Papua New Guinea Crime Rate & Safety
Homicide statistics, crime trends, and travel safety for Papua New Guinea
Papua New Guinea recorded 9.3 intentional homicides per 100,000 people in 2010, a rate that is high by global standards. That places Papua New Guinea #43 of 195 countries by homicide rate, compared with the Oceania average of 5.9 per 100,000 and a world average of 5.2. Homicide rates have risen 11% over the past decade (from 8.4 in 2000). For travelers, the US State Department currently rates Papua New Guinea at Level 3 of 4: Reconsider Travel.
Homicide Rate
9.3 /100k
Safety Rank
#153 of 195
Travel Advisory
Level 3 of 4
Data Year
2010
Homicide Rate Trend (1998-2010)
Intentional homicides per 100,000 people. Homicide rates have risen 11% over the past decade (from 8.4 in 2000). Source: UNODC via World Bank.
How Papua New Guinea Compares
Intentional homicides per 100,000 people, latest available year per country.
Safety for Travelers
Summary of the current US State Department advisory for Papua New Guinea:
Reissued after periodic review with minor edits. Reconsider travel to Papua New Guinea due to crime, civil unrest, and piracy . Exercise increased caution due to kidnapping, unexploded ordnance, inconsistent availability of healthcare services, and potential for natural disasters. Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory. Do not travel to: Central Bougainville, particularly areas near the Panguna mine, due to civil unrest . The Highlands region, other than the towns of Mt. Hagen and Goroka, due to civil unrest .
Level 1
Exercise Normal Precautions
Level 2
Exercise Increased Caution
Level 3
Reconsider Travel
Level 4
Do Not Travel
Safety Guidance for Papua New Guinea
Practical safety information for visitors, from US State Department country information (last updated April 12, 2023).
Summary
Crime is a significant concern. U.S. citizens have been victims of violent crime, including sexual assault, carjacking, home invasions, kidnappings, and armed robberies. Tensions between communal or clan groups may result in violent conflict at any time, including in Port Moresby and other urban areas. Exercise a high degree of caution in remote areas, as law enforcement presence is extremely limited and tourist and transportation facilities are inadequate. Unexploded ordinance and mines may be found in Bougainville, East New Britain, and throughout the Papua New Guinea islands. Exercise caution when walking or hiking off marked roads and trails. There has been a recent uptick in small-scale piracy, particularly in waters surrounding Madang and Milne Bay.
Crime
Papua New Guinea has a high crime rate. Crime rates are highest in and around major cities such as Port Moresby, Lae, Madang, Mount Hagen, and Goroka, but crimes can occur anywhere. You are at a greater risk of violent crime such as sexual assault if you travel alone, especially if you plan to hike in isolated rural areas. Pickpockets and bag-snatchers frequent crowded public areas, including parks, golf courses, beaches, and cemeteries. Bag-snatchers may try to open doors of automobiles that are stopped or moving slowly in traffic. Please see our page on Personal Safety .
Victims of Crime
U.S. citizen victims of sexual assault are encouraged to contact the U.S. Embassy for assistance. Report crimes and law enforcement-related emergencies to local police by calling 112. In the event you are unable to get through to the police, operators with St. John Ambulance Service may be able to assist you by passing your request to the police control center. You may also contact the U.S. Embassy at +675 308 2100. Remember that local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crime. See our webpage on help for U.S. victims of crime overseas .
Tourism
The tourism industry is unevenly regulated, and safety inspections for equipment and facilities do not commonly occur. Hazardous areas/activities are not always identified with appropriate signage, and staff may not be trained or certified either by the host government or by recognized authorities in the field. In the event of an injury, appropriate medical treatment is typically available only in/near major cities. First responders are generally unable to access areas outside of major cities and to provide urgent medical treatment. U.S. citizens are encouraged to purchase medical evacuation insurance .
Organized Tours and Adventure Travel
Organized tours booked through travel agencies remain the safest means to visit Papua New Guinea, although on rare occasions, even persons participating in organized tours have been subject to violent crime and injury. If you choose to travel to Papua New Guinea with a group tour, here are some things to be aware of: Excursions to local shops, restaurants, and tourist sights should be done in groups. Security protocols, standards of professionalism, and pricing can vary widely among tour operators and local guides. Unscrupulous tour guides or criminal elements may attempt to extort money from tour groups and individual travelers through the use of informal roadblocks, unwarranted delays, or by imposing additional undisclosed fees.
Diving and Snorkeling
Scuba divers and or snorkelers are advised to check the references, licenses, and equipment of tour operators before agreeing to a tour. Confirm the dive operator is certified through one of the international diving associations, and that their certification is current. Confirm with the diving association directly that the operator is certified. Local dive masters may not consider your skill level when they organize a trip. Rent equipment only from trustworthy operators and be sure to receive training before using the equipment. Some rental diving equipment may not be properly maintained or inspected. Make sure that your travel medical insurance covers your sport. The Divers Alert Network (DAN) website has information on diver’s insurance. Deaths and serious accidents have occurred in the past because basic safety precautions were not taken during diving and snorkeling trips.
Other Water Sports
Exercise caution and common sense when engaging in all adventure sports, including but not limited to whitewater rafting, sea kayaking, and windsailing. Make sure your travel medical insurance covers your sport. Never participate in adventure sports alone. Before kayaking, rafting, or windsailing, check water conditions and wear a life jacket and helmet. Water conditions may become extremely dangerous during heavy rainfall, and flash floods are common.
Hiking
Exercise caution if you plan to hike the Kokoda Track, the Black Cat Track, Mt. Wilhelm, Mt. Giluwe, or other established or informal hiking trails in Papua New Guinea. Hikers have been attacked and killed, even along the most well-known routes. Local landowners occasionally threaten to close parts of the tracks due to local land and compensation disputes. Carry a first aid kit and observe all local and trail-specific regulations. Visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for more information about Adventure Travel .
Demonstrations
occur frequently. They may take place in response to political or economic issues, on politically significant holidays, and during international events. Even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and possibly become violent. Avoid areas around protests and demonstrations. Check local media for updates and traffic advisories.
International Financial Scams
See the Department of State and the FBI pages for information.
About This Data
Homicide figures are intentional homicides per 100,000 people, compiled by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and published by the World Bank (indicator VC.IHR.PSRC.P5). Homicide is the most reliably comparable crime statistic across countries because definitions of other offences (assault, theft, robbery) vary widely between national legal systems and reporting practices.
Travel advisory levels are issued by the US Department of State and updated continuously. They reflect risks to travelers including crime, terrorism, civil unrest, health, and natural disasters — not only crime rates. Countries report crime data with different lags; the most recent available year is shown for each metric.
Papua New Guinea Population & Demographics
Population of 10,576,502, growth trends, economy, and more.
Crime & Safety in Neighboring Countries
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Papua New Guinea safe to visit?
The US State Department rates Papua New Guinea at Level 3 of 4 (Reconsider Travel). The homicide rate of 9.3 per 100,000 is high by global standards.
What is the crime rate in Papua New Guinea?
Papua New Guinea has an intentional homicide rate of 9.3 per 100,000 people (2010, World Bank/UNODC), ranking #43 of 195 countries.
What is the US travel advisory level for Papua New Guinea?
Papua New Guinea is currently at Level 3: Reconsider Travel. Advisory levels range from Level 1 (Exercise Normal Precautions) to Level 4 (Do Not Travel).
How does crime in Papua New Guinea compare to other countries?
Papua New Guinea's homicide rate of 9.3 per 100,000 is above the world average of 5.2 and above the Oceania average of 5.9.