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2022 COVID-19 Update - PNG Borders are Open!

Firstly, on behalf of Baia Sportfishing PNG, we would like to thank our guests who have been very patient during this pandemic. Good News! PNG has opened their borders to International arrivals. Please read the following COVID-19 travel update below.


UPDATED COVID-19 Travel Restrictions

Updated information can be found on the Air Niugini website below:


Below is the updated information extracted from their website as of today 19 MAY 2022.


Travel Advice – Coronavirus Travel Update

Find out more on Coronavirus and Travel Updates

This page provides the latest information on travel restrictions, flight cancellations as well as travel requirements during the Coronavirus pandemic. We are continually monitoring the situation, including travel restrictions and updates to travel policies that may impact you given the rapidly evolving nature of responses to COVID-19. The information is correct to the best of Air Niugini’s knowledge at the time of publication. Air Niugini reserves the right to add or update information at any time.

Air Niugini will continue to operate in a safe and compliant manner, adhering to advice from the PNG Government as per the Pandemic Measures issued to mitigate the risks in the spread against Coronavirus (COVID-19).


DOMESTIC FLIGHTS

Please ensure you are aware of the following requirements and restrictions when travelling domestically within Papua New Guinea (PNG).

  • National Pandemic Act 2020 No.3 Domestic Travel Measures (effective 24 September 2021)

For updated Measures, refer to the PNG Official COVID-19 Info website: https://covid19.info.gov.pg/


INTERNATIONAL FLIGHTS

This information is understood to be valid as at 2nd May 2022. Due to the rapid change in requirements this information is provided as a guide and the final obligation remains with the passenger to confirm with their destination country (and any countries of transit) as to the latest requirements. Normal travel requirements such as passport validity, travel visas, certificate of vaccination etc also apply.

A: TRAVEL INTO PORT MORESBY, PAPUA NEW GUINEA

Ensure you are aware of the following requirements and restrictions when travelling to Papua New Guinea (PNG).

  • National Pandemic Act 2020 No. 2 International Travel Measures (effective 18 April 2022)

  1. Controller Approval is no longer required for travel into PNG.

  2. Pre-departure PCR testing for flights to PNG is no longer required

  3. Passengers do not need to complete the online PNG Health Declaration

  4. Passengers arriving from India and Philippines are no longer required to quarantine for arrivals

  5. Covid-19 testing on arrival from Australia is no longer required

  6. For flights arriving from other destinations, arrival testing will be conducted by Trakpro at a cost of K 150 per passenger, payable by card at time of testing. Passengers are recommended to download and complete the “LooK PASS” App in advance from the Apple – AppStore or for Androids from the Google Play Store. We strongly recommend creating a “LooK PASS” account prior to your flight to PNG, also noting that establishing the account requires you to verify a link sent to your chosen email address.

WHAT TO PRESENT AT THE TIME OF CHECK-IN FOR INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL TO PORT MORESBY
  1. Normal Travel Documents

  2. Proof of Vaccination (refer to Schedule 2 for the list of Approved Vaccines).

    • Travellers of ages 18 years and below are EXEMPTED from taking the Covid19 Vaccine

    • PNG Passport Holders are EXEMPTED


Please Note; Visa On Arrival (VOA) still suspended, therefore must have valid PNG Visa prior to Travel Date. Official website to apply for PNG Visa; https://evisa.ica.gov.pg/evisa/account/Apply


B: INTERNATIONAL DEPARTURES FROM PNG

From 1am 25th April, all pre-departure testing will cease at the airport for all flights . All passengers should proceed directly to the Departures Check in through the Main Terminal Entrance. For passengers transiting onto flights to other international destinations you will be asked for evidence that your destination does not require a pre-departure test at time of check-in. We recommend checking for latest information at https://www.airniugini.com.pg/international-travel-restrictions-and-requirements/ , and bringing a screen shot of your destinations requirements with you to check-in.

Pre-departure Covid tests are no longer required for travel to Australia.

Countries that do not require pre-departure tests include, the UK, EU, Scandinavia , Canada, Australia, Brazil, South Africa. Countries requiring pre-departure rapid tests include USA, NZ and Indonesia. Countries requiring PCR tests include Malaysia, Japan, China, Hong Kong and South Korea. This information is rapidly changing and passengers must check on the latest requirements.

If travelling to Singapore, Hong Kong or Manila, or transiting to a country that requires a negative certificate the certificate must be issued by a Doctor and include at least the following information

  1. the date and time of the test;

  2. the name of the individual tested, as stated in the passport;

  3. at least one other personal identifier such as date of birth or passport number;

  4. the type of test conducted;

  5. the brand and make of the test;

  6. that the specimen for the test was collected, and the test was carried out, by or under the supervision of a Doctor;

  7. the result of the test (such as ‘negative’ or ‘not detected’);

  8. the signature of the Doctor providing the certificate, as well as their Authority to Practise Number.

