£1 PGK 5.86
Today
4:17 am
+10h from you
Travel warning
There's widespread tribal fighting in several provinces, which has caused violence, closures, and curfews, making travel unsafe in those areas.
Weather & climate
Weather in Papua New Guinea
Papua New Guinea
14°
Slight rain showers
Thu
12°
14°
Fri
12°
15°
Sat
13°
16°
Sun
13°
16°
Mon
14°
17°
Tue
13°
16°
Wed
13°
15°
SPF level in Papua New Guinea
Recommended: SPF 50+ (extreme)
Spring
SPF 50+
Summer
SPF 50+ (extreme)
Autumn
SPF 50+
Winter
SPF 50+
Suncream is often more expensive in tourist zones. Pack your preferred SPF from the UK, especially for beach holidays. Always carry travel-size (100ml max) for hand luggage.
Before you go
Entry requirements for Papua New Guinea
What British travellers need to know
Your passport must have an expiry date at least 6 months after your arrival date in Papua New Guinea.
You must have a visa, which you can get online in advance, at an embassy, or on arrival at Jacksons International Airport in Port Moresby.
You may need to show evidence of an onward flight ticket when applying for a visa on arrival.
You must complete and submit a free Digital Arrival Card online within 72 hours of arrival, effective from 1 October 2025.
You must have a yellow fever vaccination certificate if you are arriving from a country listed as a transmission risk.
Good to know:
It is illegal to enter with many fruits, vegetables and animal products due to local quarantine controls.
Declare any goods that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty upon entry.
Safety in Papua New Guinea
Tips when travelling
Papua New Guinea is tourist-friendly but has some key cultural and legal rules:
Avoid using ATMs or banks alone, especially at night, as criminals often target these places with machetes and firearms.
Do not walk after dark in Port Moresby and other urban centres due to a high risk of robbery and assault.
Lock your car doors, keep windows up, and be cautious of roadblocks, as carjacking and vehicle crime are common.
Avoid public buses and taxis, as they are often targeted by armed criminals and may not be roadworthy.
Do not display valuables like laptops, cameras, or expensive jewellery to avoid attracting thieves.
Bonus tips:
There is a high risk of methanol poisoning from alcoholic drinks, so seek urgent medical help if you feel ill after drinking.
Same-sex sexual activity between men is illegal and can result in a prison sentence of up to 14 years.
More information
Driving in Papua New Guinea
A UK driving license is valid for 3 months. An international driving permit is required after that.
Side of road
left
Motorway speed limit
80 km/h
Urban speed limit
65 km/h
Alcohol limit
0.0%
Health in Papua New Guinea
Ensure you have comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical expenses, including evacuation, as medical facilities in Papua New Guinea are limited. GHIC/EHIC is not applicable in Papua New Guinea.
Medical facilities in Papua New Guinea are limited, particularly outside of Port Moresby. Ensure you have appropriate travel insurance and necessary vaccinations. Seek medical advice well in advance of your trip.
Cards & payments
Limited
Visa
Medium
Mastercard
Medium
American Express
Low
Lost card? Call Visa: +1-303-967-1094
Tipping in Papua New Guinea
Tipping is not a widespread custom in Papua New Guinea, but it is becoming more common in tourist areas. While not expected, small tips for good service are appreciated.
Restaurant
5-10% for exceptional service
Bar/Café
Small change or rounding up the bill
Taxi
Rounding up the fare is appreciated
Hotel Porter
2-5 PGK per bag
Hotel Housekeeper
5-10 PGK per day
Tour Guide
5-10% of the tour price for a good service
Mobile & roaming
Roaming charges can be high in Papua New Guinea. Contact your mobile provider before travelling to understand the costs. EU roaming agreements no longer apply post-Brexit, so UK visitors will be subject to international roaming rates.
Local SIM
10 GB for 50 PGK (~£11)
Network coverage
4G, 3G, 2G
Electrical in Papua New Guinea
Voltage
240V / 50Hz
Plug types
Type I
WiFi & internet
Limited
Average speed
8 Mbps
WiFi is available in some hotels, cafes, and restaurants in major towns and cities, but coverage can be unreliable. Mobile data is the more common way to access the internet.
Emergency numbers
Universal emergency
111
Save 111 in your phone before travelling.
Calling Papua New Guinea
Country code
+675
To call the British High Commission in Port Moresby from the UK, dial 00 675 325 1643.
To call Papua New Guinea, you will need the exit code for the UK (00), the country code for Papua New Guinea (675), and the local number.
UK Embassy
British High Commission Port Moresby
Kiroki Street, Waigani, NCD, Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea
Phone
Website
Recent updates
Warnings and insurance
11 days ago
Cyclone warning
- New warning for Tropical Cyclone Maila (Category 1) moving towards Papua New Guinea from the Solomon Islands.
- Follow the PNG Weather Service homepage and Facebook page for latest info on the cyclone.
Affected regions
- The specific detail on 'Western Province Islands are most affected followed by Choiseul and Isabel Provinces' has been added to the cyclone section.
- The previous, more general Enga Province update has been kept unchanged and remains in place.
Frequently asked questions
While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, AtoBeach cannot be held responsible for any inaccuracies. We recommend verifying details with official sources before travelling.