Traveler Toolkit
Papua New Guinea Country Security Report
Papua New Guinea Country Security Report
Published: June 24, 2026
This report is intended to supplement the U.S. Department of State Papua New Guinea Travel Advisory and Papua New Guinea Country Information Page.
Embassy & Consulate Contact Information
Harbour City Road, Konedobu, Port Moresby, N.C.D. Papua New Guinea
Tel: +675-308-9100
After-hours emergencies: +675-7200-9439. Hours: Monday-Friday, 0745-1630.
OSAC Country Chapters
Port Moresby Country Chapter is active. Contact OSAC’s Asia team with any questions.
Papua New Guinea Travel Advisory
The current U.S. Department of State Travel Advisory at the date of this report’s publication assesses that travelers should reconsider travel to Papua New Guinea (PNG) due to crime, civil unrest, and piracy. Exercise increased caution due to kidnapping, unexploded ordnance, inconsistent availability of healthcare services, and potential for natural disasters. Do not travel to Central Bougainville, particularly areas near the Panguna mine, due to the potential for civil unrest. Other than the towns of Mt. Hagen and Goroka, do not travel to the Highlands region due to civil unrest. The U.S. government has very limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens outside of Port Moresby due to inadequate transportation infrastructure.
Crime
The U.S. Department of State has included a Crime “C” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for Papua New Guinea and assessed Port Moresby to be a CRITICAL-threat location for crimes, indicating that there may be widespread risk and frequent occurrences of violent crime present in the country. Local law enforcement may have limited ability to respond to serious crimes.
The crime emergency line in Papua New Guinea is 112.
Port Moresby suffers from high unemployment, with up to half of the population reportedly living in squatter “settlements.” Recently, the city saw a major eviction at 2-Mile Hill that extended down to Badili, as well as similar eviction activity in Hohola. While the government has implemented settlement schemes to relocate affected residents to areas such as Gerehu, many current residents of Gerehu remain apprehensive about the arrangement. There are also plans to evict more settlements across the city in an effort to regain land for legal title holders and address the high crime rates often associated with these settlements.
The export-driven economy continues to rely on global commodity prices. An uptick in the prices of key commodity exports has helped, but the risk of price fluctuations remains. Inflation is a recurring challenge. Port Moresby ranks 166 out of 172 cities in the Economist Intelligence Unit’s 2024 Livability Index. However, visitors who exercise common sense and apply appropriate security measures can generally move around the city safely and conduct business without significant issues.
Crime rates against foreign diplomatic staff and private-sector personnel are significantly lower than rates of crime committed against the public. This is due mainly to comprehensive security plans laid out by sponsoring countries/organizations that include, but are not limited to, rules on movement; identification of high-crime areas; security escorts; tracking devices; on-call response teams; housing alarms; 24/7 guard surveillance; redundant comms; and real-time threat reporting.
Failure by security managers to develop a comprehensive security plan significantly increases risk to their clients. Similarly, disregarding security protocols developed by one’s security officer significantly increases the likelihood that the individual will fall victim to a security incident.
Be particularly cautious of pickpocketing in crowded public places, especially local public markets. Bag snatchers may try to open doors of automobiles stopped or moving slowly in traffic. They may also try to snatch cell phones, bags or valuables if the windows are down. Sophisticated criminal enterprises exist, with capabilities that sometimes exceed that of local law enforcement authorities. Many businesses in Port Moresby have gated parking lots with guards on duty.
Locals may perceive Westerners as wealthy, making them targets of opportunity. U.S. citizens have been victims of violent crimes, including sexual assault, carjacking, home invasion, kidnapping, and armed robbery, although not as frequently as in the past. Many crimes are deterred because of the security measures many companies and private Western citizens take. Criminals may become aggressive during a crime if they meet with resistance, which highlights the need to brief staff upon arrival not to risk harm over a wallet or phone.
Tensions between communal or clan groups may result in violent conflict at any time, including in Port Moresby and other urban areas. Especially in the Highlands region, tribal conflicts that happen in the provinces sometimes spill over to Port Moresby. Tribal conflicts, while often deadly and destructive, do not typically involve outsiders or westerners. Westerners who find themselves endangered by tribal conflict are usually in the “wrong place, wrong time” category.
Offenders use guns and other homemade weapons in attempted ambush attacks on main roads in residential areas during broad daylight and at night. In rural and isolated areas of Port Moresby, incidents of stone throwing at vehicles have occurred, for no purpose other than amusement. Stone throwing also occurs in Port Moresby along the Poreporena freeway and the Hubert Murray Highway, mostly at night. Criminals may coordinate robberies and carjackings based on known direction of travel chokepoints. Carjackers routinely stand in the road to block passing vehicles and demand compensation and/or personal property from vehicle occupants. Driving at night significantly increases the risk of encountering a criminal roadblock or carjacking. At night, offenders are more unpredictable due to intoxication or impairment. Victims are usually only harmed when they resist, when a misunderstanding occurs, or a secondary opportunist crime occurs (e.g., sexual assault, kidnapping for ransom).
Criminal gangs use any means necessary to force passengers from their vehicles. One such scam involves pretending to patch potholes on roads, expecting motorists to compensate them for the work done. The location is usually in the MOMASE (Morobe, Madang, & Sepik) and Highlands regions, and some areas in Port Moresby where there is less vehicle traffic. It is also worth noting that whilst relatively less violent than the MOMASE and highlands regions, parts of the New Guinea Islands region (East and West New Britain) have experienced a spike in criminal activity in recent years.
Another tactic involves a person pretending to be injured in the road. Do not stop to help this individual. Call the authorities or report to a security manager to seek local police assistance. If the person is lying in the middle of the road, drive around them. If you cannot, remain in your car, drive away using any available way, and call for assistance.
U.S. citizen victims of sexual assault should contact the U.S. Embassy at +675 308 2100 for assistance. Report crimes and law enforcement-related emergencies to local police by calling 112 or toll-free number 1800 100. In the event you are unable to get through to the police, operators with St. John Ambulance Service may be able to assist you by passing your request to the police control center. You may also contact the U.S. Embassy. Remember that local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crime.
The systems typically used in more developed countries to vet prospective candidates for employment are not present in PNG. Improper record keeping, forged documents, the absence of a well-implemented national identification card system, lack of birth certificates, etc. make it nearly impossible to properly screen candidates to any acceptable standard. The lack of a well-maintained criminal database, coupled with informal and undocumented criminal punishment, exacerbate the problem. As a result, local record and fingerprint checks represent less than ideal tools in the employee vetting process.
Education certificate fraud is common, and private companies may face challenges verifying an applicant’s employment history, education, etc. The best course of action is to speak directly to the institutions that have issued the diploma about the certificate’s veracity before hiring based on educational history.
Crime rates are highest in and around major cities such as Port Moresby, Lae, Madang, Mount Hagen, and Goroka; but crimes can occur anywhere. There is a greater risk of violent crime for those who travel alone, especially when hiking in isolated rural areas. Pickpockets and bag-snatchers frequent crowded public areas, including parks, golf courses, beaches, and cemeteries. Bag-snatchers may try to open doors of automobiles stopped or moving slowly in traffic.
Kidnapping Threat
The U.S. Department of State has included a Kidnapping “K” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for Papua New Guinea, indicating that criminal or terrorist individuals or groups have threatened to and/or have seized or detained and threatened to kill, injure, or continue to detain individuals in order to compel a third party (including a governmental organization) to do or abstain from doing something as a condition of release.
With an influx of expatriate workers supporting the extraction industries technically and administratively, the frequency of kidnappings may increase. Kidnapping for ransom or political influence does occur with recent cases occurring in Western Province. In February 2023, a foreign citizen was kidnapped; in late 2022, foreign citizens employed by an international company were kidnapped and held for several days. With the growing trend of quickly settling ransom demands with cash, these trends are not likely to change.
Terrorism
The U.S. Department of State has assessed Port Moresby as being a LOW-threat location for terrorism directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests.
The U.S. Department of State has not included a Terrorism “T” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for Papua New Guinea.
Transnational terrorism is uncommon in PNG. Outsiders do not easily blend into the PNG culture; therefore, transnational terrorists may find it relatively difficult to plan attacks or conduct violence discreetly.
Tribal warfare occasionally resembles indigenous terrorism but is usually conducted on a person-to-person level. Tribes often battle each other using both traditional and modern weapons over disputes involving land, water, livestock, and marriages. Acts of violence often result in retaliatory attacks. It should be noted that official PNG government messaging seems to indicate a shift in tone towards what it is considered terrorism. What used to be considered tribal violence is starting to get referred to as “domestic terrorism.” The Counter-Terrorism Bill of 2024 defines terrorism and establishes a Counter-Terrorism Joint Security Task Force. A special anti-terrorism police unit, Kumul-23, has been created to respond to acts of terrorism.
