An entirely unnecessary tragedy, our deepest condolences to the family, be careful out there people.
Fresh off the DFAT site.
Papua New Guinea
This Advice is current for Monday, 15 March 2004, EDT
The Advice was issued on Friday, 09 January 2004, 16:04:59, EDT
This advice has been reviewed and reissued. The overall level of the advice has not changed.
In view of the ongoing risk of terrorist attacks globally and regionally, Australians in Papua New Guinea are advised to exercise caution and monitor developments that might affect their safety.
Visitors should take appropriate security precautions, avoid isolated areas and not walk alone, especially at night.
Australian travellers should be aware of the increased threat of terrorism globally and consult the 'General advice to Australian travellers' at address:
http://www.dfat.gov.au/zw.cgi/view/Advice/General .
Safety and Security
Australians in Papua New Guinea are advised to exercise caution and monitor developments that might affect their safety. Crime rates are high in the capital Port Moresby, including car thefts, assaults, bag snatching and other robberies. Lae, and some other urban centres in the Highlands provinces, have also experienced increases in criminal activity in recent years. Visitors should take appropriate security precautions, avoid isolated areas and not walk alone, especially at night. The settlement areas of towns and cities, and particularly those in Port Moresby, should be avoided. To date major hotels in most tourist and urban areas have been found to have reliable security measures in place.
Car hijackings and armed robberies continue in Port Moresby and in certain locations along the highway between Lae and the Nadzab Airport. Travellers should remain vigilant while travelling this road, especially the two and nine mile settlement areas. There have been outbreaks of ethnic violence in Lae andPort Moresby, particularly near settlements, marketplaces and some low cost housing. Travellers should avoid these areas, but also be aware that crime is opportunistic and can occur anywhere and at anytime. Violence and use of 'bush knives' (machetes) and firearms often accompany assault and theft attempts.
Prior to travel, Australians should ensure they have a variety of financial options available to them including credit cards, travellers cheques and US dollars cash. In particular, Automatic Teller Machine (ATM) locations should be confirmed with your card provider before travel.
Australians should only carry sufficient cash for their daily needs, secure their valuables against theft and avoid displays of wealth at all times. Under no circumstances should valuables be left unattended. Photocopies of valuables such as passport, tickets, driving licence and travellers cheques should be kept separately.
The Kokoda Track was reopened for all walkers on 23 November 2001 and landowners have made strong commitments to look after tourists and other visitors to the track area. Walkers should contact PNG's Tourism Promotion Authority (TPA) on telephone (675) 3200211 about payment of the applicable fee. Australians intending to walk the Kokoda Track should take due care during their trek and are advised to travel with guides from a reputable tour company. Facilities along the track are limited and conditions can at times be very demanding; walkers are advised to consult their doctor and register with the High Commission before undertaking the walk.
Bougainville has had an effective ceasefire in place since April 1998 following the nine year civil war, and is no longer closed to outsiders. However, several years ago landowners requested that outsiders stay away from the mountainous area in central Bougainville, around the old Panguna mine. Australians should still not travel into this 'No Go Zone' and are advised to exercise caution when travelling in other parts of Bouganville. Those planning to visit Bougainville should consider their travel plans carefully and discuss these with the High Commission before travelling.
Madang, New Ireland, East and West New Britain, East Sepik, Manus and Milne Bay Province are popular destinations for travellers and there have been few incidents involving tourists in recent years. This is also the case for many rural areas of Papua New Guinea's four regions (Papua, Highlands, Momase and New Guinea Islands). Nevertheless, it is recommended that sensible precautions be taken in these areas, particularly after dark and in remote locations.
Australians are advised not to use public transport in Papua New Guinea, known locally as PMVs, as it is unreliable and can be hazardous, due to poor maintenance and frequent robberies. Roads are generally in poor condition.
There are a number of active volcanoes in Papua New Guinea (Rabaul, Bougainville, West New Britain, Manam Islands). Travellers should be aware of potential eruptions and not climb any active volcano. Persons with respiratory problems may find that airborne ash exacerbates their condition.
Local Law and Customs
Australians are reminded that when overseas, they are subject to local laws. A violation of local laws may result in a jail sentence, served in a local prison.
Entry and Exit Requirements
Visa conditions are subject to change. For up-to-date visa information, Australians should contact the nearest Embassy or Consulate of Papua New Guinea, well in advance of travel.
Health Issues
HIV/AIDS is a serious concern and safe sex practices are essential.
Australians intending to visit or transit Papua New Guinea should be aware of quarantine procedures introduced by the PNG authorities for individuals showing symptoms of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS). Persons planning to visit or transit Papua New Guinea should be aware that as a result of screening arrangements recommended by the World Health organisation, individuals who show symptoms of SARS may be taken to hospital in Papua New Guinea for assessment and be required to remain in hospital if they are a suspected SARS case.
Malaria is prevalent in a number of areas, especially during the rainy season (November to April). Dengue is present throughout the entire country. Travellers should take appropriate medication and use both insect repellents and insecticide spray.
Whilst water in major cities and towns may be potable, it is advisable to drink bottled water, or boil or sterilise water before drinking. Oral Rehydration solutions are a necessity if travelling in the countryside.
Travellers should seek additional information on health issues, including appropriate vaccinations, from a doctor or a travel clinic before arrival. Contact details for travel health clinics can be found in our 'Travelling Well' brochure available on the department's website.
Travel and Health Insurance
Travel and health insurance is strongly recommended for all overseas travel. Travellers should check with their insurer to make sure that their policy meets their needs. In particular, they should ensure that their insurance covers medical evacuations. Travellers should be aware that some insurance companies will not pay claims which arise when travellers have disregarded the Government's travel advice.
Consular Assistance and Registration
Australians are strongly advised to register with the Australian High Commission in Port Moresby. Further information and consular assistance may be obtained from:
Australian High Commission
Godwit Road
Waigani NCD
Port Moresby Papua New Guinea
Telephone (675) 3259333
Facsimile (675) 3259239
Limited consular assistance, which does not include the issue of Australian passports, may also be obtained from:
Australian Consulate
Mataram Street
Morobe Province
Lae Papua New Guinea
Telephone (675) 4722466
Facsimile (675) 4722726
The department also offers an on-line registration service, accessible via the internet, at
http://www.orao.dfat.gov.au . Australians planning travel, and those overseas, are encouraged to monitor our travel advice updates, including through use of our free subscription service, at smartraveller.com.au.
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade in Canberra can be contacted for information on (02) 62613305.