Emergency Help Abroad – Papua New Guinea

Crime & Legal Awareness

A concise overview of the key laws, legal expectations and enforcement practices travellers should understand before visiting Papua New Guinea — including behaviours that may be acceptable in the UK but carry stricter penalties or different interpretations abroad.

1. STRICT DRUG, WEAPON & ALCOHOL LAWS

• Possession, trafficking or use of illegal drugs is severely punished, with long prison sentences and no leniency for tourists.

• Carrying unlicensed firearms, knives or weapons is illegal and strictly enforced.

• Alcohol bans (“dry areas”) exist in some provinces — violating local alcohol laws can lead to arrest.

• Drink-driving is a criminal offence with heavy penalties.

• Disorderly behaviour while intoxicated can result in police detention or fines.

2. RESPECT FOR CULTURE, PUBLIC MORALS & ENVIRONMENT

• Many communities follow strict traditional customs (“kastom”), and disrespecting them can cause serious offence.

• Some villages require permission to enter — failure to ask can be seen as disrespectful or threatening.

• Modest dress is expected in rural areas; inappropriate clothing may be considered offensive.

• Littering, damaging natural areas or disturbing wildlife may lead to fines or community intervention.

• Public indecency, including explicit behaviour, is not tolerated.

3. PUBLIC BEHAVIOUR & CIVIL ORDER

• Violent crime, including armed robbery and carjacking, occurs frequently in some regions — especially Port Moresby and Lae.

• “Raskol” gang activity is present in certain urban neighbourhoods; avoid high-risk areas entirely.

• Police may request identification — carry your passport or a photocopy.

• Demonstrations can escalate quickly; avoid political gatherings.

• Arguing with police or resisting instructions can worsen the situation.

4. TRAVEL, TRANSPORT & ADMINISTRATIVE OFFENCES

• Driving without a valid licence or rental documentation is illegal.

• Road accidents must be reported — leaving the scene is a serious offence.

• Avoid travelling at night due to banditry, roadblocks and limited emergency services.

• Using unlicensed taxis or informal transport is risky and not recommended.

• Overstaying visas or failing to follow entry/exit rules can lead to fines and delays.

5. PHOTOGRAPHY, DRONE & SECURITY RESTRICTIONS

• Photographing airports, military sites, government buildings or police is prohibited.

• Drones require permission; unauthorised drones may be confiscated.

• Some communities consider photography disrespectful without asking first.

• Avoid filming or photographing security incidents, crime scenes or tribal disputes.

• Certain cultural sites have strict “no photo” rules.

6. ENVIRONMENTAL & SAFETY LAWS

• Removing shells, coral, plants or wildlife is illegal, especially in marine parks.

• Feeding wildlife, including marine animals, is prohibited in many areas.

• Entering protected forests, caves or tribal lands without permission can result in fines.

• Lighting fires in rural or forest areas without control is dangerous and often banned.

• Ignoring safety advice in volcanic zones, reefs or remote hiking areas can lead to life-threatening situations.

7. RESPECT FOR NATURE, CULTURE & HERITAGE SITES

• Climbing or touching sacred sites, tribal totems or ceremonial structures is forbidden.

• Removing artefacts, stones or cultural items from villages or heritage sites is illegal.

• Damaging community shrines or local artwork is treated extremely seriously.

• Trespassing on ancestral or tribal land without permission can cause serious conflict.

• Failing to follow conservation rules in UNESCO areas or national parks may result in fines.

What You Shouldn’t Do - Behaviours Travellers Should Avoid.

These are important behaviours and actions to avoid to stay respectful, safe and aligned with local expectations. Remember that what feels simple or familiar in the UK may be understood quite differently in Papua New Guinea.

• Don’t walk alone at night — violent crime risk is high in many areas.

• Don’t travel into unfamiliar neighbourhoods, settlements or villages without local guidance.

• Don’t buy, use or carry illegal drugs.

• Don’t show valuables such as phones, cameras or jewellery in public.

• Don’t use unlicensed taxis — arrange transport through hotels or trusted providers.

• Don’t enter villages or private tribal land without permission.

• Don’t engage in political discussions or attend demonstrations.

• Don’t photograph people without permission, especially in rural communities.

• Don’t drink tap water — use bottled or boiled.

• Don’t hike alone in remote areas — always use a guide.

• Don’t travel after dark on highways or remote roads.

• Don’t ignore warnings about volcanic activity, earthquakes or landslides.

• Don’t attempt to bribe officials or police.

• Don’t handle or remove cultural items, carvings or artefacts.

• Don’t feed wildlife or disturb marine ecosystems.

• Don’t rely solely on card payments — many areas require cash.

• Don’t display frustration or anger publicly — it can escalate situations.

• Don’t film or photograph restricted sites or security forces.

• Don’t accept food, drink or rides from strangers.

• Don’t swim alone on unpatrolled beaches due to strong currents and marine hazards.