Oceania · Melanesia

Papua New Guinea

Independent State of Papua New Guinea

Flag of Papua New Guinea
Local Time
--:--:--
UTC+10:00
🏛️ Capital
Port Moresby
👥 Population
11,781,559
📐 Area
462,840 km²
💱 Currency
Papua New Guinean kina (K)
🗣️ Languages
English, Hiri Motu, Tok Pisin
📞 Calling Code
+675
🕐 Time Zones
UTC+10:00
🌐 Region
Oceania / Melanesia

About Papua New Guinea

Papua New Guinea is one of the last great frontiers of human travel — a vast, wild, and extraordinary island nation where over 800 distinct languages are spoken and ancient traditions endure in ways that exist almost nowhere else on Earth. The island of New Guinea, divided between Papua New Guinea and Indonesian West Papua, contains some of the world's most biologically diverse rainforests, snow-capped mountains rising to nearly 4,500 meters, and coastal reefs teeming with spectacular marine life. If you are seeking an adventure that takes you genuinely off the beaten path, this is one of the most rewarding destinations on the planet.

The Highlands region is the cultural heartland of Papua New Guinea, home to dozens of distinct tribal groups who maintain elaborate ceremonial traditions of song, dance, body decoration, and featherwork. The annual Goroka Show and Mount Hagen Cultural Show draw tribal groups from across the country to share their sing-sing performances in an explosion of color, drumming, and ancestral pride that is unlike any festival you have experienced before. Villages throughout the Highlands welcome visitors with a warmth and curiosity that transforms a trip into a genuine exchange between worlds.

The coastal and island regions offer a completely different face of Papua New Guinea. The waters around Milne Bay, Kimbe Bay, and the Bismarck Archipelago are considered among the finest scuba diving destinations on Earth, with walls of coral, WWII wrecks, and marine biodiversity that routinely leaves experienced divers speechless. Port Moresby, the capital, serves as your gateway and hub, with improving infrastructure and growing cultural institutions that offer an accessible entry point into this breathtakingly complex country.

History & Background

The first humans arrived in New Guinea at least 50,000 years ago, making it one of the oldest continuously inhabited places on Earth outside of Africa. Agricultural practices in the Papua New Guinea Highlands, including irrigation systems for taro and yam cultivation, have been dated to at least 7,000 years ago — among the earliest in the world. These early farming communities developed complex social systems, exchange networks, and ceremonial traditions that have survived in remarkably intact forms into the modern era. Contact between Highland communities and the outside world was extremely limited until the 1930s, when Australian explorers flew over the densely populated valleys and discovered hundreds of thousands of people previously unknown to the colonial administration.

European contact began in the 1500s on the coast, and the country was eventually divided between British and German colonial administrations in the late nineteenth century. Australia administered the territory through both World Wars, and Papua New Guinea became the site of brutal and strategically critical fighting in the Pacific War from 1942 to 1945. Full independence was achieved on September 16, 1975, a date celebrated as Independence Day with national sing-sing festivals across the country. The legacy of over 800 indigenous languages reflects the depth of cultural independence that was maintained throughout the colonial period.

Culture & People

Papua New Guinea is home to one of the most extraordinary concentrations of cultural diversity on Earth, with over 800 languages and hundreds of distinct ethnic groups spread across its rugged terrain. The geographic isolation created by mountain ranges, rivers, and dense jungle allowed these cultures to develop largely independently, producing an astonishing variety of art forms, spiritual practices, agricultural systems, and social structures. Ancestral spirits (known as masalai) play a central role in daily life across many communities, and elaborate rituals of exchange, initiation, mourning, and celebration continue to structure social relationships in the Highlands and coastal regions.

Traditional arts in Papua New Guinea are among the most sophisticated in the world. Carved spirit boards from the Sepik River region are collected by major international museums; bilum woven bags are functional masterpieces used by women throughout the country; and the elaborate wigs, painted faces, and bird-of-paradise feather headdresses of Highland groups represent hundreds of hours of skilled preparation. The practice of bride price exchange, community garden cultivation, and the moiety system of kinship organization bind together social life in villages that in many ways operate as they have for thousands of years.

Food & Cuisine

Papua New Guinean food is earthy, nourishing, and rooted in the agricultural and foraging traditions of a country where the jungle and the garden are the primary sources of sustenance. Mumu is the most iconic cooking method — a traditional earth oven in which pork, sweet potato (kaukau), taro, banana, and greens are layered between hot stones and steamed underground for hours, producing incredibly tender, smoky, and flavorful results. Kaukau (sweet potato) is the staple crop of the Highlands and eaten at virtually every meal in some form. Sago palm starch, extracted from the pith of sago palms in coastal and lowland areas, forms the dietary base in many communities where it is used to make thick porridge, dumplings, and flatbreads.

