IsIt Legal Here

Papua New Guinea

VERIFIED · MAY 202623 ENTRIESOTHER

Papua New Guinea is in Other. Review the laws below before your trip — every entry has a source link, and the verdict layer is sorted worst-first.

HEADS UP

High violent-crime rates in Port Moresby and some highland areas — many Western governments advise caution. Drug penalties strict. Buai (betel nut) restrictions in cities. Same-sex relations criminalized.

DO NOT BRING

Drug trafficking · Same-sex relations · Possessing pornography

Medications

4 entries

Substances

5 entries

Items

4 entries

Activities

4 entries

Digital

3 entries

COMMON MISCONCEPTIONS

  • Betel nut (buai) is sold openly but chewing/spitting in central Port Moresby has fines.
  • Same-sex relations remain criminal — rainbow merchandise can attract attention.

JURISDICTION NOTES

  • Highlands provinces (Hela, Southern Highlands) and parts of Port Moresby have heightened security advisories.
  • Tribal land disputes can flare unexpectedly; trekking permits often require landowner consent in addition to government permits.

OFFICIAL SOURCES

Author: Petr KindlmannSoftware builderNot a lawyer
Last verified · May 2026

Information only. Not legal advice. Laws change and enforcement varies — consult a qualified attorney for your jurisdiction before acting.