New Caledonia

Recommended Vaccinations For New Caledonia

For Most Travellers

Hepatitis B Vaccine

There is a risk of infection with hepatitis B for this country, therefore, the vaccination is recommended.

Hepatitis A Vaccine

There is a risk of exposure to hepatitis A in this country, therefore, the vaccination is recommended.

For Some Travellers

Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) Vaccine

A dose of Measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine is recommended for infants aged 6 to 11 months.

Rabies Vaccine

Vaccination against rabies is recommended for travellers whose activities or employment may bring them into direct contact with bats (i.e. adventure travellers, veterinarians, wildlife professionals, researchers, etc.).

Typhoid Fever Vaccine

There is a risk of exposure to typhoid fever in this country through consumption of unsafe food and water. Since exposure to unsafe sources is variable within this country, the vaccination against typhoid fever is generally recommended, especially when visiting smaller cities, rural areas, or staying with friends and family.

Yellow Fever Vaccine

There is no risk of yellow fever in New Caledonia, however, there is a certificate requirement. Under International Health Regulations, a yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for travellers 1 year of age and older arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission and from travellers having transited for more than 12 hours through an airport of a country with risk of yellow fever transmission.

Recommended Medications For New Caledonia

There are no recommendations for New Caledonia at this time.

Diseases To Be Aware of for New Caledonia

For Most Travellers

Chikungunya Fever

Chikungunya may occur in this country.

Hepatitis A

There is a risk of exposure to hepatitis A virus in this country through contaminated food or water.

Dengue Fever

Dengue fever may occur in this country.

Hepatitis B

There is a risk for acquiring hepatitis B in this country.

For Some Travellers

Zika Fever

Zika virus may occur in this country. NaTHNac notes that this is a low risk.

Tuberculosis

Travellers to this country are at risk for tuberculosis if visiting sick friends or family, working in the healthcare field, or having close prolonged contact with a sick person.

Hanta Virus

There is a risk of acquiring Hantavirus in this country through the consumption of food and water contaminated by an infected rodent or through rodent bites.

Measles

There is a risk of acquiring Measles in this country.

Rabies

The risk of acquiring Rabies is low. New Caledonia is free of dog rabies. However, it may be present in bats. Those with occupational risks (such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals, researchers) may be at risk.

Typhoid Fever

Unvaccinated people can become infected through contaminated food and water in New Caledonia, especially when visiting smaller cities, villages, or rural areas where water and food may not be safe.

Yellow Fever

There is no risk of yellow fever in New Caledonia, however, there is a certificate requirement. Under International Health Regulations, a yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for travellers 1 year of age and older arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission and from travellers having transited for more than 12 hours through an airport of a country with risk of yellow fever transmission.

Safety & Security in New Caledonia

Personal Safety

New Caledonia experienced unprecedented civil unrest in May 2024, resulting in 13 deaths by September 2024. The violence erupted over proposed electoral reforms and led to arson, looting, and widespread property destruction across Noumea and surrounding areas. While tensions have decreased, demonstrations and political gatherings can still occur with little warning and may turn violent quickly. Authorities maintain an increased police and security presence and can impose curfews or restrictions at short notice. Under normal circumstances, serious crime is rare and violent crime directed at tourists is almost unheard of. However, petty crime does occur, including pickpocketing, purse snatching, car theft, and vehicle break-ins. Fights and assaults sometimes happen outside bars and nightclubs, especially on weekends and holidays. Drink spiking has been reported, and you should never leave food or drinks unattended. The heightened political situation since 2024 has led to isolated security incidents, roadblocks on major routes including roads to the airport, and occasional carjackings. Major roads can close without warning during periods of civil unrest.

Extreme Violence

New Caledonia witnessed its worst violence since the 1980s during the May 2024 unrest. The riots resulted in 13 confirmed deaths by September 2024, including security forces, Kanak civilians shot by armed civilians, and deaths during police operations. An additional person died in a traffic collision related to the unrest. Armed loyalist militias formed during the crisis, setting up sniper positions on rooftops to defend neighborhoods. Gunfire occurred during protests, and there were reports of urban guerrilla situations with nightly gunshot wounds requiring emergency medical treatment. By late March 2025, over 1,500 people had been arrested since the unrest began. The violence caused approximately 2.2 billion euros in damages, with 900 businesses and 200 houses destroyed and 600 vehicles burned. Arson attacks targeted schools, town halls, police stations, car dealerships, and other buildings throughout the territory. While the situation has improved since lifting the curfew in December 2024, security incidents including arson continue to occur across the territory. The unrest exposed deep racial and class divisions, with Europeans owning vastly more wealth than the indigenous Kanak population.

Political Unrest

Political unrest remains New Caledonia’s most significant safety concern. Decades of tension between pro-independence Kanak groups and loyalists who want to remain part of France reached a breaking point in May 2024. The French National Assembly passed constitutional amendments expanding voting rights, which independence supporters saw as diluting Kanak political power. This sparked widespread protests involving up to 9,000 people, leading France to declare a state of emergency. The crisis has been linked to the collapse of the nickel industry, which employs a quarter of the workforce and comprises 90% of exports. Political demonstrations and protests occur frequently and may increase around days of national significance. Roadblocks and marches can happen on main roads at any time with little notice. The French government suspended the controversial voting reform, but fundamental disagreements remain unresolved. A heightened police and security presence continues throughout the territory. Restrictions on weapons, alcohol, fuel purchases, and public gatherings remain in place. Further restrictions and curfews can be imposed at short notice. The situation has led to mass emigration, with over 10,700 people departing by late March 2025.

Areas To Avoid

Noumea, the capital, experienced the most intense violence during the May 2024 unrest. Industrial zones were targeted, and areas of the city remain tense. Certain roads carry increased protest risks, including routes to La Tontouta International Airport and other major highways where protesters previously blocked movement. The greater Noumea area, including the municipalities of Dumbea, Mont-Dore, and Paita, faced significant unrest with buildings and vehicles set ablaze. Northern areas including Koumac saw their town hall burned during riots in June 2024. Thio, a majority Kanak town, was the site of a police shooting in August 2024. The Route Provinciale 1 maintains a heavy security presence. While tourist areas and resorts generally remain safer than urban centers, you should check current conditions before traveling to any area. Remote and outer islands face limited infrastructure and services compared to the main island, Grand Terre. Political tensions are highest in areas with larger Kanak populations, particularly in the North Province and Loyalty Islands.