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Help abroad in an emergency

There is no British Embassy in New Caledonia and the British Embassy in Paris, France supports British nationals who need emergency help from the UK government.

Before you travelÌý

No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide. You may also find it helpful to:Ìý

• ²õ±ð±ðÌýgeneral advice for women travellers
• read our guide on disability and travel abroad
• ²õ±ð±ðÌýgeneral advice for LGBT+ travellers
• read aboutÌýsafety for solo and independent travel
• see advice on volunteering and adventure travel abroad

Travel insuranceÌý

If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.Ìý

About FCDO travel adviceÌý

FCDO provides advice about risks of travel to help you make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice.Ìý

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This information is for people travelling on a full ‘British citizenâ€� passport from the UK. It is based on the UK government’s understanding of New Caledonia’s current rules for the most common types of travel.Ìý

New Caledonia is an Overseas Territory of France (‘Territoire d’Outre-Merâ€�). The authorities in New Caledonia set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the .ÌýÌýÌýÌý

Passport validity requirementsÌý

Your passport must have an ‘expiry date� at least 3 months after the date you plan to leave New Caledonia and have at least 2 blank pages.

Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.ÌýÌý

You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.Ìý

Visa requirementsÌý

You can visit New Caledonia without a visa for up to 90 days for tourism or business. To stay longer, to work or study, for business travel or for other reasons, on the French visa website.ÌýÌýÌý

UK residents of New CaledoniaÌý

Carry your residence document, as well as your passport, when entering or exiting New Caledonia. If you’ve applied but not yet received your document, carry your certificate of application. You will have received this as an email.ÌýÌý

Vaccine requirementsÌý

You must have a certificate to prove you’ve had a yellow fever vaccination if you’re coming from a .Ìý

For full details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see .Ìý

Customs rulesÌý

There are strict rules about (in French). You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.Ìý

Taking money into New CaledoniaÌý

Check to bring them into New Caledonia.Ìý

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There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times.   ÌýÌýÌ�

UK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad.Ìý

Terrorism in New CaledoniaÌý

Although there is no recent history of terrorism in New Caledonia, attacks cannot be ruled out.Ìý

Protests and ongoing restrictions following unrest

Protests

Significant unrest took place in New Caledonia in 2024, including protests and blockades, some of which turned violent. Tensions have now decreased but protests, demonstrations or political gatherings can take place with little or no warning.Ìý

Remain aware of what is happening around you and follow the advice of the police and the local authorities. Certain roads may have an increased risk of protests taking place on them, such as routes to the airport and other roads where protestors had previously attempted to block movement around the island. These roads include:

• RT1 south of Nouméa past St Louis
• RT1 north of Kone
• RPN2 east of Koné
• RT3 east of Borail
• RP5 east of Fonwhary (past access road to Farino)
• RP4 east of Boulouparis

Restrictions on alcohol, fuel and other items

There are still limits in place for buying, transporting, and using weapons, alcohol and fuel. Public gatherings have also been restricted.ÌýÌý

Further restrictions and curfews may be imposed or amended at short notice. The latest updates can be found here:Ìý.

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Crime levels are low in New Caledonia. However, petty theft and street crime do happen.Ìý

To reduce the risk to yourself and your belongings: �

• avoid isolated areas, including beaches, after dark Ì�
• do not carry large amounts of cash and be careful when changing money or withdrawing it from ATMsÌýÌý
• do not wear expensive-looking jewellery or watchesÌý
• keep valuables and travel documents in your hotel safe or a safety deposit box Ì�

Outdoor activities and adventure tourismÌýÌý

Swimming safetyÌý

See from the Royal Life Saving Society. �

Scuba divingÌý

Diving schools may have limited resources and do not always observe safety and maintenance standards. Always: ÌýÌý

• ask to see a dive operator’s credentialsÌý
• check the conditions on your insurance policy â€� some policies require dive instructors to have certain qualificationsÌý
• make sure safety equipment is available on the boat, particularly oxygenÌý
• ask about safety precautions, including the ability to transfer divers to a hyperbaric chamberÌý

