New Caledonia

Demonstrations and protests

Public protests and events that draw large groups of people can turn violent.

To protect yourself during periods of unrest:

• avoid demonstrations, public gatherings and roadblocks
• monitor the media and other sources for potential unrest
• follow the advice of local authorities

Strikes and industrial disputes can also lead to social unrest. They may disrupt essential services, including:

• local transport
• domestic flights
• international flights

If there's a strike:

• check on your flights before going to the airport
• ask your tour operator if it affects tourist services
• follow the instructions of local authorities

More information:

• Demonstrations and civil unrest

Roadside security incidents can occur suddenly, but are uncommon. Dangerous incidents include:

• roadblocks
• carjacking
• stone throwing
• shooting

Major routes have been affected, including:

• the RP1 road to the south-east, between Noumea and Mont-Dore
• the highway north from Noumea to Tontouta International Airport

Local authorities can close major roads without warning.

Petty crime

Serious crime is rare. Petty crime and theft can occur.

Car theft and vehicle break-ins are increasing.

Drink spiking can happen. If you're drugged, you'll be more vulnerable to theft and assault.

To protect yourself from petty crime:

• look after your belongings when you're in public
• lock your car, hide your belongings and keep windows up
• don't leave food or drinks unattended
• never accept drinks, food, gum or cigarettes from strangers or new friends

More information:

• Partying safely

Terrorism is a threat worldwide.

More information:

• Terrorism

Transport and tour operators don't always follow safety and maintenance standards. This includes adventure activities, such as scuba diving.

If you plan to do a tour or adventure activity:

• check if your travel insurance policy covers it
• ask about and insist on minimum safety requirements
• always use available safety gear, such as life jackets or seatbelts

If proper safety equipment isn't available, use another provider.

Few beaches in New Caledonia are patrolled.

Obey warning signs and follow lifeguards' and local authorities' advice. A red flag means don't swim.

Shark attacks have occurred, including in the lagoons.

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

More information:

• New Caledonian Department of Emergency Management (French)

Get comprehensive travel insurance, tailored to your mode of transport (e.g cruise ship) and region of travel before you leave. Your policy needs to cover all overseas medical costs, including medical evacuation and adequate coverage for any pre-existing conditions. The Australian Government won't pay for these costs.

If you can't afford travel insurance, you can't afford to travel. This applies to everyone, no matter how healthy and fit you are.

If you're not insured, you may have to pay many 1000s of dollars up-front for medical care.

Confirm:

• what activities and care your policy covers
• that your insurance covers you for the whole time you'll be away

Consider your physical and mental health before you travel, especially if you have an existing medical condition.

See your doctor or travel clinic to:

• have a basic health check-up
• ask if your travel plans may affect your health
• plan any vaccinations you need

Do this at least 8 weeks before you leave.

More information:

• General health advice
• International travel and health

Not all medication available over the counter or by prescription in Australia is available in other countries. Some may even be considered illegal or a controlled substance, even if prescribed by an Australian doctor.

If you plan to bring medication, check if it's legal in New Caledonia. Take enough legal medication for your trip.

Carry a copy of your prescription or a letter from your doctor stating:

• what the medication is
• how much you'll take
• that it's for personal use

More information:

• Medication

Insect-borne diseases

On 27 December 2018, a dengue epidemic was declared across New Caledonia with most cases occurring in the Greater Noumea area. 

Cases of diseases spread by mosquitoes include:

• dengue
• Zika virus 
• chikungunya

Outbreaks are more common in the warmer and wetter months.

If you're pregnant, the Australian Department of Health recommends you:

• discuss travel plans with your doctor
• consider deferring non-essential travel to Zika-affected areas

To protect yourself from disease:​ ​

• make sure your accommodation is insect-proof
• use insect repellent
• wear long, loose, light-coloured clothing

Get medical advice if you have a fever, muscle pain, a rash, diarrhoea or a severe headache.

More information:

• Health Department of New Caledonia (Direction des Affaires Sanitaires et Sociales - DASSNC) (French)
• Infectious diseases

Leptospirosis

Small outbreaks of leptospirosis are common. More serious outbreaks can happen after heavy rainfall.

