Papua New Guinea: Heightened security in Port Moresby for APEC summit Nov. 17-18

Event

Papua New Guinea will host the 2018 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit on Saturday, November 17, and Sunday, November 18. The event will be held in the capital Port Moresby at the Laguna Hotel, the Gateway Hotel, the Stanley Hotel, and the Lamana Hotel. The high-profile event will host 21 heads of state and government, including Chinese President Xi Jinping and US Vice President Mike Pence, and a total of 15,000 foreign delegates. The US and Australia are supporting the security and logistics aspects of the summit; Australia has already deployed 1500 soldiers, including special forces, to the city and will further deploy surveillance aircrafts and fighter jets. Traffic disruptions can be anticipated in the vicinity of the venues during the summit. Temporary disruptions are also expected at Port Moresby's Jacksons International Airport (POM) as foreign delegates arrive and depart.

Local authorities have further announced that the country would temporarily suspend its visa-on-arrival program from October 30, to November 30, as a security measure. Travelers can still obtain visas from their nearest Papua New Guinean diplomatic mission.

Protests and strikes are possible in the run-up to and during the summit. A strike is scheduled to take place on October 25, in protest against the government's purchase of millions of dollars worth of luxury cars for the event.

Context

This is the first time Papua New Guinea will host such a high-profile event, which represents high economic stakes for the country.

Port Moresby is one of the most dangerous cities in the world with very high rates of violent crime. Carjackings, muggings, rape, and kidnappings are common occurrences.

Advice

Individuals in Port Moresby are advised to exercise heightened caution at all times, maintain a low profile, and conduct road travel with security support. Abide by all instructions issued by local authorities.