Papua New Guinea
Regulations on entry, stay, residence, and treatment access for people living with HIV
The categories of restriction are:
- Restrictions on short-term stays which in most cases is defined as under 90 days.
- Restrictions on long-term stays which in most cases is defined as over 90 days.
The types of restriction are:
- HIV testing/disclosure required for entry.
- HIV testing/disclosure required for work visa.
- HIV testing/disclosure required for study visa.
- HIV testing/disclosure required for residence.
Restrictions on entry to Papua New Guinea
It is unclear whether Papua New Guinea imposes restrictions on entry of people living with HIV.
Neither UNAIDS or the US Department of State report any HIV-specific restrictions on entry to Papua New Guinea.
However, the Papua New Guinea Immigration & Citizenship Services Authority notes that all applicants seeking to travel to Papua New Guinea must be of good health and good character. In some cases, medical documentation and a local police clearance certificate will be required. This will depend on the purpose and duration of the visit. Where medical documentation is required, this includes HIV testing.
Similarly, the entry permit application form contains some questions and fields in relation to the health condition of the applicant, including disclosure of diseases which may pose a health risk to the country. It is unclear if this would require HIV disclosure.
Restrictions on short-term stay in Papua New Guinea
We are aware of some official restrictions on short-term stay of people living with HIV in Papua New Guinea.
According to UNAIDS, Papua New Guinea requires HIV testing for work and study visas.
The same requirements that apply for entry apply for all types of stay (including all types of work and study permit), where the completion of a supplementary health form and a visa application form require testing and disclosure.
The entry permit application form explicitly requires HIV test results for those entering Papua New Guinea for work purposes.
Restrictions on long-term stay in Papua New Guinea
We are aware of some official restrictions on long-term stay of people living with HIV in Papua New Guinea.
According to UNAIDS, Papua New Guinea requires HIV testing for residency permits.
The US Department of State reports that those seeking residency or intending to remain long term in Papua New Guinea are required to have an HIV test performed at a US medical facility (in the case of US citizens).
According to the information provided by the Papua New Guinea Immigration and Entry Permit Information Booklet, ‘to be eligible for permanent residence applicants must have resided lawfully in Papua New Guinea for a minimum of Five (5) Years.’ While there is no specific mention of HIV testing or disclosure, it would have been required in all the instances the applicant had lawfully stayed in the country for five years.
Treatment access in Papua New Guinea
We did not find any available information on access to healthcare for people living with HIV in Papua New Guinea.
The HIV Justice Network's Global HIV Criminalisation Database
Visit the Papua New Guinea page on the Global HIV Criminalisation Database to see more information about known HIV criminalisation laws in this country, an overview of how the laws are used, and any significant advocacy developments.
UNAIDS Global AIDS monitoring data
This information about access to HIV services comes from UNAIDS https://lawsandpolicies.unaids.org/, a platform to view data on HIV-related laws and policies. This is information provided by national authorities and civil society and may contradict other sources.
Migrant populations
| Laws/policies enable documented migrants to access HIV services under the same conditions as citizens | No |
| Laws/policies enable documented migrants to access HIV services under the same conditions as citizens implemented (countries with such laws/policies) | N/A |
| Laws/policies enable undocumented migrants to access HIV services under the same conditions as citizens | Yes |
| Laws/policies enable undocumented migrants to access HIV services under the same conditions as citizens implemented (countries with such laws/policies) | Yes |
| Migrants are able to access HIV services | Yes |
Refugees and asylum seekers
| Laws/policies enable asylum seekers to access HIV services under the same conditions as citizens | N/A |
| Laws/policies enable asylum seekers to access HIV services under the same conditions as citizens implemented (countries with such laws/policies) | Yes |
| Laws/policies enable refugees to access HIV services under the same conditions as citizens | N/A |
| Laws/policies enable refugees to access HIV services under the same conditions as citizens implemented (countries with such laws/policies) | N/A |
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This site focuses on information about HIV travel. Please also consult your own Foreign Office/Ministry of Foreign Affairs website, or the local consulate of the country you are visiting, to see what restrictions there are specifically for you as a citizen of your country, regardless of your HIV status.
