Is Papua New Guinea safe to travel to?

Papua New Guinea has a high practical traveler risk (70/100) and a high government advisory (70/100, Level 3: Reconsider travel). Travel is possible, but visitors should be prepared for elevated security concerns, including violent incidents and local unrest, plus limited services outside major centers.

What are the main travel risks in Papua New Guinea?

The main travel risks in Papua New Guinea include violent incidents (82/100), civil unrest (75/100), and health concerns (72/100), along with theft and scams in some areas. Risks can be higher after dark and in certain urban neighborhoods, so careful planning and local guidance are important.

What is the current travel advisory for Papua New Guinea?

Papua New Guinea is currently at Level 3: Reconsider travel, with a high advisory score of 70/100. This means you should weigh the necessity of your trip, plan security and medical contingencies, and avoid higher-risk areas.

Are there health risks when traveling to Papua New Guinea?

Yes. Papua New Guinea has significant health risks (72/100), including limited medical facilities in remote areas and the need for appropriate vaccinations and preventive measures. Talk to a travel-health clinician before departure, and plan how you would access care if traveling outside Port Moresby or major towns.

What safety tips should I know before visiting Papua New Guinea?

In Papua New Guinea, avoid walking at night, use trusted transport or app-based rides where available, and keep valuables out of sight in markets and transit areas. Check weather and hazard updates before moving between regions, review medical and vaccination guidance, and monitor local developments—steering clear of demonstrations and any areas experiencing unrest.

Papua New Guinea

Oceania

Higher risk than 94% of countries. Main concerns: violent incidents and civil unrest.

Government Advisory

High

Level 3: Reconsider travel

Traveler Practical Risk

High

Confidence: high. Main drivers: violent incidents, civil unrest, health concerns.

Risk Profile

Score breakdown across 7 risk dimensions

⚠️Violent Incident

Oceania avg: 1882

📢Civil Unrest

Oceania avg: 5375

🏥Health

Oceania avg: 3572

🌊Natural Disaster

Oceania avg: 2770

🔓Petty Crime

Oceania avg: 1568

🎭Scams

Oceania avg: 5158

🚌Transport

Oceania avg: 5055

Practical advice

✓Use app-based rides after dark and avoid displaying valuables in crowded areas.
✓Check seasonal weather and natural hazard updates before changing regions.
✓Review health guidance, required vaccines, and nearby care options before arrival.
✓Monitor local developments and avoid demonstrations or fast-changing border areas.

Data Sources & Updates · Synced 5/10/2026

Government Advisory: U.S. Department of State

Advisory published: 4/29/2025 (by U.S. Department of State)

Our last sync: 5/10/2026

Indicators: World Bank Governance & Stability Indicators (2024)

Recent update: Updated 2026-05-10 from refreshed advisory and traveler risk indicators.

Frequently Asked Questions — Papua New Guinea

Is Papua New Guinea safe to travel to?: Papua New Guinea has a high practical traveler risk (70/100) and a high government advisory (70/100, Level 3: Reconsider travel). Travel is possible, but visitors should be prepared for elevated security concerns, including violent incidents and local unrest, plus limited services outside major centers.
What are the main travel risks in Papua New Guinea?: The main travel risks in Papua New Guinea include violent incidents (82/100), civil unrest (75/100), and health concerns (72/100), along with theft and scams in some areas. Risks can be higher after dark and in certain urban neighborhoods, so careful planning and local guidance are important.
What is the current travel advisory for Papua New Guinea?: Papua New Guinea is currently at Level 3: Reconsider travel, with a high advisory score of 70/100. This means you should weigh the necessity of your trip, plan security and medical contingencies, and avoid higher-risk areas.
Are there health risks when traveling to Papua New Guinea?: Yes. Papua New Guinea has significant health risks (72/100), including limited medical facilities in remote areas and the need for appropriate vaccinations and preventive measures. Talk to a travel-health clinician before departure, and plan how you would access care if traveling outside Port Moresby or major towns.
What safety tips should I know before visiting Papua New Guinea?: In Papua New Guinea, avoid walking at night, use trusted transport or app-based rides where available, and keep valuables out of sight in markets and transit areas. Check weather and hazard updates before moving between regions, review medical and vaccination guidance, and monitor local developments—steering clear of demonstrations and any areas experiencing unrest.

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