Saily eSIM for Papua New Guinea
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8,800 mi away
£1 PGK 5.80
Today
1:03 pm
+10h from you
Travel warning
Parts of the country are experiencing serious tribal fighting with deaths and property destruction, and there are frequent flight cancellations and travel disruptions worldwide.
Weather & climate
Weather in Papua New Guinea
Papua New Guinea
11°
Slight rain showers
Wed
8°
11°
Thu
7°
12°
Fri
8°
11°
Sat
7°
13°
Sun
6°
14°
Mon
8°
11°
Tue
4°
14°
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:
There is a high risk of bag-snatching and robbery, especially when using banks and ATMs, and criminals often use machetes or firearms.
Walking after dark is particularly dangerous in Port Moresby and other urban centres.
Carjackings and vehicle crime are common, with criminals using roadblocks outside towns to stop and loot vehicles.
Public buses and taxis have been attacked and robbed, and many are not roadworthy.
Even small amounts of methanol in alcoholic drinks can kill, and you cannot identify it by taste or smell.
Bonus tips:
If you are involved in a road accident, do not remain at the scene as crowds can form quickly and become violent.
Same-sex sexual activity between men is illegal and can lead to a prison sentence of up to 14 years.
Stay connected on your trip
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.
No vaccinations required
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
UK adapter needed
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.
Languages in Papua New Guinea
UK Embassy
British High Commission Port Moresby
Kiroki Street, Waigani, NCD, Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea
Phone
Website
Recent updates
Safety and security
25 days ago
Safety
- An entire section on 'Interruptions to water and electricity supply' has been removed, including a specific note about a repair notice from water supplier Water PNG.
Warnings and insurance
25 days ago
Travel disruption
- A new section on 'Interruptions to water and electricity supply' has been added. Papua New Guinea can experience interruptions, and a specific notice about a pipeline repair affecting Port Moresby's water supply has been highlighted.
Safety and security
27 days ago
Safety
- Water supply disruptions are now highlighted as a risk, specifically a pipeline repair is needed for Port Moresby's supply.
- Travellers should check with local authorities and Water PNG for updates.
Extreme weather and natural disasters
- A 6.9 magnitude earthquake is now reported to have occurred on 5 April 2025 in the New Britain Region.
Warnings and insurance
28 days ago
Regional risks
- The warning for Tropical Cyclone Maila affecting Papua New Guinea has been removed.
Airports in Papua New Guinea
Beaches in Papua New Guinea
Frequently asked questions
Parts of Papua New Guinea can be challenging due to crime rates. Exercise caution, avoid walking alone at night, and be aware of your surroundings. Check the latest travel advice from the UK government before you travel.
Yes, British citizens generally require a visa to enter Papua New Guinea. You can apply for a visa through the Papua New Guinea Immigration and Citizenship Authority or at a Papua New Guinea embassy or consulate before you travel.
The dry season, from May to October, is generally considered the best time to visit Papua New Guinea. During this period, rainfall is lower, making travel and outdoor activities more enjoyable.
Lightweight, breathable clothing is recommended due to the tropical climate. When visiting villages or attending cultural events, dress modestly out of respect for local customs. A light rain jacket is also useful, even during the dry season.
It is not generally safe to drink tap water in Papua New Guinea. Stick to bottled water or ensure that tap water is boiled and properly purified before consumption.
Papua New Guinea has a diverse range of cultures and customs. It's respectful to ask permission before taking photographs of people or villages. Gift-giving is common, and a small token of appreciation can go a long way. Avoid public displays of affection.
Be cautious of unsolicited offers, especially from strangers. Avoid displaying expensive jewelry or electronics, and be wary of anyone who approaches you with an overly friendly demeanor. Arrange transportation and accommodation in advance whenever possible.
Papua New Guinea has three official languages: English, Tok Pisin, and Hiri Motu. While English is used in government and education, Tok Pisin is widely spoken and understood throughout the country, especially the rural areas.
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.