended Vaccinations:

While traveling in Papua New Guinea, it is important to know emergency contact information in case of health issues or other emergencies. Here are some key contacts you should keep:

Port Moresby General Hospital: The largest hospital in Papua New Guinea, located in the capital, providing a range of medical and emergency services.

Pacific International Hospital: A private hospital also located in Port Moresby, offering more comprehensive and modern medical facilities.

Angau Memorial Hospital in Lae: A large hospital located in Lae that serves the northern coastal regions of Papua New Guinea.

3. Local Clinics: If you are staying at a resort or large hotel, many have arrangements with local clinics or have doctors on call to provide minor medical care.

Additional Health Tips

To ensure you stay healthy during your trip to Papua New Guinea, here are some additional health tips you can follow:

It’s important to understand the climate and potential natural disasters that can occur in Papua New Guinea to ensure a safe and comfortable trip. Below is detailed information about the weather, natural disasters, and steps you should take to prepare for your vacation in the country.

Papua New Guinea has a tropical climate similar to Indonesia, with warm temperatures year-round. Generally, there are two main seasons:

For more stable and dry weather, the best time to visit Papua New Guinea is during the dry season, from May to October.

Papua New Guinea is located in the Pacific Ring of Fire, which makes it prone to natural disasters such as earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. Additionally, extreme weather can result in floods and tropical storms. Here are some of the natural disasters you should be aware of:

The government of Papua New Guinea has a well-developed emergency response system for natural disasters, especially for earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. In some disaster-prone areas, such as near active volcanoes or along the coast, the government has installed early warning systems and established evacuation routes to protect both locals and tourists.

If you are in Papua New Guinea during a natural disaster, here are some steps you should follow:

To be better prepared for natural disasters during your stay in Papua New Guinea, here are some tips you can follow: