Papua New Guinea: Officials imposing strict curbs in Bougainville and ten high-risk regions due to increased COVID-19 activity as of Oct. 22 /update 39

Event

Officials are imposing tightened measures across the Autonomous Region of Bougainville as of Oct. 22 due to increased COVID-19 activity. Recreational venues such as nightclubs and gambling facilities are closed in Arawa, Buin, and Buka. Arrivals must produce proof of vaccination upon entry, or negative test results from a COVID-19 rapid antigen test taken within 72 hours before departure. Buka Airport (BUA) is the sole exit and entry point for flights serving the region after authorities closed the Aropa Airport (KIE). Officials are also banning entry through Nissan Island and Carteret Atolls.

Strict curbs continue across ten regions designated by the government as high-risk. Affected areas as of Oct. 22 include Chimbu, Enga, Eastern Highlands, Hela, Jiwaka, Morobe, Sandaun (formerly West Sepik), Southern Highlands, Western Highlands, and Western provinces. Typical restrictions in such regions include 14:00-06:00 daily curfews, the closure of recreational venues and some nonessential or large retail businesses like markets, prohibition of gatherings except for permitted events, as well as entry and exit controls for residents and passenger vehicles. Officials only allow essential travel to and from high-risk areas; completion of vaccination and/or COVID-19 testing are required for travelers. Inbound passengers must also obtain the permission of provincial administrators. Roadblocks are reportedly in place on all major highways linking high-risk provinces and reduced availability of domestic flights to these regions is likely. There are local variations to rules; authorities may modify curbs at short notice.

Authorities are also enforcing nationwide controls through Oct. 30. Gatherings of more than 20 people are prohibited. Those aged 12 years or above must wear facemasks in public places except childcare centers and banks. Social distancing rules and hygiene protocols remain in effect. Officials have permitted restaurants and gambling establishments to reopen provided they comply with strict health requirements. A surge in COVID-19 cases has caused a curtailment of medical services in many public hospitals; disruptions to non-emergency, imaging, and outpatient services are likely to continue in the coming weeks.

The government restricts interprovincial flights and other domestic travel, except for individuals 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.

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

International Travel Restrictions
The government only permits citizens, permanent residents, and fully vaccinated foreign nationals to enter the country; tourist travel remains banned. Officials require all arrivals to obtain written approval from the National Pandemic Controller's Office before entering the country. Approval is valid for 60 days for a single entry. 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.

Fully vaccinated travelers can enter the country without quarantine; however, passengers must undergo on-arrival testing and wait for the result before departing entry points. The measure does not apply to designated high-risk countries India and the Philippines. Any traveler that returns a positive test result must quarantine for 14 days at their own expense. Travelers must undergo COVID-19 testing during quarantine; individuals 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 and medical appointments. 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