Travel Facts
US State Dept Travel Advisory
The US Department of State currently recommends US citizens exercise normal precautions in New Caledonia. Consult its website via the link below for updates to travel advisories and statements on safety, security, local laws, and special circumstances in this country.
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories.html
Passport/Visa Requirements
US citizens should make sure their passport will not expire for at least 6 months after they enter the country even if they do not intend to stay that long. They should also make sure they have at least 1 blank page in their passport for any entry stamp that will be required. A visa is not required as long as the stay is less than 90 days over a 6 months period.
US Embassy/Consulate
None (overseas territory of France); US citizens may call US Dept of State (202)-501-4444 for emergencies; alternate contact is the embassy in Fiji; +(679) 331-4466; +(679) 772-8049; US Embassy Suva, 158 Princes Rd, Tamavua, Suva, Fiji Islands
LGBTQIA+ Travelers
Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, and asexual (LGBTQIA+) travelers can face unique challenges when traveling abroad. Laws and attitudes in some countries may affect safety and ease of travel. Legal protections vary from country to country. Many countries do not legally recognize same-sex marriage. Approximately seventy countries consider consensual same-sex sexual relations a crime, sometimes carrying severe punishment.
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/before-you-go/travelers-with-special-considerations/lgbtqi.html
Telephone Code
687
Local Emergency Phone
Ambulance: 15; Fire: 18; Police: 17
Vaccinations
The CDC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for New Caledonia: hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, yellow fever, meningitis, polio, measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis), chickenpox, shingles, pneumonia, COVID-19, and influenza.
http://www.who.int/
Climate
Tropical; modified by southeast trade winds; hot, humid
Currency (Code)
Comptoirs Francais du Pacifique francs (XPF)
Electricity/Voltage/Plug Type(s)
220 V / 50 Hz / plug types(s): C, F
Major Languages
French, 33 Melanesian-Polynesian dialects
Major Religions
Roman Catholic 60%, Protestant 30%, other 10%
Time Difference
UTC+11 (16 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
Potable Water
Yes, but some opt for bottled water
International Driving Permit
Suggested
Road Driving Side
Right
Tourist Destinations
Noumea (includes Tjibaou Cultural Center, Aquarium des Lagons Nouvelle Caledonie, Harbor); Amedee Lighthouse; Port-Boise; Isle of Pines; Lifou Island
Major Sports
Soccer, rugby, cricket, cycling
Cultural Practices
It is considered impolite to cut into a conversation uninvited (wait to be asked), to speak too loudly in public, to arrive late to a pre-arranged meeting, or to fail to show respect to everyone, especially elders.
Tipping Guidelines
Tipping is generally not expected. However, small tips given to tour guides are accepted. Rounding up the total bill is a good practice.
Souvenirs
Seashell, black coral, and precious metal jewelry; sandstone-carved items, essential oils, sarongs, woven baskets, preserves, ceremonial wood-carved items
Traditional Cuisine
Bougna — coconut milk combined with various root vegetables such as taro, manioc, and yams and often chicken, pork, or seafood; the mixture is wrapped in banana leaves and placed over hot coals in an earthen oven
Please visit the following links to find further information about your desired destination.
World Health Organization (WHO) - To learn what vaccines and health precautions to take while visiting your destination.
US State Dept Travel Information - Overall information about foreign travel for US citizens.
To obtain an international driving permit (IDP). Only two organizations in the US issue IDPs:
American Automobile Association (AAA) and American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA)
How to get help in an emergency?
Contact the nearest US embassy or consulate, or call one of these numbers:
from the US or Canada - 1-888-407-4747 or from Overseas - +1 202-501-4444
Page last updated: Saturday, September 30, 2023
