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: 2026-10-06
⌕
Currency CodeRate
1INCH 2.099558
AAVE 0.001221
ADA 0.823720
AED 0.815155
AFN 14.341241
AKT 0.290042
ALGO 1.728305
ALL 18.206259
AMD 80.300667
AMP 346.156925
ANG 0.399136
AOA 203.319998
APE 1.385393
APT 0.270352
AR 0.049239
ARB 1.088776
ARS 337.364811
ATOM 0.121912
ATS 2.723406
AUD 0.318510
AVAX 0.019549
AWG 0.397312
AXS 0.169484
AZM 1,886.702716
AZN 0.377341
BAKE 864.764095
BAM 0.387093
BAT 2.104248
BBD 0.443924
BCH 0.000702
BDT 27.285785
BEF 7.983977
BGN 0.387093
BHD 0.083458
BIF 666.867427
BMD 0.221962
BNB 0.000284
BND 0.283996
BOB 2.662631
BRL 1.109526
BSD 0.221962
BSV 0.011116
BSW 539.399869
BTC 0.000003
BTCB 3.176799
BTG 0.336448
BTN 21.401143
BTT 597,043.357681
BUSD 0.221925
BWP 3.054917
BYN 0.677145
BYR 4,351.056914
BZD 0.446387
CAD 0.316708
CAKE 0.090763
CDF 512.953223
CELO 2.134273
CFX 4.045153
CHF 0.184617
CHZ 13.269205
CLP 215.975473
CNH 1.487816
CNY 1.488292
COMP 0.009056
COP 709.976313
CRC 101.566895
CRO 3.268590
CRV 0.602100
CSPR 87.016430
CUC 0.221993
CUP 5.316835
CVE 21.824377
CVX 0.100272
CYP 0.115836
CZK 4.841851
DAI 0.222052
DASH 0.003916
DCR 0.012036
DEM 0.387093
DFI 242.860033
DJF 39.487252
DKK 1.479245
DOGE 2.340929
DOP 13.302427
DOT 0.179397
DYDX 1.519164
DZD 29.837560
EEK 3.096746
EGLD 0.049663
EGP 11.637039
ENJ 6.704825
EOS 2.184193
ERN 3.329430
ESP 32.930723
ETB 36.104760
ETC 0.025013
ETH 0.000082
EUR 0.197918
EURC 0.197891
FEI 0.222059
FIL 0.185949
FIM 1.176765
FJD 0.499435
FKP 0.167975
FLOW 7.015327
FLR 30.793392
FRAX 0.224209
FRF 1.298255
FTT 0.859244
GALA 91.612486
GBP 0.167975
GEL 0.576100
GGP 0.167975
GHC 26,095.307315
GHS 2.609531
GIP 0.167975
GMD 16.427638
GMX 0.025280
GNF 1,951.527184
GNO 0.001828
GRD 67.440432
GRT 7.623037
GT 0.019828
GTQ 1.693886
GUSD 0.222420
GYD 46.334441
HBAR 2.204891
HKD 1.741836
HNL 5.951651
HNT 0.427757
HOT 484.675810
HRK 1.491210
HT 6.085541
HTG 29.004212
HUF 72.705647
ICP 0.063660
IDR 3,976.502285
IEP 0.155873
ILS 0.678794
IMP 0.167975
IMX 1.210514
INJ 0.029282
INR 21.401143
IQD 290.179445
IRR 399,204.476773
ISK 27.101123
ITL 383.221968
JEP 0.167975
JMD 35.124488
JOD 0.157371
JPY 35.094721
KAS 5.173822
KAVA 3.201741
KCS 0.029238
KDA 22.734619
KES 28.812643
KGS 19.412501
KHR 899.191060
KLAY 5.329427
KMF 97.369091
KNC 1.549612
KPW 199.793500
KRW 297.975981
KSM 0.043325
KWD 0.068610
KYD 0.184520
KZT 101.054600
LAK 4,980.545143
LBP 20,017.111368
LDO 0.484548
LEO 0.024961
LINK 0.016048
LKR 73.210239
