Genvisec advises that all travel can continue to New Caledonia.

 

Crime

Most visits to New Caledonia are trouble free. Crime levels are low but you should take normal precautions.

 

Take out comprehensive travel and medical insurance before you travel.

 

Health

 

Medical facilities 

The standard of medical facilities in New Caledonia is good for treatment of uncomplicated conditions. Noumea's central hospital can handle routine and emergency matters but complicated conditions require evacuation to Australia.

There is only one hyperbaric (decompression) chamber in New Caledonia, located in Noumea. Many of the popular dive sites are located on other islands and it may take several hours to reach facilities in the event of an accident. Many dive companies require participants to have insurance cover for diving. You should ensure that your insurance covers whatever activity you intend to undertake. 

Search and rescue facilities are limited. The difficult terrain severely limits rapid access and there is no mobile phone coverage in some parts of the main island.

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Information for cruise passengers 

In recent years, a substantial number of people have been evacuated from cruise ships to Noumea for hospitalisation. We are aware of a number of cases where the insurance claims made by cruise passengers have been refused, particularly for travellers with pre-existing medical conditions. 

Cruise passengers are strongly encouraged to take out travel insurance appropriate to their circumstances. Read the product disclosure statement to ensure that you understand what your policy covers. See our travel insurance page for more information about obtaining appropriate insurance cover.

 

Health risks 

Small outbreaks of leptospirosis are common with more serious outbreaks occurring from time to time, particularly during March to May. Local authorities recommend wearing closed-in shoes when walking, avoiding swimming in rivers, not playing in muddy water, storing food in enclosed containers, not drinking straight from cans (using a straw is recommended) and removing rubbish from around homes. For information on leptospirosis, see the World Health Organization website.

 

Town tap water is safe to drink. We recommend that in rural areas you boil all drinking water or drink only bottled water.

 

Epidemics of dengue fever, zika virus, and chikungunya occur in New Caledonia, particularly during the warmer wet months of February to May. It is strongly recommended you take precautions against being bitten by mosquitoes, including using an insect repellent, wearing loose fitting, light coloured clothing and ensuring your accommodation is mosquito proof. Seek medical advice if you have a fever, muscle pain, rash or severe headache. Local authorities have dengue fever, zika virus and chikungunya prevention measures in place.

 

Cases relating to the Zika Virus have previously been identified in New Caledonia.

 

The European Health Insurance Card ( EHIC) does not provide health cover in New Caledonia.

 

 

 

Visas

 

New Caledonia is a dependent territory of France. If your passport describes you as an EU citizen you do not need a visa to enter New Caledonia.  If you wish to remain in New Caledonia for more than three months, you should apply at the local Haut Commissariat or French Consulate for the necessary residence and work permits.

 

Passport validity

 

Your passport should be valid for the proposed duration of your stay. No additional period of validity beyond this is required.

 

The French authorities have confirmed they will accept British passports extended by 12 months by British Embassies and Consulates under additional measures put in place in mid-2014.

 

Yellow fever

 

Yellow fever vaccination is required for travellers arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission.

 

Employment

 

EU regulations regarding employment and right of abode do not apply to New Caledonia. EU nationals have no right to work or to extend their stay beyond the initial three months without special authorisation from the local authorities.

 

Tropical cyclones may occur in New Caledonia, particularly between mid-December and mid-March.