COVID-19 Precautionary Measures in New Caledonia (07 April Update)

Can a resident enter the country?

• Yes

• Citizens and residents are allowed to enter.

Can a foreigner enter the country?

• No with exceptions

• Passengers are not allowed to enter. This does not apply to: a) residents of New Caledonia, their spouses and children; b) residents of Wallis and Futuna who are nationals of France.

Is transit allowed through the country?

• No, with exceptions

• Only French residents can transit through the country to reach France.

Is a test required on arrival?

• No

• A test on arrival is not required. However, passengers could be subject to medical screening.

Is a test certificate allowed?

• Yes

Test certificate required?

• Yes

• All travellers over the age of 11 must have a medical certificate with a negative Coronavirus (COVID-19) molecular test result. The test must have been performed at most 72 hours before departure from the first embarkation point

Is quarantine required on arrival?

• Yes with exceptions

• Passengers are subject to quarantine for 14 days.

• Based on the above restrictions, the traveller will be required to spend '14’ days in quarantine

Entry form required?

• Yes

• Only travellers who can prove that entry is for urgent family/work reasons will be allowed to enter, and they must complete a travel certificate available here.

• Travellers must also provide a self-certified document affirming that they have no COVID symptoms and that to their knowledge they have not been in contact with any person confirmed positive within the last 14 days.

Vaccination Required

• No

• A vaccination for COVID-19 is not required for entry into the country.

Insurance Required?

• No.

• Proof of insurance coverage for COVID-19 expenses is not required to enter the country.

Airline restrictions

• Moderate

• The government has limited international commercial flights to and from New Caledonia until 30 October 2021.

• Essential flights have resumed from April 2, for more details click here

• Flights to and from France and Sydney remain scheduled for special reasons. Flights from Wallis and Futuna are also allowed to operate.

• Domestic air travel is allowed with strict social distancing and health protocols in place.

• Airlines will refuse boarding to anyone who does not produce both proof of a negative test result and the self-certified document.

Border restrictions

• Moderate

• Maritime borders of New Caledonia have been closed to all foreigners except for New Caledonian citizens onboard are allowed to enter New Caledonia’s territorial and internal waters under certain conditions:

• Report themselves to the Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC Nouméa);

• After entering New Caledonian waters, passengers travel directly to Nouméa;

• All crew members and passengers must observe a mandatory institutional quarantine for 14 days.

• All international sea transport, including fishing boats, and luxury yachts are closed down.

• Cruise ships are banned from docking until further notice.

Curfew restrictions

• Minimal

• There is no curfew in place.

Social distancing restrictions

• Minimal

• Social distancing is still recommended, but many measures have been lifted.

Internal travel restrictions

• Minimal

• Free movement between various islands of New Caledonia is allowed.

• Domestic land and sea travel are permitted.

Non-essential shops open?

• Yes

• Non-essential establishments, including cultural facilities, museums, casinos, bingo halls, theatres and cinemas, where the audience remains seated, are permitted with strict restrictions

Accommodations open?

• Yes

• Accommodations are available.

Restaurants open?

• Yes

• Restaurants can resume regular operations.

Bars and cafes open?

• Yes

• Bars can resume regular operations.

Events allowed?

• Yes

• The ban on public gatherings and sports activities has been lifted.

• The large gatherings and festive parties are banned; the clubs are closed

• The outdoor gatherings are limited to 50 people. Indoors, gatherings are subject to the keeping of a register and the provision of hydroalcoholic gel.

Masks required in public?

• Yes

• Wearing a face mask is mandatory.

The COVID-19 epidemic is constantly changing worldwide. Travel and border restrictions may change with little or no notice. Airlines may have their own requirements for testing, masking, and distancing. It is recommended that travellers carry a supply of face masks since the requirement can vary by location. It is recommended that travellers practice social distancing and maintain a 6-foot distance other individuals and avoid crowded areas. Check with your airline, booking agent, or country's embassy for information on your specific travel plans