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Situation in New Caledonia

Situation in New Caledonia

After a period of challenges, the situation in New Caledonia has stabilised, and the destination is now ready to warmly welcome travellers across the archipelago. Rediscover all its timeless charms, from its rich history and stunning natural beauty to its vast lagoon.

The situation has notably improved since the intense protests in mid-May, sparked by discussions about the evolution of local electoral conditions. A full recovery is well under way, fostering renewed stability and optimism. With this progress, the Australian government has lowered its travel advisory, further supporting the region’s positive outlook.

Apart from its internal dissensions, travellers have never been singled out. Unaffected by these incidents, the main tourist areas are also now fully accessible.

Since October, tourism service providers have been warmly welcoming returning tourists and cruise passengers, offering a diverse range of accommodations and activities across the archipelago, along with expert travel advice to help visitors make the most of their trip.

Frequently asked questions about the situation in New Caledonia
  • Can I travel to New Caledonia?

    Absolutely! New Caledonia is fully open to tourists and cruise passengers from around the globe. Regular flights with airlines such as Aircalin and Qantas have been operating for several months, connecting Sydney, Brisbane, Auckland, Singapore, and other Pacific islands. Starting in March, flight frequency will further increase, making travel even more convenient. Cruise ships have been returning to New Caledonia since late October. Following a brief period of unrest, the archipelago has restored its calm and is now ready to warmly welcome travellers with excellent conditions across most of its 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. For the best experience, we recommend staying in the popular tourist areas and exercise the usual vigilance when travelling.

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

    Since October, traffic condition is back to normal with 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. It should be noted that the Route du Grand Sud is still subject to controlled traffic at the Saint Louis tribe. Access is possible from 6am to 7pm, under surveillance.

  • 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 past challenges, the main tourist areas have not been affected and the archipelago is showing remarkable resilience in swift recovering. Passionate and welcoming, the majority of local accommodation providers, activity operators, transport companies, and restaurants have maintained their operations and are now fully prepared to host visitors. To make the most of your trip, we recommend reaching out to your favorite providers in advance over the coming weeks to secure the availability of their offerings.

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

    Calm has returned to the Loyalty Islands & the Isle of Pines, where visitors are once again welcomed. Renowned for their breathtaking landscapes, the islanders take great pride in sharing their traditions and enchanting surroundings. With many relying on tourism for their livelihoods, choosing local providers offers a safe and meaningful way to explore the natural wonders of their traditional lands while supporting the local economy. As domestic flights and ferry services have resumed, now is the perfect time to discover the pristine beaches, lush landscapes, and unique cultural experiences these islands have to offer.

  • 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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