New Caledonia: Officials extend existing restrictions territorywide until at least Oct. 10 due to COVID-19 activity /update 14

Event

Officials have extended restrictions in New Caledonia until at least Oct. 10 amid ongoing COVID-19 activity. 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 for up to one hour per day. A territorywide 21:00-05:00 curfew will also remain in effect; exceptions are possible for work and emergency purposes with documentation and approval or to travel to La Tontouta International Airport (NOU). Gatherings are banned, though funerals may take place with up to ten attendees. Facemasks remain mandatory in public areas. Authorities may ease the restrictions from Oct. 11 depending on disease activity, though they plan to continue some movement and gathering controls through at least Oct. 17.

Workers must telecommute as much as possible. Many nonessential businesses, including specialty retail, telecommunication shops, and restaurants, can only offer pick-up or takeaway options. Essential businesses like food stores, supermarkets, pharmacies, and financial services continue to operate with health protocols in place. Bars, nightclubs, and other entertainment venues remain closed. Inter-island flights and RAI interurban bus services remain suspended.

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.

Authorities have increased security to enforce lockdown orders; checkpoints are in place, especially during curfew hours. Demonstrations against the extension of restrictions are possible, particularly in Noumea and other main towns. Officials will likely disperse any protests that violate gathering restrictions.

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. Avoid all demonstrations as a standard precaution.

Resources

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