Kumul-23, Papua New Guinea’s elite police tactical unit, wields significant powers under its mandate to counter serious criminal threats and acts of “domestic terrorism”—a term whose broad interpretation raises legitimate concerns about potential overreach. The unit’s advanced training which supposedly includes anti-terrorism protocols, drone surveillance, night vision reconnaissance, and rapid entry techniques, equips it to respond decisively to high-risk situations. However, the aggressive nature of the task force’s methods and the expansive scope of its authority underscore the urgent need for robust oversight to ensure that law enforcement objectives do not come at the expense of human rights and civil liberties.
Political Violence and Civil Unrest
The U.S. Department of State has assessed Port Moresby as being a Medium-threat location for political violence directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests.
The U.S. Department of State has included an Unrest “U” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for Papua New Guinea, indicating that there is a likelihood of widespread political violence present in the country, and/or that local law enforcement may have limited ability to respond to serious civil unrest. Civil unrest can develop quickly without prior notice, often interrupting logistics and services. Avoid demonstration activity, as even those planned to remain peaceful have the potential to turn violent.
Elections/Political Stability
Since gaining independence in 1975, PNG has experienced periods of political volatility. In some parts of the country, electoral contests involve widespread violence, fraud, bribery, voter intimidation, and undue influence. General elections occur every five years
Papua New Guinea’s national general election is scheduled for May 2027. With the elections looming the question of whether or not the country’s common roll is updated comes into play. The last comprehensive update to Papua New Guinea’s common roll occurred in the lead-up to the 2022 National General Elections. Despite the Electoral Commission’s efforts to refresh and verify voter data nationwide, the process was hampered by logistical challenges, incomplete coverage, and persistent inaccuracies. As a result, many eligible voters found themselves excluded or incorrectly listed, undermining confidence in the roll’s integrity.
Enforcement of the updated common roll during the election was uneven, with reports of outdated information, missing names, and administrative inconsistencies across provinces. These shortcomings not only complicated the voting process but also raised concerns about the inclusivity and fairness of the electoral system.
The credibility of the electoral commission’s ability perform is further called into question by the fact that, in some locations, the number of votes observed during general elections has exceeded the expected population based on demographic reports obtained by the electoral commission. This discrepancy suggests that, despite recent updates, the common roll may still contain significant inaccuracies, raising concerns about its reliability and the potential for electoral irregularities.
The experience in the country’s 2022 National General Elections highlighted the urgent need for sustained investment in common roll management and more effective oversight from relevant authorities to ensure that future elections are both credible and accessible to all citizens.
Intense disputes between politicians often gridlock Parliament while inadequate resources, understaffing, and corruption limit the effectiveness of services provided by government.
Protests & Demonstrations
The constitution provides for the freedom of peaceful assembly and association, and the government generally respects these rights. Public demonstrations require police approval and 14 days’ notice. If public demonstrations occur without official approval, police normally request crowds to disperse. If that fails, and if violence or public disturbances ensues, police have used tear gas and fired shots in the air to disperse crowds. Demonstrations occur frequently and provide opportunities for ordinary people to take advantage to loot. They are colloquially known as “opportunists.” They may take place in response to political or economic issues, on politically significant holidays, and during international events. Tensions between communal or tribal groups may also lead to civil unrest involving violence.
Anti-U.S./Anti-Western Sentiment
There is little to no Anti-U.S./Anti-Western sentiment, based on current and historical trends. Local opinions of the United States are generally positive, with the opinion based mostly on World War II American assistance and the prolonged work of missionaries, especially in the Highlands.
Law Enforcement
The Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary and Correctional Services maintain internal security and report to the Ministry of Internal Security. When requested by the constabulary commissioner, defense force elements may deploy to support the constabulary, typically utilized in perimeter and checkpoint security. Civilian authorities at times have not maintained effective control over the security forces. Historic tensions between the Constabulary and the Defense Forces are a serious concern. The police and military have a long-standing mutually antagonistic relationship that, at times, has hampered security and law enforcement operations, reflecting the lack of professional development, poor command and control structures, and the consequences of stress placed on organizations tasked with more responsibilities without an equal increase in resources.