In Port Moresby and larger towns, you will find a range of restaurants serving Chinese, Indian, Australian, and contemporary Pacific cuisine alongside local dishes. Fresh seafood — including grilled barramundi, lobster, crayfish, and coconut crab — is exceptional in coastal towns and island resorts. Markets everywhere sell vibrant displays of tropical fruits including pineapple, pawpaw (papaya), watermelon, and passion fruit. Local street food like pies, BBQ chicken, and roti sold from roadside stalls reflect the multicultural influences that have shaped urban Papua New Guinean cooking.

Top Attractions

  • Goroka Show — Witness hundreds of tribal groups from across the Highlands gather in full ceremonial dress for this spectacular annual sing-sing festival held every September during Independence celebrations.
  • Sepik River — Journey by dugout canoe through remote jungle to visit village communities renowned for their extraordinary carved spirit boards, masks, and ceremonial houses.
  • Milne Bay Diving — Explore what many divers consider the world's finest tropical marine biodiversity, including pygmy seahorses, walking sharks, and pristine coral walls.
  • Mount Wilhelm — Hike Papua New Guinea's highest peak (4,509 m) for sweeping views over the Highlands and the extraordinary experience of standing above the clouds.
  • Kokoda Track — Trek the historically significant and physically challenging jungle trail along which Australian and Papua New Guinean forces fought Japanese troops in 1942.
  • Rabaul Volcanic Landscape — Visit the dramatic caldera harbor town surrounded by active volcanoes, with WWII Japanese tunnels and shipwrecks adding historical depth to spectacular scenery.

Practical Travel Tips

  • Book all internal flights well in advance — air travel is the primary means of reaching remote Highlands and island destinations, and seats fill quickly.
  • Always travel with a reputable local guide or tour operator; independent travel outside Port Moresby and major towns requires local knowledge and connections.
  • Carry US dollars or Australian dollars for exchange — the Papua New Guinean kina (PGK) is available at local banks and exchange offices on arrival.
  • Malaria is prevalent throughout the country; consult your doctor about prophylaxis and bring DEET-based insect repellent and a mosquito net.
  • Respect local customs around photography — always ask permission before photographing people, ceremonies, or sacred sites, and accept refusals graciously.
  • Attend a sing-sing or cultural show if timing permits — these festivals are the most accessible and spectacular window into Papua New Guinea's extraordinary cultural heritage.
  • Travel insurance with emergency evacuation coverage is not optional here — medical facilities are limited outside the capital.

Visa Overview

Citizens of most countries can obtain a visa on arrival at Port Moresby's Jacksons International Airport, valid for up to 60 days. Citizens of Australia, New Zealand, most Pacific Island nations, and ASEAN countries are typically granted visa-free or visa-on-arrival access. A tourist visa fee applies on arrival. Travelers should ensure their passport has at least six months of validity beyond their intended departure date. It is advisable to confirm current visa requirements with the Papua New Guinea High Commission before travel, as regulations can change.

Getting Around

Air Niugini and PNG Air operate domestic routes connecting Port Moresby to major regional centers including Goroka, Mount Hagen, Madang, Lae, and the island provinces. Road travel between major Highland towns is possible by PMV (public motor vehicle — essentially a bus or truck), though roads can be rough and journey times long. In Port Moresby, hire vehicles come with drivers for security reasons, and this is strongly recommended for all visitors. Water taxis and small ferries serve the island provinces and coastal communities.

Safety Notes

Papua New Guinea has a high crime rate, particularly in Port Moresby and Lae, where petty theft and occasionally more serious incidents affect travelers. Travel after dark in cities is strongly discouraged. Use only recommended tour operators and accommodations, stay in contact with your hotel or guide at all times, and avoid displaying valuables publicly. Highland regions and island areas accessible via organized tours are generally safer. Always check current government travel advisories before departure and register with your embassy on arrival.

Live Exchange Rates

Current exchange rates for currencies used in Papua New Guinea.

