Papua New Guinea customs rules & duty-free allowances

Last reviewed July 2, 2026

Adult travellers (18+) arriving in Papua New Guinea may bring 1 litre of spirits (over 22% ABV) OR 2 litres of wine or beer, 200 cigarettes OR 50 cigars OR 250g of tobacco, and personal goods up to PGK 1,000 (≈USD 285) duty-free. Cash exceeding PGK 20,000 (≈USD 5,700) must be declared. Strict biosecurity laws prohibit fresh food, plant, and animal products without a permit, and narcotics, weapons, and certain cultural items are banned or restricted.

Duty-free allowances

Alcohol
1.0 L
1L of spirits (over 22% ABV) OR 2L of wine or beer. Traveller must be 18+. Combined allowance not permitted; choose one.
Tobacco
200 cigarettes
or 50 cigars / 250 g
Cash to declare
$5,700
Any amount exceeding PGK 20,000 (approximately USD 5,700) or equivalent in foreign currency must be declared on the Customs Declaration Form. Includes traveller's cheques, money orders, and negotiable instruments.
Goods duty-free
$285
Duty-free allowance for personal goods and gifts is PGK 1,000 (≈USD 285). Items above this value are subject to duty and GST. Residents returning after 48+ hours abroad have a higher allowance of PGK 2,000 (≈USD 570).

Prohibited — banned from import

  • Narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances (including cannabis, heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine)
  • Firearms, ammunition, explosives, and weapons (including knives, swords, and air guns) without a permit
  • Pornographic materials and obscene publications
  • Counterfeit currency, coins, and goods infringing intellectual property rights
  • Fresh fruit, vegetables, meat, dairy, and other biosecurity-risk items without an import permit from the National Agriculture Quarantine and Inspection Authority (NAQIA)
  • Endangered species and products (e.g., ivory, turtle shells, bird of paradise feathers) under CITES

Restricted — allowed with a permit or declaration

  • Medicines and pharmaceuticals (prescription drugs must be accompanied by a doctor's prescription or letter; quantity must be for personal use; controlled substances may require prior approval from PNG Health Department)
  • Plants, seeds, soil, and live animals (require a quarantine import permit from NAQIA)
  • Drones and unmanned aerial vehicles (require prior approval from the Civil Aviation Safety Authority of PNG)
  • Satellite phones and radio communication equipment (require a licence from the National Information and Communications Technology Authority)
  • Cultural artefacts and traditional items (must have an export permit from the National Museum and Art Gallery)

Rules worth knowing

Strict Quarantine Controls

Papua New Guinea has strict biosecurity laws. All food, plant, and animal products must be declared on arrival. Failure to declare can result in on-the-spot fines of up to PGK 10,000 (≈USD 2,850) or prosecution.

Duty-Free Allowance for Residents vs. Non-Residents

Non-residents have a duty-free goods allowance of PGK 1,000 (≈USD 285). Residents returning after 48+ hours abroad have a higher allowance of PGK 2,000 (≈USD 570). All travellers must be 18+ for alcohol and tobacco allowances.

Currency Declaration Threshold

Travellers must declare any cash (PGK or foreign currency) exceeding PGK 20,000 (≈USD 5,700) or equivalent. This includes traveller's cheques, money orders, and negotiable instruments. Non-compliance can lead to seizure and penalties.

Prohibition on Bird of Paradise Feathers

It is illegal to import or export feathers, skins, or any parts of the Bird of Paradise (Papua New Guinea's national emblem) without a CITES permit. These items are frequently confiscated by customs.

Frequently asked questions

No. The duty-free allowances for alcohol and tobacco apply only to travellers aged 18 years and over. Minors cannot bring any alcohol or tobacco duty-free.
Yes. All medicines must be declared. Carry a doctor's prescription or letter stating the condition and dosage. Keep medicines in original packaging. Controlled substances (e.g., strong painkillers, sedatives) may require prior approval from the PNG Health Department.
Undeclared cash over the threshold can be seized by customs. You may also face a fine or prosecution under the Customs Act. Always declare amounts exceeding PGK 20,000 (≈USD 5,700) on the arrival form.
No. Fresh fruit, vegetables, meat, dairy, and other biosecurity-risk items are prohibited without a permit from the National Agriculture Quarantine and Inspection Authority (NAQIA). They must be declared and may be confiscated and destroyed.
Personal electronics for your own use (e.g., one laptop, one camera) are generally allowed duty-free as part of your personal effects, provided their total value does not exceed PGK 1,000 (≈USD 285). Items above that may attract duty and GST.
Yes, as personal souvenirs. However, if the item is considered a cultural artefact (e.g., antique bilum, carved drums with historical significance), you may need an export permit from the National Museum and Art Gallery. Always declare such items.

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.