14 May 2021 | 08:30 PM UTC
New Caledonia: Vaccinated arrivals allowed shortened quarantine period; international travel restrictions scheduled to continue until Oct. 30 /update 7
New Caledonia shortens quarantine period for vaccinated travelers. International travel restrictions to continue until Oct. 30.
Event
New Caledonian officials have shortened quarantine requirements for arrivals who are fully vaccinated with approved COVID-19 vaccines. As of May 15, arriving travelers who are fully vaccinated with either the Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna COVID-19 vaccines are only required to quarantine for seven days after arrival instead of the standard 14-day quarantine period for nonvaccinated passengers. Authorities could approve shortened quarantine periods for arrivals who have completed other COVID-19 vaccine courses in the coming days and weeks.
Inbound international commercial passenger flights remain suspended, though authorities allow some repatriation and medical transport flights to operate. Cargo flights are operating normally. Only residents and citizens are allowed to enter New Caledonia and such individuals must apply for permission to return to the territory prior to inbound travel. All individuals traveling into New Caledonia from outside the territory must provide a negative result from a COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours prior to scheduled travel. Mandatory quarantine measures and certain international flight controls are scheduled to continue until Oct. 30.
Officials have lifted COVID-19-related domestic business and gathering controls in the territory; no significant restrictions are being enforced. Residents are still urged to wear facemasks in public areas as a precaution. Authorities will likely reimpose strict domestic controls if any community cases are discovered in the territory.
Advice
Follow all official instructions. Abide by national health and safety measures. Reconfirm all travel arrangements as a precaution. Consider delaying traveling if experiencing symptoms associated with COVID-19, as they may prompt increased scrutiny and delays.