LRC 21.619360
LRD 37.877569
LSL 3.695421
LTC 0.003186
LTL 0.683370
LUF 7.983977
LUNA 4.346581
LUNC 4,197.800108
LVL 0.139097
LYD 1.424132
MAD 2.215330
MANA 2.146392
MBX 7.504879
MDL 3.978029
MGA 982.946002
MGF 4,914.730011
MINA 1.647471
MKD 12.177184
MKR 0.000110
MMK 465.936968
MNT 797.992317
MOP 1.794091
MRO 88.866817
MRU 8.886682
MTL 0.084966
MUR 10.521493
MVR 3.431458
MWK 384.178349
MXN 4.012016
MXV 0.456087
MYR 0.906860
MZM 14,167.666388
MZN 14.167666
NAD 3.695421
NEAR 0.042476
NEO 0.087577
NEXO 0.261015
NFT 930,168.054341
NGN 293.443669
NIO 8.160025
NLG 0.436153
NOK 2.130360
NPR 34.257880
NZD 0.396552
OKB 0.001702
OMR 0.085424
ONE 1.515470
OP 1.651160
ORDI 0.048784
PAB 0.221962
PAXG 0.000054
PEN 0.764242
PEPE 51,322.667919
PHP 13.949496
PI 2.542739
PKR 61.372551
PLN 0.867004
POL 2.029731
PTE 39.678922
PYG 1,296.699536
QAR 0.807942
QNT 0.000858
QTUM 0.226435
ROL 10,579.387956
RON 1.057939
RPL 0.116077
RSD 23.246299
RUB 18.831220
RUNE 0.285894
RVN 90.466689
RWF 327.165498
SAND 3.375412
SAR 0.832357
SBD 1.790943
SCR 3.143812
SDD 13,321.728845
SDG 133.217288
SEK 2.229534
SGD 0.283996
SHIB 37,917.890707
SHP 0.167975
SIT 47.428981
SKK 5.962467
SLE 5.117309
SLL 5,117.309199
SNX 0.886516
SOL 0.001850
SOS 126.285811
SPL 0.036994
SRD 8.369258
SRG 8,369.258248
SSP 1,271.095457
STD 4,883.345046
STN 4.883345
STX 0.592317
SUI 0.185981
SVC 1.942167
SYP 2,886.349138
SZL 3.695421
THB 7.471163
THETA 0.958562
TJS 2.042858
TMM 3,894.742405
TMT 0.778948
TND 0.664293
TOP 0.534584
TRL 10,915,112.008984
TRX 0.660532
TRY 10.915112
TTD 1.502847
TUSD 0.222138
TVD 0.318510
TWD 7.054363
TWT 0.388814
TZS 585.621697
UAH 9.997011
UGX 892.319519
UNI 0.025054
USD 0.221962
USDC 0.222022
USDD 0.222120
USDP 0.223282
USDT 0.222074
UYU 8.966396
UZS 2,610.962175
VAL 383.221968
VEB 19,326,775,204.1698
VED 193.267752
VEF 19,326,775.204170
VES 193.267752
VET 25.435103
VND 5,769.983505
VUV 26.682508
WAVES 0.744010
WEMIX 1.159036
WOO 16.215373
WST 0.617763
XAF 129.825454
XAG 0.003669
XAU 0.000054
XAUT 0.000054
XBT 0.000003
XCD 0.600834
XCG 0.399136
XCH 0.141830
XDC 6.605025
XDR 0.164065
XEC 27,834.277399
XEM 353.538989
XLM 1.028468
XMR 0.000396
XOF 129.825454
XPD 0.000190
XPF 23.617856
XPT 0.000130
XRP 0.147731
XTZ 0.664333
YER 52.426913
ZAR 3.695421
ZEC 0.000166
ZIL 60.826718
ZMK 4,388.266333
ZMW 4.388266
ZWD 80.328042
ZWG 5.942262
ZWL 14,848.072982

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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.