Papua New Guinea (PNG) Visa Information

Papua New Guinea (PNG) is the eastern part of the world’s highest and largest tropical island New Guinea. There are a few offshore small islands as well, but the country does not disappoint when it comes to tourism. With hundreds of ethnic groups, Papua New Guinea can amaze you with each of their music, costumes, art, and weaponry. Some may say that Papua New Guinea is unique because of its heterogeneous culture. But before you leave for Papua New Guinea, there are a few things you should know.

First of all, you need to check your visa requirement status. Some may need one. However, if you take a quick look at Papua New Guinea’s visa policy, you will see where you stand. As you will learn, Papua New Guinea’s visa policy contains a list of nationalities that are eligible for a visa on arrival. The document grants a 60-day stay inside the country. However, if you do not qualify for a visa on arrival, you need to contact Papua New Guinea’s nearest diplomatic mission and submit an application. The procedure is not complicated, and you can obtain your visa in a little while.

As mentioned above, the climate in Papua New Guinea (PNG) is tropical. Nevertheless, since there are high altitudes on the island, so you can experience mild temperatures as you go higher. But you can also enjoy the white sandy beaches and an excellent swim in the ocean. The tropical climate comes with everything a tourist may desire in a tropical island. It is safe to say that Papua New Guinea is a slice of paradise.

When it comes to communication, you would be surprised to know that there are about 800 languages in Papua New Guinea (PNG). The most common are Tok Pisin and Hiri Motu. The former is based on English. One thing that is interesting about this is that when you meet the locals, you should not try to address them in Tok Pisin at first. Somehow, they take it as you assume that they do not speak English and it can pass as insulting. Greet them in English, and if they respond, that’s great. If not, you can use the phrases you learned before departure.

Before you leave for Papua New Guinea (PNG), you should get a malaria shot. Both malaria and dengue fever are common occurrences in Papua New Guinea, so you should bring some medicine as well - just in case. There are hospitals in Papua New Guinea that know how to deal with the disease and they are very well equipped. However, they are far apart from each other so it is best if you have the treatment yourself. Your doctor can prescribe them for you.

As for what you can do in Papua New Guinea, the list is pretty long. As you can imagine, you can go snorkeling and scuba diving, which is both fun and unforgettable. The color of the ocean and the fish are stunning. You can go windsurfing if you know how, but instructors are available. Trekking is yet another popular activity in Papua New Guinea. The Kokoda track, for example, is one of the most beloved trails on the entire island. The sights are amazing, and you can get some really lovely pictures. Lastly, you cannot visit Papua New Guinea and miss the festivals. These festival are the most colorful events you will ever see. Some say that they exceed Rio. A lot of ensembles gather every year, and they compete in dances and music. The winner gets to perform at restaurants for the rest of the year. It is a beautiful thing to witness. If you have the chance, you should plan your vacation in Papua New Guinea during that time.

Papua New Guinea is, indeed, a destination that gains more and more popularity because of its beauty, vibrancy, and climate. The area is relatively safe, although you should not walk the streets alone at night and use ATMs with a guard present. Women should not show too much skin while on the street. Other than that, you should have a wonderful experience while there.