Papua New Guinea: Authorities ease some COVID-19 entry requirements as of April 20 /update 48

Event

Authorities in Papua New Guinea have lifted a pre-departure testing requirement for entry to the country as of April 20. Passengers no longer need to complete a health declaration form.

Domestic Measures
The government is maintaining social distancing rules and hygiene protocols, though enforcement of these measures is likely lax. Public gatherings can occur with up to 100 people; the limit does not apply to markets and shopping centers or places of worship, schools, and political rallies. Officials allow restaurants and gambling establishments to operate under strict health requirements. People 12 years old or above must wear face coverings in public places, except in childcare centers and banks. The government revised its vaccination policy to recognize people that received two vaccine doses as fully vaccinated; officials previously required a third dose to obtain the designation.

Symptomatic people cannot board flights; health staff conduct temperature checks and ban travel for people whose temperatures are 37.5C (99.5F) or higher. Travelers must complete and submit a National Department of Health form to the Provincial Health Authority upon arrival. Provincial officials can require on-arrival testing for passengers and order quarantine for travelers who refuse tests.

International Travel Restrictions
The government permits travelers to enter the country without prior permission. Foreign nationals 18 years and above must be fully vaccinated; citizens and permanent residents are exempt from the requirement. Entrants above five years old must undergo a COVID-19 test upon arrival for PGK 200 and remain in the airport until receiving a negative result. People that refuse on-arrival testing must quarantine for a period determined by health officials at their own cost. Individuals infected within the last three months can provide a medical certificate indicating the person is no longer infectious for entry.

Authorities do not require quarantine for most arrivals. Inbound passengers who test positive on arrival must quarantine for seven days at an approved quarantine facility of their choice at their own expense or home if they have suitable premises. Officials allow couples, families, and caregivers and their patients on the same flight 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.

Entry remains limited to Port Moresby's Jacksons International Airport (POM) and Motueka Port and maritime ports in Lae, Kimbe, Madang, and Rabaul. The government does not require testing within 72 hours of boarding vessels, but foreign sailors and passengers must still be fully vaccinated for entry. Land borders with Indonesia and traditional maritime border crossings remain closed. International flights from Australia, Singapore, Hong Kong, and the Philippines are available on specific carriers, though Air Niugini (PX) conducts most international flights. PX requires outbound passengers to be fully vaccinated. Pre-departure PCR testing is available at POM for transit passengers to countries that require it for entry until April 25. Rapid antigen testing will remain open. Passengers that test positive must remain in-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.

Resources

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