Tips and recommendations for healthy travel to top destinations
Learn more about your flu vaccine options
Learn more about the travel visa requirements for top destinations
Papua New Guinea is an diverse location, with over 820 languages spoken on the island and a mixing pot of religions. The culture is vibrant, offering tourists music and dance designed to open a window to the country’s lifeblood.
With a plethora of gorgeous natural sites, there is no shortage of things to see during a trip to the island. Trekking through the mountains and foothills gives a better view of the landscape.
Deep sea fishing mixes high tide adventure with the thrill of the catch. The black bass, considered to be the toughest fighting fish in the world, is abundant off the coast of Papua New Guinea.
Volcanoes are scattered across the island, many of which remain active. The rocky terrain created by these tectonic wonders clashes with dense rainforests that spot the island.
Be sure to visit Port Moresby, the capital city. It is an essential stop for tourists, and features zoological gardens, museums and a slice of day-to-day life in Papua New Guinea.
Yes, some vaccines are recommended or required for Papua New Guinea. The CDC and WHO recommend the following vaccines for Papua New Guinea: typhoid, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, cholera, rabies, Japanese encephalitis, and influenza.
Japanese encephalitis is a threat to travelers to various parts of Papua New Guinea. The best protection is through vaccination.
Malaria and dengue are two other common mosquito-borne diseases found in the country. Make sure you’re protected by using mosquito-netting and insect repellents. Antimalarials may also be recommended depending on your itinerary.
You will need to take medication before, during, and after you trip to Papua New Guinea, as there is risk of contracting the disease year-round.
Visit our vaccinations page to learn more. Travel safely with Passport Health and schedule your appointment today by calling or book online now.
The CDC recognizes Papua New Guinea as a region with increased risk of cholera infection. Travelers should take extra precautions including avoiding tap water and getting vaccinated.
Passport Health’s travel clinics carry VaxChora, the only cholera vaccine approved for use in the United States. Book your cholera vaccination appointment today by calling or book online now.
Papua New Guinea does require a visa for entry. This can be obtained upon arrival. But, it is better to have your visa processed and ready before you leave for your trip.
Travelers need a valid passport that will remain valid at least six months after the date of arrival in Papua New Guinea.
For more information, see our Papua New Guinea visa page. Or contact a Passport Health Passport and Visa specialist by calling 1-844-366-8472 or by filling out our online form.
The climate of Papua New Guinea is tropical. Coastal areas are in the 80s and the inland and mountain regions average are a bit warmer. The humidity is quite high as well, due to consistent rainfall.
The rainy seasons in Papua New Guinea are erratic. The country experiences typhoons on a somewhat regular basis. The typhoons are most likely to occur between December and mid-March. This is generally regarded as the rainy season, with June to September being the dry season. Weather can vary based on typhoon activity.
It is rainiest in the western and northern parts of the island.
Due to high unemployment on the island, there street gangs are common in Port Moresby. Before taking a tour, it be aware of the safety level of the area. Do not travel outside after dark, and refrain from openly handling money in public areas.
Saltwater crocodiles are a daily threat in Papua New Guinea. They can grow to be quite large, and may attack and consume humans unprovoked. It is best to avoid them completely. The same warning applies to areas of volcanic activity.
If traveling to the mountainous regions, be aware of poor road conditions. Avoid villages in the mountainous regions, as tribal warfare is unpredictable can happen at any time.
If swimming off the coast of the island, be aware of shark activity. Sharks are abundant in the Pacific Ocean. Observe where locals are avoiding swimming areas, and follow suit.
There is quite a bit to see in Papua New Guinea from the air. Many tourists take a small plane around some of the island’s more remote airstrips. While not particularly safe, these trips are thrilling and usually inexpensive.
There are generally no safety regulations when it comes to the airstrips in Papua New Guinea. Many can sometimes be in poor condition. Be sure to consult with your pilot before making any sudden landings.
Here are some essential items to consider for your trip to Swaziland:
All Americans visiting Papua New Guinea should register online with the U.S. Department of State before departure. This will inform the office of your travel plans within the country and will allow them to reach out in the case of an emergency or evacuation.
Once in Papua New Guinea, the information for the U.S. Embassy is:
U.S. Embassy Port Moresby Douglas Street, adjacent to the Bank of Papua New Guinea, P.O. Box 1492 Port Moresby, NCD 121 Papua New Guinea Telephone: +(675) 321-1455 Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(675) 7200-9439 ConsularPortMoresby@state.gov
If you have any questions about travelling to Papua New Guinea or are wondering what shots you may need for your trip, schedule an appointment with your local Passport Health travel medicine clinic. Call us at or book online now and protect yourself today!
