Visa, Passport and Entry Requirements

French and European Union nationals

For French nationals and citizens of the European Union (EU), no visa is required for holidays in New Caledonia, regardless of the length of stay. Travellers only need a valid passport to enter the territory.

Non-EU citizens

Many non-EU countries benefit from a visa exemption for short stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period. A valid passport must be presented — valid at least three months beyond the planned departure date, issued within the last ten years, and with at least two blank pages — along with any required supporting documents.

Travellers who do not qualify for a visa exemption must apply in advance through the official French Government visa website. Further information is available from your nearest French embassy or consulate, or by contacting: etrangers@nouvelle-caledonie.gouv.fr.

Good to know: No vaccinations are required to enter New Caledonia.

Yacht passengers

Private yachts arriving in New Caledonia must make Nouméa their compulsory port of entry and departure. Each crew member is required to present a valid passport to the authorities, along with any other entry documents required by nationality, as for air arrivals.

Cruise passengers

Cruise visitors are subject to the same regulations as yacht passengers and air arrivals, with a few adaptations.

French and EU citizens do not require a visa.

Visa exemptions apply for:

• Non-EU citizens listed on the official visa waiver list for short stays.
• Travellers holding a residence permit issued by France, an EU or EEA member state, Switzerland, Andorra, Monaco, San Marino, Canada, Japan, or the USA, provided they are eligible for re-entry into those countries.
• Citizens of South Africa, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Belarus, China, India, Indonesia, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Russia, and Thailand, if the stopover is less than 24 hours.

Passengers who do not fall under these categories must check whether they require a visa and, if necessary, apply before travelling through the official French Government visa website. For details, contact your nearest French embassy or consulate, or email etrangers@nouvelle-caledonie.gouv.fr.

New Caledonia enforces international regulations on prohibited or controlled goods such as weapons, counterfeits, and narcotics.

With its exceptional biodiversity, the archipelago also applies strict biosecurity measures. On arrival, travellers must declare any plants, animals, or food products using a dedicated form. Some items are exempt from permits and certificates, but others are either banned or require official documentation depending on their type and packaging.