New Caledonia: COVID-19 international travel restrictions remain in effect as of Aug. 18 /update 10

Event

New Caledonian officials are maintaining entry restrictions to prevent the spread of COVID-19 as of Aug. 18. Authorities plan to continue the controls through at least 2021. Inbound international commercial passenger flights remain suspended, though authorities allow some repatriation, medical, and transit flights to and from France, Australia, and Japan. French nationals resident in other areas of the Pacific can transit through the territory. Cargo flights are operating normally.

Residents, citizens, and travelers approved for compelling reasons can enter New Caledonia; inbound travelers must apply for permission to return to the territory. All arrivals must provide a negative result from a COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours before scheduled travel and complete a travel certificate. Unvaccinated passengers are subject to a 14-day quarantine period at government-designated accommodations. Travelers fully vaccinated with the Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna mRNA COVID-19 vaccines or a combination of doses of AstraZeneca and an mRNA vaccine can quarantine for seven days. Reduced quarantine is also possible for people who have received one mRNA vaccine dose and prove a previous COVID-19 infection. Travelers must undergo another COVID-19 test at the end of the quarantine period before release. The government plans to require vaccination for new entrants from Aug. 25, though changes to the policy are possible.

Domestic Restrictions
Officials have lifted COVID-19-related domestic business and gathering controls in the territory. However, authorities still urge residents to wear facemasks in public areas as a precaution. The government will likely reimpose strict domestic rules if any community cases emerge in the territory.

Advice

Follow all official instructions. Abide by national health and safety measures. Reconfirm all transport arrangements and required travel documents before traveling as a precaution. Consider delaying traveling if experiencing symptoms associated with COVID-19, as they may prompt increased scrutiny and delays.

Resources

Air Caledonie
Government of New Caledonia
Ministry of Interior (French)