Do I need a Visa?
Yes, all tourists require a 60 day tourist visa which can be obtained on arrival in Port Moresby for a fee of PGK 100.00. You will need to show travel documents, sufficient funds for your stay in the country and airline tickets with confirmed outbound flights before expiry date of your visa. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months after leaving PNG.
Citizens of several Asian, Eastern European and African countries may need to apply for their entry visa prior to travel to Papua New Guinea. Please check with your nearest PNG Consulate or the Australian Consulate (in some countries Australia looks after PNG affiars) for further detail. Should you require a visa prior to travel to PNG and you don't have one, you will be denied boarding for your flight to Papua New Guinea, so make sure you follow instructions!

What currency will I need?
The currency is the Kina and it can be acquired at the Foreign Exchange counters at most international ports of departure for PNG. There are banks in most major centres in PNG operating 9am - 4pm Monday to Friday. A variety of credit cards are also accepted.

What is the climate like?
There are 2 distinct climates: the coastal regions being hot and humid 24-35 °C (approximately 77-95 °F) whereas in the Highlands it is cooler with less humidity 12-28 °C (approximately 54-82 °F). In both areas the days are generally fine with late afternoon rain.

What is the Population of PNG and what language to they speak?
The population at last count was 5,190,786 with an estimated 800 traditional languages - the official national language is English with most commonly used languages being Hiri Motu and Melanesian Pidgin.

What about Security?
PNG has attracted long term negative media coverage which is to a large extent unjustified. You need to take reasonable care and apply common sense as crime is a factor wherever you travel these days. PNG values the tourist and you will be most unlikely to experience anything other than friendliness and hospitality.

Will my mobile work in PNG?
PNG has telephone systems in all main towns, however, if you are planning to use your own mobile phone you will need to purchase a local SIM card from the nearest Telikom office for approximately K80.00.
Alternatively, you can now purchase a Digicel mobile phone for approx. K 90.00. Phone cards are available from K5.00 - K 100.00 cards.

Phone calls with Digicel are much cheaper than even via a land line, so if you are planning on making regular phone calls to your family and friends overseas, it's worth buying a Digicel mobile phone. There is a small outlet at the International and Domestic airports in Port Moresby.

What health issues are there?
Visitors are advised to take malaria precautions but only your doctor can recommend and prescribe the appropriate medication for you.

What can I buy there?
PNG art and handicrafts are world renowned and the art is extremely varied reflecting the great diversity of cultures in PNG. You need to declare them on arrival back in Australia or shipping can be arranged from PNG to your home. Remember, no feathers, but if your taste runs to the more exotic, gold jewellery from PNG is quite spectacular. For just a little taste of PNG bring back some coffee.

Is tipping expected?
Tipping is not expected but welcomed. You might, however, like to check with your hotel manager or tour operator owner about how to tip. We ask our guests to give the tips to us, as we will evenly distribute it amongst all staff members. In some areas, there are staff contribution boxes where you can show your appreciation for a job well done. If visiting local villages you can leave gifts of exercise books and pens with the Headman.

What's there to see and do?
Papua New Guinea is full of interesting attractions, magnificent natural scenery, and diverse cultural heritage. It offers a range of holiday activities, from trekking remote jungle tracks, cruising the mighty Sepik river, surfing the waves of New Ireland, fishing around the fjords of Tufi and diving amongst the coral reef coastline.

For more information on Papua New Guinea, please click here for a fact sheet.