New Caledonia

Demonstrations and protests

There is a possibility of politically-motivated protests and civil unrest. 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

Several shark attacks have been recorded in 2023. A fatal attack claimed the life of an Australian tourist in February at Chateau Royal Beach. This followed an attack at the same beach in January, which resulted in life-threatening injuries. A further attack occurred on a water sports enthusiast in February. 

Local authorities have banned swimming within 300m of Noumea's coastal zone and advised that all beaches, including Chateau Royal, Anse Vata and others nearby, will remain closed until 31 December, when protective measures such as shark nets should be in place.

Swimming is approved in a specified swimming zone at Baie des Citrons from 8:45am to 4pm every day. This zone is in front of the lifeguard station and will be patrolled during authorised swimming hours by two lifeguards on the beach and two others at sea on watercraft. This zone will be closed during shark-catching activities.

More information on the risk of sharks in New Caledonia is available on the New Caledonia Tourism Website (in English). Information on bans on swimming and other water activity can be found on the Noumea Town Hall Website (in French), which includes information on the Baie des Citrons restricted swimming zone and shark catching campaign dates.

The following advice applies when swimming bans are not in place:

Beaches may be closed at short notice due to bad weather, shark sightings or during shark-catching campaigns.  

Shark mitigation measures, including shark nets, are not currently in use. Beach evacuation procedures in New Caledonia may be less developed than those in Australia.

Swimmers should be alert to warning signs and follow the advice of local authorities at all times. A red flag with a shark logo means beaches have been closed due to a shark sighting or shark-related incident. 

The New Caledonia Tourism website 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 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 sports and activities

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, 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, vehicle break-ins and household break and enters occur.

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

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. 

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

• 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

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
• Loyalty Islands
• 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)

Travel insurance is mandatory for entry to New Caledonia and needs to cover all medical and hospitalisation expenses, as well as repatriation costs, including medical evacuation. You may need to present your travel insurance certificate when departing for and arriving in New Caledonia.

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 thousands of dollars up-front for medical care and more for your return to Australia with medical assistance.

Confirm:

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

More information:

• French High Commission in New Caledonia (in French)
• New Caledonia Tourism, including visas, entry requirements and COVID-19 travel updates (in English) 

Consider your physical and mental health before you travel, especially if you have an existing medical condition. Consider whether you may be in a vulnerable category for COVID-19.

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.

If you have immediate concerns for your welfare, or the welfare of another Australian, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on +61 2 6261 3305 or contact your nearest Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate to discuss counselling hotlines and services available in your location.

More information:

• General health advice
• Healthy holiday tips (Healthdirect Australia)
• COVID-19 (Department of Health and Aged Care)

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 with relevant authorities 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:

• 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)
• Medication

COVID-19

COVID-19 remains a risk in New Caledonia but is managed like any other respiratory virus. 

For information on New Caledonia's COVID-19 recommendations and vaccination program, refer to the Government of New Caledonia website (in French). You should consult your local health professional for advice on vaccine options, including assistance that may be available locally. The Australian Government cannot provide advice on the safety, quality and efficacy of vaccines that have been approved for use outside of Australia's regulatory process.

More information:

• Government of New Caledonia (in French)
• French High Commission in New Caledonia (in French)
• Health Department of New Caledonia (Direction des Affaires Sanitaires et Sociales – DASSNC) (in French)
• Department of Health and Aged Care - Coronavirus (COVID-19) 

Insect-borne diseases

Insect-borne diseases such as dengue, Chikungunya and Zika are a risk 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 and conjunctivitis.

It's 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:

• 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 

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.

Mobile phone coverage may be limited in some parts of the main island. 2G to 4G mobile network coverage is available on the New Caledonian Postal and Telecommunications Directorate (OPTNC).

In the Southern Province:

• CHT (Centre Hospitalier Territorial) Gaston Bourret (in French) is the main public facility at the Koutio Medipole in Dumbea and their emergency ward is open 24/7.
• Clinique Kuindo-Magnin (in French and English) is the main private facility in the suburb of Nouville in Noumea and their emergency ward is open daily from 7am to 11pm.

• 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 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.

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 (in French)
• New Caledonia Tourism – Traditions, Customs and Etiquette and New Caledonia Tourism - Kanak Culture (in English)

Visas

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 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.

New Caledonia is an overseas territory of France.

Contact the Consulate-General of France in Sydney or the Embassy of France in Canberra for up-to-date information and frequently asked questions on visa requirements. 

Border measures

International passenger flights to New Caledonia can be suspended with little or no warning. New Caledonia's maritime borders have reopened to international vessels, including cruise ships. 

If you have any concerns around your planned travel to New Caledonia, contact your airline, travel provider or employer for help and to check regulations applicable to your circumstances. Check also with your airline on regulations applicable to travel by minors, including those unaccompanied.

The COVID-19 state of emergency measures have been lifted, and there are no mandatory COVID-19 related health measures to enter New Caledonia. Health authorities continue to recommend cautionary measures, as with any other respiratory virus.

Entry protocols apply to private sailboats and cruise ships visiting New Caledonia. All immigration procedures have to completed in Noumea, with some approvals required prior to arrival. Contact your airline, cruise line, local port agent or tour operator for the latest updates. 

Staying in New Caledonia

You don't have to wear a face mask indoors or outdoors, but it remains recommended if you have flu-like symptoms as with any respiratory virus. 

If you're staying in New Caledonia:

• Follow the advice of local authorities.

More information:

• French High Commission in New Caledonia (in French)
• Government of New Caledonia - COVID-19 Update (in French)
• New Caledonia Tourism, including visas, entry requirements including for cruise ship passengers and COVID-19 travel updates and information and requirements for private sailboats (all in English)

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

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 with the French authorities in Australia. If you're not sure it'll be valid for the required period, 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 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, including for information on alcohol limits which depend on your age and when you obtained your driver’s licence.

Road travel

The road toll in New Caledonia is high.

You're 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.

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't hail a taxi from the street in Noumea unless it is 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

Buses operate throughout Grande Terre (the main island). Visit the website of New Caledonia Tourism for information on public transport services (in English).

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 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.

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 (in French)
• New Caledonian Chamber of Commerce and Industry Chambre de Commerce et d’Industrie de la Nouvelle-Calédonie (in 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 and Wallis and Futuna

The public telephone line (+687 27 24 14) and consular assistance mailbox of the Australian Consulate-General in Noumea (consular.noumea@dfat.gov.au) are monitored regularly during business hours (Monday to Friday, 9am to 4pm, except public holidays).

Outside of office hours, if you require urgent consular assistance, please follow the prompts (or details below) to be connected to the 24/7 Consular Emergency Centre in Canberra.

Check the Consulate-General website for details about opening hours, any temporary closures and other information useful to your circumstances.

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

Canadian Citizens in New Caledonia

Canadian citizens in New Caledonia can also alternatively contact the Canadian consular services at the Canadian High Commission in Canberra. 
Email: CNBRACS@international.gc.ca 
Phone: +61 2 6270 4000) 

or the  24/7 Canadian Emergency Watch and Response Center in Ottawa
Email: sos@international.gc.ca 
Phone: +1 613 996 8885 (with call collect accepted where available).