Papua New Guinea
Papua New Guinea lies in the south-western Pacific, north of Australia, and shares a border with Western New Guinea, a province of Indonesia. It consists of the mainland and several island archipelagos. It has low-lying coastal regions, central highlands, and many islands to the north and north-east, some of which are also mountainous. To the north is the Bismarck Sea, to the east is the Solomon Sea and to the south is Torres Strait.
The climate is hot and humid, with high rainfall in coastal areas.
![]({"file":"ac2c52c8-d785-483d-9ded-ea34fee2555a.jpg","breakpoints":{"xs":{"width":480,"mode":"resize","quality":80},"md":{"width":720,"mode":"resize","quality":80},"xl":{"width":1920,"mode":"resize","quality":80}}} "Papua New Guinea 3")
Insect Avoidance
In many countries, insects carry dangerous diseases. While mosquitoes pose the main risk to travellers, bites from sand flies, ticks, fleas and bedbugs can also transmit diseases. Ensure you are prepared and read up on our insect avoidance tips.
Vaccination Recommendations/Requirements
Before you travel, make sure that you are up to date on all routine vaccines recommended for you based on your age and underlying risk profile.
These include:
- Chickenpox (Varicella): either previous disease or vaccination
- Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis
- Flu (Influenza)
- Hepatitis B
- Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR): travellers born during or after 1966 are recommended to have received two vaccinations previously
- Meningococcal ACWY
- Polio: per childhood schedule
- SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19)
Additional vaccines may be required or recommended for this destination. This will vary depending on your medical history, prior immunisations, length of travel, season of travel, itinerary and other relevant factors.
Safe Eating and Drinking Practices
One of the great pleasures of travel is sampling the local cuisine. However, contaminated food and beverages are a common cause of traveller’s diarrhoea and other gastrointestinal illnesses. Safe eating and drinking practices are essential in minimising your risk of contracting traveller’s diarrhoea.
Warm Climates
Travellers often spend more time outdoors while travelling in warm climates. It is important to make sure you apply sunscreen regularly and stay hydrated, as dehydration and heat stroke often go unrecognised.
Pre-travel Preparation Will Help Protect Your Health While You Are Away
Polio in Papua New Guinea
PNG remains susceptible to reinfection following the detection of vaccine-derived poliovirus in 2018.
We recommend that you check that your polio vaccinations are up to date.
To find out whether polio vaccinations or boosters are advised for your itinerary, speak with your travel health practitioner.
Health Risks
The following diseases are known to occur in the area:
Disclaimer: The following information is intended as a guide only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice.
Health Alerts
No health alerts found.
Don't leave your health to chance.
Book with one of our travel medicine clinics today to get our advice and better protect your health on your next trip.
![Book with one of our travel medicine clinics today to get our advice and better protect your health on your next trip.]({"file":"cta-image-01.jpg","breakpoints":{"xs":{"width":480,"mode":"resize","quality":80},"md":{"width":720,"mode":"resize","quality":80},"xl":{"width":1920,"mode":"resize","quality":60}}} "Don't leave your health to chance.")