Papua New Guinean kina (PGK) K
Updated: 2026-08-21
Currency CodeRate
1INCH 2.507972
AAVE 0.002252
ADA 1.088601
AED 0.818900
AFN 14.715535
AGIX 3.570043
AKT 0.425079
ALGO 2.541920
ALL 17.672423
AMD 81.305618
AMP 559.665992
ANG 0.402266
AOA 204.682898
APE 1.690801
APT 0.387262
AR 0.108159
ARB 2.443276
ARS 333.854063
ATOM 0.147356
ATS 2.624577
AUD 0.312778
AVAX 0.030760
AWG 0.399137
AXS 0.229521
AZM 1,895.344079
AZN 0.379069
BAKE 298.035385
BAM 0.373046
BAT 3.348146
BBD 0.445963
BCH 0.000990
BDT 27.275152
BEF 7.694250
BGN 0.373046
BHD 0.083841
BIF 663.682082
BMD 0.222982
BNB 0.000337
BND 0.283281
BOB 2.574913
BRL 1.158402
BSD 0.222982
BSV 0.013803
BSW 597.124653
BTC 0.000003
BTG 0.474390
BTN 21.347220
BTT 786,981.121822
BUSD 0.222955
BWP 2.997080
BYN 0.678966
BYR 4,370.064820
BZD 0.449098
CAD 0.307115
CAKE 0.134778
CDF 511.184906
CELO 3.293105
CFX 4.953624
CHF 0.178225
CHZ 16.889693
CLP 205.755870
CNH 1.499150
CNY 1.498982
COMP 0.011752
COP 684.737299
CRC 101.346704
CRO 4.154649
CRV 0.781049
CSPR 84.619126
CUC 0.222963
CUP 5.908506
CVE 21.032401
CVX 0.129946
CYP 0.111633
CZK 4.601717
DAI 0.223005
DASH 0.006736
DCR 0.018114
DEM 0.373046
DFI 413.854556
DJF 39.717039
DKK 1.425909
DOGE 2.714797
DOP 13.045821
DOT 0.263659
DYDX 1.964232
DZD 29.626064
EEK 2.984369
EGLD 0.074634
EGP 11.344916
ENJ 8.491598
EOS 3.190348
ERN 3.344725
ESP 31.735712
ETB 36.340767
ETC 0.031962
ETH 0.000095
EUR 0.190735
EURC 0.191382
FEI 0.222926
FIL 0.298906
FIM 1.134062
FJD 0.489894
FKP 0.163404
FLOW 7.673397
FLR 32.055441
FRAX 0.224695
FRF 1.251143
FTT 1.025271
GALA 137.361648
GBP 0.163404
GEL 0.579868
GGP 0.163404
GHC 24,731.263117
GHS 2.473126
GIP 0.163404
GMD 16.537305
GMX 0.032094
GNF 1,960.327151
GNO 0.001814
GRD 64.993112
GRT 14.750182
GT 0.030964
GTQ 1.701993
GUSD 0.223310
GYD 46.686161
HBAR 3.007152
HKD 1.748826
HNL 5.982128
HNT 1.225173
HOT 630.682462
HRK 1.437096
HT 4.742201
HTG 29.207049
HUF 69.551198
ICP 0.093506
IDR 3,956.658592
IEP 0.150216
ILS 0.669328
IMP 0.163404
IMX 2.016170
INJ 0.047045
INR 21.347220
IQD 292.528441
IRR 306,478.665793
ISK 27.085142
ITL 369.315374
JEP 0.163404
JMD 35.318297
JOD 0.158094
JPY 35.444358
KAS 7.746023
KAVA 5.252880
KCS 0.029637
KDA 45.681244
KES 28.860808
KGS 19.521651
KHR 897.553226
KLAY 8.262763
KMF 93.835701
KNC 2.045980
KPW 200.666307
KRW 308.068778
KSM 0.069817
KWD 0.068742
KYD 0.185479
KZT 101.910571
LAK 5,024.887462
LBP 20,015.432985
LDO 0.656794
LEO 0.023990
LINK 0.020698
LKR 73.658161
LRC 27.487347
LRD 40.486813
LSL 3.590705
LTC 0.004633
LTL 0.658571
LUF 7.694250
LUNA 4.816762
LUNC 4,180.580900
LVL 0.134049
LYD 1.413825
MAD 2.062769
MANA 3.162281
MBX 10.475682
MDL 3.832739
MGA 953.805346
MGF 4,769.026728
MINA 4.756873
MKD 11.760961
MKR 0.000148
MMK 468.198319
MNT 802.553494
MOP 1.801291
MRO 89.033148
MRU 8.903315
MTL 0.081883
MUR 10.401569
MVR 3.447202
MWK 387.045427
MXN 3.777229
MXV 0.429462
MYR 0.901843
MZM 14,231.244881
MZN 14.231245
NAD 3.590705
NEAR 0.126257
NEO 0.112302
NEXO 0.280596
NFT 801,832.557265
NGN 301.082500
NIO 8.210404
NLG 0.420326
NOK 2.080998
NPR 34.171562
NZD 0.373791
OKB 0.002077
OMR 0.085802
ONE 298.798754
OP 2.302186
ORDI 0.053277
PAB 0.222982
PAXG 0.000049
PEN 0.747651
PEPE 69,189.448497
PHP 13.753412
PI 2.448237
PKR 61.942805
PLN 0.823496
POL 2.758658
PTE 38.239029
PYG 1,344.386362
QAR 0.811653
QNT 0.003605
QTUM 0.273971
ROL 10,015.977549
RON 1.001598
RPL 0.136914
RSD 22.379465
RUB 18.461453
RUNE 0.496711
RVN 73.616043
RWF 328.151226
SAND 5.060192
SAR 0.836181
SBD 1.787047
SCR 3.131243
SDD 13,381.954659
SDG 133.819547
SEK 2.111729
SGD 0.283281
SHIB 44,917.843260
SHP 0.163404
SIT 45.707849
SKK 5.746097
SLE 5.106287
SLL 5,106.287065
SNX 1.047455
SOL 0.002524
SOS 127.505679
SPL 0.037164
SRD 8.432363
SRG 8,432.363166
SSP 1,253.131966
STD 4,712.102580
STN 4.712103
STX 1.501588
SUI 0.301182
SVC 1.951089
SYP 2,898.958285
SZL 3.590705
THB 7.322098
THETA 1.371594
TJS 2.062737
TMM 3,898.242095
TMT 0.779648
TND 0.646343
TOP 0.536996
TRL 10,714,554.015410
TRX 0.659419
TRY 10.714554
TTD 1.512576
TUSD 0.223336
TVD 0.312778
TWD 7.101441
TWT 0.542684
TZS 589.929070
UAH 9.959533
UGX 829.318560
UNI 0.058729
USD 0.222982
USDC 0.222973
USDD 0.223022
USDP 0.223296
USDT 0.223039
UYU 8.947096
UZS 2,641.059147
VAL 369.315374
VEB 17,330,958,750.7742
VED 172.829258
VEF 17,282,925.821718
VES 172.829258
VET 42.888120
VND 5,806.301704
VUV 26.440442
WAVES 1.082806
WEMIX 1.120957
WOO 19.205777
WST 0.605738
XAF 125.114269
XAG 0.003258
XAU 0.000049
XAUT 0.000049
XBT 0.000003
XCD 0.603694
XCG 0.402266
XCH 0.154102
XDC 7.778464
XDR 0.162843
XEC 32,126.244570
XEM 486.038733
XLM 1.205939
XMR 0.000536
XOF 125.114269
XPD 0.000166
XPF 22.760796
XPT 0.000120
XRP 0.173580
XTZ 0.995137
YER 52.863754
ZAR 3.590705
ZEC 0.000389
ZIL 88.157184
ZMK 4,230.790068
ZMW 4.230790
ZWD 80.697060
ZWG 5.938116
ZWL 14,837.714658

