Papua New Guinea: Officials continue ongoing domestic and international COVID-19 controls as of Aug. 4 /update 34

Event

Authorities in Papua New Guinea are maintaining existing international travel controls and domestic restrictions as of Aug. 4. Officials require all arrivals from abroad to be fully vaccinated prior to travel. Any traveler seeking exemptions to the vaccination requirement must request and receive approval from national authorities. All arrivals must quarantine at their own expense for 21 days upon arrival in Papua New Guinea. Individuals entering the country must submit to COVID-19 testing on days one, seven, and 21 of the self-isolation period at the expense of an approved quarantine facility. Authorities allow couples or families who have been on the same flight and caregivers and their patients to undergo the quarantine period 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.

All arrivals must obtain written approval from the National Pandemic Controller's Office before entering the country. Approval is valid for 90 days for a single entry. International flights from Australia, Singapore, Hong Kong, and the Philippines are available on specific carriers, though Air Niugini (PX) conducts most international flights. Inbound air passengers over the age of five must obtain a negative result from a COVID-19 PCR test within seven days before travel and complete an e-Health Declaration Form no more than 24 hours before boarding a flight to Papua New Guinea. 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.

The government continues to limit available 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.

Domestic Restrictions
The government continues to restrict interprovincial flights and other domestic travel, except for vaccinated individuals and those with official permission or essential reasons, such as student or essential business travel, medical assistance or evacuation, or people returning to their usual residence. Transport between Central Province and the National Capital District (NCD) and Kerema Open Electorate, Gulf Province, may continue. Officials limit capacity on public transport services. Police have threatened to impound any vehicle that defies capacity limits, though compliance and enforcement vary.

Most other existing domestic controls remain in place throughout the country. 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 may occur with up to 100 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 to facemask requirements are in place for childcare centers, banks, children under 12 years old, and while eating.

Restaurant owners must submit seating area and compliance plans to provincial officials to maintain operations. Officials have permitted gambling establishments to reopen with specific requirements in place. All nightclubs and bars remain closed until further notice. 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.

Authorities could reimpose, extend, further ease, or otherwise amend any restrictions with little-to-no notice depending on disease activity over the coming weeks.

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