Safety in Papua New Guinea for Tourists: Areas to Avoid and Travel Advisories

Papua New Guinea is generally safe for tourists, but there are certain areas that should be avoided due to high crime rates and civil unrest. The areas to avoid include Port Moresby, Lae, and Mt. Hagen. Additionally, there are current travel advisories in place for Papua New Guinea due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and the risk of violent crime. It is recommended that tourists exercise caution and stay informed about the current situation before traveling to Papua New Guinea.

Exploring Safety in Papua New Guinea: A Tourist’s Guide

Papua New Guinea is a country that is located in the southwestern Pacific Ocean. It is known for its diverse culture, stunning landscapes, and unique wildlife. However, when it comes to safety, Papua New Guinea has a reputation for being a dangerous place. In this article, we will explore the safety concerns that tourists should be aware of when visiting Papua New Guinea.

Is the country generally safe for tourists?

Papua New Guinea is a country that has a high crime rate. The crime rate is particularly high in the capital city of Port Moresby. Tourists should exercise caution when traveling in Papua New Guinea, especially in urban areas. It is important to be aware of your surroundings and to avoid walking alone at night. Tourists should also avoid carrying large amounts of cash or wearing expensive jewelry.

In addition to crime, Papua New Guinea is also prone to natural disasters. The country is located in the Pacific Ring of Fire, which means that it is at risk of earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and tsunamis. Tourists should be aware of the risks and should follow the advice of local authorities in the event of a natural disaster.

What are the areas to avoid?

As mentioned earlier, the capital city of Port Moresby is known for its high crime rate. Tourists should avoid walking alone at night in Port Moresby, especially in the downtown area. The city’s suburbs are generally safer, but tourists should still exercise caution.

Other areas that tourists should avoid include the Highlands region and the island of Bougainville. The Highlands region is known for tribal conflicts, which can be violent. The island of Bougainville is still recovering from a civil war that ended in 1998. The island is generally safe for tourists, but there are still some areas that should be avoided.

Are there any current travel advisories?

The United States Department of State has issued a travel advisory for Papua New Guinea. The advisory states that tourists should exercise increased caution when traveling in Papua New Guinea due to crime, civil unrest, and a polio outbreak. The advisory also recommends that tourists avoid the Highlands region and the island of Bougainville.

The Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has also issued a travel advisory for Papua New Guinea. The advisory states that tourists should exercise a high degree of caution when traveling in Papua New Guinea due to the high levels of crime and the risk of natural disasters. The advisory also recommends that tourists avoid the Highlands region and the island of Bougainville.

In addition to these travel advisories, tourists should also check with their own government’s travel advisory before traveling to Papua New Guinea. It is important to stay up-to-date on any changes to the travel advisory, as the situation in Papua New Guinea can change quickly.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Papua New Guinea is a country that has a reputation for being dangerous. Tourists should exercise caution when traveling in Papua New Guinea, especially in urban areas. It is important to be aware of your surroundings and to avoid walking alone at night. Tourists should also avoid carrying large amounts of cash or wearing expensive jewelry.

In addition to crime, Papua New Guinea is also prone to natural disasters. Tourists should be aware of the risks and should follow the advice of local authorities in the event of a natural disaster.

There are also certain areas that tourists should avoid, such as the Highlands region and the island of Bougainville. These areas are known for tribal conflicts and civil unrest.

Finally, tourists should check with their own government’s travel advisory before traveling to Papua New Guinea. It is important to stay up-to-date on any changes to the travel advisory, as the situation in Papua New Guinea can change quickly.