COVID-19

If you are planning international travel at this time, please read our COVID-19 related travel advice here, alongside our destination specific travel advice below.

Exercise normal safety and security precautions

Exercise normal safety and security precautions in New Caledonia (level 1 of 4).

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New Caledonia

Crime
Violent crime towards foreigners is not common. Foreigners may experience opportunistic crime, such as pickpocketing, bag snatching, roadblocks, car theft and stone throwing. Walking alone or travelling after dark is not recommended and if travelling by road, car doors should be locked and windows up. Dangerous driving is not uncommon – exercise utmost caution on open roads, especially at night.

Civil unrest
There have been isolated security incidents associated with protests, demonstrations and civil unrest in New Caledonia. Protest activity has the potential to restrict travel by main roads in and out of Noumea. New Zealanders should be cautious in particular on the RP1 near St Louis, and the highway north from Noumea to La Tontouta International airport, as this route has been subject to occasional security incidents in the past, which have caused injury.

New Zealanders are advised to avoid all demonstrations, protests and rallies as they have the potential to turn violent with little warning and should monitor the media to stay informed of local developments and  follow any instructions or restrictions issued by local authorities.

General travel advice
Swimmers should be alert to any warning signs and follow the advice of local authorities when beaches have been closed due to a shark sighting or shark-related incidents. A series of shark attacks in early 2023, including one fatal, resulted in the closing of all beaches in Noumea.

Tropical Cyclone season runs from November to April. New Caledonia has a cyclone alert system. In the event of a tsunami alert, follow the advice of local authorities and your hotel or resort management.

New Zealanders travelling or living in New Caledonia must have a comprehensive travel insurance policy in place that includes provision for medical evacuation by air.  It is strongly recommended that coverage for pre-existing conditions be confirmed by your insurance providers. 

Health care facilities in New Caledonia are good for standard treatment, but in more complex cases you may need a medical evacuation to Australia or elsewhere.

New Zealanders in New Caledonia are encouraged to register their details with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

Travel tips

• For current health alerts

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The New Zealand Consulate-General Noumea, New Caledonia

Street Address 27, Rue de Verdun, Nouméa, New Caledonia Postal Address New Zealand Consulate-General, B.P. 2219, 98 846 Noumea Cedex, Noumea Telephone +687 272 543 Emergency Telephone 24/7 Consular emergency call: +64 99 20 20 20 Fax +687 271 740 Email nznoumea@mfat.net Web Site http://www.mfat.govt.nz/new-caledonia Hours Mon-Fri 0830-1130, 1330-1630

See our regional advice for the Pacific