Health & Safety

New Caledonia is a relatively safe tourist destination, with minimal health and safety hazards. Nonetheless, it’s wise to exercise caution.

Solo travel in New Caledonia is safe and enjoyable. The welcoming locals and laid-back atmosphere make it an ideal destination for solo adventurers. However, remember to apply good judgement and common sense to ensure your safety, just as you would at home.

Major hotels in New Caledonia meet international standards, and most restaurants and attractions, including museums, are disability-friendly. Consult your travel agent regarding your specific requirements to plan your trip and make the most of your holiday.

Yes, travel insurance or health coverage (with minimum coverage of 30,000 € – AUD 50,000, including Covid-related costs) is mandatory to cover potential medical repatriation, urgent medical care, and emergency hospital treatment.
If ever you need to call on local health services, rest assured, New Caledonia boasts modern medical facilities comparable to those in developed countries.

The Médipôle du Grand Nouméa, with its state-of-the-art equipment – including a vascular imaging chambers, a CT scanner, a radiotherapy centre, a decompression chambers (offering a real guarantee of safety for all scuba divers) and hemodialysis treatments – ensures top-quality healthcare services. In case of medical emergencies, rapid assistance by plane or helicopter is available throughout the territory.

While Greater Nouméa houses hospitals and clinics, the region also has a network of dispensaries (local medical centres) to handle immediate emergencies.

It is, however, advisable to take out travel insurance capable of covering healthcare and possible medical repatriation.

Useful contact details (list of dispensaries not exhaustive):

• Hôpitaux de Nouméa – Tel +687 25 66 66
• Centre hospitalier du Nord, Koumac – Tel +687 47 22 04

Dispensaries:

• Bourail (West Coast) – Tel.: +687 44 11 64
• La Foa (West Coast) – Tel.: +687 44 32 14
• Koné (West Coast) – Tel.: +687 47 72 50
• Poindimié (East Coast) – Tel:. +687 42 71 44
• Thio (East Coast) – Tel.: +687 44 52 22
• Lifou (The Islands) – Tel.: +687 45 12 12 or Tel: +687 45 12 79
• Île des Pins (The Islands) – Tel.: +687 46 11 15

In case of an emergency, follow these steps:

1. 1. Secure the accident scene and individuals involved.
   2. Evaluate the victim’s condition.
   3. Request assistance from emergency services using the following numbers:
      • • Medical emergencies – 15
        • Sea rescue – 16
        • Police – 17
        • Fire brigade – 18

Provide the emergency services with the following information:

• The phone number or device you are calling from.
  Your name, if necessary.
• The nature of the issue (illness or accident).
• Any risks present (fire, explosion, collapse, etc.).
• The exact location of the incident.
• The number of individuals involved.
• The condition of each victim.
• Initial actions taken.

Administer first aid using guidelines available on the Department of Home Affairs website.

No specific vaccinations are required for entry into New Caledonia. However, staying up to date with routine vaccinations (DTPP, hepatitis B) is advisable. Vaccinations against typhoid and hepatitis A are optional.

For information on Covid-19-related health measures, please visit our dedicated page.

New Caledonia is generally a very safe tourist destination. However, exercising caution is always prudent. Night driving, especially in rural areas outside Greater Nouméa, should be avoided.

During the hot season, bushfires can pose a risk to travellers. Therefore, we recommend checking local conditions and paying close attention to park entrance signs.

While people and sharks coexist harmoniously in New Caledonia, it’s wise to avoid swimming at dusk, in river mouths, and far from the coast. Refer to our best practice guide for safe swimming.

Carry or purchase lycra, water-resistant, coral-friendly sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses. Seek shade between 10 am and 3 pm and stay hydrated throughout the day.

With the exception of the tricot rayé, a sea snake whose bite, though rare, can be fatal, New Caledonia has no deadly animal species. However, certain marine species can be hazardous. Cuts from specific corals or shellfish can result in severe injuries. Thus, wearing proper footwear is essential for lagoon walks. Divers and swimmers should also exercise caution not to encounter potentially dangerous species like stonefish, scorpionfish (also known as lionfish), etc. While accidents involving sharks are rare, taking necessary precautions is advisable. Essential information can be found on our page dedicated to shark risk.

On land, protect against mosquito bites to prevent diseases like dengue, chikungunya, or zika. Only two imported cases of dengue fever were reported in 2022, thanks to an effective control program in New Caledonia. If purchasing repellent in your home country, ensure it is suitable for tropical zones.

Here are the main tips to adopt when hiking in New Caledonia:

• Wear appropriate clothing.
• Carry water and a hat.
• Inform authorities if bivouacking.
• Be cautious during rainy weather.
• Secure your vehicle when going for a walk.
• Stay on marked trails to protect the fauna and flora.
• Avoid walking on private or customary land without permission

Most of the time, tap water is safe to drink. However, it’s advisable to bring bottled water when staying in smaller bush accommodation, especially during heavy rains.

Fish enthusiasts should be selective about their choices, as certain lagoon fish can transmit ciguatera. The risk is very minimal when dining in restaurants, but it’s a good idea to seek advice from locals when cooking fresh market-bought fish.