Asia and Oceania

Terrorism

There is a low threat from terrorism.  But you should be aware of the global risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks, which could be in public areas, including those frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers.  For further information see Terrorism Abroad.

 

Crime

 

Serious crime is particularly high in the capital, Port Moresby, and in the cities of Lae and Mt Hagen. Travel along the road between Nadzab airport and Lae, between the one and ten mile settlement areas continues to be dangerous. Armed carjackings are common in all three cities as are robberies, including those that take place inside shops and restaurants. Firearms and bush knives (machetes) are the criminals’ weapons of choice.

More organised gangs have started to appear and a number of people have been abducted and forced to open office safes while others are held captive until the ransom has been paid.

 

Rape and gang rape are a serious problem across the country.  For more general information see Rape and Sexual Assault Abroad. It is particularly dangerous to walk after dark in most major towns.  The situation is generally safer away from large towns.

Sporadic outbreaks of tribal fighting are a normal occurrence, especially in the Highlands Provinces, particularly the Southern and Western Highlands and Enga Provinces. Port Moresby is also not immune to such disputes.

Tribal fighters and criminals are becoming increasingly well armed through the trade in drugs for guns.  Although outsiders passing through are not normally targeted, you should avoid travel in areas where there is tribal fighting.  The rugged terrain and poor infrastructure limit the assistance that can be given.

 

For more general information see Victims of Crime Abroad.

 

Political Situation

 

Papua New Guinea Country Profile

 

Highland Provinces, in particular the Southern Highlands and Western and Enga Provinces are subject to inter-tribal disturbances without warning and you should exercise extreme caution, as law enforcement in these areas is weak.

 

The National Election recount of the Western Highlands Regional seat was completed in January and the results handed to the court. The court has nullified the results and ordered a by-election with the Electoral Commission yet to set a date. Tension between rival supporters is likely to be high during the period before and after the by-election. Outbreaks of tribal fighting may occur without warning. You should avoid large crowds, street rallies and political gatherings as these can turn violent.

Local Travel
 

The damage caused by cyclone Guba in November 2007 continues to make travel in and around Oro Province difficult.

 

We recommend that you do not use public buses known locally as PMVs.  There have been incidents of armed hold-ups of PMVs and of passengers being attacked and robbed of their personal belongings.  There are occasional rape attacks on Port Moresby PMVs.  Many PMVs are considered to be unroadworthy.

 

Highland Provinces, in particular the Southern Highlands and Western and Enga Provinces, are subject to inter-tribal disturbances without warning and you should exercise extreme caution, as law enforcement in these areas is weak.

 

Taxis are available in some major centres, but these can be badly maintained, and you should check about their reliability with your hotel or guesthouse.  If you use a taxi, ensure that you agree a fare before getting into the taxi, irrespective of whether or not there is a meter.  We recommend that family, friends or hotel courtesy buses should meet you when arriving at international or domestic airports.

 

If you intend to walk a trail or track, including the Kokoda Trail, we recommend that you check with a reputable tour guide that the tracks are open and safe to and pay the relevant fees prior to walking the Trail. Details can be obtained through the Papua New Guinea Tourism Promotion Authority (Tel: +675 3200211) or the Kokoda Track Authority (KTA) (Tel: +675 3255540). There have been serious attacks and robberies at both ends of the Kokoda Trail. Although community leaders have assured tourists of their safety and well-being while walking the Kokoda Trail, you are advised to exercise caution. WWII unexploded ordnance still exists in Papua New Guinea, particularly along the Kokoda Trail and at Milne Bay and Rabual.

 

Visitors to Bougainville Island should be aware that the Province has recently emerged from a period of separatist conflict.  You must provide notice of your intention to visit the island to the Bougainville Provincial Administration (Tel: +675 973 9798), and must contact the Administration again upon arrival.  The mountainous area in central Bougainville around the old Panguna mine is a ‘No Go Zone’.  We advise you not to enter the ‘No Go Zone’.  Foreigners who have entered the Zone without authorisation from the PNG Government have been questioned, some for many days, by PNG authorities and had their passports withheld on departure from the Zone.

 

Road Travel

 

When driving, you must keep your driving licence with you at all times.  You may use your United Kingdom or international driving licence for a period not exceeding one month.

 

Road conditions are generally hazardous throughout Papua New Guinea, and driving is commonly erratic.  Drivers should take extra care, especially in the hours of darkness.  Drivers who are involved in, or are witnesses to road accidents may find themselves at personal risk and should seek police assistance as soon as possible.  Traffic drives on the left.

 

For further information see Driving Abroad.