Papua New Guinea Safety Guide
Health, security, and travel safety information
Emergency Numbers
Save these numbers before your trip.
Healthcare
What to know about medical care in Papua New Guinea.
Healthcare System
Papua New Guinea's healthcare system is severely under-resourced with significant gaps in service delivery. Public hospitals suffer from shortages of staff, medicines, and equipment. Private medical facilities exist in Port Moresby and some provincial capitals but are limited in capacity and capability.
Hospitals
Port Moresby General Hospital is the largest public facility but has limited resources. Private options include Pacific International Hospital (Port Moresby) which offers better standards. Angau Memorial Hospital in Lae and Mount Hagen General Hospital serve their regions but with significant limitations. Most facilities require upfront payment.
Pharmacies
Pharmacies exist in major towns but medication availability is inconsistent. Counterfeit medications are a concern. Bring sufficient supplies of prescription medications in original packaging, along with copies of prescriptions. Common over-the-counter medications may not be readily available.
Insurance
Comprehensive travel insurance with medical evacuation coverage is absolutely essential. Medical evacuation to Australia can cost $50,000-100,000 USD or more. Ensure your policy covers PNG specifically, as some insurers exclude it.
Healthcare Tips
- Bring a comprehensive first aid kit and any prescription medications you need for your entire stay plus extra
- Arrange medical evacuation insurance before arrival - this is not optional for PNG
- Identify the nearest adequate medical facility to your location before you need it
- Consider carrying antibiotics and anti-malarial medication as prescribed by your doctor
- Drink only bottled or boiled water and avoid ice in drinks
- Many hospitals require cash payment upfront before treatment
Common Risks
Be aware of these potential issues.
Armed robberies, carjackings, and violent assaults occur regularly, particularly in urban areas. Criminal gangs known as 'raskols' operate throughout the country. Attacks can be violent and unpredictable, sometimes involving machetes or firearms.
Tribal warfare and 'payback' killings occur regularly, particularly in the Highlands provinces. These conflicts can erupt suddenly and affect entire regions. Outsiders can inadvertently become caught up in disputes.
Carjackings are common, particularly in Port Moresby and along major highways. Vehicles are stopped by armed criminals, sometimes using fake roadblocks. Passengers may be assaulted or robbed.
Pickpocketing, bag snatching, and opportunistic theft are very common in markets, public areas, and crowded places. Thieves work in groups and can be aggressive.
PNG has extremely high rates of gender-based violence. Foreign women have been victims of sexual assault. Incidents can occur in both urban and rural areas.
Road conditions are poor with many unpaved roads, potholes, and lack of signage. Accidents are common. Drivers often lack training and vehicles are poorly maintained. Livestock and pedestrians on roads create additional hazards.
Protests, demonstrations, and civil unrest can occur, sometimes turning violent. These can happen with little warning and may involve road closures, violence, and property damage.
Scams to Avoid
Watch out for these common tourist scams.
Criminals impersonate police or security personnel to rob tourists. They may claim you've violated a law and demand payment or search your belongings to steal valuables.
Taxi drivers, vendors, and service providers may charge foreigners significantly inflated prices, sometimes 10-20 times the normal rate.
Fake accommodation listings or unregistered guesthouses that don't meet safety standards. Some may be fronts for criminal activity.
Unlicensed or incompetent tour operators take payment but provide substandard or dangerous services, or disappear with deposits.
Street vendors approach tourists selling betel nut (buai) and use this as a distraction for pickpocketing or to demand excessive payment.
Safety Tips
Practical advice to stay safe.
