Papua New Guinea customs rules & duty-free allowances

Last reviewed July 2, 2026·Official source

Papua New Guinea enforces some of the world's strictest biosecurity laws. All food, plants, and animal products must be declared or you risk fines up to PGK 100,000 (approx. USD 28,000) or imprisonment. Cash over PGK 20,000 must be declared. These rules apply to non-resident adult travellers arriving in 2026.

Duty-free allowances

Alcohol
1.0 L
1 litre of spirits over 22% ABV, OR 2 litres of wine or beer. Must be 18+. Duty-free value limit: PGK 1,000 (approx. USD 280).
Tobacco
200 cigarettes
or 50 cigars / 250 g
Cash to declare
$10,000
Declare cash or monetary instruments over PGK 20,000 (approx. USD 5,600) or equivalent in foreign currency. Use the Customs Declaration Form (CDF) upon arrival.
Goods duty-free
See notes
Duty-free allowance for personal goods and gifts up to PGK 1,000 (approx. USD 280) total value. Above that, duty is charged at 10% to 40% depending on item.

Prohibited — banned from import

  • Narcotics and illegal drugs
  • Firearms, ammunition, and explosives without permit
  • Pornographic material
  • Counterfeit currency and goods
  • Endangered species and their products (e.g., ivory, turtle shells)
  • Certain meats (e.g., pork from ASF-affected countries)
  • Betel nut (buai)

Restricted — allowed with a permit or declaration

  • Medicines containing controlled substances (require permit from PNG Health Department)
  • Plants, seeds, and live animals (require biosecurity clearance)
  • Drones (require Civil Aviation Safety Authority permit)
  • Satellite phones (require PNG regulatory approval)
  • Cultural artifacts (require National Museum and Art Gallery export permit)

Arriving: red vs green channel

All arriving passengers must complete a Customs Declaration Card (CDF). Use the green channel if you have nothing to declare; use the red channel if you have goods exceeding allowances, cash over PGK 20,000, or any food/plants/animals. Officers may inspect luggage.

Bringing medication

Personal medications for up to 3 months are allowed with a prescription. Controlled drugs (e.g., narcotics, psychotropics) require prior approval from the PNG Health Department. Codeine and diazepam are controlled substances requiring a permit.

Food, plants & animal products

All food, plants, seeds, and animal products must be declared. Banned items include fresh fruit, vegetables, meat, and dairy from most countries. Biosecurity fines apply for undeclared items.

Rules worth knowing

Biosecurity is strict

PNG has severe biosecurity laws. All food, plants, and animal products must be declared. Failure to declare can result in fines up to PGK 100,000 (approx. USD 28,000) or imprisonment.

Cash declaration threshold

You must declare any cash or monetary instruments over PGK 20,000 (approx. USD 5,600) or equivalent in foreign currency. Use the Customs Declaration Form.

Duty-free value cap

The total duty-free allowance for goods (including alcohol and tobacco) is PGK 1,000 (approx. USD 280). Items above this value are subject to duty.

No tourist VAT refund

Papua New Guinea does not operate a tourist VAT refund scheme. All purchases are final.

Frequently asked questions

No. Betel nut (buai) is prohibited from import due to biosecurity risks. It is also restricted in some provinces.
No, personal electronics for your own use are generally allowed duty-free as long as their total value is under PGK 1,000 (approx. USD 280). If over, you may need to pay duty.
Undeclared cash can be seized and you may face fines or prosecution. Always declare using the Customs Declaration Form.
Yes, but you need an export permit from the National Museum and Art Gallery if the item is considered a cultural artifact.
Used clothing is allowed but must be declared. It may be inspected for biosecurity risks (e.g., pests).
Yes, but fishing rods and tackle must be declared. They may be inspected for pests or soil.
Yes, there is a duty-free shop after security. Allowances still apply: PGK 1,000 total value for goods.

Official source

Papua New Guinea Customs Service

For guidance only. Customs allowances and prohibited-item lists change without notice — always confirm with Papua New Guinea Customs Service before travelling.