Papua New Guinea: Officials adjust COVID-19 restrictions nationwide as of Sept. 15 /update 36

Event

Officials in Papua New Guinea have adjusted restrictions nationwide amid ongoing COVID-19 concerns. Authorities have begun classifying provinces as medium or high risk, depending on disease activity. As of Sept. 15, the government only classifies Western and West Sepik provinces as high risk. Gatherings are limited to 20 people in high-risk locations. Moreover, travelers from high-risk provinces must take a rapid antigen test before departing for other areas of the country. Groups of up to 100 people can gather in medium-risk provinces.

Social distancing rules and hygiene protocols remain in effect nationwide. A face covering mandate continues for most indoor locations, including offices, public transport, and airplanes. Exceptions are in place for childcare centers, banks, and children under 12 years old. Officials have permitted restaurants and gambling establishments to reopen provided they comply with strict health requirements. All nightclubs and bars remain closed until further notice.

Authorities continue to restrict interprovincial flights and other domestic travel, except for people with official permission or essential reasons. Transport may continue between Central Province and the National Capital District (NCD) and Kerema Open Electorate, Gulf Province. Officials limit capacity on public transport services. Police have threatened to impound any vehicle that violates capacity limits, though compliance and enforcement vary.

International Travel Restrictions
Ports of entry remain limited to Port Moresby's Jacksons International Airport (POM) and Motueka Port, as well as maritime ports in Lae, Kimbe, Madang, and Rabaul. The land border with Indonesia and traditional maritime border crossings remain closed.

All arrivals must obtain written approval from the National Pandemic Controller's Office before entering the country. Approval is valid for 60 days for a single entry. Officials only permit citizens, permanent residents, and fully vaccinated foreign nationals to enter the country; tourist travel remains banned. Inbound air passengers over the age of five must obtain a negative result from a COVID-19 PCR test taken within 72 hours before travel and complete an e-Health Declaration Form no more than 24 hours before departure.

Officials have adjusted quarantine requirements as of Sept. 15. Unvaccinated arrivals must quarantine for 21 days, while partially vaccinated and fully vaccinated travelers can quarantine for 14 days and seven days, respectively. All arrivals must quarantine at an approved facility at their own expense. Travelers must undergo COVID-19 testing during quarantine; people refusing testing must quarantine an additional 14 days. Authorities allow couples or families who have been on the same flight and caregivers and their patients to quarantine together. Hotel management is authorized to hold passengers' passports during the quarantine period. Violations of quarantine orders are punishable by fines of up to PGK 50,000 and/or up to seven years in prison.

International flights from Australia, Singapore, Hong Kong, and the Philippines are available on specific carriers, though Air Niugini (PX) conducts most international flights. Some repatriation flights have occurred from other countries, though officials continue to suspend flights from India. Outbound international passengers must take a COVID-19 test before departure while at the airport. Passengers that test positive will have to remain in the country.

Advice

Follow all official instructions. Abide by national health and safety measures. Reconfirm all travel arrangements. Consider delaying traveling if experiencing symptoms associated with COVID-19, as they may prompt increased scrutiny and delays. Prepare to discuss and provide evidence for recent travel history. Maintain contact with your diplomatic mission. Plan for possible ground shipping and travel delays; seek alternative routes and shipping methods for time-sensitive cargo.

Resources

National Control Centre For COVID-19
Ministry of Health
National Airports Corporation
Air Niugini