Revision as of 06:18, 8 April 2014

The official flag of Papua New .
Source: cia.gov.

Map of Papua New .
Source: cia.gov.

Map of Papua New .
Source: cia.gov.

The official emblem of Papua New .
Source: Wikipedia.org.

A market in Papua New .
Source: flickr.com.

Main entrance of the parliament building in Port Moresby, Papua New .
Source: Wikipedia.org.

Children in Papua New .
Source: flickr.com.

The highlands of Papua New .
Source: Wikipedia.org.

Mount Tavurvur, a part of the Rabaul caldera volcano, in Papua New .
Source: Wikipedia.org.

Huli Wigman from the Southern Highlands, Papua New .
Source: Wikipedia.org.

Washing day, Papua New .
Source: flickr.com.

Hague Convention Information

Papua New Guinea is not party to the Hague Convention on Protection of Children and Co-operation in Respect of Intercountry Adoption ( Hague Adoption Convention ). Therefore, when the Hague Adoption Convention entered into force for the United States on April 1, 2008, intercountry adoption processing for Papua New Guinea did not change.

Who Can Adopt

To bring an adopted child to United States from Papua New Guinea, you must be found eligible to adopt by the U.S. Government. The U.S. Government agency responsible for making this determination is the Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Learn more.

In addition to these U.S. requirements for adoptive parents, Papua New Guinea also has the following requirements for adoptive parents:

Residency

There is a minimum six-month period of residency required for adoptive parents, but they need not be permanent residents.

Age of Adopting Parents

The Government of Papua New Guinea requires no age limit for adoptive parents if they are healthy, fit, and capable of caring for the child.

Marriage

Prospective adoptive parents must be legally married.

Income

Prospective adoptive parents must be financially stable.

Other

N/A

Who Can Be Adopted

You cannot adopt a child in Papua New Guinea unless he or she meets these requirements of Papua New Guinea. In addition to these requirements, a child must meet the definition of an orphan under U.S. law for you to bring him or her back to the United States. Learn more about these U.S. requirements.

How to Adopt

Adoption Authority

The Process

Traveling Abroad

Applying for Your U.S. Passport

A valid U.S. passport is required to enter and leave Papua New Guinea. Only the U.S. Department of State has the authority to grant, issue, or verify U.S. passports. Getting or renewing a passport is easy. The Passport Application Wizard will help you determine which passport form you need, help you to complete the form online, estimate your payment, and generate the form for you to print-all in one place.

Obtaining Your Visa

In addition to a U.S. passport, you also need to obtain a visa. A visa is an official document issued by a foreign country that formally allows you to visit. Where required, visas are attached to your passport and allow you to enter a foreign nation. To find information about obtaining a visa for Papua New Guinea, see the Department of State's Country Specific Information.

Staying Safe on Your Trip

Before you travel, it's always a good practice to investigate the local conditions, laws, political landscape, and culture of the country. The State Department is a good place to start. The Department of State provides Country Specific Information for every country of the world about various issues, including the health conditions, crime, unusual currency or entry requirements, and any areas of instability.

Staying in Touch on Your Trip

When traveling during the adoption process, we encourage you to register your trip with the Department of State. Travel registration makes it possible to contact you if necessary. Whether there's a family emergency in the United States, or a crisis in Papua New Guinea, registration assists the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in reaching you. Registration is free and can be done online.

After Adoption

What resources are available to assist families after the adoption?

Many adoptive parents find it important to find support after the adoption. Take advantage of all the resources available to your family -- whether it's another adoptive family, a support group, an advocacy organization, or your religious or community services.

Here are some good places to start your support group search:

Child Welfare Information Gateway

North American Council on Adoptable Children

Adoption Services Support Group for Adopting Persons

SOURCE

Intercountry Adoption, Bureau of Consular Affairs. U.S. Department of State Country Information