C: TRAVEL TO AUSTRALIA

Australia is open for travel from citizens from all countries including PNG


WHAT TO PRESENT AT THE TIME OF CHECK-IN

  1. Pre-departure Covid test is no longer required.

  2. Normal Travel Documents

  3. Australian Digital Passenger Declaration. It is recommended you download this App at the Apple iPhone Store for iPhone, and Google Store for Android phones. Initial one off entry of set-up information takes about 15 minutes, so it is recommended this is downloaded and updated prior to coming to the airport. Manual paper forms will be available at check-in if required.

  4. Proof of Vaccination. Certificates valid for travel includes (amongst others) the PNG International Certificate of Covid Vaccination (ICCV) , the WHO yellow card, the Australian Covid-19 Digital Vaccination Certificate, as well as compliant certificates issued by other countries. The Green Card PNG Vaccination Certificate is not valid for international travel, as it does not include either the persons Date of Birth or their Passport Number. The PNG International Certificate of Covid Vaccination is available from PNG National Department of Health (NDoH) upon production of a copy of your green vaccination card and passport either to email: intvaccinecertificate@gmail.com or by visiting the NDoH office- Level 3 Aopi Centre in Waigani. Passengers of ages 12 years and below are Exempted from having to provide evidence of having taken taking the Covid19 Vaccine. Passengers wishing exemption from the requirement to show evidence of the vaccination requirements must provide a medical certificate compliant with the requirements of the Australian authorities (at https://covid19.homeaffairs.gov.au/vaccinated-travellers#toc-6 “Proof that you cannot be vaccinated for medical reasons when coming to Australia”


D: TRAVEL TO SINGAPORE

Singapore is open for travel from citizens from all countries including PNG


WHAT TO PRESENT AT THE TIME OF CHECK-IN

  1. Pre-departure Covid test is no longer required.

  2. Normal Travel Documents

  3. Proof of Vaccination. Certificates valid for travel includes (amongst others) the PNG International Certificate of Covid Vaccination (ICCV) , the WHO yellow card, the Australian Covid-19 Digital Vaccination Certificate, as well as compliant certificates issued by other countries. The Green Card PNG Vaccination Certificate is not valid for international travel, as it does not include either the persons Date of Birth or their Passport Number. The PNG International Certificate of Covid Vaccination is available from PNG National Department of Health (NDoH) upon production of a copy of your green vaccination card and passport either to email: intvaccinecertificate@gmail.com or by visiting the NDoH office- Level 3 Aopi Centre in Waigani. Passengers of ages 12 years and below are Exempted from having to provide evidence of having taken taking the Covid19 Vaccine.

  4. Passengers must submit an electronic health declaration form 3 days prior to the date of arrival in Singapore via the SG Arrival Card (SGAC) e-service or via the mobile application. This does not apply to passengers connecting through Singapore. Fully vaccinated passengers who had been vaccinated outside Singapore must submit a Recognised digitally verifiable vaccination certificate (DVC), via the SC Arrival Card or via the mobile application. Travellers fully vaccinated in Singapore or do not hold a recognised DVC, do not have to submit their certificates. Refer to the vaccination certificate FAQ for more information.

  5. All Travellers must install and activate the TraceTogether app mobile application on their mobile phones for contact tracing. Children aged 6 and below in this calendar year and individuals who are unable to use a mobile device due to a certified disability or special need can obtain a TraceTogether token after arrival in Singapore.

TRANSIT VIA SINGAPORE

All travellers are allowed to transit through Singapore, onto any airline including spending time outside of the airport.


E: TRAVEL TO MANILA

Philippines is open for travel from citizens from all countries including PNG


WHAT TO PRESENT AT THE TIME OF CHECK-IN

  1. Normal Travel Documents

  2. Proof of Vaccination. Certificates valid for travel includes (amongst others) the PNG International Certificate of Covid Vaccination (ICCV) , the WHO yellow card, the Australian Covid-19 Digital Vaccination Certificate, as well as compliant certificates issued by other countries. The Green Card PNG Vaccination Certificate is not valid for international travel, as it does not include either the persons Date of Birth or their Passport Number. The PNG International Certificate of Covid Vaccination is available from PNG National Department of Health (NDoH) upon production of a copy of your green vaccination card and passport either to email: intvaccinecertificate@gmail.com or by visiting the NDoH office- Level 3 Aopi Centre in Waigani. Passengers of ages 12 years and below are Exempted from having to provide evidence of having taken taking the Covid19 Vaccine.

  3. Passengers travelling to Manila must complete a negative rapid test within 48 hours of scheduled departure. From 25th April, this needs to be completed prior to coming to the airport. A negative PCR test within 2 days of departure is also acceptable.

  4. Health Insurance may be required in some cases. For these cases, passengers must have travel insurance to cover COVID-19 expenses, with minimum coverage of USD 35,000. This does not apply to nationals of the Philippines.

F: TRAVEL TO HONG KONG

Air Niugini operates every Saturday to Hong Kong and return. At present only Hong Kong citizens or Permanent Residents are permitted uplift to Hong Kong.


