Papua New Guinea: Officials continuing COVID-19 restrictions as of Sept. 2 /update 35

Event

Officials in Papua New Guinea are maintaining COVID-19 restrictions nationwide as of Sept. 2. People must adhere to nationwide social distancing rules and follow hygiene protocols in public. Authorities continue to ban gatherings of more than 10 people; officials may provide exceptions to those who have a plan to enforce social distancing measures. The government has mandated that people wear face coverings at most indoor locations, including offices, public transport, and airplanes. Exceptions to facemask requirements are in place for childcare centers, banks, and children under 12 years old.

Officials have permitted restaurants and gambling establishments to reopen with specific health requirements in place. All nightclubs and bars remain closed until further notice.

Authorities continue to restrict interprovincial flights and other domestic travel, except for vaccinated individuals and those 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 defies capacity limits, though compliance and enforcement vary.

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 have been closed.

Travel Restrictions
All arrivals must obtain written approval from the National Pandemic Controller's Office before entering the country. Officials only permit entry to fully vaccinated people; exemptions are possible with permission from national authorities. Approval is valid for 90 days for a single entry. 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. Inbound air passengers over the age of five must obtain a negative result from a COVID-19 PCR test within seven days before travel and complete an e-Health Declaration Form no more than 24 hours before departure.

All arrivals must quarantine for 21 days at their own expense and submit to COVID-19 testing on days one, seven, and 21 of the quarantine period at an approved facility. 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.

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. Officials have suspended flights from India.

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