Update on the Coronavirus Situation
On behalf of the organizers AAPG & EAGE:

Note to Delegates from Michael McWalter, Conference Convenor; 10th February 2020

Mr Greg Balavue, Deputy Secretary, Department of Petroleum and Energy, a major supporter of our conference and I met with the Mr Patrick P. Epe, Executive Officer to the Chief Migration Officer of the Immigration and Citizenship Authority (ICA) on Thursday morning 6th February 2020.

Mr Epe advised us that entry should still be possible for our delegates attending our PNG Petroleum Geoscience Conference provided that visitors to PNG follow the quarantine rules.

At that time, this includes the complete prohibition of arrivals into PNG in instances where those passengers had originated in China. Indeed, anyone who has been in China within 14 days of arrival in PNG will not be allowed entry.

As for others arriving into PNG from Asian airports, Mr Epe advised that they would be allowed entry, subject to successful completion of quarantine questions posed by the uplifting airlines at the port of embarkation, and completion of quarantine screening on arrival including completion of a Health Declaration Form and Temperature Screening, with anyone suspected of having the 2019 Novel Coronavirus being required to undergo a period of 14-days quarantine.

As to the fluidity of the situation, Mr Epe suggested that for those coming from infected nations (other than China) where cases of the 2019 Novel Coronavirus had been reported, intending visitors should check on the latest requirements with the nearest PNG mission. We agreed to stay closely in touch so that we might be able to convey the latest information to our delegates.

We thanked Mr Epe for his time and told him we would advise our delegates accordingly.

To suppress the spread of the Coronavirus, Delegates can understandably consider an alternative form of greeting to substitute for the handshake and may wish to consider avoiding touching their faces.

We have requested that the Hilton Port Moresby provide sufficient sanitizers at Registration, within the Conference area, and in other public areas. Frequent hand-washing with soap is still recommended.

On January 28th 2020, The Papua New Guinea Immigration Department (ICA) sent out a public notice that travellers from Asian Ports will not be allowed entry into the country. On January 29th, that message has been relaxed to "travellers from Wuhan/Hebei". Please note that the header on this last update on the ICA website still states "Asian Ports" so that could still be a bit confusing.

A check on 3 February 2020 with the PNG Consulate in Singapore indicates that travelers from Asian Ports are allowed into PNG, provided they are fit to travel. Their clause on Wuhan/Hubei in their Notice still stands. We expect their website to be updated soon.

Travelers must however fill out a "Supplementary Health Form" found on https://ica.gov.pg/visa-information/visa-forms. Note: this is the "Supplementary Health Form" at the bottom on this website (not the "Medical Examination Form"). This signed Supplementary Health Form must be presented to the Customs and Immigration staff upon arrival in PNG. We suggest that you monitor the information on this link. https://ica.gov.pg/public-notices/2020/refusal-of-entry-for-travellers-from-asian-ports

Online visa application was cancelled for a short period but is now again made available at this site: https://evisa.ica.gov.pg/evisa/account/Apply. Alternatively, you can apply for a visa at one of the PNG High Commissions. Visa on arrival is still cancelled. We advise that you arrange your visa as soon as possible if you have not already done so. We have been advised that re-application is required if your visa is more than 6 months old.

The organizers AAPG and EAGE will closely monitor the situation and keep you updated as necessary. We regret any inconvenience caused.