Police Response
Police presence is limited outside the capital; in the event of an emergency the local police may not have the resources to respond in a reasonable period, often requesting funds for fuel. During times of civil unrest, police will be preoccupied and are unlikely to respond.
If you are a victim of crime, you may report or register a complaint at any police station in the jurisdiction where the crime occurred.
File a police report as soon as possible after a crime has been committed. If the victim is not capable of reporting the crime in person, someone else may file a police report on their behalf. The police will provide an interpreter, if needed. Victims can also report a crime to the PNG Embassy in the U.S. if they have already left the country. You may need a police report to file for crime victim compensation or insurance reimbursement.
If you do decide to file a report, send a copy to the Embassy, along with your address and phone number in the event they need to communicate with you.
Transportation Security
Road Safety
Motor vehicle accidents are a common cause of severe injury in Papua New Guinea. Safety risks include roads in a poor state of repair, especially in rural areas; erratic and intoxicated drivers; poorly maintained and overcrowded vehicles; landslides, especially during the rainy season along stretches of the Highlands Highway between Lae and Mount Hagen; and car jackings, armed robberies, and criminal roadblocks, particularly along the Highlands Highway.
Lock doors and keep windows up. Drive in convoys and avoid driving after dark. Consider hiring a reputable driver or private transport service. Consult with local law enforcement officials concerning security conditions before driving between towns. Always wear a seatbelt.
Traffic in Papua New Guinea moves on the left. Police roadblocks checking vehicle registrations are a regular occurrence at night in Port Moresby, and police may not always act in a professional manner. As a driver, ensure that your vehicle registration and safety stickers are up to date to minimize difficulties at police checkpoints.
Crowds can react emotionally and violently after road accidents. Crowds form quickly after an accident and may attack those whom they hold responsible by stoning and/or burning vehicles. Friends and relatives of an injured party may demand immediate compensation from the party they hold responsible for injuries, regardless of legal responsibility. If you are involved in an accident and you feel threatened, go directly to the nearest police station instead of remaining at the scene of the accident.
For specific information concerning Papua New Guinea driving permits, vehicle inspection, road tax, road safety and mandatory insurance, please call the Papua New Guinea’s Motor Vehicles Insurance Limited at +675-325-9666 or +675-302-4600.
For detailed, country-specific road and vehicle safety information, read the World Health Organization’s Global Status Report on Road Safety.
Review OSAC’s reports, Road Safety Abroad, Driving Overseas: Best Practices, and Evasive Driving Techniques; and read the U.S. Department of State’s webpage on driving and road safety abroad.
Public Transportation Safety
Avoid using local taxis or buses, known as Public Motor Vehicles (PMVs), as crimes such as robbery and sexual assault on buses are not uncommon. Use a reliable service provided by your hotel, employer, or colleagues.
Aviation Concerns
As there is no direct commercial air service to the United States by carriers registered in Papua New Guinea, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has not assessed the government of Papua New Guinea’s Civil Aviation Authority for compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards. Find further information on the FAA safety assessment page.
Review OSAC’s Report, Security in Transit: Airplanes, Public Transport, and Overnights; and consider the European Union Air Safety List.
Maritime Security
Persons arriving on or transiting through Papua New Guinea on sailboats or yachts should be aware that small-scale piracy can occur and has been reported near Madang and Milne Bay.
Mariners planning travel to Papua New Guinea should also check for U.S. maritime advisories and alerts. Information may also be posted to the U.S. Coast Guard homeport website, and the NGA broadcast warnings.
Consult with the Stable Seas Maritime Security Index for detailed information and ratings regarding rule of law, law enforcement, piracy, and other maritime security indicators.
Travelers with Special Considerations
For specific traveler concerns in Papua New Guinea, review the local laws and circumstances on the Department of State’s Country Information Page.
Rule of Law, Arbitrary Detention, Official Harassment, Corruption, & Transparency
The U.S. Department of State has not included a Risk of Wrongful Detention “D” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for Papua New Guinea.
The law provides criminal penalties for corruption by officials, but the government does not enforce the law effectively. There were numerous reports of government corruption; officials often engaged in corrupt practices with impunity.
International civil society and human rights groups termed corruption “widespread” and “pervasive.” Corruption was a problem in part due to weak public institutions, patronage systems, lack of transparency, politicization of the bureaucracy, and the social pressure of traditional clan obligations. Corruption and conflicts of interest were of particular concern in extractive industries, most notably the logging sector, and in government procurement.
