Papua New Guinea: Travel Requirements, Health & Medical Insurance
Papua New Guinea is, according to linguists, the country with the greatest linguistic diversity on the planet: more than 800 indigenous languages are spoken, in addition to its three official languages (Tok Pisin, English, and Hiri Motu). It's a destination for experienced travelers, not for lack of beauty — it has coral reefs, active volcanoes, and virtually untouched jungle — but because tourist and medical infrastructure outside Port Moresby is limited.
The official currency is the kina (PGK); cash payments dominate outside the capital's international hotels. Malaria is present across much of the territory, so antimalarial prophylaxis is a mandatory medical consultation before traveling, and anyone diving or trekking in remote areas should assume that an emergency might require air evacuation to Australia.
Below are the entry requirements, health, transportation, and the best time to travel to Papua New Guinea.
Visa and health for travelers
Visa: Many nationalities can arrange an eVisa before traveling to Papua New Guinea or, in some cases, get a visa on arrival; the exact requirement and length of stay depend on each traveler's passport and should be confirmed before booking the flight.
Health & travel insurance: Malaria is present across much of the territory, and medical infrastructure outside Port Moresby is very limited, with frequent evacuations to Australia in severe cases; travel insurance with medical evacuation coverage is practically essential.
Visa and entry requirements
Tourist access to Papua New Guinea is usually handled through an eVisa applied for online before the trip, although some nationalities can get a visa on arrival; the exact requirement depends on each traveler's passport.
- Apply for the eVisa in advance when applicable, avoiding leaving it for the last minute.
- Passport valid for at least 6 months recommended.
- Check whether a yellow fever certificate is required based on previously visited countries.
Health, hospitals, and medical insurance
Port Moresby has the country's best-equipped hospitals, but outside the capital and a few other cities, medical care is very basic, and serious cases usually require air evacuation to Australia. Malaria is the main health concern; it's worth consulting about antimalarial prophylaxis before traveling, especially if the itinerary includes rural or coastal areas.
Assist-365 covers hospitalization, COVID-19, and 24-hour medical assistance in Papua New Guinea; the code MEDALLOADV2023 gives a discount when you get a quote.
Transport and currency
The kina (PGK) is the everyday currency; ATMs are reliable in Port Moresby but scarce elsewhere in the country. Travel between regions is mostly by air, since the mountainous terrain and lack of roads mean many parts of the country aren't connected to each other by land.
When to travel
The dry season, roughly from May to October, is the most recommended for trekking (such as the famous Kokoda Track) and diving, with a lower chance of heavy rain. The wet season (November to April) brings more rain and can make access to mountain or jungle areas more difficult.
Travel checklist for Papua New Guinea
Quick list based on this guide's real data (not generic) before traveling to Papua New Guinea.
- Check the visa requirement for Papua New Guinea based on your passport: Many nationalities can arrange an eVisa before traveling to Papua New Guinea or, in some cases, get a visa on arrival; the exact requirement and length of stay depend on each traveler's passport and should be confirmed before booking the flight.
- Passport valid for at least 6 months from the entry date
- Travel medical insurance arranged, keeping this in mind: Malaria is present across much of the territory, and medical infrastructure outside Port Moresby is very limited, with frequent evacuations to Australia in severe cases; travel insurance with medical evacuation coverage is practically essential.
- Save Papua New Guinea's emergency number: 112 (police); 111 (ambulance and fire) — coverage is limited outside major cities, along with your insurer's contact
- Cash or a no-fee card in Papua New Guinean kina (PGK)
- Physical and digital copies of passport, insurance and bookings
- Required or recommended vaccines up to date for the region
- eSIM or international data plan active on arrival
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a visa to travel to Papua New Guinea?
Most nationalities need an eVisa arranged before the trip or, in some cases, can get a visa on arrival; confirm based on your passport before booking.
What is the emergency number in Papua New Guinea?
Police can be reached at 112 and ambulance or fire at 111, though the coverage of these services is limited outside the main cities.
Is there a malaria risk in Papua New Guinea?
Yes, across much of the territory; consulting about antimalarial prophylaxis before traveling is recommended, especially if the itinerary includes rural areas.
What currency should I use in Papua New Guinea?
The Papua New Guinean kina (PGK); it's best to carry enough cash outside Port Moresby, where ATM access is scarce.
Why is medical evacuation insurance needed for this destination?
Because hospital infrastructure outside the capital is very limited, and serious cases usually require air transfer to Australia.