Accommodation
- Stay only in reputable hotels with 24-hour security guards, high perimeter fencing, and secure access
- Choose accommodations in safer areas, avoiding budget options in high-risk neighborhoods
- Keep your room door locked at all times and use door security devices
- Store valuables in room safes or hotel safe deposit boxes
- Know emergency exits and evacuation procedures
- Don't open your door to unexpected visitors; verify identity through hotel reception
Transportation
- Never travel after dark under any circumstances
- Use only hotel-arranged taxis or reputable car services; avoid public buses (PMVs)
- Keep car doors locked and windows up at all times while driving
- Don't stop for people flagging you down on roads
- Travel in convoy when possible, especially on the Highlands Highway
- Book domestic flights rather than road travel when feasible
- Carry a charged phone with local SOS numbers programmed
- Inform someone of your travel plans and expected arrival times
Personal Security
- Maintain a low profile; don't display wealth, jewelry, expensive cameras, or phones
- Carry minimal cash and use a concealed money belt
- Keep copies of important documents separate from originals
- Stay alert and aware of your surroundings at all times
- Avoid crowds, markets, and public gatherings where possible
- Trust your instincts; if something feels wrong, leave immediately
- Don't walk anywhere, even short distances; always use secure transport
- If confronted by criminals, comply and don't resist
Money and Valuables
- Use ATMs inside banks during business hours only, never alone
- Carry only what you need for the day; leave extras in hotel safe
- Divide money and cards between different secure locations
- Be discreet when handling money; count it privately
- Use credit cards where possible for better fraud protection
- Notify your bank of PNG travel to avoid card blocks
- Keep emergency cash in USD or AUD as backup
Health Precautions
- Take antimalarial medication as prescribed throughout your stay
- Use insect repellent and sleep under mosquito nets
- Drink only bottled water; avoid ice and raw foods
- Wash hands frequently or use hand sanitizer
- Avoid contact with animals to prevent rabies exposure
- Be cautious with street food; eat only at reputable establishments
- Carry a comprehensive first aid kit and prescription medications
- Know the location of the nearest adequate medical facility
Communication
- Purchase a local SIM card for emergency communications
- Register with your embassy upon arrival
- Share your itinerary with family/friends and check in regularly
- Learn basic Tok Pisin or Hiri Motu phrases
- Save emergency numbers in your phone
- Be aware that mobile coverage is limited outside urban areas
- Consider renting a satellite phone for remote area travel
Cultural Sensitivity
- Dress modestly; avoid revealing clothing
- Ask permission before photographing people
- Respect tribal lands and customs; always travel with a local guide in remote areas
- Avoid public displays of affection
- Don't touch people's heads or point with your finger
- Remove shoes when entering homes
- Be aware that some areas prohibit photography of government buildings or infrastructure
- Understand that gender roles are traditional; women may face restrictions
Alcohol and Substances
- Drink alcohol only in secure hotel environments, never in public
- Never leave drinks unattended
- Avoid excessive drinking that impairs judgment
- Be aware that home-brew alcohol can be dangerous
- Drug trafficking carries severe penalties including death penalty
- Betel nut is legal but can stain teeth and has health risks
Information for Specific Travelers
Safety considerations for different traveler groups.
Women Travelers
Papua New Guinea is extremely challenging and potentially dangerous for women travelers. The country has one of the highest rates of gender-based violence in the world. Women travelers face significant risks of sexual assault, harassment, and violence. Solo female travel is strongly discouraged. Women should only travel with reputable organized tours or groups and take extensive precautions.
- Never travel alone; always be with a group or reputable guide
- Dress very conservatively; wear loose clothing that covers shoulders, chest, and knees
- Avoid going out after dark under any circumstances
- Stay in secure, reputable accommodations with 24-hour security
- Don't accept drinks from strangers or leave drinks unattended
- Avoid isolated areas including beaches, parks, and quiet streets even during daytime
- Don't make eye contact with strangers or engage in conversation with men you don't know
- Wear a fake wedding ring and refer to your 'husband' to deflect unwanted attention
- Keep your phone charged and emergency numbers accessible
- Trust your instincts; if a situation feels uncomfortable, leave immediately
- Be aware that domestic violence is normalized in PNG culture; don't expect bystander intervention
- Consider hiring a female guide when possible
- Inform your hotel of your whereabouts and expected return time
- Avoid using public transportation (PMVs) entirely
- Be extremely cautious about photography; asking to take someone's photo can be misinterpreted
LGBTQ+ Travelers
Homosexuality is illegal in Papua New Guinea under colonial-era laws. Same-sex sexual activity can be punished with up to 14 years imprisonment, though prosecutions are rare. There are no legal protections against discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity. Same-sex marriage is not recognized.
- Do not disclose your sexual orientation or gender identity publicly
- Avoid any public displays of affection with same-sex partners
- Be extremely discreet about relationships and personal life
- Book separate beds/rooms if traveling with a same-sex partner to avoid suspicion
- Do not discuss LGBTQ+ topics or rights with locals
- Be aware that hotel staff may refuse service if they suspect you're LGBTQ+
- Remove any LGBTQ+ identifying items (rainbow flags, pins, etc.) from luggage and clothing
- Research accommodation carefully; consider international chain hotels that may be more accepting
- Have a cover story prepared if questioned about traveling companions
- Be prepared for potential harassment or discrimination
- Know your embassy contact information in case of issues
- Consider whether travel to PNG is necessary given the significant risks
- Do not use dating apps or visit LGBTQ+ websites while in PNG
- Be aware that transgender travelers may face particular difficulties and discrimination
Travel Insurance
Comprehensive travel insurance with extensive medical evacuation coverage is absolutely mandatory for travel to Papua New Guinea. This is not optional. PNG's healthcare system cannot handle serious medical emergencies, and evacuation to Australia or another country with advanced medical facilities is often necessary. These evacuations can cost $50,000-100,000 USD or more. Additionally, the high crime rate means you face significant risks of theft, assault, or other incidents requiring insurance coverage. Many insurers exclude PNG or charge higher premiums due to the risks.