The constitution prohibited arbitrary arrest and detention and provided for the right of any person to challenge the lawfulness of their arrest or detention in court, but these provisions were rarely enforced.
PNG law permits police officers to search any person, building, vehicle, cargo, or baggage that they have reasonable grounds to believe may relate to any offense against public order or the crime decree.
Although the constitution prohibits torture, individual police and correctional-services officers reportedly beat and otherwise abused citizens or suspects before or during arrests, during interrogations, and in pretrial detention.
The constitution provides for an independent judiciary, and the government generally respects judicial independence and impartiality. The law provides for a presumption of innocence and due process, including a public trial “within a reasonable time,” and the court system generally enforces these rights, except for timeliness. The shortage of judges created delays in both the trial process and the rendering of decisions.
Health Concerns
For emergency services in Papua New Guinea, dial 111 to reach St. John Ambulance Service.
Available medical facilities range from hospitals in Port Moresby and the larger towns to aid posts (including some missionary stations) in remote areas. The quality of care varies, but facilities in the larger towns are usually adequate for routine problems and some emergencies. Due to equipment failures and shortages of common medications, even routine treatments and procedures (e.g., X-rays) may be unavailable.
Public medical clinics often lack basic resources and supplies. Hospitals and doctors may require payment “up front” prior to service or admission, and credit card payment is not always available. Private hospitals usually require advance payment or proof of adequate insurance before admitting a patient. In public hospitals, only minimal staff is available overnight. Consider hiring a private nurse or having family spend the night with the patient, especially a minor child. Patients bear all costs for transferring to or between hospitals. Psychological and psychiatric services are extremely limited, even in Port Moresby and other urban areas. Hospital-based care is only available through one government institution in Port Moresby.
Ambulance services are not present throughout the country or are unreliable in most areas except for Port Moresby and other major urban areas. Ambulances are not equipped with state-of-the-art medical equipment and are not always staffed with trained paramedics and/or may have little to no medical equipment. Injured or seriously ill travelers may prefer to take a private vehicle to the nearest major hospital rather than wait for an ambulance.
Strongly consider supplemental insurance to cover medical evacuation (medevac), as severe injuries often require medical evacuation to Australia, Singapore, the Philippines, or the United States at a cost of thousands of dollars. The most commonly used facilities are in Brisbane and Cairns, both in the Australian state of Queensland. Medical evacuations to Australia require a visa or Electronic Travel Authority (ETA). A last-minute, one-way commercial ticket from Port Moresby to Brisbane or Cairns may be costly. If you anticipate the possible need for medical treatment in Australia, obtain entry permission for Australia in advance. The Australian High Commission in Port Moresby can grant entry permission for Australia, but it is easier to obtain an ETA prior to leaving the United States.
For those scuba diving or snorkeling while in Papua New Guinea, be sure to check the references, licenses, and equipment of tour operators before agreeing to a tour. Confirm that the dive operator you use is certified through one of the international diving associations, and that their certification is current. Confirm with the diving association directly that the operator is certified. Deaths and serious accidents have occurred in the past because basic safety measures were not taken during diving and snorkeling trips. Remember that safety precautions and emergency responses may not meet U.S. standards.
There is a hyperbaric recompression chamber for diving emergencies in Port Moresby—at the Tropicair Hangar at Jacksons International Airport—but it may be inaccessible during emergencies. At present, it is operational.
There have been Cholera outbreaks in Morobe, Madang, East Sepik, West Sepik, Southern Highlands, the National Capital District, and in Daru, Western Province, resulting in a significant number of deaths. Anyone visiting the affected areas should exercise strict hygiene precautions, including frequent and careful hand washing.
There has been a rise in Dengue in Papua New Guinea. People who have previously contracted dengue are more susceptible to its effects if they contract the disease again.
According to the CDC, Malaria is present throughout the country, especially at altitudes below 2,000 meters (6,561 feet). Speak to a doctor about how to prevent Malaria while traveling.
The following diseases are also prevalent in Papua New Guinea: Chikungunya, HIV, Japanese Encephalitis, Hantavirus, Leptospirosis, Measles, Polio, Rickettsioses, Ross River virus, Traveler’s Diarrhea, Tuberculosis, and Zika.
Find contact information for available medical services and available air ambulance services on the U.S. Embassy website. The U.S. Department of State strongly recommends purchasing international health insurance before traveling internationally. Review the U.S. Department of State’s webpage on health insurance overseas.
