New Caledonia

Security situation

We advise exercise a high degree of caution in New Caledonia overall due to the risk of civil disorder and violence. Political tensions and unrest may increase at short notice and around days of national or commemorative significance. There's an increased police and security presence. Authorities may impose restrictions, including curfews, at short notice. 

Significant civil disorder, violence and arson attacks occurred across New Caledonia in May 2024. Always pay close attention to your personal security and your surroundings. There is a continued risk of disruption due to civil disorder and violence.  

Political demonstrations and protests may turn violent at short notice. Some essential services are impacted. Follow the advice of local authorities.

Demonstrations and protests

There's an ongoing risk of politically motivated protests and civil unrest.

Demonstrations and protests and other events that draw large groups of people can quickly turn violent. 

To protect yourself:

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

Politically motivated protests, strikes and industrial disputes can lead to social unrest. They often disrupt essential services, including:

• local transport
• domestic flights
• international flights

If there's a protest or strike:

• check for up-to-date flight information before going to the airport
• ask your tour operator if it affects tourist services
• follow the instructions of local authorities

Demonstrations and protests may increase in the days leading up to and on days of national or commemorative significance. These include: 

• 13 May (anniversary of civil unrest)
• New Caledonia Day (24 September)
• Election periods

More information:

• Demonstrations and civil unrest

Several shark attacks occurred in 2023. A fatal attack claimed the life of an Australian tourist in February at Chateau Royal Beach, following two similar attacks at the same beach in January and February, which resulted in life-threatening injuries.

Shark-proof nets have been installed in Noumea at sections of the Baie des Citrons and Chateau Royal-Meridien beaches. Watersports and swimming outside of these areas are permitted on an “own risk” basis. 

Both beaches are patrolled daily by lifeguards from 8.45am to 5pm during the summer season from October to April and from 8.45am to 4pm during the cool season from May to end September. See the Noumea Town Hall website (in French) for any updates on the lifeguard surveillance hours. Follow the advice and instructions of local authorities at all times.

More information on understanding shark safety in New Caledonia is available on the New Caledonia Tourism website (in English). 

Beaches in New Caledonia may be closed at short notice due to bad weather, shark sightings or during shark-catching campaigns. A red flag with a shark logo means beaches have been closed due to a shark sighting or shark-related incidents. Be alert to warning signs and follow the advice of local authorities at all times.

Beach evacuation procedures in New Caledonia may be less developed than those in Australia.

New Caledonia Tourism advises visitors to:

• avoid areas where it is risky to swim, including ports, boat moorings, marinas, murky waters near drainage outlets or river mouths, and the Nouville Peninsula area in Noumea
• avoid swimming after periods of heavy rain or other weather events that agitate the water
• avoid swimming at dawn and dusk
• swim close to shore
• only swim at patrolled beaches that use a flag system. 

Patrolled beaches use the following flag system:

• Green flag: supervised swimming and no particular danger
• Orange flag: supervised swimming but dangerous conditions
• Red flag: swimming is prohibited
• A red flag with a shark logo: the beach has been closed due to a shark sighting or shark-related incident.

More Information:

• Water safety while travelling overseas
• Rescue and Surveillance Operational Center of New Caledonia (COSSNC) with information (in French) on shark risk.

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.

Roadside security incidents can occur suddenly. Dangerous incidents include:

• roadblocks
• carjacking
• stone-throwing

Major routes have been affected. Local authorities can close major roads without warning.

Car theft, vehicle break-ins, petty thefts and household break-and-enters occur.

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

Drink spiking

Methanol poisoning

Cyber security 

Terrorism is a threat worldwide. Terrorist attacks could occur anywhere and at any time. Be alert to possible threats, especially in public places. Terrorists may target tourist areas or other places frequented by foreigners and where large crowds may gather.

More information:

• Terrorism

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

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

The New Caledonian Department of Emergency Management (Sécurité Civile – DSCGR) (in French) responds to natural disasters and severe weather. Safety instructions are available in English for cyclone alert levels. 

A free crisis hotline is activated if there's a natural disaster or emergency. The emergency hotline is +687 05 05 05 (French). Your tour operator or accommodation provider may also 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:

• Météo France Nouvelle-Calédonie (in French)
• Fiji Meteorological Service
• Australian Bureau of Meteorology
• Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System
• Joint Typhoon Warning Center, US Navy

Follow the advice on staying safe when there's a natural disaster.

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

Cyclones and severe weather

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

The direction and strength of cyclones can change suddenly.