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Visa Requirements

Check what visa a citizen of Papua New Guinea needs to enter any country.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the capital of Papua New Guinea?
The capital of Papua New Guinea is Port Moresby.
What currency does Papua New Guinea use?
Papua New Guinea uses the Papua New Guinean kina (K) as its official currency.
What language is spoken in Papua New Guinea?
The official language(s) of Papua New Guinea include English, Hiri Motu, Tok Pisin.
What is the population of Papua New Guinea?
Papua New Guinea has a population of approximately 11,781,559 people.
What region is Papua New Guinea in?
Papua New Guinea is located in Oceania, specifically in the Melanesia subregion.
What is the international calling code for Papua New Guinea?
The international dialing code for Papua New Guinea is +675.
What time zones does Papua New Guinea observe?
Papua New Guinea observes the following time zone(s): UTC+10:00.
What is the current time in Papua New Guinea?
The local time in Papua New Guinea is currently --:--. This time applies to the primary time zone.
What is the total area of Papua New Guinea?
Papua New Guinea covers a total area of 462,840 km².
How many states or provinces does Papua New Guinea have?
Papua New Guinea is divided into 24 states or provinces.
What are the public holidays in Papua New Guinea in 2026?
You can view the complete list of public holidays for Papua New Guinea in 2026 on the Holidays 2026 page.
What are the visa requirements for citizens of Papua New Guinea?
Visa requirements for citizens of Papua New Guinea vary by destination. Use our Visa Requirements Checker below to look up requirements for any destination country.