Latest updates: Health – updated information on chikungunya Last updated: March 6, 2025 14:56 ET Exercise a high degree of caution in New Caledonia, in the area within 16 km of the western coast between Koné and the capital, Nouméa, due to heightened political tensions. Avoid non-essential travel to the island, except the western coastal area between Koné and Nouméa, due to political tensions and civil unrest. Avoid non-essential travel to the Îles Loyauté and Île des Pins due to heightened political tensions and civil unrest. Back to top In May 2024, demonstrations against constitutional reforms became violent in New Caledonia. Arson and looting took place during the riots. Certain restrictions are still in place, such as: Flights have partially resumed and the La Tontouta International Airport has reopened. The situation remains volatile and could escalate without notice. If you are in New Caledonia: Petty crime is prevalent. Car theft and vehicle break-ins also occur. Ensure that your personal belongings, including passports and other travel documents, are secure at all times. Drink spiking occurs. Never leave food or drinks unattended or in the care of strangers. Be wary of accepting snacks, beverages, gum or cigarettes from new acquaintances. These items may contain drugs that could put you at risk of sexual assault and robbery. Demonstrations occur from time to time. Roadblocks and marches may occur on main roads at any time and with little or no notice. Even peaceful demonstrations can turn violent at any time. They can also lead to disruptions to traffic and public transportation. Mass gatherings (large-scale events) Buses connect all major towns and villages. There is a ferry service between Nouméa and other islands. Safety standards for adventure activities, such as diving, may not be up to international standards. If engaging in adventure activities: In certain areas, like Nouméa, sharks pose a risk to swimmers. To reduce the risk of deadly shark attacks, local authorities have set up temporary supervised swimming areas. All main roads on Grande Terre are paved. Intoxicated and unlicensed drivers pose a hazard on the roads. Cars are often poorly maintained and uninsured. Poor lighting, wandering livestock and pedestrians on the road pose a hazard at night on secondary roads. Incidents of road blockages, carjacking and objects being thrown at vehicles, while not frequent, do occur and can be very dangerous. We do not make assessments on the compliance of foreign domestic airlines with international safety standards. Information about foreign domestic airlines Back to top Every country or territory decides who can enter or exit through its borders. The Government of Canada cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet your destination’s entry or exit requirements. We have obtained the information on this page from the French authorities. It can, however, change at any time. Verify this information with the Foreign Representatives in Canada. Entry requirements vary depending on the type of passport you use for travel. Before you travel, check with your transportation company about passport requirements. Its rules on passport validity may be more stringent than the country’s entry rules. Your passport must be valid at least 6 months beyond the date you expect to leave New Caledonia. Different entry rules may apply. Official travel While the Government of Canada issues passports with an “X” gender identifier, it cannot guarantee your entry or transit through other countries. You might face entry restrictions in countries that do not recognize the “X” gender identifier. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination. Different entry rules may apply when travelling with a temporary passport or an emergency travel document. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination. Tourist visa: not required for stays up to 90 days Residence visa: required Work visa: required Business visa: required Student visa: required Customs officials may ask you for: Learn more about travelling with children. Learn about potential entry requirements related to yellow fever (vaccines section). Back to top This section has information and advice about health risks you might face when travelling. Following this advice can help reduce your risk of getting sick. Not all risks are listed here. It’s best to talk to a healthcare provider or visit a travel health clinic preferably 6 weeks before your trip to get personalized health advice. Even if your travel date is coming up soon, it’s still worthwhile to make an appointment. Make sure your routine vaccinations are up-to-date before you travel, no matter where you’re going. These may include vaccines for measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR), diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (whooping cough), polio, varicella (chickenpox), meningococcal disease, seasonal flu, and others. Provincial and Territorial Immunization Information When travelling in this destination, you might be at risk for diseases that can be prevented with vaccines or medications. Talk to a travel health care provider about which ones are right for you based on your travel plans. The highlights below will also tell you if your destination may require that vaccine for entering or exiting. Yellow fever is a disease caused by a flavivirus from the bite of an infected mosquito. Travellers get vaccinated either because it is required to enter a country or because it is recommended for their protection. Risk Country Entry Requirement* Recommendation About Yellow Fever Yellow Fever Vaccination Centres in Canada* It is important to note that country entry requirements may not reflect your risk of yellow fever at your destination. It is recommended that you contact the nearest diplomatic or consular office of the destination(s) you will be visiting to verify any additional entry requirements. There is a risk of hepatitis A in this destination. It is a disease of the liver. People can get hepatitis A if they ingest contaminated food or water, eat foods prepared by an infectious person, or if they have close physical contact (such as oral-anal sex) with an infectious person, although casual contact among people does not spread the virus. Practise safe food and water precautions and wash your hands often. Vaccination