Smart Traveller has warned Australians to continue to exercise a high degree of caution in Papua New Guinea ahead of Pope Francis’ visit.
The Pope will visit the capital Port Moresby and Vanimo from September 6-9, and a high number of pilgrims are expected to turn out during the Pope’s stay.
There are likely to be extra demands on local infrastructure, the Smart Traveller warning said.
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The Pope is currently in Indonesia as part of an 11-day trip through southeast Asia, but will be in Port Moresby on Friday.
By the trip’s end on September 13, Francis will have flown 32,814 kilometres to visit Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, East Timor and Singapore, one of the longest papal trips ever, both in terms of days on the road and distances travelled.
Smart Traveller said there were high levels of crime, tribal violence and civil unrest in Papua New Guinea.
Potential visitors were encouraged to make their preparations early.
Ongoing fuel shortages in the country can disrupt domestic travel including air travel at short notice.
“Protests, civil disorder and tribal violence can escalate quickly,” the new safety warning said.
A higher level warning was put in place for Mount Hagen in the Western Highlands, all of the Southern Highlands, Hela and Enga Province, with travellers advised to reconsider their need to travel.
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