To protect yourself against leptospirosis:

• wear closed-in shoes
• avoid swimming in rivers or muddy water
• store food in enclosed containers
• don't drink straight from cans — use a straw
• remove rubbish from around your home

Other health risks

Waterborne, foodborne, parasitic and other infectious diseases occur. These include scabies, influenza and conjunctivitis.

It is generally safe to drink tap water in towns.

To protect yourself from illness:

• drink boiled water or bottled water with sealed lids in rural areas
• attend to symptoms, such as itchiness and skin wounds
• avoid raw and undercooked food, such as salads

More information:

• New Caledonian Directorate for Health and Social Affairs (French)
• Government of New Caledonia (French)

Medical facilities

The standard of medical facilities in New Caledonia is high. However, search and rescue facilities are limited. The difficult terrain limits quick access.

There's no mobile phone coverage in some parts of the main island.

In the Southern Province, Hôpital Gaston Bourret (French) is the main public facility at the Koutio Medipole in Dumbea.

In the Northern Province, the main public hospitals are in:

• Koumac (Hôpital Paula-Thavoavianon)
• Poindimié (Hôpital Raymond Doui-Nebayes)
• Koné (Pôle Sanitaire du Nord)

Medical costs are high. For example:

• an intensive care bed could cost more than $A5500 per day
• ambulance transfers can cost over $A1250
• a helicopter evacuation within New Caledonia costs over $A6500

You may be evacuated to Australia if you're seriously ill or injured. Medical evacuation can be very expensive.

The only decompression chamber is in Noumea.

Many popular dive sites are on other islands. If there's an accident, it may take several hours to reach medical facilities.

Make sure your insurance covers medical evacuation and your planned activities.

Local laws

You're subject to all local laws and penalties, including those that may appear harsh by Australian standards. Research local laws before travelling.

If you're arrested or jailed, the Australian Government will do what it can to help you under our Consular Services Charter. But we can't get you out of trouble or out of jail.

New Caledonia is an overseas territory of France. A mix of French and local laws apply.

More information:

• Travel advice for France

Drugs

Penalties for drug offences, even small amounts, include fines and imprisonment. 

More information:

• Carrying or using drugs

Proof of identity

You must always carry ID.

LGBTI information

Under French law, same-sex marriage is legal in New Caledonia.

However, outside Noumea, you may encounter more conservative attitudes.

More information:

• Advice for LGBTI travellers

Some Australian criminal laws still apply when you're overseas. If you break these laws, you may face prosecution in Australia.

More information:

• Staying within the law and respecting customs

France recognises dual citizenship.

More information:

• Dual nationals

Outside tourist areas, dress and behaviour standards are conservative. Take care not to offend.

Visits to certain areas, including popular fishing and maritime areas, may require prior authorisation from the relevant customary authorities.  This is carried out through engaging in a 'coutume' (customary acknowledgement gesture). 

More information:

• North Province Tourism Group, Custom
• New Caledonia Tourism - Customs and customary tradition

Every country or territory decides who can enter or exit through its borders.

Make sure you meet all entry and exit conditions. If you don't, the Australian Government can't help you.

Visa-free travel for short stays

You likely won't need a visa for a tourist visit of up to 3 months. However, you may need to show proof of:

• sufficient money for your stay
• return or onward travel ticket
• adequate travel or health insurance
• the purpose of your visit

In other situations, you'll need a visa.

New Caledonia is an overseas territory of France.

Entry and exit conditions can change. Contact the Consulate-General of France in Sydney or contact the Embassy of France in Canberra for up-to-date information on visas requirements.

Other formalities

Some goods aren't allowed in New Caledonia.  Other goods require specific approvals or other formalities.

More information:

• New Caledonian Department for Animal, Food and Rural Affairs (French)
• Customs Directorate in New Caledonia (French)

Validity

Some countries won't let you enter unless your passport is valid for 6 months after you plan to leave that country. This can apply even if you're just transiting or stopping over.

Some foreign governments and airlines apply the rule inconsistently. Travellers can receive conflicting advice from different sources.

You can end up stranded if your passport is not valid for more than 6 months.

The Australian Government does not set these rules. Check your passport's expiry date before you travel. If you're not sure it'll be valid for long enough, consider getting a new passport.

Lost or stolen passport

Your passport is a valuable document. It's attractive to people who may try to use your identity to commit crimes.

Some people may try to trick you into giving them your passport. Always keep it in a safe place.

