Papua New Guinea

Kokoda Track trekking

The Kokoda Track has been temporarily closed to trekkers due to COVID-19.

Walking the Kokoda Track is physically demanding. You must have a high level of fitness.

Weather conditions can be unpredictable.

Health risks include:

• dysentery
• dehydration
• poor local services
• delayed medical evacuation

Every year several Australians are medically evacuated. It’s expensive. You or your travel insurance provider must cover the costs. Some people have died.

Adequate travel insurance is essential.

Serious crime and civil disorder happens throughout PNG, including:

• along the Black Cat Track in Morobe Province
• along the Kokoda Track
• at the ends of the Kokoda Track in Central and Oro Provinces

Consider using a security escort. See Safety

Unexploded weapons and remnants of war are found in PNG. Especially along the Kokoda Track, Milne Bay and Rabaul.

The condition and stability of these weapons is unknown. They can maim or kill you.

If you find a war remnant, don’t disturb it.

Permits for the Kokoda Track

The Kokoda Track has been temporarily closed to trekkers due to COVID-19. The PNG Government regulates trekking along the Kokoda Track. Ordinarily, you need a permit before you trek.

If your trekking company is organising your permit, make sure you have the permit before you start trekking.

Make sure your trekking company has contingency plans if the track is blocked.

If you plan to trek the Kokoda Track:

• prepare with extensive training
• get medical advice and fitness testing before you commit to trekking
• make sure your travel insurance covers your planned activities and medical evacuation
• use guides from reputable trekking companies
• give your itinerary and trekking company contact details of family or friends in Australia

While on the Kokoda Track:

• stay hydrated
• protect yourself from dysentery (see Health)
• store your passport in a waterproof bag or container
• pay close attention to your personal security
• stay with your group
• don’t touch or disturb anything that could be an unexploded war weapon, whether near the track or on display

More information:

Telecommunications

Mobile phone global roaming services can be patchy.

Landline phones can have outages.

To stay in communication:

• check mobile coverage with your service provider
• make contingency plans for service outages
• consider carrying a satellite phone

Driving permit

You can drive in PNG for up to 6 months using a valid Australian driver’s licence.

After 6 months, you’ll need a local licence.

Road travel

You’re 3 times more likely to die in a motor vehicle accident in PNG than in Australia.

Roads are poor, especially in rural areas.

Other hazards include:

• unpredictable and drunk drivers
• poorly maintained vehicles
• overcrowded vehicles

Large crowds can form quickly after road accidents. These crowds can become violent with no warning.

Flash floods and landslides can cause roads to close during the wet season. This can result in travel delays. The timing of the wet season varies across the country.

Parts of the Highlands Highway between Lae and Mount Hagen are particularly affected.

Police use roadblocks to check licences and vehicle registrations in Port Moresby.

If you plan to drive in PNG:

• know local traffic laws and practices before driving
• keep your car windows and doors locked
• avoid driving at night
• if you travel at night, consider using a security escort or travel in a convoy (see Safety)
• consider using a security escort along the Highlands Highway (including between Lae and Nadzab Airport)
• make sure your licence, vehicle registration and safety stickers are up-to-date to minimise problems at roadblocks

More information:

Motorcycles

Avoid travel by motorcycle.

Poor roads and high crime risks mean riding a motorbike in PNG is more dangerous than in Australia.

It’s safer to travel in a locked vehicle.

Make sure your travel insurance covers riding a motorcycle.

Always wear a helmet.

Taxis

Avoid taxis, especially if you’re a woman.

Taxis are poorly maintained and often targeted by criminals.

Use vehicles hired from a reputable company, hotel or secure transport provider.

Public transport

Avoid public transport.

Also avoid privately owned minibuses, known as public motor vehicles (PMVs). They are poorly maintained and often targeted by criminals.

Use vehicles hired from a reputable company, hotel or secure transport provider.

More information:

Sea travel

Travel by ferry or small local boats can be dangerous. Modern boats may be overcrowded and lack basic safety equipment (especially for small children), these include:

• life jackets
• life rafts
• fire extinguishers

Several ferries have sunk in rough weather. Many people have died.

Boat services can be disrupted at short notice. Overcrowding of ferries and boats is common.

Consider flying to your destination instead.

There are limited marine search and rescue services in PNG.

To reduce your risk when travelling on the water:

• check with your tour operator/crew to determine safety standards and safety equipment provided is appropriate
• carry your own life jacket, an Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB), a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) and a satellite telephone
• avoid single-engine boats and travelling at night unless the vessel is appropriately equipped
• travel in convoy with all boats at half capacity or less
• tell your family or friends in Australia when you expect to leave and arrive
• Use another provider if appropriate safety equipment isn’t available

Register EPIRBs and PLBs with the Australian Maritime Safety Authority. In case of maritime accident, notify the PNG National Maritime Safety Authority on its 24-hour emergency number: +675 7351 7017.

International cruise lines stop over in PNG.

More information:

Air travel

Flying in PNG can be dangerous because of:

• difficult terrain
• extreme weather
• poor conditions of some remote airfields

Since 2000, there have been more than 20 aircraft accidents:

• In December 2017, a North Coast Aviation Ltd aircraft crashed in mountainous terrain in Morobe Province, killing the Australian pilot.
• In April 2016, a Sunbird Aviation aircraft crashed in Kiunga, Western Province killing 12 people, including an Australian.

Flight delays and cancellations are frequent. Check your flight schedule with your airline.

DFAT doesn’t provide information on the safety of individual commercial airlines or flight paths.

Check PNG’s air safety profile with the Aviation Safety Network.

More information:

Read the original advice at SmartTraveller.gov.au by Australian Government