Papua New Guinea: Authorities maintaining COVID-19 restrictions nationwide as of April 29 /update 30

Event

Authorities in Papua New Guinea continue to enforce COVID-19 restrictions nationwide as of April 29 amid ongoing COVID-19 activity. People must maintain 1.5 meters (5 feet) of distance and follow hygiene protocols in public nationwide. Authorities ban gatherings of more than 10 people; officials may provide exceptions with a plan to enforce social distancing measures. Religious services and funerals can occur with up to 50 people subject to social distancing requirements. Schools have reopened with social distancing measures. The government mandates face coverings at most indoor locations, including offices, public transport, and airplanes. Exceptions are in place for childcare centers, banks, children under 12 years old, or while eating.

Most businesses can only operate 07:00-20:00 daily, while restaurants and service stations may open 07:00-22:00. Restaurant owners must also submit seating area and compliance plans to provincial officials to maintain operations. All nightclubs, bars, and gambling establishments remain closed indefinitely. All companies with indoor operations must provide workers with face coverings and ensure their use. Authorities require businesses and public transport operators to deny entry to people without face coverings.

The government continues to restrict interprovincial travel, except for essential reasons or with official permission. Transport between Central Province and the National Capital District (NCD) and Kerema Open Electorate, Gulf Province, may continue. Officials limit capacity to 15 people on 25-30-seat public transport vehicles nationally. Other public transport, including vessels, can operate at five fewer passengers than capacity; taxis can only carry two customers. Police have threatened to impound any vehicle that defies capacity limits, though compliance and enforcement vary.

Authorities permit domestic flights for essential reasons, such as student or essential business travel, medical assistance or evacuation, or people returning to their usual residence. Passengers must have a negative COVID-19 result from a test taken within 24 hours of departure; staffers will accept either an Antigen Rapid Diagnostic Test or reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Passengers must still undergo temperature checks before boarding and complete a National Department of Health form to submit to provincial authorities upon landing. Provincial officials can also request that arrivals take an RT-PCR COVID-19 test and quarantine people who refuse to test for up to 14 days at their own cost. The Bougainville government no longer requires passengers to seek approval from the Bougainville State of Emergency Controller before travel; however, inbound travelers must obtain a COVID-19 Medical Clearance via a negative RT-PRC test 48-72 hours before departure. If testing is unavailable, officials require a certificate from a medical officer confirming the passenger does not have any COVID-19 symptoms.

The government continues to restrict ports of entry 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. Authorities have increased military deployments to border areas, though some illegal crossings are likely ongoing.

International Travel Restrictions
All arrivals 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 specific carriers, though Air Niugini (PX) conducts most international flights. Inbound air passengers must obtain a negative result from a PCR COVID-19 test within seven days of travel and complete an e-Health Declaration Form no more than 24 hours before boarding flights.

Officials continue health screenings for all arrivals. Officials may deny entry to passengers suspected of having COVID-19 or quarantine them in government facilities, depending on the severity of the symptoms. 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 and caregivers and their patients 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 must pay for quarantine, 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 14,260) and/or up to seven years in prison.

Outbound international passengers must take a COVID-19 test within 72 hours of departure. PX also requires COVID-19 testing during check-in. 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. 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