Is Lae safe? 🇵🇬

Lae presents significant safety challenges for visitors, with violent crime being a persistent and serious concern. Armed robbery and carjacking are frequently reported, especially along the Highlands Highway and in the Eriku area after dark, while pickpocketing and bag-snatching are common in the main market, bus stations, and near the wharf. These risks are reflected in the city's low safety score of 40/100, which is capped by the Level 3 travel advisory from multiple governments urging travelers to reconsider or avoid non-essential travel due to crime, civil unrest, and piracy.

Traveler sentiment is largely negative, with many reporting feeling unsafe when walking alone, particularly at night, due to limited police presence and the prevalence of raskol gangs involved in both opportunistic and organized crime. Recent incidents underscore the volatility: in January 2024, Papua New Guinea declared a state of emergency after 16 people were killed in rioting and looting, as reported by Reuters and the BBC. While a positive development, the delivery of two fire trucks to Lae’s fire service by Australia in August 2026 highlights ongoing efforts to improve emergency response capacity.

To stay safe, visitors should never walk alone outside their accommodations, especially after dark, and should rely on hotel guards or pre-arranged transport for any movement. It is advisable to carry only a certified copy of your passport while storing the original in a hotel safe, and to remain vigilant against common scams such as fake tour operators or strangers offering unsolicited help as a distraction for theft. Given the limited medical infrastructure and high crime risk, thorough preparation and reliance on trusted local guides are essential for any travel to Lae.