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: 2026-05-20
Currency CodeRate
1INCH 2.468694
AAVE 0.002578
ADA 0.914512
AED 0.842131
AFN 14.410819
AGIX 2.713861
AKT 0.289501
ALGO 1.954964
ALL 18.826868
AMD 84.356324
AMP 272.079614
ANG 0.413335
AOA 210.253053
APE 1.566387
APT 0.239536
AR 0.102790
ARB 2.026291
ARS 320.568716
ATOM 0.113910
ATS 2.714537
AUD 0.320479
AVAX 0.024487
AWG 0.410460
AXS 0.188276
AZM 1,949.111569
AZN 0.389822
BAKE 263.806895
BAM 0.385833
BAT 2.305762
BBD 0.458615
BCH 0.000614
BDT 28.188154
BEF 7.957978
BGN 0.385833
BHD 0.086220
BIF 682.815752
BMD 0.229307
BNB 0.000353
BND 0.293062
BOB 1.584359
BRL 1.147766
BSD 0.229307
BSV 0.015213
BSW 309.267257
BTC 0.000003
BTG 0.717363
BTN 22.169234
BTT 711,297.372955
BUSD 0.229406
BWP 3.110536
BYN 0.628304
BYR 6,283.043075
BZD 0.461697
CAD 0.315310
CAKE 0.156325
CDF 526.258573
CELO 2.801561
CFX 3.863760
CHF 0.180531
CHZ 4.992293
CLP 206.089286
CNH 1.559475
CNY 1.559548
COMP 0.010030
COP 851.159082
CRC 103.695525
CRO 3.309134
CRV 0.953914
CSPR 77.256790
CUC 0.229307
CUP 5.503489
CVE 21.753308
CVX 0.132725
CYP 0.115459
CZK 4.793594
DAI 0.229445
DASH 0.004552
DCR 0.013136
DEM 0.385833
DFI 253.713347
DJF 40.872055
DKK 1.474198
DOGE 2.192148
DOP 13.505032
DOT 0.183104
DYDX 1.500557
DZD 30.433095
EEK 3.086662
EGLD 0.057798
EGP 12.250815
ENJ 5.075425
EOS 2.813446
ERN 3.439609
ESP 32.823487
ETB 37.015346
ETC 0.025257
ETH 0.000107
EUR 0.197273
EURC 0.197126
FEI 0.230692
FIL 0.236449
FIM 1.172933
FJD 0.504748
FKP 0.170586
FLOW 6.348176
FLR 27.441987
FRAX 0.230962
FRF 1.294027
FTT 0.698775
GALA 67.006304
GBP 0.170586
GEL 0.611903
GGP 0.170586
GHC 26,479.303804
GHS 2.647930
GIP 0.170586
GMD 16.881207
GMX 0.034284
GNF 2,011.658781
GNO 0.001918
GRD 67.220819
GRT 9.075942
GT 0.032381
GTQ 1.748391
GUSD 0.229799
GYD 47.969463
HBAR 2.562167
HKD 1.796161
HNL 6.099520
HNT 0.276196
HOT 567.796838
HRK 1.486354
HT 1.590278
HTG 30.025071
HUF 70.947400
ICP 0.089628
IDR 4,048.548813
IEP 0.155365
ILS 0.666191
IMP 0.170586
IMX 1.325431
INJ 0.045137
INR 22.169234
IQD 300.430127
IRR 303,082.393888
ISK 28.289279
ITL 381.974040
JEP 0.170586
JMD 36.287825
JOD 0.162579
JPY 36.435202
KAS 6.559787
KAVA 3.885508
KCS 0.028602
KDA 27.730539
KES 29.695092
KGS 20.058153
KHR 919.805269
KLAY 4.483861
KMF 97.052017
KNC 1.595417
KPW 206.380733
KRW 343.197765
KSM 0.045753
KWD 0.070825
KYD 0.190696
KZT 108.295153
LAK 5,031.364305
LBP 20,470.443271
LDO 0.633493
LEO 0.022805
LINK 0.023734
LKR 79.017281
