New Caledonia: Officials ease COVID-19 local restrictions, entry requirements as of May 20 /update 31

Event

Authorities in New Caledonia have eased entry restrictions as of May 20, ending pre-departure COVID-19 testing for fully vaccinated travelers to the territory. Officials have also lifted a requirement that unvaccinated arrivals from France and designated "green" locations present a compelling reason for travel. The rule still applies to "orange" zone locations, including Australia, mainland China, and Russia. Unvaccinated travelers can enter the territory without quarantine but remain subject to random on-arrival testing and quarantine if found to have COVID-19. Officials have also lifted a facemask mandate for direct flights between the territory and mainland France.

Domestic Measures
Facemasks remain mandatory for people aged 18 years and above while visiting medical, social service, and care facilities.

The government requires people who test positive for COVID-19 to self-quarantine for five days; affected individuals can leave quarantine after 48 hours if symptoms remain mild or nonexistent. Authorities require persons with COVID-19 who have newly exited quarantine, as well as their designated close contacts, to follow enhanced precautions for seven days; affected individuals should wear facemasks, limit contact with other people, telecommute if possible, and avoid public transportation. Officials permit persons employed in critical industries who test positive but are asymptomatic to continue working.

International Travel Restrictions
New Caledonia permits entry for most travelers. French nationals resident in other areas of the Pacific can transit the territory. All inbound unvaccinated travelers must take a PCR test within 72 hours or an antigen test within 48 hours before departure. Inbound travelers aged 12 years and above must also complete a declaration promising to undergo testing two days after arrival to board flights.

Most incoming travelers can enter the territory without quarantine. Unvaccinated arrivals from designated red zone locations must quarantine for seven days upon arrival and take an additional test before leaving quarantine. Authorities will extend quarantine for anyone that tests positive for COVID-19.

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

Government of New Caledonia
Air Caledonie
Aircalin
France COVID-19 Zones (French)