WHAT TO PRESENT AT THE TIME OF CHECK-IN
  1. Normal Travel Documents

  2. Proof of Vaccination. Certificates valid for travel includes (amongst others) the PNG International Certificate of Covid Vaccination (ICCV) , the WHO yellow card, the Australian Covid-19 Digital Vaccination Certificate, as well as compliant certificates issued by other countries. The Green Card PNG Vaccination Certificate is not valid for international travel, as it does not include either the persons Date of Birth or their Passport Number. The PNG International Certificate of Covid Vaccination is available from PNG National Department of Health (NDoH) upon production of a copy of your green vaccination card and passport either to email: intvaccinecertificate@gmail.com or by visiting the NDoH office- Level 3 Aopi Centre in Waigani. Passengers of ages 12 years and below are Exempted from having to provide evidence of having taken taking the Covid19 Vaccine. You must also carry your PNG “Green Card” as Hong Kong Authorities require to sight where you received your vaccinations. This information is not on the PNG ICCV.

  3. You must complete a negative PCR test at Port Moresby airport within 24 hours of departure. You must bring the negative certificate with you to check-in.

G: TRAVEL OF PASSENGERS CONTINUING TO TEST POSITIVE

HISTORICAL COVID-19 CASES:

  1. NZ: Individuals with past (recovered) cases of COVID-19 who have a positive test result taken less than 48 hours prior to the departure of the first leg of their flight, and a medical certificate showing that the individual is no longer considered by a medical practitioner to be infectious with COVID-19.

  2. UK: No pre-flight testing is required for entry into the UK

  3. USA: If you tested positive for COVID-19, do not travel until a full 10 days after your symptoms started or the date your positive test was taken if you had no symptoms.


HISTORICAL COVID-19 CASES: TRAVEL TO MANILA (PASSENGERS CONTINUING TO TEST POSITIVE FOR COVID-19)


Fully Recovered Philippine Nationals with Positive RT-PCR Pre-Departure Test Results: Note: Non-Philippine Citizens must test negative as a condition of uplift to Manila

  • Medical Certificate from a licensed physician stating that the traveler:

    • was an asymptomatic, mild, moderate, severe or critical case of COVID-19

    • has completed the mandatory isolation period

    • is no longer infectious; and

    • has been allowed free movement/travel

    • Positive RT-PCR test taken 10-30 days prior to departure from the country of origin

HISTORICAL COVID-19 CASES: TRAVEL TO HONG KONG (PASSENGERS CONTINUING TO TEST POSITIVE FOR COVID-19)

Uplift of Historical Cases to Hong Kong is presently not approved


HISTORIAL COVID-19 CASES: TRANSIT TO OTHER DESTINATIONS NOT LISTED ABOVE

For onwards travel to other countries, the passenger must email Air Niugini at least 48 hours in advance at NOC Approval nocapproval@airniugini.com.pg . This must include what your destination country is, and evidence of the requirements of your destination country. Additionally what countries are to be transited and the requirements for your country/ countries of transit (other than Australia and Singapore as above) and evidence that you satisfy these requirements. This will normally be a printout of the countries requirements from their applicable webpage).


INTERACTIVE GLOBAL COVID-19 TRAVEL WIDGET

Thinking of travelling internationally? To avoid unpleasant surprises, please use our interactive map to check country-specific entry requirements before your travel.

Click the link to view the interactive map: https://bit.ly/33EGzY0

The COVID-19 pandemic is unprecedented and the associated entry requirements and restrictions being imposed by relevant Government authorities are beyond the airline’s control.


Important Notices & Forms

We understand your travel concerns and we’re here to help in these challenging times. All intending travelers are strongly advised to check all relevant travel requirements for International and Domestic Travel as issued by Government Authorities.


Air Niugini Sales Offices are open for business and 08:00 am to 5:00 pm on Mondays to Fridays and from 8:00 am to 12:00 pm on Saturdays. Air Niugini Waigani and BTC offices operate Mondays to Saturdays from 8:00am to 8:00pm.


For new bookings, visit your nearest Air Niugini Sales Office or Travel Agent. Online Bookings are temporarily unavailable until further notice.


You may also contact our Call Centre on Toll-Free Number 180 3444 or +675 327 3444 or email csc@airniugini.com.pg for bookings and general assistance. The Call Centre operates daily from 6:00am to 6:00pm.


We thank you for your patience and understanding during these challenging times and we encourage all to stay safe and practice high levels of hygiene. Stay healthy and stay safe.




CAN I BOOK A TRIP IN 2022?

You sure can! We have bookings in 2022 and 2023 still available.

Please email us at baiafishingpng@gmail.com or check out our 2022 / 2023 dates via this link: BOOK 2022.




THANK YOU

Thank you again for your time and patience during this pandemic. We really look forward to taking you on your fishing adventure soon. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to us.


CONTACT


Bookings & Travel Coordinator

Tiana Reimann

P: +61498173196 (WhatsApp)



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