country
Papua New GuineaPapua Niugini
First trip: book through a local operator or lodge, fly between two regions (for example Port Moresby 1 night, then the Highlands or Tufi and Milne Bay for 5–7 nights) and never plan on road links between them; independent overland travel is for experienced visitors only.
Papua New Guinea has no road connecting the capital, Port Moresby, to the rest of the main island's big towns; regions are linked by Air Niugini and small charter flights, which are often delayed or cancelled. Crime in Port Moresby and Lae and tribal violence in parts of the Highlands are serious. Travel with a trusted operator, keep buffer days around flights, and prepare for malaria.
All regions, cities and parks in Papua New Guinea (Atlas) →
Regions
Arrival and connections; the Kokoda Track starts nearby
1–2 nights
Cultural shows and highland lodges; fly in with an operator
3–5 nights
River villages by boat from Wewak or Ambunti; expedition-style
4–7 nights
Diving and fjord coast; Alotau, Tufi, Rabaul and Kavieng are the bases
4–7 nights
Arrive
POM
Jacksons International (Port Moresby)
Only main international gateway; use hotel or operator transfers
Time math
- 5 days
- Port Moresby 1 + one lodge region by flight 4
- 10 days
- Port Moresby 1 + Highlands 4 + dive or coastal base 5
- 14 days
- Port Moresby 1 + Highlands 4 + Sepik 5 + buffer 1 + coastal base 3
Country rules
- Most visitors need a visa, which some nationalities can apply for online: check the PNG Immigration and Citizenship Authority for your passport before booking.
- Some governments advise against travel to parts of the Highlands provinces because of tribal fighting; check your own government's current advice before you go.
- Almost all land is customary: ask permission before walking, swimming or photographing, and expect to pay fees to landowners.
Etiquette
- Ask permission before photographing people, villages or ceremonies; a fee may be expected.
- Dress modestly, especially women: cover shoulders and knees.
- Hundreds of languages are spoken; Tok Pisin and English are the lingua francas, and a few Tok Pisin words go a long way.
- Betel nut is chewed widely and banned in some public places; never spit it in hotels, shops or vehicles.
- Independence Day (Sep 16)
- National holiday; the Goroka Show and celebrations fill Highlands lodges.
- Mount Hagen Show (August)
- Highlands flights and lodges book up months ahead.
- Christmas and New Year
- Many people travel home; services slow down and flights fill.
Money & passes
Cash necessity: 4/5
- Currency is the kina (PGK, K). Cards work at larger hotels and some shops in towns; everywhere else is cash.
- ATMs are in main towns only; carry enough cash for rural stays, but keep it out of sight.
- Villages and landowners charge customary fees for visits, photos and use of land; agree on them in advance through your guide.
Before you fly: eSIM before you fly · Visas and entry
Safety
- Crime: armed robbery and carjacking occur in Port Moresby, Lae and Mount Hagen; do not walk around after dark and use hotel or operator transport.
- Tribal violence flares in parts of the Highlands; your operator and your government's advice are the guide to what is open.
- Malaria is present in most lowland areas: take advice on prophylaxis before travel and use repellent and nets.
- Medical care is limited outside Port Moresby; travel insurance with medical evacuation is essential.
- Earthquakes, volcanic activity and landslides occur; follow local warnings.
- Dive and boat trips: use established operators with safety equipment.
Papua New Guinea connects to Australia via Brisbane and Cairns, and to Asia via Singapore and Manila; Honiara is a short flight east.
Sources
- UK FCDO travel advice — Papua New Guinea (official)
- Wikivoyage — Papua New Guinea (secondary)