Papua New Guinea’s National Control Centre (NCC) announced updated quarantine requirements for incoming travelers and implementing restrictions for three “high-risk” provinces.
Effective immediately, travelers who are fully vaccinated and coming from a country that is not deemed to be “high-risk” (currently India and the Philippines) will be able to enter Papua New Guinea without quarantine. Travelers will undergo COVID-19 testing at the airport upon arrival. If the test is negative, the traveler will be free to depart the airport. If the test is positive, the traveler must immediately enter a 14-day quarantine at the traveler’s expense.
The requirements to present a negative result for a COVID-19 PCR or Abbot Panbio Antigen Rapid Diagnostic test performed within 72 hours of the traveler’s commencement of travel to Papua New Guinea and to receive specific, advance approval to enter the country remain in effect.
Effective September 30, 2021, the NCC has designated Western, Eastern Highlands, and West Sepik as “high-risk” provinces, and will implement restrictions on public or religious gatherings, public venues, and domestic passenger movements on aircraft into/within/from these provinces. The only pre-approved travel into/within/from these provinces will be for health workers, business travel, and students. Additional details regarding restrictions applicable to “high-risk” provinces can be found in NCC Domestic Measure No. 3 (September 24, 2021)
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Actions to Take:
- All U.S. citizens should enroll in the Department of State’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive Alerts and ensure you can be located during an emergency.
- Visit our Embassy webpage on COVID-19 for information on conditions in Papua New Guinea.
- Refer to our website for the latest Alerts and Messages for U.S. citizens.
- Consult the CDC website for the most up-to-date information and the most recent information on what you can do to reduce your risk of contracting COVID-19.
- Visit the COVID-19 crisis page on Travel.State.gov for the latest information.
- Check with your airlines, cruise lines, or travel operators regarding any updated information about your travel plans and/or restrictions.