If you have not had any previous diving experience, check what to do if something goes wrong, including how to call for help while at sea.Ìý

Transport risksÌýÌý

Road travelÌýÌý

If you are planning to drive in New Caledonia, see information on driving abroad.ÌýÌý

You’ll need to have both the 1968 version of the international driving permit (IDP) and your UK driving licence with you in the car. You cannot buy an IDP outside the UK, so get one before you travel.ÌýÌý

Hire car companies often have stricter requirements for their customers, such as a year of driving experience, a higher minimum age and holding an IDP.Ìý

Drink-driving is a serious offence in New Caledonia. If you are tested and found to have more than two-thirds of the legal limit for England and Wales in your system, you may get a fine and possible imprisonment.Ìý

Extreme weather and natural disastersÌý

Find out what you can do to prepare for and respond to extreme weather and natural hazards.Ìý

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Tropical cyclones are a risk in New Caledonia, particularly from mid-December to mid-March. Check and updates from the . Monitor these updates and follow any advice issued by the local authorities.Ìý

Before you travel check that:Ìý

• your destination can provide the healthcare you may needÌý

• you have appropriate travel insurance for local treatment or unexpected medical evacuationÌý

This is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant.Ìý

Emergency medical numberÌý

Call 15, 17 or 256767 and ask for an ambulance.Ìý

Contact your insurance company quickly if you’re referred to a medical facility for treatment.Ìý

Vaccine recommendations and health risksÌý

At least 8 weeks before your trip:ÌýÌý

• check the latest Ìý
• see where to get vaccines and whether you have to pay on the ÌýÌý

See , including:Ìý

• ZikaÌývirus
• dengueÌý
• chikungunyaÌý

MedicationÌý

The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or bought in the UK can be different in other countries.Ìý

Read .Ìý

Healthcare in New CaledoniaÌý

General healthcare facilities in New Caledonia are good for uncomplicated treatment, but more serious cases may need evacuation to Australia or France. Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment abroad and repatriation.Ìý

Healthcare for residents �

If you plan to live in New Caledonia, consult the UK Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) about long-term entitlement to healthcare under the French national system.  �

DWP Overseas Medical Benefits helpline: +44 (0)191 218 1999 �

You can also get English-language or on +33 (0)820 90 42 12. You can get French-language information online about . �

Health insurance cards

The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) or Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) do not provide health cover for you if you go to New Caledonia to visit or to live.

Travel and mental healthÌý

Read FCDO guidance on travel and mental health. There is also .Ìý

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) cannot provide tailored advice for individual trips. Read this travel advice and carry out your own research before deciding whether to travel.Ìý

Emergency services in New CaledoniaÌýÌý

Ambulance: 15Ìý

Fire: 18Ìý

Police: 17Ìý

Contact your travel provider and insurerÌý

Contact your travel provider and your insurer if you are involved in a serious incident or emergency abroad. They will tell you if they can help and what you need to do.Ìý

Refunds and changes to travelÌý

For refunds or changes to travel, contact your travel provider. You may also be able to make a claim through insurance. However, insurers usually require you to talk to your travel provider first.Ìý

Find out more about changing or cancelling travel plans, including:Ìý

• where to get advice if you are in a dispute with a providerÌý
• how to access previous versions of travel advice to support a claimÌý

Support from FCDOÌý

FCDO has guidance on staying safe and what to do if you need help or support abroad, including:Ìý

• getting help if you’re aâ€�victim of crimeÌý
• what to do if you’reâ€�in hospitalÌý
• if you’re affected by a crisis, such as a terrorist attackÌý

ContactingÌýFCDOÌý

Help abroad �

SeeÌýÌýincluding in an emergency.Ìý

Help in the UKÌýÌý

You can call�FCDO in London if you need urgent help because something has happened to a friend or relative abroad. �

Telephone: 020 7008 5000 (24 hours) �

Find out about call charges

Get travel advice updates �

Sign up to�get email notifications when this travel advice is updated. �

Follow FCDO:