Papua New Guinea
- Covid Travel information
View entry requirements here From 6 October 2022 there are no COVID-19 restrictions for international travel into PNG. Updated 6 OCT 2022
Papua New Guinea - the location, language, time difference
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.
- GMT + 10hrs
- Tok Pisin, English widely spoken
Papua New Guinea - 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.
Papua New Guinea - Currency and Tax
PNG kina, $USD widely accepted
A transaction fee is usually levied on all credit or debit card payments
How do I get there?
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.
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.
Are there any extension options?
You can easily combine a stay at the Febrina's home port, the Walinidi Plantation. We do not recommend any land extensions in PNG other than at the resort or liveaboard.
Passports and Visas
Passports - Must be valid for 6 months from return date
You must apply for and provide your visa approval letter prior to travel to PNG> 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 to review
Preparing to fly
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.
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.
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 for more info on Lounge Pass
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 for holiday extras
Current duty free allowances exclude goods that may be prohibited or restricted, such as weapons, objectionable (indecent) articles, wildlife products, or illicit drugs; goods in excess of the K1000.00 allowance (K500 for travellers under 18); more than 250 cigarettes or 250 grams of tobacco products per adult (over18); more than 2 litres of alcoholic beverage per adult (over18); or goods for commercial, business, or trade purposes Allowances can change without notice - please reconfirm before travel.
What do I need to arrange before I go?
You must apply for and provide your visa approval letter prior to travel to PNG> 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 to review
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.
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 to go to the NHS
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 in PNG are usually either provided by your liveaboard, a private transfer or airport shuttle.
What happens on departure day?
You will be advised locally of your departure transfer arrangements. There is a departure tax of 30PGK per person
Plugs and Electricity
PNG uses the same plugs as Australia & new Zealand, with 3 flat pins 240V. Remote locations may run on generator power