Cyclones and severe weather can bring:

• flooding waves on shore areas
• 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 seaports 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 (Emergency Management New Caledonia - Pre-Alert instructions in English)

2. ALERT 1: a cyclone is approaching and may reach New Caledonia in the next 18 hours — prepare for a cyclone (Emergency Management New Caledonia - Alert 1 instructions in English)

3. ALERT 2: a cyclone will hit New Caledonia in less than 6 hours — protect yourself and stay indoors (Emergency Management New Caledonia – Alert 2 instructions in English) 

4. SAFEGUARD PHASE: a cyclone is moving away — remain alert (Emergency Management New Caledonia – Safeguard Phase instructions in English) 

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 (Sécurité Civile - DSCGR) (in French) with safety instructions in English for cyclone alert levels
• monitor Météo France Nouvelle-Calédonie (in 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 occasionally 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 risks are higher:

• in the East Coast
• in the Loyalty Islands
• in the Isle of Pines

To prepare yourself for earthquakes and tsunamis, you can:

• subscribe to tsunami alerts from the Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System
• get earthquake updates from the US Geological Service
• get tsunami updates from the US Tsunami Warning Center

If there's an earthquake or tsunami:

• know the evacuation plan for your hotel or cruise ship
• monitor tsunami 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 (Sécurité Civile – DSCGR) Earthquake information (in French)
• New Caledonian IRD (French National Research Institute for Sustainable Development) seismological network (in English)
• New Caledonian Department of Emergency Management (Sécurité Civile – DSCGR) Tsunami information (in French)

Bushfires

New Caledonia can experience bushfires.

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

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 (Sécurité Civile - DSCGR) Bushfire information (in French)
• Météo France Nouvelle-Calédonie with bushfire updates  (in French)

Travel insurance is mandatory for entry to New Caledonia and must cover all medical and hospitalisation expenses and repatriation costs, including medical evacuation. 

Medical costs are high. For example:

• an intensive care bed could cost more than $A5,500 per day
• ambulance transfers can cost over $A1,250
• a helicopter evacuation within New Caledonia costs over $A6,500

You may need to present your travel insurance certificate when departing for and arriving in New Caledonia.

Cruise ship evacuations

Australians have been evacuated from cruise ships in New Caledonia (Noumea, Loyalty Islands or Isle of Pines) to Noumea by air ambulance and then taken by road ambulance to Gaston Bourret public hospital in Dumbea or to Kuindo-Magnin private clinic in Noumea. Some insurance claims have been refused, often due to pre-existing conditions. Many international cruises stopover in New Caledonia. 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
• buy travel insurance that covers your circumstances

More information:

• French High Commission in New Caledonia (in French)
• New Caledonia Tourism, including visas and entry requirements (in English) 

For specific information on bringing medication into New Caledonia see:

• Consulate-General of France in Sydney including information on customs and medicine for personal use
• French Customs Directorate in New Caledonia with information for travellers, including authorised goods and customs regulations applicable to private yachts (all in French).

Insect-borne diseases

Insect-borne diseases such as Dengue, Chikungunya and Zika can be risks in New Caledonia, especially in the warmer and wetter months.

If you're pregnant, the Australian Department of Health and Aged Care 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) (in French)
• DASSNC disease-specific information and reporting procedures, including DASSNC Health Diseases (in 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
• conjunctivitis
• Pertussis – Whooping cough

It's generally safe to drink tap water in towns.

In rural areas, to protect yourself from illness drink boiled water or bottled water with sealed lids.

More information:

• Health Department of New Caledonia (Direction des Affaires Sanitaires et Sociales – DASSNC) including mandatory vaccinations (in French)
• DASSNC disease-specific information and reporting procedures, including DASSNC Health Diseases (in French)

Medical facilities

The standard of medical facilities in New Caledonia is generally high, however medical services have been impacted by staff shortages, and you may experience delays. Search and rescue facilities are limited. The difficult terrain limits quick access.

During a crisis, some medical facilities may be closed. Access may also be difficult or restricted, including opening hours of emergency wards. Check the websites and Facebook pages of these facilities for the most up-to-date information. If you require urgent medical care, call 15. Duty doctors will assess whether they will send a doctor or ambulance or advise alternative medical care for you. You may be taken to the hospital or advised how to make your way to the nearest medical centre or hospital.

Mobile phone coverage may be limited in some parts of the main island. Mobile network coverage is available on the New Caledonian Postal and Telecommunications Directorate (OPTNC).

In the Southern Province:

• Centre Hospitalier Territorial (CHT) Gaston Bourret (in French) is the main public facility at the Koutio Medipole in Dumbea, and their emergency ward is open 24/7. See Centre Hospitalier Territorial Gaston-Bourret - Médipôle Nouméa Facebook  
• Clinique Kuindo-Magnin (in French) is the main private facility in the suburb of Nouville in Noumea, and their emergency ward is open daily from 7am to 6pm. See Clinique Kuindo-Magnin Facebook

In the Northern Province, the main public hospitals are:

• Koumac (Hôpital Paula-Thavoavianon) – for external consultations only.
• Poindimié (Hôpital Raymond Doui-Nebayes) – for external consultations only.
• Koné (Pôle Sanitaire du Nord) – has emergency, general medical, surgery, anaesthesia, maternity, operations, day-care and continuing care services.

See Centre Hospitalier DU NORD Facebook for information on services and opening times for the Northern Province main public hospitals.

The only decompression chamber is in Noumea (SCADEM - Travaux sous-marin Nouvelle-Calédonie (in French)).

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

Medical costs can be high. Make sure your insurance covers medical evacuation and your planned activities.

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.

LGBTQIA+ 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 LGBTQIA+ travellers

France recognises dual citizenship.

