New Caledonia: Officials tighten restrictions nationwide due to COVID-19 activity as of Sept. 13 /update 12

Event

Officials have tightened restrictions in New Caledonia as of Sept. 13 amid ongoing COVID-19 activity. Authorities have curtailed operations at more nonessential businesses, primarily specialty retail outlets, telecommunication shops, and automotive and agricultural equipment companies; these locations can now only permit pick-up services. Officials have also announced a territorywide 21:00-05:00 curfew from Sept. 14. Although specifics of the curfew remain unclear, reports indicate that the government will ban almost all activity, except transport for emergency or work purposes, during curfew hours.

Lockdown orders remain in effect through at least Sept. 20, though an extension is possible. Individuals must stay at home, except for purchasing essential goods, medical reasons, and authorized on-site work, among others. Individuals may exercise outdoors within 1 km (0.6 miles) from their residence. Gatherings are banned. Funerals may take place with up to ten attendees. Facemasks remain mandatory in public areas. Inter-island flights and RAI interurban bus services remain suspended.

Workers must telecommute as much as possible. Essential businesses like food stores, supermarkets, pharmacies, and financial services continue to operate with health protocols in place. Restaurants can only offer takeaway services. Recreational activities and nonessential establishments, like bars and cinemas, remain closed.

International Travel Restrictions
New Caledonia continues to ban most travelers from entering the territory. Inbound commercial passenger flights remain suspended through Dec. 31; authorities allow repatriation flights to and from France, Australia, and Japan. Residents, citizens, and travelers approved for compelling reasons can enter New Caledonia but must apply for permission. French nationals resident in other areas of the Pacific can transit through the territory. Cargo flights are operating normally.

All arrivals must provide a negative result from a COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours before departure 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.

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)