New Caledonia: Officials to extend restrictions with modifications territorywide Oct. 11-17 due to COVID-19 activity /update 15

Event

Officials will extend ongoing measures in New Caledonia with some modifications through Oct. 17 to curb COVID-19 activity. From Oct. 11, authorities will enforce a 22:00-05:00 nightly curfew; exceptions are possible for work and emergency purposes with documentation and approval or to travel to La Tontouta International Airport (NOU). Individuals will no longer need to carry a traffic certificate when traveling. The government will also require people to obtain health passes to enter certain facilities and perform some activities, including eating at restaurants, entering sports facilities and museums, and travel between domestic locations, including between islands. People without a pass may still go to markets and shops as well as use transport services. Officials will also allow gatherings, including sports activities, with up to 10 people. Bars, cinemas, swimming pools, casinos, and dancing halls will remain closed. Ongoing measures, including a 21:00-05:00 nightly curfew and ban on gatherings, remain in effect through Oct. 10.

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)