The U.S. Department of State has included a Health “H” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for Papua New Guinea, indicating that Health risks, including current disease outbreaks or a crisis that temporarily disrupts a country’s medical infrastructure, are present. Review the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) country-specific Travel Health Notices for current health issues that impact traveler health, like disease outbreaks, special events or gatherings, and natural disasters.
Vaccinations
The CDC recommends the following vaccinations for Papua New Guinea: Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Japanese Encephalitis, Malaria, Rabies, Typhoid, and Yellow Fever.
Travelers who have received all the routine childhood polio vaccinations as well as a single booster dose of polio vaccine as an adult have essentially no risk of infection with the vaccine-derived polio that is circulating in PNG. Strongly consider COVID-19 vaccination prior to any travel.
Review the CDC Travelers’ Health site for country-specific vaccine recommendations.
Issues Traveling with Medications
Pharmacies are typically small and may have inadequate stock. Common prescription and over-the-counter medication, however, are generally available at pharmacies located in major urban areas.
Always carry your prescription medication in original packaging, along with your doctor’s prescription and copies for the medication.
Check with the Embassy of Papua New Guinea to ensure the medication is legal in Papua New Guinea.
Review OSAC’s report, Traveling with Medication.
Water Quality
In many areas, the tap water is not potable. Outside of Port Moresby, local water supplies may be interrupted or polluted.
Review OSAC’s report, I’m Drinking What in My Water?
Natural Disasters
Papua New Guinea lies on the Pacific Rim of Fire and is among the most disaster-prone countries in the world. Earthquakes, tropical cyclones, destructive tsunamis, exceptionally high tides, seasonal and flash flooding, and landslides can occur with little or no notice.
Rains cause landslides and flooding outside of Port Moresby. Roads in Port Moresby are also susceptible to flooding, making certain intersections or areas inaccessible.
The country has many active volcanoes. Recent eruptions have occurred in Bougainville, East and West New Britain, and Manam Island. Ash from volcanoes in East and West New Britain occasionally disrupt air and ground operations at the airports in Kokopo (Rabaul/Tokua, RAB) and Hoskins (HKN).
Review OSAC’s report, Earthquake Preparedness Toolkit.
Cybersecurity
Cybercrime has increasingly become common in Papua New Guinea. With the increase in the usage of technology in the country, as well as the advancement of technology itself, the threat of cybercrime has in fact increased. The government passed the Cybercrime Code Bill in 2016 in part to address these concerns, which have been utilized by victims of cybercrime in recent years. In 2021, PNG’s Department of Finance was struck with a ransomware attack, with hackers demanding a Bitcoin ransom payment in exchange for data. A month later after the attack on IRC on February 21, it was reported that the Bank of PNG (BPNG) experienced a cyber incident. Most recently, the Internal Revenue Commission (IRC) was hacked on January 28, 2025, using ransomware.
This clearly underscores the vulnerabilities in the country’s technology space, however with the government shifting focus on Information, Communication and Technology and a legal framework to support anti-cybercrime efforts the country is slowly moving into a safer cyberspace. Credit card skimming in PNG was a growing concern and emerging threat, posing a risk to the security of the banking system. Two Romanian nationals were arrested in Port Moresby in January 2025 for allegedly participating in the card skimming scheme.
Counter-intelligence Issues
China has a strong presence in the region.
While PNG has made improvements in its enforcement of intellectual property rights (IPR), IPR theft remains a significant concern. Authorities identified major counterfeiting rings producing beer, soft drinks, and cigarettes in 2018. The counterfeiting of movies, television, music, and clothing is also prevalent; such products are openly advertised for sale on social media.
Import/Export Restrictions
PNG customs authorities enforce strict regulations governing firearms, certain prescription drugs, wooden artifacts, animal products, food, and sexually explicit material. Do not bring firearms into the country. Other products may be subject to quarantine. You should contact the Embassy of Papua New Guinea in Washington, D.C. for specific information regarding customs requirements.
Starlink has not yet been licensed for use within the country. Regardless, it is estimated there are around 4,500 Starlink users within the country.
Materials considered obscene are illegal in PNG; the interpretation as to what constitutes obscene materials is loosely defined.
A country-specific listing of items/goods prohibited from being exported to the country or that are otherwise restricted is available from the U.S. International Trade Agency website.
Additional resources and reports can be found in the OSAC Traveler Toolkit