More information:

• Dual nationals

Outside of 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 (in French)
• New Caledonia Tourism – Traditions, Customs and Etiquette (in English)

Visas

You likely won't need a visa for a tourist visit of up to 3 months. However, the total length of your stay must not exceed a total of 90 days over a period of 180 days (6 months). 

You may need to show proof of:

• sufficient money for your stay
• return or onward travel ticket
• adequate travel or health insurance covering medical and hospitalisation expenses as well as any repatriation costs, including medical evacuation
• the purpose of your visit

In other situations, you'll need a visa issued by the French representations in your country of residence and, subject to your circumstances, a work permit issued by the Government of New Caledonia. Further information is also available (in French) on the French High Commission in New Caledonia website.

New Caledonia is an overseas territory of France.

Contact the Consulate-General of France in Sydney, Consulate-General of France in Melbourne or the Embassy of France in Canberra for the latest details on up-to-date information on visa requirements. 

Border measures

Check with your airline or travel provider on minors' travel regulations, including those travelling unaccompanied.

Entry protocols apply to private sailboats and cruise ships visiting New Caledonia. All immigration procedures must be completed in Noumea, with some approvals required before arrival. During a crisis, arrivals by sea may be prohibited or restricted by local authorities. Noumea is the port of entry for private sailboats for clearance and inspection by immigration, customs and biosecurity services. Further information and contacts available in English at New Caledonia Tourism official website – Arriving by sea.

Contact your airline, cruise line, local port agent, tour operator or local employer, for the latest updates. 

More information:

• French High Commission in New Caledonia with entry conditions to New Caledonia by foreign nationals, including mandatory arrival-departure checks and declarations with immigration services at Tontouta international airport (air travellers) or the Port of Noumea (sea travellers)  (in French).
• French Customs Directorate in New Caledonia with information for travellers, including authorised goods and customs regulations applicable to private yachts and travellers arriving by air (all in French)
• Biosecurity New Caledonia (DAVAR-SIVAP) including information for travellers and private yachts (forms in French and English).
• New Caledonia Tourism: The Official website for tourism in New Caledonia, including visa-entry requirements and contacts for arrival by plane or on board cruise ships, or on board private sailboats (in English).
• Rescue and Surveillance Operational Center of New Caledonia (COSSNC) for emergency assistance at sea. 

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 (Direction des Affaires Vétérinaires, Alimentaires et Rurales – DAVAR) including Information for travellers (both in French) and a list of products not requiring import permit or biosecurity-sanitary certificates (in English).
• Customs Directorate in New Caledonia, including information for travellers arriving by air or on private yacht (all in French)

Validity

Lost or stolen passport

Passport with ‘X’ gender identifier 

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 card facilities in Noumea and other major centres.

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

More information:

• New Caledonia Currency | New Caledonia Tourism & Travel (in English)

New Caledonia Tourism provides information on getting around New Caledonia by road, air and sea.

Travel disruptions

Industrial and political disputes, as well as strikes, can cause disruptions to essential services, including transport links. Monitor the media and follow the advice of local authorities (see Safety).

Road travel

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

To find out about driver's licences and driving regulations:

• Visit the New Caledonian Department of Infrastructure and Land Transport, including information on foreign licences (in French)
• Visit the New Caledonian Public Service website, which includes information on alcohol limits. Your alcohol limit needs to be under 0.2g/L. 

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
• shooting

These incidents are uncommon but dangerous (see Safety).

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. Some taxis may decline going to certain geographic areas.

In Noumea, taxi rank locations and tariffs are available on the website of the Southern Province Tourism Office (in French). The Noumea Central Taxi number +687 28 35 12 is available for bookings 24/7.

You can only hail a taxi from the street in Noumea if it's located more than 100 metres from a taxi rank.

Some taxis only accept cash. Others may accept payment by credit card.

Other municipalities in New Caledonia have taxi services. Check the website of the relevant city hall (municipality) from the New Caledonian Government website for further information.

Public transport

New Caledonia Tourism provides information on all transport services available (in English), 

Buses operate throughout Grande Terre (the main island). Check the Taneo bus services' website and Facebook page (in French) for the most up-to-date information as services are gradually resuming with reviewed lines and timetables. Maritime shuttles may be put in place during a crisis, monitor the Taneo website and Facebook page for further information.

On other islands, public or private-rented transport is limited.

Sea travel

Passenger ferries run from Noumea to:

• Isle of Pines
• Maré and Lifou in the Loyalty Islands

Many international cruises stopover in New Caledonia. See Health

More information:

• Travelling on public transport overseas
• Travelling by boat

Air travel

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 - duty doctors will assess whether they will send a doctor or ambulance or advise alternative medical care for you. You may be taken to the hospital or advised how to make your way to the nearest medical centre or hospital.

Police

Call 17 or 1022 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.

The Australian Government aims to provide high quality consular assistance. There are limits to what we can do. Read the Consular Services Charter to understand how we can assist you overseas.

For consular assistance in New Caledonia, 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 and Wallis and Futuna
Twitter: @AusCGNoumea

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 the Consulate-General, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on:

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