Latest updates: Health β updated information on chikungunya. Avoid non-essential travel to Papua New Guinea due to high levels of crime, inter-ethnic violence and civil unrest.
Back to top. Since September 11, , armed clashes have caused several casualties in Porgera Valley, Enga Province. There are reports of arson and looting. On September 17, , local authorities declared a state of emergency in the area. They have also issued:. After the February attacks in Enga Province, there have been heightened tensions in the neighbouring provinces of Hela and the Southern and Western Highlands, including the city of Mount Hagen.
Inter-ethnic tensions often lead to communal violence, sometimes deadly. They occur particularly in:. Violent crime, such as sexual assault, carjacking, home invasion, kidnapping, and armed robbery, is common and often includes the use of lethal weapons such as firearms or machetes. The Highlands provinces and the cities of Lae and Port Moresby are particularly affected. In Port Moresby, the area around Parliament and the suburb of Waigani experience increased levels of crime. Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and purse snatching, frequently occurs, particularly in public markets.
They are particularly frequent in the Two-Mile and Nine-Mile settlement areas. Violent attacks on vehicles travelling on the Highlands Highway also occur, particularly between Goroka and Kainantu.
Criminals may attempt to open doors of cars that are stopped or moving slowly in traffic. Assailants may assault their victims while robbing them. Criminals may demand tolls at illegal roadblocks and can assault you if payment is not made. Pirate attacks and armed robbery against ships occur in coastal waters, particularly in the Milne Bay and its capital, Alotau. Mariners should take appropriate precautions.
