Last updated: 23 Oct 2025
Papua New Guinea
About
| The fascinating country of Papua New Guinea is made up of over 600 islands forming the middle of the long chain of islands stretching from mainland South-East Asia. There is great swimming and snorkelling off the beaches and coral reefs around Papua New Guinea. Take a river or jungle tour in the Chambri region, stopping at remote villages where houses are built on stilts, and the dugout canoe is still the main means of transport. Hear Upper Sepik-style Garamut Drums (‘Slit Gongs'), and see dramatic local carvings here too. Go birdwatching around the Chambri Lakes, which are home to myriad species from brahminee kites to kingfishers. Go on an early morning jungle excursion to experience the unique cacophony of birds preparing for the day's hunting. If you're adventurous, take a white-water rafting trip on the Watut River. The Wahgi and Purari rapids are also challenging. |
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| Capital: | Port Moresby (POM) |
| Currency: | Kina (PGK) |
| Language: | English. Pidgin English is commonly spoken. There are more than 800 local dialects and languages. |
| Dialling code from SA: | + 675 |
| Time Zones: | UTC/GMT +10 hours (8 hours ahead of South Africa) |
| Best Time to go: | June to September |
| Best For: | Cultural exploration, Eco-tourism |
| Plugs: | 240 volts AC, 50Hz. Australian-style plugs with three angled flat pins are used. Some hotels provide 110-volt outlets. |
| Drinking Water: | All water should be regarded as being potentially contaminated. Milk is unpasteurised. |
| Health: | Medical facilities are prone to shortages of medications. It is advisable to carry basic medical supplies. Comprehensive health insurance is recommended and it should include emergency air evacuation coverage |
| Customs: | Women should cover their thighs when in public places. Long shorts (down to the knee) or sarongs are fine, as are jeans or slacks. Men should also not wear shorts that are "too short". Swimwear should be reserved for the beach / pool. |
| Local Offences / Laws: | Homosexuality is illegal |
| Duty Free: | The following may be imported into Papua New Guinea by travellers over 18 years of age without incurring customs duty: • 250 cigarettes or 250g of tobacco • 2L of alcoholic beverages • 1L of perfume • New goods up to a value of K1,000 (K500 for children under 18) |
| Prohibited Imports: | Prohibited items include counterfeit bank notes and coins, goods manufactured using prison labour, flick knives, matches containing white or yellow phosphorus, parrots, parakeets and related birds, plastic shopping bags, gaming machines, and firearm silencers. Restricted items requiring special permission or certification include animals, narcotics, fireworks, fish, food, goods considered a danger to the community, pornographic and violent publications and films, goods that infringe intellectual property rights, literature advocating the overthrow by force of any country, literature inciting hostility against the Papua New Guinea government, pesticides, plumage and skins of birds of paradise and crown pigeons, rice, radioactive substances, tear gas, and vaccines. |
| Prohibited Exports: | Dangerous drugs are completely prohibited. Restricted exports requiring special permission include crocodiles and their parts, flora and fauna, timber, geological and fossil materials, alluvial gold, pearl-shell oysters, natural cultural property, and goods acquired illegally. |
Issuing Authorities
Public Holidays 2025: Jan 1; Apr 18--21; Jun 17; Jul 23; Aug 26; Sep 16; Dec 25-26
Public Holidays 2026: Jan 1; Apr 3-6; Jun 17; Jul 23; Aug 26; Sep 16; Dec 25-26
Visa Requirements
Visas are required by SA passport holders.
Visa information can be found at the following portal: www.ica.gov.pg. Applications can be lodged online.
Visitor Visa: Tourist
NOTE: Please select correct visa sub-type before proceeding with online application.
- Cover letter stating purpose of visit and itinerary
- Return/onward ticket
- Proof of sufficient funds (K300 a month)
- Passport bio page
Visa Validity
60 days from date of entry
Visa Cost
USD 50
All MSF and online lodgement fees are levied in US Dollars and converted into PNG Kina (using the published conversion rate) prior to finalisation of application registration. The total fees payable will be provided by the system prior entering payment details in the e-Visa portal
SA Representative
Representation accredited from Canberra, Australia
Travel Health
| Compulsory: | None |
| Recommended Travel Vaccines: | Hepatitis A & B, Typhoid, Tetanus, Polio |
| Malaria Risk |
