Air Niugini announced a COVID-19 vaccination policy January 4. The policy requires all passengers aboard Air Niugini’s international flights to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19, regardless of the destination or transit country’s vaccination requirements. Exemptions are available only for a passenger who can provide a medical exemption issued by a medical practitioner, and for children under age 18, which is presently the minimum age for vaccinations in Papua New Guinea.
The United States does not currently require U.S. citizen passengers aboard flights to the United States to be vaccinated against COVID-19. However, as Air Niugini is currently the only international air carrier operating flights to/from Papua New Guinea, the policy effectively requires all international passengers – including U.S. citizens – to be fully vaccinated to fly into/out of Papua New Guinea.
Unvaccinated U.S. citizens are advised to carefully review Air Niugini’s policy for further information. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control has determined that COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective and recommends vaccination for everyone who is eligible. COVID-19 vaccination helps protect you from getting sick or severely ill and helps protect those around you. More information is available on the Centers for Disease Control website.
In Papua New Guinea, all persons age 18 or older, including U.S. citizens, are eligible for COVID-19 vaccination.