Papua New Guinea: Authorities continue a number of COVID-19 restrictions on international travel and domestic activity as of April 24 /update 29

Event

Authorities in Papua New Guinea are continuing to enforce a number of domestic restrictions and international travel controls as of April 24 due to COVID-19 activity. Domestic air passengers must present a negative result from a COVID-19 test taken no more than one day prior to travel. Most nonessential interprovincial travel remains banned. Nonessential gatherings are limited to no more than 10 people. The government continues to require the use of protective face coverings at most indoor locations, including offices and government agencies, public transport, and airplanes. Most businesses are restricted to operating between the hours of 07:00-20:00 daily, while restaurants and service stations may stay open between 07:00-22:00.

International Travel Restrictions
All arrivals from abroad - including Papua New Guinea nationals and permanent residents - must obtain written approval from the National Pandemic Controller's Office before entry. Approval is valid for 90 days for a single entry. International flights from Australia, Singapore, Japan, Hong Kong, the Philippines, Fiji, Solomon Islands, Nauru, Micronesia, Vanuatu, Cook Islands, Samoa, Palau, and Niue are available on certain carriers. Inbound air passengers must obtain a negative result from a PCR COVID-19 test within seven days prior travel and complete an e-Health Declaration Form no more than 24 hours before boarding flights. Officials may deny entry to passengers suspected of having COVID-19 or quarantine them in government facilities, depending on the severity of the symptoms.

Papua New Guinea continues to restrict ports of entry 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. Authorities have increased military deployments in border areas.

Officials continue health screenings for all arrivals. Inbound passengers - including vaccinated individuals - must quarantine for 14 days at designated hotels in Port Moresby. Authorities allow couples or families who have been on the same flight to quarantine together; caregivers and their patients are also permitted to quarantine together. Hotel management is authorized to hold passengers' passports during the quarantine period. Diplomats or visitors using official passports can self-quarantine at a residence for two weeks with advance permission. All inbound passengers, including citizens and permanent residents, must pay their own quarantine expenses, including the cost of electronic tracking devices for people permitted to self-isolate at home. Officials may require additional COVID-19 PCR tests during quarantine; individuals who decline further testing could face an additional 14 days in isolation at their own expense. Violations of quarantine orders are punishable by fines of up to PGK 50,000 (USD 14,240) and/or up to seven years in prison.

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