Location: Papua New Guinea
Event: Issuance of Amended COVID-19 Emergency Measures for International and Domestic Travel
U.S. citizens in Papua New Guinea (PNG) are advised that the Office of the Controller issued amended COVID-19 emergency measures related to international and domestic travel.
International Travel:
In addition to existing protocols for entering PNG, the amended measures impose the following new requirements for inbound international travel:
- All travelers who are eligible for vaccination at their point of origin must be fully vaccinated before entering PNG.
- All travelers are subject to a 21-day quarantine at the traveler’s expense and at a government-approved quarantine site.
- All travelers are subject to COVID-19 tests to be administered at the respective quarantine site on the 1st, 7th, and 21st days of quarantine.
While all previously issued and still valid approvals to enter PNG will be honored under the new measures, all travelers are subject to the new requirements and all prior approvals for shortened quarantine periods and home-based quarantines were revoked.
There are no new requirements for outbound international travelers, and as of July 2, 2021, there are no changes to Air Niugini’s international flight schedules or routes as a result of the new measures.
Domestic Travel:
For persons who have been vaccinated against COVID-19, the amended measures permit all routine and emergency domestic travel.
Unvaccinated persons who wish to undertake interprovincial travel must have a valid reason—including student travel, return to a habitual place of residence, conduct of essential business, and urgent medical assistance—or have approval from the Controller, the Controller’s delegate, or the provincial administrator from the traveler’s province of origin.
COVID-19 Vaccines:
U.S. citizens should follow local developments and contact provincial and district health officials to inquire about and/or obtain COVID-19 vaccinations.
The U.S. government does not plan to directly provide COVID-19 vaccinations to private U.S. citizens overseas.
Consular Services:
The Embassy continues to have capacity to provide all routine and emergency citizenship services to U.S. citizens in PNG. The Embassy regularly updates its own COVID-19 information page, including the status of consular services and a summary of international transportation options and requirements. The Embassy does not provide health and medical services to private U.S. citizens and cannot make travel arrangements.
Actions to Take:
- Contact provincial and district health officials to inquire about and/or obtain COVID-19 vaccination services.
- Avoid non-essential travel and take steps to avoid exposure by yourself, your family, and your community to COVID-19.
- Follow the direction of provincial and national governments and health authorities.
- Monitor local media and the PNG government’s COVID-19 portal for up-to-date information on the national situation.
- Monitor the Embassy’s COVID-19 information page for updates on international travel and consular services.
- Consult the CDC website for the up-to-date information on COVID-19.
- Review the Department of State’s COVID-19 crisis page for the latest information on international travel and for a listing of other U.S. Embassies’ COVID-19 information pages.
Travel from PNG to the United States:
- Carefully review Air Niugini’s travel advice and the “Transportation Options” section of the Embassy’s COVID-19 information page.
- Note that the Embassy’s summary of transportation options is provided for informational purposes only; we cannot make travel arrangements and we cannot direct air service providers.
- Be prepared to take a PCR COVID-19 test at Jacksons International Airport (POM) and arrive at the airport 4-5 hours in advance of your scheduled international departure in order to allow sufficient time for the testing process.
- Consult the CDC’s Frequently Asked Questions about U.S. COVID-19 testing requirements, including for information about extended itineraries with transits in third countries.
- Pay close attention to transit requirements in third countries, including routing, ticketing, and COVID-19 testing requirements, as well maximum transit times.
- Work with airlines directly or with a reputable travel agent who is familiar with PNG, Air Niugini, and Air Niugini’s partner airlines.
- If you transit Singapore or Hong Kong, ensure that you have a consolidated itinerary issued as a single ticket and that you and your baggage can be checked from Port Moresby to first U.S. port of entry.
- If you transit Brisbane or Sydney for more than eight hours, obtain a Subclass 771 transit visa; note that domestic travel within Australia, even to catch onward international flights, is not viable.
- If you transit Australia, complete a Travel Declaration within 72 hours of travel.
- If your transit in Australia is less than eight hours or you are allowed to remain in the airport for the duration of transit, ensure that your bags can be checked through to your first U.S. port of entry.
- If you transit Brisbane, complete this online form within 72 hours of your travel.
- If you transit Sydney, obtain the required quarantine exemption from the New South Wales government; see here for more on transiting in New South Wales.
Assistance:
U.S. Embassy Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea
Phone number: +675 308 2100
Email address: ConsularPortMoresby@state.gov
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/usembassyportmoresby/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/usembassypom?lang=en
U.S. State Department – Consular Affairs
+1 888 407 4747 or +1 202 501 4444
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