15 Jul 2021 | 06:36 AM UTC
New Caledonia: COVID-19 international travel restrictions remain in effect as of July 15 /update 9
Authorities in New Caledonia maintaining international travel restrictions as of July 15.
Event
New Caledonian officials are maintaining international travel controls to prevent the spread of COVID-19 as of July 15. Authorities plan to continue the restrictions until at least Oct. 30. Inbound international commercial passenger flights remain suspended, though authorities allow some repatriation, medical, and transit flights to and from France and Australia. French nationals resident in other areas of the Pacific can transit through the territory. Cargo flights are operating normally.
Residents, citizens, and approved travelers 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. Unvaccinated passengers are subject to a 14-day quarantine 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 received one mRNA vaccine dose and can prove a previous COVID-19 infection. Authorities could approve shortened quarantine periods for arrivals who have completed other COVID-19 vaccine courses in the coming days and weeks. Travelers must undergo another COVID-19 test at the end of the quarantine period before release.
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 travel arrangements as a precaution. Consider delaying traveling if experiencing symptoms associated with COVID-19, as they may prompt increased scrutiny and delays.
