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Situation in New Caledonia

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Situation in New Caledonia

After a challenging time, the situation in New Caledonia is significantly improving and the destination is now ready to welcome travellers in better conditions across most of the archipelago.

Since the 13th of May, New Caledonia has seen increased protests related to discussions about changes to local electoral conditions. However, the curfew, in place since mid-May, has now been lifted across New Caledonia, marking a significant step forward. While most areas are open and welcoming, a few locations—such as the Great South road, parts of the East Coast’s central region, and select neighbourhoods in Nouméa and Maré—should still be avoided due to occasional tensions.

However, the situation has significantly stabilised and, apart from its internal dissensions, travellers have never been singled out. Our destination, rich in history, with stunning nature and vast lagoon, still retains all its charm. Importantly, the main tourist areas have been unaffected by these incidents.

Since October, traffic has improved significantly with the removal of most roadblocks, and transport, shops, and services have largely resumed. Despite the economic challenges, tourism service providers are eager to recover and are warmly welcoming the first returning tourists.

Message from your Caledonian Partners
Message from your Caledonian Partners
Message from your Caledonian Partners
Frequently asked questions about the situation in New Caledonia
  • Can I travel to New Caledonia?

    Absolutely! The destination is fully open to tourists and cruise passengers from around the world. Regular flights with airlines like Aircalin and Qantas have been operating for several months from Sydney, Brisbane, Auckland, Singapore, and other Pacific islands. Cruise ships returned to New Caledonia in late October. After a period of unrest, the archipelago has regained its calm and is now ready to welcome travelers under excellent conditions throughout most of the islands.

  • Is it safe to travel to New Caledonia?

    Despite recent internal dissensions, visitors have never been singled out and the main tourist areas have been unaffected by these incidents. In fact, security forces have been significantly strengthened across the archipelago. For the best experience, we recommend staying in the popular tourist areas, such as the bays and islets of Nouméa, the West Coast (from Boulouparis to Poum), the islands of Lifou, Ouvéa and the Isle of Pines. For now, it’s advisable to avoid traveling to the Great South and East Coast centre (from Thio to Houaïlou via Canala), as well as Maré island.

  • How are the traffic conditions? IIs it safe to go on a roadtrip?

    Since October, traffic has significantly improved with to the removal of most road blockades and the resumption of domestic flights and sea shuttles. The road connecting Tontouta airport to Nouméa is fully reopened, and transfer services have fully resumed. To explore the archipelago’s stunning and diverse landscapes at your own pace, consider renting a car. However, we advise avoiding:

    • The Great South (traffic is limited to convoys organised and supervised by the gendarmerie from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. near the tribe of Saint Louis).
    • The East Coast centre (where occasional disruptions still occur) from Thio to Houaïlou (especially on the Col des Roussettes) via Canala.
  • Will the past unrests impact my experience and the available activities in New Caledonia ?

    Rich in history, with breathtaking natural beauty and the world’s largest lagoon, New Caledonia remains a unique and welcoming destination in the heart of the Pacific! Despite recent challenges, the main tourist areas have not been affected and the archipelago is showing remarkable resilience in swift recovering. Passionate and welcoming, most local accommodation providers, activity operators, transport companies, and restaurants have continued their operations, with some temporarily adjusting services in response to the economic situation. For the next few weeks, we therefore recommend contacting your favourite providers in advance to ensure their availability.

  • Can I visit the Loyalty Islands & the Isle of Pines?

    Calm has returned to Lifou, Ouvéa and the Isle of Pines, where visitors are once again being warmly welcomed. Renowned not only for their warm hospitality but also for their breathtaking landscapes, the islanders take great pride in sharing their traditions and enchanting surroundings. With many depending on tourism for their livelihood, choosing local providers allows you to safely explore the natural wonders of their traditional lands while supporting the local economy. As domestic flights and ferry services resume, take the opportunity to discover the pristine beaches, lush landscapes, and unique cultural experiences of these two islands. However, we still recommend postponing your trip to Maré for a while.

  • A travel insurance is mandatory to travel to New Caledonia. Will insurance cover me in case of emergency and/or cancellation?

    For peace of mind, and as it’s a requirement for travel to New Caledonia, we strongly recommend obtaining comprehensive travel insurance. It’s also wise to check with your insurer or travel agent to ensure you’re covered for any cancellations or postponements, as policies may vary between service providers.

For any inquiries and support, please contact New Caledonia Tourism via this form.

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