If your passport is lost or stolen, tell the Australian Government as soon as possible.

• In Australia, contact the Australian Passport Information Service.
• If you're overseas, contact the nearest Australian embassy or consulate.

The local currency is the Pacific Franc (XPF).

Declare all amounts over 10,000 euros (or equivalent) on arrival and departure. This covers all forms of currency, not only cash.

Australian dollars are accepted by some businesses.

Change Australian dollars for XPF at banks and authorised exchange bureaus.

There are ATMs and credit cards facilities in Noumea and other major centres.

Take enough cash if you're travelling to remote areas.

Travel disruptions

Industrial and political disputes as well as strikes can cause disruptions to essential services including transport links. Monitor developments and plan as required. See Safety

Driving licence

You can drive in New Caledonia on a valid Australia driver's licence for up to one year after arrival.

To find out about driver's licences:

• visit New Caledonian Department of Infrastructure and Land Transport (French)
• contact a French embassy or consulate

Road travel

The road toll in New Caledonia is high.

You're 4 times more likely to die in a road accident in New Caledonia than in Australia.

On the road:

• drivers may be unlicensed or drunk
• vehicles may be poorly maintained
• vehicles may be uninsured

You could encounter:

• roadblocks
• carjackings
• stone throwing

These incidents are uncommon, but dangerous. See Safety

If stones are thrown at your car, leave the area quickly and safely.

If you plan to drive:

• check your travel insurance covers it
• learn local traffic laws and practices
• keep your car windows up and doors locked
• don't drink and drive
• follow the advice of local authorities

More information:

• Driving or riding

Motorcycles

Make sure your travel insurance covers you when using a motorbike, quad bike or similar vehicle.

Always wear a helmet.

Taxis

Hire a taxi from a taxi rank or make a phone booking. Book your taxi in advance. Long delays are common.

You can't hail a taxi from the street.

Some taxi's only accept cash.

Public transport

Buses operate throughout Grande Terre (the main island).

On other islands, public transport is limited.

Sea travel

Passenger ferries run from Noumea to:

• Île des Pins
• Maré, Lifou and Ouvéa in the Loyalty Islands

Many international cruises stopover in New Caledonia.

Australians have been evacuated from cruise ships to hospitals in Noumea. Some insurance claims have been refused.

Medical costs in New Caledonia are high.

To reduce your risks if you plan to travel on a cruise ship:

• check the onboard medical facilities are suitable
• understand the costs of onboard medical treatment
• be aware Medicare benefits may not apply during your journey

Make sure your travel or medical insurance covers you for both existing conditions and medical evacuation.

See Health

More information:

• Travelling by boat

Air travel

DFAT doesn't provide information on the safety of individual commercial airlines or flight paths.

Check New Caledonia's air safety profile with the Aviation Safety Network.

More information:

• Air travel

Depending on what you need, you should contact your:

• family and friends
• travel agent
• insurance provider
• employer
• airline

Fire and rescue services

Call 18.

Medical emergencies

Call 15 or go directly to the medical centre or hospital.

Police

Call 17 or contact the nearest police station or gendarmerie.

Always get a police report when you report a crime.

Your insurer should have a 24-hour emergency number.

Maritime emergencies

Call 16 or radio on VHF 16 – Inmarsat – MMSI.

Contact your provider with any complaints about tourist services or products.

You may be able to get help from:

• New Caledonian Directorate of Economic Affairs Direction des Affaires Economiques (French)
• New Caledonian Chamber of Commerce and Industry Chambre de Commerce et d’Industrie de la Nouvelle-Calédonie (French)

Read the Consular Services Charter for what the Australian Government can and can't do to help you overseas.

For consular assistance, contact the Australian Consulate-General in Noumea.

Australian Consulate-General, Noumea

Norwich Building
Level 2
11 rue Georges Baudoux
Artillerie, Noumea, New Caledonia
Phone: (+687) 27 24 14
Consular assistance email: consular.noumea@dfat.gov.au
Website: noumea.consulate.gov.au
Facebook: Australia in New Caledonia, French Polynesia and Wallis and Futuna

Check the Consulate-General website for details about opening hours and any temporary closures.

24-hour Consular Emergency Centre

In a consular emergency, if you can't contact an embassy, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on:

• +61 2 6261 3305 from overseas
• 1300 555 135 in Australia