LRC 13.607595
LRD 41.975153
LSL 3.776697
LTC 0.004218
LTL 0.681145
LUF 7.957978
LUNA 3.581965
LUNC 2,987.852758
LVL 0.138644
LYD 1.459739
MAD 2.115298
MANA 2.563829
MBX 5.860209
MDL 3.986051
MGA 962.911554
MGF 4,814.557771
MINA 3.997340
MKD 12.160537
MKR 0.000134
MMK 481.485043
MNT 820.528951
MOP 1.850046
MRO 91.665457
MRU 9.166546
MTL 0.084689
MUR 10.870112
MVR 3.541734
MWK 397.630865
MXN 3.966820
MXV 0.450521
MYR 0.910215
MZM 14,645.296367
MZN 14.645296
NAD 3.776697
NEAR 0.137187
NEO 0.078758
NEXO 0.259492
NFT 811,652.534927
NGN 314.526424
NIO 8.439263
NLG 0.434733
NOK 2.125267
NPR 35.487401
NZD 0.390570
OKB 0.002824
OMR 0.088273
ONE 112.921215
OP 1.763228
ORDI 0.053501
PAB 0.229307
PAXG 0.000051
PEN 0.783868
PEPE 61,192.045329
PHP 14.099608
PI 1.510054
PKR 63.899138
PLN 0.837947
POL 2.519941
PTE 39.549711
PYG 1,414.478523
QAR 0.834678
QNT 0.003106
QTUM 0.254577
ROL 10,333.502762
RON 1.033350
RPL 0.131100
RSD 23.164411
RUB 16.395720
RUNE 0.519331
RVN 41.593661
RWF 335.659132
SAND 3.158884
SAR 0.859902
SBD 1.842740
SCR 3.353096
SDD 13,762.969027
SDG 137.629690
SEK 2.141520
SGD 0.293062
SHIB 39,434.668605
SHP 0.170586
SIT 47.274533
SKK 5.943050
SLE 5.239652
SLL 5,239.651609
SNX 0.721966
SOL 0.002641
SOS 130.861168
SPL 0.038218
SRD 8.515446
SRG 8,515.446120
SSP 1,079.455975
STD 4,871.784916
STN 4.871785
STX 0.940445
SUI 0.212478
SVC 2.006438
SYP 25.349787
SZL 3.776697
THB 7.466163
THETA 1.131999
TJS 2.131558
TMM 4,023.041490
TMT 0.804608
TND 0.666377
TON 0.111121
TOP 0.552250
TRL 10,452,449.885467
TRX 0.639957
TRY 10.452450
TTD 1.555011
TUSD 0.229624
TVD 0.320479
TWD 7.243650
TWT 0.495019
TZS 599.259480
UAH 10.151630
UGX 864.982797
UNI 0.063472
USD 0.229307
USDC 0.229426
USDD 0.229440
USDP 0.229663
USDT 0.229578
UYU 9.247557
UZS 2,772.649446
VAL 381.974040
VEB 11,890,532,105.7107
VED 118.901130
VEF 11,890,112.954905
VES 118.901130
VET 34.345683
VND 6,046.448769
VUV 27.277720
WAVES 0.589980
WEMIX 0.818940
WOO 13.307014
WST 0.620921
XAF 129.402690
XAG 0.003017
XAU 0.000051
XAUT 0.000051
XBT 0.000003
XCD 0.620834
XCG 0.413335
XCH 0.063393
XDC 6.543879
XDR 0.167840
XEC 31,522.677497
XEM 341.308064
XLM 1.587691
XMR 0.000567
XOF 129.402690
XPD 0.000167
XPF 23.540946
XPT 0.000117
XRP 0.166556
XTZ 0.669904
YER 54.716776
ZAR 3.776697
ZEC 0.000351
ZIL 57.662695
ZMK 4,355.044513
ZMW 4.355045
ZWD 82.986293
ZWG 6.018109
ZWL 15,037.594254

No currencies match your search.

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.