Location
PNG sits just south of the equator and only 160km north of Australia. Yet it feels a world away. The nation itself is made up of the eastern half of New Guinea island (the western half is a part of Indonesia) and many off shore islands. It is made up of several islands, the largest being West New Britain. It is here that you find the divers' paradise of Walinidi Plantation and Febrina.
Covid Travel Information
View entry requirements here
International passengers, over the age of 18, must be fully vaccinated to enter Papua New Guinea. Papua New Guinea nationals and permanent residents are exempt from this requirement. ‘Fully vaccinated’ is defined as having had the recommended number of doses of recognised COVID-19 vaccine
There is no pre-flight PCR test requirement for incoming passengers. COVID-19 testing on arrival is no longer required.
All domestic travellers must submit a health declaration form to the Provincial Health Authority on arrival. Domestic airline travellers may need to be tested for COVID-19. Testing requirements for domestic travel are at the discretion of each province, and travellers should check the latest requirements with their travel agent.
Face masks must be worn on all domestic flights.
From 18th March, when you travel to England from abroad you:
do not need to take any COVID-19 tests before you travel or after you arrive
do not need to fill in a UK passenger locator form
do not need to quarantine when you arrive
This applies whether you are vaccinated or not.
It includes people who are transiting through England.
Updated 13SEP 2022
Weather and Climate
PNG has a climate that mirrors much of the South Pacific. Officially the wet season runs from December to March, whilst the dry season is between May and October. However, the rainfall can be very localised and what happens on 1 island may not be happening on another one nearby! The conditions remain fairly warm and humid all year round, with average air temps ranging between 25-29C.
Travel
Flight options
There are several routes to PNG, with a total flying time of around 19 hours. Air New Zealand, Quantas, Cathay Pacific and Singapore airlines are the most common flight options. Most routings will require the final leg of your journey to be completed on a Air Nuigini code share flight. You will generally by flying overnight in both directions.
We are able to book most major airlines. If you have a specific airline you prefer to fly with, simply let us know in your booking request. A supplement may apply for regional departures. Times and any applicable supplements will be confirmed by your travel consultant before you finalise your holiday.
If you wish to make your own flight arrangements to Port Moresby, let us know and we can remove the cost of the international flights from your quote. We are unfortunately not able to redeem airmiles on your behalf. Please do not confirm any flight arrangements yourself before your holiday is confirmed by us.
Stopovers
Popular stop over destinations include Hong Kong, Singapore or Australia. Please speak to your travel consultant if you would like to add a few days in any of these locations and we will be able to adapt your flight routing accordingly.
Arrange before you go
Visa requirements
UK passport holders will be given a tourist visa on arrival in Port Moresby. Do ensure your passport has 6 months validity from your return date to prevent any issues with immigration. It is your responsibility to ensure your passport is valid and you fulfil entry requirements. Regulations can change: please review current FCO advice: click here
Insurance
Scuba Travel requires all of our customers to have diving insurance. Please make sure that you have appropriate cover for your diving activities.
We also strongly recommend you have travel insurance. It's worth taking out travel insurance once you have paid your deposit to ensure you are covered for unforeseen events and cancellation.
Find out more about our combined dive and travel policy click here
Immunisations
Your covid proof of vaccination must match your passport name and flight ticket name. Please speak to your local GP or check out the latest NHS advice on updating your NHS details or for other travel immunisations: click here
Preparing to fly
Seating
You will be able to manage your booking online once you have been ticketed (after you have paid your holiday balance). Most airlines will now enable you to select your seating at this point. There may be a small charge for prebookable seating before online check in opens. Please speak to the airline for more information about charges.
Check in
As you are flying with a scheduled airline, you will be able to check in online with your airline. Please visit their website for more information about when online check in opens.
Lounge
An airport lounge is a great way to start your holiday or to while away flight connections in comfort. Scuba Travel works with Lounge Pass to offer a huge range of affordable airport lounges around the world.
click here
Parking
Prebook your airport parking to save money! If you have a long way to travel, why not also look at booking an airport hotel. These aren't as expensive as you might think.
click here
What happens when I arrive?
Your exact arrival arrangements will vary. If you are connecting straight onto a domestic flight to Hoskins, please follow the directions in Port Moresby airport. Alternatively, if you are staying in the Holiday Inn hotel, please make your way to the hotel shuttle meeting point in the airport. Walinidi Plantation and Febrina are approx a 1hr drive from Hoskins airport.
If you have any issues, please contact us. We have an emergency contact, manned by a member of the team here in the UK. Please call 0044 7747 488 002. We will be able to help your rep locate you in the airport.
Transfers
Transfers in PNG are usually either provided by your liveaboard, a private transfer or airport shuttle.
Departures
You will be advised locally of your departure transfer arrangements. There is a departure tax of 30PGK per person
Info
Tipping
Currency
Phone coverage
Plugs and electricity
Extras
Hire equipment
Extras
Souvenirs
Nitrox/Gas
Payments
Deposits and Balances
Ways to pay
Group Payments