According to Smart traveller Papua New Guinea requires exercising a high degree of caution. It requires a similar degree of caution as other popular holiday destinations such as Thailand, Brazil, Mexico or Tunisia.
To minimise the risk there are a few simple tips to follow: Do not flaunt your wealth. Avoid crowds. Be open to speaking with locals, rather than avoiding conversations. Greet people, keep smiling, and use common sense. Do not walk at night. Do not walk alone in bigger towns and cities, especially in Port Moresby, Lae, Mt Hagen and recently, also in Madang. Small towns like Kavieng, Alotau, Kokopo, Rabaul and villages seem to be safe for even solo travellers. Tribal fights are still common in the Highlands, but outsiders have not been involved in conflicts.
Papua New Guinea, like South-East Asia, can experience severe weather, heavy rains, flooding, landslides, earthquakes and tsunamis.
I have been to Papua New Guinea several times already, and from my experience, I have never found myself in a dangerous situation. Read my article: coming soon
Be prepared for your travel to be pricey. If you made it to expensive Australia before entering Papua New Guinea, you will find Australia an affordable place to travel. Street food and public transport are cheap, while accommodation is expensive. Travelling by planes generates extra costs, and there is no way to avoid it as Papua New Guinea has only a few roads linking provinces. To minimise the costs staying at village guesthouses, eating street food and using PMV (Public Motor Vehicle), are good options.
Nationals of most Western countries can obtain a free of charge visa on arrival at the border crossing points in Port Moresby and Rabaul. A tourist visa is issued for 60 days. A visa application can also be submitted before a planned trip.
Papua New Guinea is a country where help is often a helicopter ride away, therefore, full insurance covering any circumstances is essential. SNAPSHOT NIUGINI strongly recommends an insurance which covers medical emergencies, evacuations, disruptions during a trip, missed flights or other transport, lost or stolen luggage and personal items.
Travel insurance is every participant's personal obligation, and in case of any misfortune, the participants are advised to claim on personal travel insurance.
Depending on your interest the best time to visit will vary. Weather wise, May to October is a dry season for most of Papua New Guinea, while months from December to March bring heavy rains due to monsoon. Dry season is the best time of the year for birdwatching (birds are in their best plumage), trekking and participating festivals. On the other hand, if you are a surfer, consider a visit to Papua New Guinea from November to April. Milne Bay Province has an opposite climate compared to the rest of the country. However, expect rainy days at any time of the year over there.
English is an official language in Papua New Guinea. It is widely spoken throughout the country, especially in Milne Bay. English is only a little bit less spoken in the Highlands.
The World Health Organisation recommends all travellers to be covered for: diphtheria, tetanus, measles, mumps, rubella and polio.
Malaria is a risk in Papua New Guinea and common throughout the year. It is found in all areas below 1000m. Consider taking medication to prevent malaria before departing. Protect yourself from mosquito bites while spending time in high risk malaria areas by making sure your accommodation is insect-proof, using insect repellent, and wearing long, loose, clothing.
ATM's are fairly common only in cities and towns. You will be charged around 7 Kina for each withdraw.
Papua New Guinea uses the same kind of adaptor as Australia.
SNAPSHOT NIUGINI organises packages based on 8 participants. These packages are dedicated to the participants willing to experience both festivals and adventure. However, SNAPSHOT NIUGINI can customise the number of participants in the case of special requests. For example birds of paradise photographers may ask for smaller number participants in a group. Individual guiding is also possible, but bear in mind that smaller number of participants will increase the price of the tour significantly.
Yes. The packages are mainly based on specific annual festivals held in Papua New Guinea. However, SNAPSHOT NIUGINI can organise a tour at any time of the year if a festival is not your point of interest.
Yes. Most of the tours are designed around 2+ week format. It means that a participant will spend at least two weeks in Papua New Guinea, plus around two days extra in Australia. This time allowance has been provided as a backup in case of delayed flights. However, if a customer requests shorter tour, SNAPSHOT NIUGINI can redesign an itinerary.