Emergency Message to U.S. Citizens (2011/07): December 9th PNG Supreme Court Decisions

Dec 07, 2011

U.S. Embassy Port Moresby advises U.S. citizens traveling to, or residing in Papua New Guinea to exercise a high degree of caution with respect to the possibility for civil unrest on Friday, December 9.   Protests are likely to occur in response to a Supreme Court decision regarding the constitutionality of the election of the Prime Minister.

While we expect the December 9 protests to be localized to the governmental areas of Port Moresby, political tensions can rise with little notice and at any time throughout Papua New Guinea.  Pay close attention to your personal security at all times, and monitor the media for information about possible new safety or security risks.  Avoid large crowds, public gatherings, and political rallies, as these may turn violent. 

We encourage U.S. citizens to maintain updated profiles in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) at www.travel.state.gov.  Free STEP enrollment allows the U.S. Embassy to better assist you in emergencies such as natural disasters, unrest in foreign countries, or lost/stolen passports overseas.  STEP can also help your family and friends reach you in an emergency.

Stay up to date by bookmarking our website, www.travel.state.gov, or downloading our free Smart Traveler iPhone App for travel information at your fingertips   Follow us on Twitter and the Bureau of Consular Affairs page on Facebook as well.

In addition to information on the Internet, travelers may obtain up-to-date information on security conditions by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States and Canada or, from other countries, on a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444.  These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, Eastern Time (except U.S. federal holidays).

The U.S. Embassy in Papua New Guinea is located on Douglas Street, adjacent to the Bank of Papua New Guinea, in Port Moresby.  You can reach the Embassy by calling +675 321-1455 or by emailing ConsularPortMoresby@state.gov.  The emergency after-hours emergency telephone number is +675 7200-9439.