is recommended for all travellers to areas where hepatitis A is present. Measles is a highly contagious viral disease. It can spread quickly from person to person by direct contact and through droplets in the air. Anyone who is not protected against measles is at risk of being infected with it when travelling internationally. Regardless of where you are going, talk to a health care professional before travelling to make sure you are fully protected against measles. Hepatitis B is a risk in every destination. It is a viral liver disease that is easily transmitted from one person to another through exposure to blood and body fluids containing the hepatitis B virus. Travellers who may be exposed to blood or other bodily fluids (e.g., through sexual contact, medical treatment, sharing needles, tattooing, acupuncture or occupational exposure) are at higher risk of getting hepatitis B. Hepatitis B vaccination is recommended for all travellers. Prevent hepatitis B infection by practicing safe sex, only using new and sterile drug equipment, and only getting tattoos and piercings in settings that follow public health regulations and standards. Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an infectious viral disease. It can spread from person to person by direct contact and through droplets in the air. It is recommended that all eligible travellers complete a COVID-19 vaccine series along with any additional recommended doses in Canada before travelling. Evidence shows that vaccines are very effective at preventing severe illness, hospitalization and death from COVID-19. While vaccination provides better protection against serious illness, you may still be at risk of infection from the virus that causes COVID-19. Anyone who has not completed a vaccine series is at increased risk of being infected with the virus that causes COVID-19 and is at greater risk for severe disease when travelling internationally. Before travelling, verify your destination’s COVID-19 vaccination entry/exit requirements. Regardless of where you are going, talk to a health care professional before travelling to make sure you are adequately protected against COVID-19. The best way to protect yourself from seasonal influenza (flu) is to get vaccinated every year. Get the flu shot at least 2 weeks before travelling. The flu occurs worldwide. The flu vaccine available in one hemisphere may only offer partial protection against the flu in the other hemisphere. The flu virus spreads from person to person when they cough or sneeze or by touching objects and surfaces that have been contaminated with the virus. Clean your hands often and wear a mask if you have a fever or respiratory symptoms. Eating or drinking unsafe food or water, or swimming in contaminated water can make you sick while travelling. Take precautions by following these tips: Eat and drink safely abroad Many diseases are spread by bites from infected ticks and insects like mosquitoes, fleas, or flies. Before you travel, find out what types of ticks or insects are in the area, when they’re most active, and what diseases they can spread. To protect yourself from bites: Insect bite and pest preventionPersonal insect repellents There is a risk of chikungunya in this country. The level of risk may vary by: The virus that causes chikungunya is spread through the bite of an infected mosquito. It can cause fever and pain in the joints. In some cases, the joint pain can be severe and last for months or years. Protect yourself from mosquito bites at all times. Insect bite and pest prevention A vaccine for the prevention of chikungunya (IXCHIQ) is approved in Canada. Talk to your healthcare provider about how best to prevent chikungunya, including the benefits and risks of vaccination based on factors such as your age, itinerary and personal preferences. Learn more: Chikungunya Learn more:DengueInsect bite and pest prevention Zika virus is a risk in this country. Zika virus is primarily spread through the bite of an infected mosquito. It can also be sexually transmitted. Zika virus can cause serious birth defects. During your trip: If you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, you should discuss the potential risks of travelling to this destination with your health care provider. You may choose to avoid or postpone travel. For more information, see Zika virus: Pregnant or planning a pregnancy. Some infections, like rabies and bird flu (avian influenza), can be spread from animals to humans. Certain activities can increase your chances of coming into contact with animals, like: To reduce your risk of getting sick, avoid contact with animals like stray dogs, livestock (such as pigs and cows), monkeys, snakes, rodents, birds, and bats. Avoid eating undercooked meat. Make sure to closely watch children; they are more likely to try to touch animals. When travelling, you can reduce your risk of getting or spreading respiratory infections, like the flu or COVID-19, by: Mass gatherings (large-scale events)Clean your hands to help reduce the spread of infectious diseasesRespiratory infectious diseases: How to reduce the spread with personal protective measures To lower your risk of getting sexually transmissible infections (STIs), HIV, and mpox, you can: Mpox vaccinesSexual health and travelHIV and AIDS: Travel health advice Medical facilities are generally good on the main island, but limited on the other islands. Due to the difficult terrain in certain areas, emergency response can be limited. You may need medical evacuation in case of illness or injury. There is only one hyperbaric (decompression) chamber located in Nouméa. It could be far from your chosen diving location. Keep this in mind when choosing diving destinations. Make sure you get travel insurance that includes coverage for medical evacuation and hospital stays. Health and safety outside Canada The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. The traveller is also responsible for his or her own personal safety. Be prepared. Do not expect medical services to be the same as in Canada. Pack a travel health kit, especially if you will be travelling away from major city centres. Back to top You must abide by local laws. Learn about what you should do and how we can help if you are arrested or detained abroad. Canada and France are signatories to the Convention on the Transfer