Papua New Guinea
Oceania · Updated April 2026
For most travellers to Papua New Guinea, CDC recommends hepatitis A, hepatitis B and typhoid vaccines. Depending on your itinerary and activities, Japanese encephalitis or rabies vaccination may also be advised, and malaria prevention is recommended in most areas. Yellow fever vaccination is only required if you arrive from a country with risk of transmission. See a travel doctor 4–6 weeks before departure.
Malaria risk exists year-round below 2,000 m, so antimalarial medication is recommended for most itineraries.
Required for entry
No vaccines are currently required for entry to Papua New Guinea from most countries.
Exception: Proof of Yellow Fever vaccination — Required for travellers aged 1 year and older arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission; not required for direct travel from the United States.
Recommended for most travellers
CDC advises these for all visitors to Papua New Guinea.
Hepatitis A
A contagious liver infection spread through contaminated food and water. Most travellers to regions with less reliable sanitation should get this vaccine.
Two doses at 0 and 6–12 months. Over 90% of people develop protective antibodies within a month of the first dose, so one dose is usually enough for the trip itself. No booster needed after the full series.
Blood & Body FluidsHepatitis B
A liver infection spread through blood, sexual contact, and contaminated medical or cosmetic equipment. Recommended for most travellers, especially those with longer stays or possible medical exposure.
The full series is three doses over 6 months. An accelerated 4-dose schedule (0, 7, 21 days, 12 months) is available when combined with Hepatitis A. Partial protection starts after the first dose.
Food & WaterTyphoid
A bacterial infection spread through food and water contaminated with the faeces of an infected person. Risk is higher in rural areas and when eating with locals.
The injected vaccine is a single dose at least 2 weeks before travel and lasts 2 years. The oral version is four capsules taken every other day, completed at least a week before travel, and lasts 5 years. Neither is 100% effective — safe food and water habits still matter.
Recommended for some travellers
Depends on your itinerary, activities, duration, or health.
Japanese Encephalitis
A mosquito-borne virus affecting the brain, found in rural parts of Asia. Risk is highest during rice-paddy season in rural areas.
Rabies
A fatal viral disease spread through the bite or scratch of an infected animal — most often dogs, bats, or monkeys. Pre-travel vaccination simplifies treatment after exposure.
Malaria
Not a vaccineMalaria occurs throughout the country in areas below 2,000 m elevation. Mostly P. falciparum with some P. vivax, and chloroquine-resistant. Atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline, mefloquine, or tafenoquine are recommended options.
Food & water safety
High riskTap water and ice are generally unsafe. Stick to sealed bottled water, boiled water, or water from a reliable filtration system. Avoid raw salads, unpeeled fruit, raw shellfish, and street food from vendors with poor hygiene. Wash hands thoroughly before eating.
Routine vaccines to be up to date on
CDC advises every international traveller to have these current.
Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR)
Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis
Polio
Flu (Influenza)
Chickenpox (Varicella)
Shingles
COVID-19
Entry requirements
For US citizens. Non-US travellers should check their government's guidance.
Dengue, Ross River virus and Zika are mosquito-borne risks, with leptospirosis and melioidosis acquired through contaminated water. Prevent insect bites, avoid contaminated water, and follow safe food and water practices.
Source: CDC Travelers' Health — Papua New Guinea.
Disclaimer:This information is for general guidance only, based on CDC Travelers' Health. It does not replace advice from a qualified travel health professional. Consult a doctor 4–6 weeks before your trip.