New Caledonia

PASSPORT VALIDITY: Six months

BLANK PASSPORT PAGES: One page required for entry stamp

TOURIST VISA REQUIRED: Not required for stays under 90 days per six months

VACCINATIONS: None

CURRENCY RESTRICTIONS FOR ENTRY: None if arriving from another EU member state. If arriving from a country outside the EU, amounts exceeding EUR 10,000 or the equivalent in another currency must be declared.

CURRENCY RESTRICTIONS FOR EXIT:None if traveling directly to another EU member state. If travelling to a country outside the EU, amounts exceeding EUR 10,000 or the equivalent in another currency must be declared.

Safety

• Roadside security incidents are rare but can occur without warning. Officials may also close roads. Strikes and industrial disputes can lead to unrest and disrupt essential services including transport links. Avoid large public gatherings and roadblocks.
• Serious crime is rare in New Caledonia, but car theft and vehicle break-ins occur. Look after your belongings and always lock your car.
• Cyclone season is November to May, but cyclones can occur at any time. They can cause landslides and flooding, and may disrupt essential services. Ensure you understand New Caledonia’s cyclone alert system.
• New Caledonia also experiences earthquakes, tsunamis and bushfires. A tsunami can arrive within minutes of a tremor or earthquake. Monitor the New Caledonian Department of Emergency Management and the New Caledonian Weather Bureau (both in French) for updates.  Your tour operator or accommodation provider may also be able to provide timely advice.

Health

• COVID-19 cases have been confirmed in New Caledonia in the past. There are currently no enforced social distancing measures or mandatory requirements to wear face masks.
• New Caledonia regularly experiences dengue outbreaks, especially in Greater Noumea. ​Ensure your accommodation is insect-proof. Use insect repellent.
• Other insect-borne diseases include Chikungunya and Zika viruses. If you’re pregnant, discuss the risks of Zika virus with your doctor before you travel.
• Outbreaks of leptospirosis are common, especially after heavy rain. Wear closed-in shoes. Avoid swimming in rivers or muddy water. Store food in enclosed containers and use a straw when drinking from cans.
• Other foodborne, waterborne, parasitic and infectious diseases occur. These include influenza, scabies and conjunctivitis. Get treatment if you have itchiness or skin lesions. In rural areas, drink boiled or bottled water. Tap water is generally safe to drink in towns.
• The standard of medical facilities in Noumea is high, but those in outlying areas are basic. Medical treatment is expensive. Search and rescue facilities are limited. Some parts of New Caledonia don’t have mobile phone coverage. Ensure your travel insurance your condition and covers medical evacuation.

Local laws

• Understand the local laws. New Caledonia is an overseas territory of France. A mix of French and local laws apply. By law, you must always have photo identification with you.
• Don’t use or carry illegal drugs. Penalties include fines and prison sentences, even for small amounts.
• Same-sex marriage is legal, but same-sex relationships aren’t widely accepted outside of Noumea.
• Outside of tourist areas, standards of dress and behaviour are conservative. Dress and behave appropriately.
• You need permission from customary authorities to visit certain areas. If in doubt, follow local advice.

Travel

• International passenger flights are only available for returning residents and authorised travellers, including if you’re travelling for employment or imperative reasons. Mandatory quarantine measures remain in place for recent arrivals. If you have any concerns around planned travel to New Caledonia, contact your airline, travel provider or employer for assistance.
• Cruise ships are banned from arriving in New Caledonia until further notice.
• Local air and maritime transport, including to and from the Loyalty Islands, may be limited at this time.
• The local currency is the Pacific Franc (XPF). Some businesses accept Australian dollars. Change Australian dollars at banks and authorised exchange bureaus. ATMs and credit card facilities are available in Noumea and other major centres. Carry cash if you’re travelling to remote areas.
• You can drive in New Caledonia on a valid Australian driver’s licence for up to one year after your arrival. You can’t hail taxis on the street. Use a taxi rank or make a phone booking. Book well in advance, as long delays are common.

Local contacts

• The Consular Services Charter details what the Australian Government can and can’t do to help you overseas.
• For consular assistance, contact the Australian Consulate-General in Noumea.
• If you choose to travel at this time, be aware consular services may be limited due to local measures.

