Foreign travel advice

New Caledonia

Safety and security

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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.鈥€€犅犅�

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.听

Terrorism in New Caledonia聽

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

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.听

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 Noum茅a past St Louis
  • RT1 north of Kone
  • RPN2 east of Kon茅
  • 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.听聽

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

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

To reduce the risk to yourself and your belongings:鈥�

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

Outdoor activities and adventure tourism聽聽

Swimming safety聽

See from the Royal Life Saving Society.鈥�

Scuba diving聽

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

  • ask to see a dive operator鈥檚 credentials聽
  • check the conditions on your insurance policy 鈥� some policies require dive instructors to have certain qualifications聽
  • make sure safety equipment is available on the boat, particularly oxygen聽
  • ask about safety precautions, including the ability to transfer divers to a hyperbaric chamber聽

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.听

Transport risks聽聽

Road travel聽聽

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

You鈥檒l 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.听聽

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.听

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.听

Extreme weather and natural disasters聽

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

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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.听