New Caledonia

U.S. Embassy Suva

158 Princes Rd, Tamavua
Suva, Fiji Islands

Telephone: +(679) 331-4466

Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(679) 772-8049

Fax: +(679) 330-2267

You need a passport valid for six months beyond the duration of your stay in New Caledonia. Some travelers may be asked to show proof of medical insurance. For longer stays, you must apply for a visa at the nearest French embassy or consulate well beforehand, as the processing time can be quite long. For further information about entry requirements, particularly for those planning to enter by sea, please contact the French Embassy at 4101 Reservoir Road NW, Washington, DC 20007, telephone 202 944-6200, fax 202-944-6212, or visit the Embassy of France website.

The U.S. Department of State is unaware of any HIV/AIDS entry restrictions for visitors to or foreign residents of New Caledonia.

Find information on dual nationality, prevention of international child abduction and customs regulations on our websites.

Public Safety: Marches highlighting labor or political issues take place in the greater Noumea area from time to time. Any protest or demonstration has the potential to turn violent. You should avoid large public demonstrations at all times. Roads leading into and out of Noumea may be closed during periods of civil unrest. Messages regarding demonstrations and strikes, explosive device/suspicious packages, and weather-related events are posted on the embassy’s website.

Crime: The crime rate in New Caledonia is low; however, petty crime such as pick pocketing and purse-snatching does occur. Fights and assaults sometimes occur outside discotheques and bars, especially over weekends and holidays and at closing time. Do not buy counterfeit and pirated goods, even if they are widely available. Not only are the bootlegs illegal in the United States, you are breaking local law, too. The import or possession of counterfeit items is a crime in New Caledonia and even having any such items in your baggage on arrival can lead to their seizure and serious fines for the person involved.

See the Department of State and the FBI pages for information on scams.

Victims of Crime:

Report crimes to the local police at 17 for police (gendarmes) and contact the U.S. Embassy +679 331 4466.

Remember that local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting the crime.

See our webpage on help for U.S. victims of crime overseas.

We can:

• help you find appropriate medical care
  
• assist you in reporting a crime to the police
  
• contact relatives or friends with your written consent
  
• explain the local criminal justice process in general terms
  
• provide a list of local attorneys
  
• provide our information on victim’s compensation programs in the U.S.
• provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States and/or limited medical support in cases of destitution
  
• help you find accommodation and arrange flights home
  
• replace a stolen or lost passport

Domestic Violence:  U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence may contact the Embassy for assistance.

Tourism: The tourism industry is generally regulated and rules with regard to best practices and safety inspections are regularly enforced. Hazardous areas/activities are identified with appropriate signage and professional staff is typically on hand in support of organized activities. In the event of an injury, appropriate medical treatment is widely available throughout the country. Outside of a major metropolitan center, it may take more time for first responders and medical professionals to stabilize a patient and provide life-saving assistance. U.S. citizens are encouraged to purchase medical evacuation insurance. See our webpage for more information on insurance providers for overseas coverage. 

Criminal Penalties: You are subject to local laws. If you violate local laws, even unknowingly, you may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned.

Furthermore, some laws are also prosecutable in the U.S., regardless of local law. For examples, see our website on crimes against minors abroad and the Department of Justice website.

Arrest Notification: If you are arrested or detained, ask police or prison officials to notify the U.S. Embassy immediately. See our webpage for further information.

Customs: Customs authorities may enforce strict regulations concerning temporary importation into or export from New Caledonia of items such as agricultural products. Please contact the Embassy of France in Washington for specific information regarding customs requirements.

Cyclone Season: The official cyclone season is November through April. The Fiji Meteorological Service maintains a Tropical Cyclone Warning Center (TCWC) in Nadi serving the Southwest Pacific Region. General information about natural disaster preparedness is available at the State Department’s website, as well as from the U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) website.

Faith-Based Travelers: See the following webpages for details:

• Faith-Based Travel Information
  
• International Religious Freedom Report – see country reports
  
• Human Rights Report – see country reports
  
• Hajj Fact Sheet for Travelers
  
• Best Practices for Volunteering Abroad

LGBTI Travelers: We are not aware of any reports of violence against persons based on sexual orientation or gender identity or prosecutions of consenting adults under these provisions. 

See our LGBTI Travel Information page and section 6 of our  Human Rights report for further details.

Travelers Who Require Accessibility Assistance: New Caledonia subscribes to laws that require disability accommodations; many new buildings with public or community space are accessible. However, some existing buildings as well as transportation systems do not yet meet these requirements. 

Students: See our Students Abroad page and FBI travel tips.

Women Travelers: See our travel tips for Women Travelers.

• Medical treatment on the main island is generally good but not up to standards of industrialized countries and it is more limited on the outer islands.
• Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health services. Patients with more serious illnesses are often referred to Noumea, Australia, or France for treatment.
• Serious medical conditions requiring hospitalization and/or medical evacuation to the United States can cost thousands of dollars. Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health services.

We do not pay medical bills. Be aware that U.S. Medicare does not apply overseas.  

Medical Insurance: Make sure your health insurance plan provides coverage overseas. Most care providers overseas only accept cash payments. See our webpage for more information on insurance providers for overseas coverage.

We strongly recommend supplemental insurance (our webpage) to cover medical evacuation.

If traveling with prescription medication, check with the government of New Caledonia to  ensure the medication is legal in New Caledonia. Always carry your prescription medication in original packaging with your doctor’s prescription. 

The following disease is prevalent:

•  Zika Virus

Vaccinations: Be up-to-date on all vaccinations recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Travelers should consider being vaccinated for both typhoid and hepatitis A, which are transmitted through contaminated food and water.

Further health information:

• World Health Organization
  
  
• U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
  

Road Conditions and Safety: Roads in New Caledonia are generally well maintained, except in remote areas. Animals and unwary pedestrians walking in the road make night driving on unlit secondary roads hazardous. Roads leading into and out of Noumea may be closed during periods of civil unrest. 

Traffic Laws: Driving under the influence of alcohol is illegal in New Caledonia. Use of seat belts is required by law.

Public Transportation: Taxis and buses are available in Noumea and some of the larger towns. Watch your personal belongings while on public transportation to avoid pickpocketing.

See our Road Safety page for more information.

Aviation Safety Oversight: The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has assessed the government of New Caledonia’s Civil Aviation Authority as being in compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards for oversight of New Caledonia’s air carrier operations. Further information may be found on the FAA’s safety assessment page.

Maritime Travel: Mariners planning travel to New Caledonia should also check for U.S. maritime advisories and alerts.  Information may also be posted to the  U.S. Coast Guard homeport website, and the NGA broadcast warnings.