Papua New Guinea- FAQs
Pre-Arrival - Boat: All vessels are required to give notice of impending arrival to Customs, Quarantine and Immigration no later than 48 hours and complete the Small Craft Pre Arrival Information M9 form. See Clearance for full details.
Pre-Arrival - Crew: All visitors and crew must obtain an e-visa online and then file all official documents required by Customs and Immigration at least THREE DAYS in advance of arrival. See Immigration for full details.
Where can I enter? Ports in Papua New Guinea designated for yachts entering the country, include Alotau, Daru, Lae, Madang, Oro Bay, Port Moresby and Vanimo. Kavieng on New Ireland is also a popular port of entry, especially for yachts heading north or south. Rabaul is also a Port of Entry, but due to security issues, yachts are advised to anchor at nearby Kokopo. Buka on Buka Island in the Autonomous Region of Bougainville is recommended by cruisers for friendly and helpful officials. Click on the anchor symbol in the blue "Explore Country" drop down to see all Ports of Entry.
Are fees high to enter by yacht? The online e-visa costs US$50 per person and Quarantine charges a small fee for inspection. See Fees for more information.
What security concerns should I know about? Papua New Guinea has a high violent crime rate against both locals and foreigners. In recent years, the violence and unrest on the mainland has spread to some of the previously untouched, outlying islands, particularly where there are mine sites. However, cruisers who have sailed the northern coast report feeling safe. See Security and Reports for more information and Cruiser experiences.
Papua New Guinea Facts for Sailors
- One of the most fascinating countries in the world, Papua New Guinea is definitely best visited by cruising boat. This not only gives one the opportunity to catch a glimpse of life in a society still following ancient ways, but also avoids the lawlessness that has affected the large towns (on the mainland) of this rich, but poorly managed, country. Outside of the main centres life is little changed and by using common sense one should be able to avoid the few hot spots of trouble (see security section below).
- A cruise in Papua New Guinean waters has been for many people the highlight of their world cruise, and if one chooses one's itinerary carefully it is a country well worth visiting.
- Over the years 1989-1997, the Bougainville region - in particular Bougainville Island - suffered great destruction of life and property during a civil war. The region is now self-governing and is attempting to break away from the rest of PNG. However, cruisers who visited in September/October 2025 reported on helpful officials and a friendly welcome wherever they went, with no issues.
- Nissan Island (part of Bougainville to the north) is spectacular and welcomes cruisers.
- The Royal Papua Yacht Club in Port Moresby has its own secure marina and welcomes visiting yachts. There are a large number of locally owned yachts in Port Moresby, where facilities are generally good.
- Lae is a mining and transport hub and as such has an abundance of industries that can assist in yachting repairs and maintenance.
- Rabaul, on New Britain Island, was always a popular spot among cruising yachts, many of whom used to spend the cyclone season in its landlocked harbour, which is the crater of a volcano. In recent years the town has suffered two destructive volcanic eruptions and sadly is now considered a dangerous port to visit.
- Madang on the northern coast of New Guinea also has a well-protected harbour in an area scattered with islands, reefs and lagoons. Once a popular stop for Indonesia-bound yachts, it too is now considered a dangerous port to visit.
- The best cruising in Papua New Guinea is found among the many islands to the east of the main island, where islanders still live a peaceful life and sail large traditional canoes for fishing and trading voyages.
- Facilities in the smaller towns and outer islands are often basic. There are small boatyards with their own slipways dotted about the country, so one is never too far away should the need arise for some emergency repair. However, all essential spares should be carried on board and one should also provision the boat in one of the major centres before sailing to the islands. See Yachting Essential for more details.
- Situated in the centre of the Asia-Pacific region, surrounded by the Coral, Bismarck and Solomon Seas, whose constant movements feed and enrich the marine environment, PNG has twice as many marine species as the waters of the Red Sea and an estimated 10 times as many as the Caribbean. Its diving has been rated the Top Dive Destination in the World in Rodale’s Scuba Diving Readers Choice Awards.
- In November 2023 the country announced more than 16,000 km2 of new Marine Protected Areas in the New Ireland Province - the Mural MPA and the Lovongai MPA - to safeguard the habitats of marine turtles, dugongs, whales, dolphins, sharks and ray species.
- PNG is famous for its cultural and colourful festivals. It is possible to find a safe, protected anchorage to leave your vessel and attending these festivals in the highlands, the most famous of which is the Mt Hagen Festival which takes place in August.
