Travel Vaccines and Advice for Papua New Guinea
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.
Do I Need Vaccines 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, typhoid, Japanese encephalitis, rabies, meningitis, polio, measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis), chickenpox, shingles, pneumonia and influenza.
See the bullets below to learn more about some of these key immunizations:
- Hepatitis A –
Food & Water –
Recommended for most travelers - Hepatitis B –
Blood & Body Fluids –
Accelerated schedule available - Typhoid –
Food & Water –
Shot lasts 2 years. Oral vaccine lasts 5 years, must be able to swallow pills. Oral doses must be kept in refrigerator. - Japanese Encephalitis –
Mosquito –
Recommended depending on itinerary and activities. May be given to short- and extended-stay travelers, recurrent travelers and travel to rural areas. Widespread throughout country, transmission year-round. - Rabies –
Saliva of Infected Animals –
Moderate risk country. Vaccine recommended for long-term travelers and those who may come in contact with animals. - Polio –
Food & Water –
A limited number of polio cases have been confirmed in Papua New Guinea. Vaccination is recommended for most travelers. - Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) –
Various Vectors –
Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended. - TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) –
Wounds & Airborne –
Only one adult booster of pertussis required. - Chickenpox –
Direct Contact & Airborne –
Given to those unvaccinated that did not have chickenpox. - Shingles –
Direct Contact –
Vaccine can still be given if you have had shingles. - Pneumonia –
Airborne –
Two vaccines given seperately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both. - Influenza –
Airborne –
Vaccine components change annually. - Meningitis –
Airborne & Direct Contact –
Given to anyone unvaccinated or at an increased risk, especially students.
See the tables below for more information:
Recommended Travel Vaccinations for Papua New Guinea |
||
| VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| Hepatitis A | Food & Water | Recommended for most travelers |
| Hepatitis B | Blood & Body Fluids | Accelerated schedule available |
| Typhoid | Food & Water | Shot lasts 2 years. Oral vaccine lasts 5 years, must be able to swallow pills. Oral doses must be kept in refrigerator. |
| Japanese Encephalitis | Mosquito | Recommended depending on itinerary and activities. May be given to short- and extended-stay travelers, recurrent travelers and travel to rural areas. Widespread throughout country, transmission year-round. |
| Rabies | Saliva of Infected Animals | Moderate risk country. Vaccine recommended for long-term travelers and those who may come in contact with animals. |
| Polio | Food & Water | A limited number of polio cases have been confirmed in Papua New Guinea. Vaccination is recommended for most travelers. |
Routine Vaccinations for Papua New Guinea |
||
| VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) | Various Vectors | Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended. |
| TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) | Wounds & Airborne | Only one adult booster of pertussis required. |
| Chickenpox | Direct Contact & Airborne | Given to those unvaccinated that did not have chickenpox. |
| Shingles | Direct Contact | Vaccine can still be given if you have had shingles. |
| Pneumonia | Airborne | Two vaccines given seperately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both. |
| Influenza | Airborne | Vaccine components change annually. |
| Meningitis | Airborne & Direct Contact | Given to anyone unvaccinated or at an increased risk, especially students. |
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.
Customer Reviews
Passport Health – Travel Vaccines for Papua New Guinea
“the travel nurse was great. she gave me information on Papua New Guinea and was very informative”
“The Nurse was very helpful in preparing materials and advice for my upcoming trip to Papua New Guinea, Malaysia, India, and Africa.”
“This visit was so worth our time before heading to Papua New Guinea. The nurse was extremely knowledgable in everything we should be prepared for on our trip and ways to avoid illness while there. I would definitely recommend Passport Health to anyone traveling to a less developed country.”
“The staff at Passport Health was so friendly and informative. You get so much more than a vaccination! We received detailed information about health related issues we might encounter in Papua New Guinea. They answered questions I didn’t know to ask!”
Do I Need a Visa or Passport for Papua New Guinea?
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 |
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| 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.
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.
What Is the Climate Like in Papua New Guinea?
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.
How Safe Is Papua New Guinea?
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.
Flightseeing in Papua New Guinea
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.
What Should I Take to Papua New Guinea?
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 flightseeing.
- Rain Gear – Depending on when you visit, there is a good chance you will be experiencing rainfall.
U.S. Embassy in Papua New Guinea
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!
On This Page:
Do I Need Vaccines for Papua New Guinea?
Do I Need a Visa or Passport for Papua New Guinea?
What Is the Climate Like in Papua New Guinea?
How Safe Is Papua New Guinea?
Flightseeing in Papua New Guinea
What Should I Take to Papua New Guinea?
U.S. Embassy in Papua New Guinea