New Caledonia experiences natural disasters and severe weather, such as:

• cyclones
• flooding
• mudslides
• earthquakes and tsunamis
• bushfires

The New Caledonian Department of Emergency Management (French) responds to natural disasters and severe weather.

If there’s a natural disaster or emergency, a free crisis hotline is activated if required. Call +687 05 05 05 (French).  Your tour operator or accommodation provider may also be may also be able to provide timely advice.

To protect yourself if a natural disaster occurs:

• secure your passport in a safe, waterproof location
• monitor local media and other sources
• follow the advice of local authorities
• keep in contact with friends and family

Get weather reports and disaster updates:

• Meteo NC (French)
• Fiji Meteorological Service
• Australian Bureau of Meteorology
• Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System
• Joint Typhoon Warning Center, US Navy

If you’re travelling during cyclone season, or after a natural disaster, contact your tour operator to check if services are affected.

Cyclones and severe weather

Cyclone season is from November to May, but cyclones can occur at other times.

The direction and strength of cyclones can change suddenly.

Cyclones and severe weather can bring:

• flooding and landslides
• disruptions to infrastructure and essential services

If there’s a cyclone or severe tropical storm:

• you may get stuck in the area
• flights could be delayed or suspended
• available flights may fill quickly
• access to sea ports could also be affected
• adequate shelter may not be available

New Caledonia has a 4-phase cyclone alert system:

1. PRE-ALERT: potential cyclone activity in the weather observation zone of New Caledonia — follow weather forecasts and bulletins
2. ALERT 1: a cyclone is approaching and may reach New Caledonia in the next 18 hours — prepare for a cyclone
3. ALERT 2: a cyclone will hit New Caledonia in less than 6 hours — protect yourself and stay indoors
4. SAFEGUARD PHASE: a cyclone is moving away — remain alert

If a cyclone is approaching:

• know the evacuation plan for your hotel or cruise ship
• identify your local shelter
• monitor New Caledonian Department of Emergency Management (French)
• monitor Meteo NC (French) for cyclone updates
• monitor local radio

Once the SAFEGUARD PHASE is announced:

• take care leaving your shelter
• look out for debris
• avoid fallen electrical wires

Flooding and mudslides

Heavy rains can cause flooding and mudslides. These can lead to:

• deaths and injuries
• destruction of property
• evacuations

Earthquakes and tsunamis

New Caledonia experiences earthquakes and tsunamis.

Tsunamis can happen within minutes of a nearby tremor or earthquake.

Ask your tour operator, host or accommodation provider about local procedures and what to do during an earthquake.

Tsunami risk is higher at:

• the east coast
• Loyalty Islands
• Isle of Pines

On 5 December 2018, a magnitude 7.6 earthquake hit near New Caledonia. A tsunami alert was issued and later lifted. Several strong aftershocks followed the quake.

To prepare yourself for earthquakes and tsunamis you can:

• subscribe to tsunami alerts from the Global Disaster Alert and Co-ordination system
• get earthquake updates from the US Geological Service
• get tsunami updates from the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center

If there’s an earthquake or tsunami:

• know the evacuation plan for your hotel or cruise ship
• monitor tsumani updates
• monitor local media and other sources
• move to higher ground if you’re in a coastal or low-lying area

If you’re near the coast, move immediately to high ground if advised by local authorities or if you:

• feel a strong earthquake that makes it hard to stand up
• feel a weak, rolling earthquake that lasts a minute or more
• see a sudden rise or fall in sea level
• hear loud and unusual noises from the sea

Don’t wait for official warnings such as alarms or sirens.

Once on high ground, monitor local media.

After an earthquake:

• expect aftershocks
• be prepared for delays and changes to your travel plans
• ask your travel agent and tour operators to confirm travel services and accommodation bookings

More information:

• New Caledonian Department of Emergency Management (French)
• New Caledonian Department of Emergency Management (DSCGR) Tsunami information brochure (French)

Bushfires

New Caledonia can experience bushfires.

Bushfires usually occur from September to February. They can occur in other months.

Bushfire notifications are published by Météo France Nouvelle-Calédonie (French) from 15 September to 15 February.

To protect yourself from bushfires:

• look and listen out for bushfire warnings

follow the advice of local authorities