Changes to COVID-19 testing requirements before travel

MARCH 17 2022

AIR NIUGINI

Air Niugini would like to advise customers of the amended COVID-19 test requirements prior to travel to the Philippines and also to United Kingdom(UK) via Singapore.

Air Niugini Boeing 767 at Jackson International Airport in Port Moresby.-Picture courtesy of AIR NIUGINI

All passengers flying to Manila: Philippines is now open for travel to non-citizens.

Effective from 1st April, for passengers flying into the Philippines as their final destination, a rapid antigen test (RAT) administered and certified by a Doctor is accepted in lieu of a PCR test.

You may either complete a negative RAT test at the airport, or you can bring a negative compliant RAT test certificate with you.

The RAT test needs to be completed within 24 hours of departure.

All passengers transiting via Singapore to the UK: Passengers are no longer required to undertake pre-departure testing and can progress directly to the Departures Check in through the Main Terminal Entrance.

You will be asked for evidence of your travel to the UK at time of check-in.Air Niugini and ISOS will continue to offer free PCR and Rapid tests at the airport at time of departure, for those who choose to do their tests prior to check in.

The ISOS testing facility operating hours will now be 3 hours prior to the originally scheduled departure time for all flights.

Even if departure time changes, ISOS will still close (due to staff roster requirements) 2 hours prior to originally scheduled departure time, unless you are specifically advised otherwise.

The following requirements are unchanged:

1. Passengers flying into Australia: You must complete a negative rapid test within 24 hours of scheduled departure. This can either be conducted at the airport, or you can bring a compliant certificate with you issued by a doctor. A negative PCR test within 3 days of departure is also acceptable.

2. Passengers flying into Singapore: You must complete either a negative rapid test (or a negative PCR test) within 48 hours of scheduled departure. This can be conducted either at the airport, or you can bring a compliant certificate with you issued by a doctor.

3. All passengers transiting via Australia or Singapore to a third country (other than the UK): You must either complete a negative PCR test at the airport, or bring a negative Covid test certificate with you. If you choose to bring the certificate, the onus is on you to ensure it meets all the requirements of your final destination country and any countries of transit (including Australia/ Singapore’s requirements as above). This includes ensuring the test is taken within the timeframe required and is of the type and standard required.

4. All passengers to Hong Kong, or on unscheduled Air Niugini international charters to other international destinations: Passengers must complete a negative PCR test at the airport.Passengers arriving with their own compliant PCR or negative Rapid Test certificate conducted independently from the ISOS testing site can progress directly to the Departures Check in through the Main Terminal Entrance.

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