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Home/Indonesia/to Papua New Guinea
Cross-border route

Indonesia Papua New Guinea

Driving across the border
Yes — you can drive from Indonesia into Papua New Guinea, and you should carry an International Driving Permit alongside your national licence. Papua New Guinea expects foreign drivers to hold an IDP, in the 1949 Geneva format. Both countries drive on the left, so there is no change of driving side at the border. Plan your border crossing in advance and keep your passport, national licence and IDP together.
Get my permit for Papua New Guinea Papua New Guinea requirements

Last reviewed June 2026

Route at a glance
FromIndonesia
ToPapua New Guinea
IDP in Papua New GuineaRequired
Accepted format1949 Geneva
Driving sideleft (no change)
Currency in Papua New GuineaPGK
Indonesia → Papua New Guinea

Crossing the border

Indonesia and Papua New Guinea share a land border you can cross by car. Keep your passport, national driving licence and International Driving Permit together, and check opening hours and any toll or vignette requirements before you travel.

Driving rules in Papua New Guinea

  • Drive on the left.
  • Rough, mountainous roads.
  • 0.05% alcohol limit.
  • Carry passport, IDP and home licence.

What to see when you arrive in Papua New Guinea

  • the Kokoda Track
  • the diving sites of Kimbe Bay
  • the Sepik River villages
  • the Highlands sing-sing festivals
  • the Tufi fjords

Common questions

01
Do I need an International Driving Permit to drive from Indonesia to Papua New Guinea?
Yes — Papua New Guinea requires foreign drivers to carry an IDP with their national licence. Papua New Guinea recognises the 1949 Geneva format, which is what we issue.
02
Does the driving side change between Indonesia and Papua New Guinea?
No. Both Indonesia and Papua New Guinea drive on the left.
03
How quickly can I get an IDP for this trip?
International Driver Licence issues your digital IDP in as fast as 8 minutes, so you can have it ready before you set off.
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