of Sentenced Persons. This enables a Canadian imprisoned in France or a French territory to request a transfer to a Canadian prison to complete a sentence. The transfer requires the agreement of both Canadian and French authorities. Penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are severe. Convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and heavy fines. Drugs, alcohol and travel Dual citizenship is legally recognized in France. If you are a Canadian citizen, but also a citizen of France, our ability to offer you consular services may be limited while you’re there. You may also be subject to different entry/exit requirements. Dual citizens The Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction is an international treaty. It can help parents with the return of children who have been removed to or retained in certain countries in violation of custody rights. The convention applies between Canada and France. If your child was wrongfully taken to, or is being held in New Caledonia, and if the applicable conditions are met, you may apply for the return of your child to the New Caledonian court. If you are in this situation: If your child was removed from a country other than Canada, consult a lawyer to determine if The Hague Convention applies. Be aware that Canadian consular officials cannot interfere in private legal matters or in another country’s judicial affairs. While French law does not prohibit sexual acts between individuals of the same sex, public displays of affection might offend local sensitivities. While French law does not prohibit sexual acts between individuals of the same sex, public displays of affection might offend local sensitivities. Travel and your sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression and sex characteristics You should carry an international driving permit. If you reside in New Caledonia, you may be able to exchange your Canadian licence for a local permit. To avoid offending local sensitivities: The currency is the Comptoirs français du Pacifique franc or the CFP franc (XPF). ATMs and credit card facilities are widely available in Nouméa. If travelling to remote areas, bring a sufficient supply of cash. On arrival and departure, you must declare if carrying any combination of currencies amounting to 10,000 Euro or more. Back to top Cyclones usually occur from November to April. These severe storms can put you at risk and hamper the provision of essential services. If you decide to travel to New Caledonia during the cyclone season: Severe rainstorms occur and can lead to flooding and landslides, which in turn can cause extensive damage to infrastructure and can also hamper the provision of essential services. New Caledonia is located in an active seismic zone. Tsunamis may occur after a strong earthquake and can travel long distances across the Pacific. In case of an earthquake, follow the instructions of local authorities. Bush and forest fires are common between September and February. In case of a major fire, stay away from the affected area. Always follow the instructions of local emergency services personnel. Monitor local media for up-to-date information on the situation. The air quality in areas near active fires may deteriorate due to heavy smoke. It could affect you if you have a respiratory ailment. Forest fire risk information – Météo France (in French) Back to top Dial: There is no resident Canadian government office in New Caledonia. You can obtain consular assistance and further consular information from the Consulate General of Australia to New Caledonia, in Nouméa, under the Canada-Australia Consular Services Sharing Agreement. Sign up to receive email updates from the Australian government on situations and events that could affect your safety while in New Caledonia. Smartraveller – Australian travel advice Australian Capital Territory, Victoria, South Australia, Western Australia, Tasmania, Marshall Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Nauru, New Caledonia, Northern Marianas, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu For emergency consular assistance, call the Consulate General of Australia to New Caledonia, in Nouméa, and follow the instructions. At any time, you may also contact the Emergency Watch and Response Centre in Ottawa. The decision to travel is your choice and you are responsible for your personal safety abroad. We take the safety and security of Canadians abroad very seriously and provide credible and timely information in our Travel Advice to enable you to make well-informed decisions regarding your travel abroad. The content on this page is provided for information only. While we make every effort to give you correct information, it is provided on an “as is” basis without warranty of any kind, expressed or implied. The Government of Canada does not assume responsibility and will not be liable for any damages in connection to the information provided. If you need consular assistance while abroad, we will make every effort to help you. However, there may be constraints that will limit the ability of the Government of Canada to provide services. Learn more about consular services. Take similar precautions to those you would take in Canada. There are certain safety and security concerns or the situation could change quickly. Be very cautious at all times, monitor local media and follow the instructions of local authorities. IMPORTANT:The two levels below are official Government of Canada Travel Advisories and are issued when the safety and security of Canadians travelling or living in the country or region may be at risk. Your safety and security could be at risk. You should think about your need to travel to this country, territory or region based on family or business requirements, knowledge of or familiarity with the region, and other factors. If you are already there, think about whether you really need to be there. If you do not need to be there, you should think about leaving. You should not travel to this country, territory or region. Your personal safety and security are at great risk. If you are already there, you should think about leaving if it is safe to do so.
Attribution:
This article was summarized and republished from the original source.
Please check the original article here: https://travel.gc.ca/destinations/new-caledonia.