Travel Vaccines and Advice for Papua New Guinea

Yes, some vaccines are recommended or required for Papua New Guinea. The CDC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Papua New Guinea: hepatitis A, hepatitis B, yellow fever, typhoid, Japanese encephalitis, rabies, meningitis, polio, measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis), chickenpox, shingles, pneumonia and influenza.

COVID-19 vaccination is recommended for travel to all regions, both foreign and domestic. Check with your local Passport Health clinic if immunization is offered in your area.

A hepatitis A vaccine is recommended for travel to most destinations, including Papua New Guinea. All travelers should have received at least the first immunization before traveling.

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.

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.

Papua New Guinea Entry Requirements
Do I Need A…	For My Trip to Papua New Guinea?
Passport
Tourist Visa
Business Visa
Vaccinations

Sources: Embassy of Papua New Guinea and U.S. State Department

Travelers need a valid passport that will remain valid at least six months after the date of arrival in Papua New Guinea.

The climate of Papua New Guinea is tropical. Coastal areas are in the 80’s 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:

• Breathable Clothing — The climate is often hot and humid. Wear clothing that is not too thick, and that you would mind getting wet.
• Proof of Return Ticket – Travelers will not be allowed to enter the country without proof of a return ticket. Make sure you have this on hand upon entrance.
• Basic Health Supplies – Supplies like bandages and aspirin can be hard to come by, so be sure to pack them.
• Life Insurance – Especially important to invest in before your trip, especially if you are planning on flight-seeing.
• Rain Gear – Depending on when you visit, there is a good chance you will be experiencing rainfall.

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 traveling 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!