Papua New Guinea
Last update 23 March 2023Diplomatic missions
Risk index
Level 3: Increased level of risk (recommendation not to travel in certain areas of the country unless necessary)
3
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Independant State of Papua New Guinea
The Republic of Bulgaria does not have an embassy in the capital city of Port Moresby. Papua New Guinea is serviced by the Bulgarian Embassy in Canberra, Australia.
Embassy of the Republic of Bulgaria in Canberra
Address: 29 Pindary Crescent str, O’Malley, Canberra, ACT 2606
Postal Address: P.O.Box 6096 Mawson, ACT 2607 Canberra, Australia
Telephone: +61 02 62869711; +61 02 62869700
Fax: +61 02 62869600
Office hours: 09.00 am – 5.30 pm
E-Mail: [email protected]
Website: www.mfa.bg/embassies/australia
The Papua New Guinea Embassy in Brussels is accredited to Bulgaria.
Embassy of the Independant State of Papua New Guinea in Brussels
Address: Av. De Tervuren 430, 1150 Brussels, Kingdom of Belgium
Phone: +32 02 7790609
Fax: +32 02 7727088
Email: [email protected]
General information
general information
Local currency
1 Kina (K) = 100 Toea (t)
Crime Level and Security
High security risk! Current political tensions can lead, under certain circumstances, to unrest in the country. Following the attempted coup d’état on 26.01.2012, the situation in the capital Port Moresby has normalised. However, you are advised to avoid crowded places where large groups of people gather.
There are sporadic outbursts of violence not only in the capital city, but also along the border with Indonesia. Domestic flights from the capital to the cities of Lae, Vanimo, Kiunga, and Wewak, have been suspended indefinitely.
As a whole, the country presents an increased security risk. Armed robberies and violence are commonplace. Particular risks are reported for the capital Port Moresby, Mt. Hagen and Lae, and also when travelling on the highway to the airport in Nadzab. You are strongly advised not to make independent travel arrangements and only take organised trips with local escort. Women travelling alone are at a particular risk for their personal safety. After nightfall, no walks or road trips should be taken.
Despite the peace agreement signed between the Government and local "independence fighters", it is advisable to be very cautious during any trip you might take to the island of Bougainville.
Customs Regulations
You can bring into the country an unlimited amount of money in local and foreign currency. It is advisable to carry US dollar bills, travel checks, or credit cards. You can bring any items for personal use duty-free, including up to 260 cigarettes, 250 g tobacco, and 1 litre of liquor. There is a strict prohibition on the import of any animal food products, except those originating in New Zealand and Australia, as well as on the import of live animals and plants without proper permits. Taking animals and plants out of the country is prohibited.
Local Laws
In Papua New Guinea, male homosexuality is considered illegal. Homosexuality is punishable by imprisonment of up to 14 years.
Road Travel
The typical means of transport in the country include domestic airlines and water transport. There aren't many highways connecting various settlements; those that do exist are only partially paved. With the exception of the capital city, roads are generally in poor condition. Besides the risk of attacks, there is also an increasing risk of road accidents. At night-time, trips to the countryside, the use of public transport and taxis are not recommended. Please only use the taxi services provided by reputable hotels. Domestic airline services are unreliable.
Health
The healthcare system is very basic by Western European standards.
Since early November 2010, the Western Province, and in particular the island of Daru, have been affected by a new wave of cholera with resulting human deaths. Other affected areas, according to the Ministry of Health, include the provinces of Morobe, Madang, East Sepik, West Sepik, Southern Highlands, as well as the metropolitan area of Port Moresby.
The number of AIDS-infected people is also growing, posing an increasingly serious problem for the country. In case of serious health problems, treatment in the country is not recommended, especially if surgery is needed.
Because of deaths from cholera and the widespread cases of seasonal flu and dysentery, in September 2009 the government announced a state of emergency. Cases of tuberculosis, typhus, and hepatitis A, B and C are also spread in the country. The risk of contracting malaria is high, except for the capital city. Across the country there have been outbreaks of dengue fever transmitted by mosquitoes. At the end of January 2011, a new epidemic of malaria and influenza was reported in the province of Chimbu, which resulted in fatalities, including many children.
Poisonous snakes are common in Papua New Guinea, especially during the rainy season.
Climate
Hot and humid tropical climate throughout the year, without major temperature fluctuations. The period of the northwest monsoons lasts from November to March, and the period of the southeast trade winds is between April and October.
For further information about the country please contact Papua New Guinea Embassy in Washington D.C. HERE
Travel papers and visas
You will need a passport valid at least six months from the date of arrival, and a visa. Bulgarian nationals can obtain a 60-day tourist visa on entry, at the airport in the capital Port Moresby. The fee is paid in local currency and amounts to 100 kinas.
There is no requirement for special vaccines, except for yellow fever if you are planning a visit to an affected area. However, it is recommended that you have been vaccinated against diphtheria, tetanus, poliomyelitis, hepatitis A and B, and typhoid fever.
For further information please contact the Bulgarian National Centre for Infectious and Parasitic Diseases at: +359 2 944-69-99/221.
Practical advice
Please avoid major physical activity during the period of adaptation.
Make sure you drink enough water on hot days.
Avoid fatty foods; alcohol weakens the human body's already reduced functional capacity.
Make sure you maintain proper personal hygiene and wash your hands frequently using soap.
Thoroughly wash fresh fruits and salads.
Drink only bottled water or tap water which has been boiled.
It is advisable to carry the most essential medicines in your luggage.
Competitive service
Emergency Travel Document
In case of emergency - damaged, lost or stolen passport - Bulgarian citizens can apply for a temporary EU passport to the Embassy of any EU Member State in Papua New Guinea.