Papua New Guinea

Overview

Water PNG has announced that a partial water shutdown will occur in Port Moresby beginning on 14 August 2026. This will result in a significant reduction of water supply to the city for at least 2-3 days. An extended reduction may affect your health and safety. 

You should consider preparing essential supplies to get through at least a few days.

Here are some things to prepare:

• Food and water (at least 3 days)
• Torches, radios, and batteries
• Cash
• Medications and a first aid kit
• Baby and pet supplies
• Fuel in vehicles.

The New Zealand Get Ready website has other tips for preparing for an emergency - Find out more on the Get Ready website.

In the event of an emergency, you should follow the advice of local authorities.

There are more significant safety or security concerns than you would usually find in New Zealand, with some areas where you should avoid non-essential travel. Violent crime is common.

Other things that New Zealanders travelling or living in Papua New Guinea should be aware of are:

• Road travel—avoid driving at night and exercise caution during the day. Armed and unarmed carjackings occur.
• Civil unrest—demonstrations and protests occur and can turn violent with little warning. Outbreaks of tribal fighting can occur.
•  Natural disasters and severe weather—Papua New Guinea is in an active seismic zone and earthquakes and landslides can occur. The Pacific cyclone season usually runs from November to April.
• Papua New Guinea experiences frequent disruptions to essential utility services, including water and power. Aging infrastructure and high levels of demand can lead to shortages.

New Zealanders travelling or living in Papua New Guinea should have a comprehensive travel insurance policy in place that includes provision for medical evacuation by air.

See below for detailed travel advice.

Nearest office