How far is New Caledonia?
New Caledonia is located 2 hours flying time from Australia, 2½ hours from New Zealand, 9 hours from Japan, 14 hours from Los Angeles and 21 hours from France.
Are vaccinations required to visit New Caledonia?
No vaccinations are required unless travelling from an infected area. Noumea has modern medical facilities if required.
Are Passports and visas required to enter New Caledonia?
No visa is required for EEC, USA, NZ, or Australian passport holders for stays of up to three months. A valid passport and onward or return airticket is required upon arrival. For other nationalities, visa information is available from the nearest French Embassy.
Is New Caledonia an expensive destination?
New Caledonia is an affordable destination, however it may not appeal to the budget traveller. Many packages now offer a selection of meal and air passes and a visit to the supermarket to buy food items is both interesting and economical.
What currency is used in New Caledonia?
New Caledonia uses the French Pacific Franc (XPF). Travellers cheques in XPF do not exist. Visitors to New Caledonia are advised to take some local currency, NZ/Australian/US Dollar travellers cheques or international credit cards. If this facility has been prearranged before departure, funds can also be withdrawn by credit card at ATM machines located in and around Nouméa. The Euro exchange in XPF is free of charge.
How could we go from Tontouta airport to Nouméa?
Tontouta International Airport is located approximately 50 km from the city of Nouméa. At Tontouta Airport, shuttle buses or mini-buses and taxis offer regular transfer services to Nouméa (45 km from the airport) in 50 minutes. Car rental is also available. It is recommended to organise bus transfers or hire a car prior to arrival in New Caledonia.
Can I fly to the islands from Tontouta International Airport?
International flights arrive and depart from Tontouta International Airport. Domestic flights depart from Magenta Domestic Airport located in the city of Nouméa.
Do people speak English?
Most people involved in the tourist industry speak English and a majority of tourist brochures are written in English however a few phrases in French are always welcomed by the locals.
Can I drive around the island in one day?
The mainland of New Caledonia is 400 km long and 50 km wide. Visitors should allow around four days for a fly/drive itinerary. The Isle of Pines and Loyalty Islands are accessible by domestic airline.
What are the roads like to drive?
The roads are in excellent condition and well signposted. In New Caledonia, cars are driven on the right side of the road. A current drivers license is required to rent a car.
How can I buy an Air Pass?
For use by international passengers, the Air Calédonie Pass facilitates the discovery of several destinations at preferential rates.
Applicable only to non resident tourist passengers in possession of an international airticket visiting New Caledonia for a stay not exceeding three months.
Ticketing for the Air Calédonie Pass package is handled by Air Calédonie agencies, by local approved agencies and by IATA travel agencies or via Internet.
Is there a ferry going to the Isle of Pines and Loyalty Islands?
The inter-island ferry service between the islands (lsIe of Pines, Lifou, Maré and Ouvéa) is operated by a high-speed catamaran referred to as "Le Bético" and "Arémiti 4".
For further information, please call (687) 26 01 00 or send a fax (687) 28 98 97.
What is the weather like in New Caledonia?
New Caledonia is described as the land of eternal spring. It boasts a pleasant semi-tropical climate all year round. The wet season is from January to March and according to the statistics it pours more during February. During the cooler season the temperature varies between 20 and 26 degrees Celsius.
Click here to view the current weather in Nouméa.
Is the shopping good?
New Caledonia is renowned for its designer label shopping, including a range of toiletries and perfumes not available in other Pacific countries. Souvenirs, foodstuffs and wines should also be on the visitor's shopping list.
What foods/drinks can I take into New Caledonia?
The duty free allowance into New Caledonia for alcohol is 2 litres still wine plus 1 litre of spirits (more than 22%) or 2 litres still wine plus 2 litres of spirits (less than 22%). Like other islands in the Pacific, no primary or dairy foods, fruit and vegetables or raw meat products are permitted into New Caledonia. Processed or tinned foods are generally allowed.
Are there any international golf courses in New Caledonia?
New Caledonia has three international golf courses: Tina International Golf Course in Nouméa, Dumbéa International Golf Course (10kms from Nouméa) and Ouenghi Golf Course (1 hour's drive north of Nouméa).
Which are customs regulations for pleasure boats?
Port Moselle is the port of entry into New Caledonia. This is the mandatory port for all pleasure crafts entering the territory. The Capitainerie can be contacted on VHF 67, (indicatif "Port Moselle"), daily from 7am to 6pm. The first night's mooring on the quay is free for any boats waving the yellow quarantine flag and arriving from another country. The length of stay is determined depending on the availability at the port. In any case it may not exceed one month. The "Capitainerie" is responsible for notifiying Customs, Border Police and biosecurity services as soon as the pleasure craft arrives at the visitor pontoon. Further information relating to entry and stay formalities in New Caledonia is available on the company's website : www.sodemo.nc
Customs formalities can be carried out at Pandop (Koumac) and at Wé (Lifou) however, yachties must complete the other administrative formalities in Nouméa.
CAPITAINERIE DE PANDOP
MARINA DE WE
CERCLE NAUTIQUE CALEDONIEN - C.N.CBaie des Pêcheurs
BP 235 - 98845 Nouméa Cedex
Facilities include 600 moorings, club house with bar and restaurant, dry dock with travellift up to 40 tonnes. The "Espadon" branch for deep sea fishing and the "Alizés" branch for yachting activities are both very active within the club. The sailing school provides lessons for beginner or advanced levels to teenagers (over 13) and adults.
Noumea Yacht ServicesAgence de service pour plaisanciers.
Membre de l'organisation internationale A.Y.S.S. (Association of Yacht Support Services)
Noumea Yacht Services, a professional team that can take care of all your needs. Complete provedoring, from fuel at the best rates to provisions, spare parts locally or internationally, repairs and maintenance services and all adminitrative or touristic services. Before your arrival in New Caledonia or during your stay, do not hesitate to contact Noumea Yacht Services.
Can I surf in Nouméa?
Yes and the two best spots are: Ilot Ténia which is in front of Moindou, about one hour from Nouméa and Bourail - Roche Percé - which is about two hours from Nouméa.
Is New Caledonia good for windsurfing?
New Caledonia is very popular for windsurfing. In 1999, the world windsurfing championship took place in Nouméa.
Accommodation in New Caledonia - Any suggestions?
New Caledonia offers a vast array of accommodation options from 5 star hotels to simple rural lodgings. You can view a list of recommended accommodations by clicking here.
Is it possible to have an official wedding in New Caledonia?
GETTING MARRIED IN NEW CALEDONIASpecial provisions* have been added to the Civil Code, concerning foreign citizens who are non-residents of France and its Territories and who wish to get married in New Caledonia.
- You can marry in New Caledonia provided you are at least 18 years old and not of the same sex. Each of the couple must: give their consent,
- not be related by family (in certain cases, a dispensation may be granted by the President of the Republic of France)
- not be currently married, either in France or overseas
Where can the marriage take place?
The ceremony must take place at the Town Hall in the commune of your choice, in the presence of a sworn translator/interpreter (a list is provided at: ca-noumea.justice.fr. Simply click on: "Les Jurisdictions - droits et demarches" then "Vous voulez connaître la liste des experts judiciaries" and go to H.1.1).
What documents are required?
At least one month prior to the publication of the banns in your chosen commune, you need to submit an application file.
In this file, you must provide:
- A letter: addressed to the Mayor of your chosen commune, signed by you both, requesting him to apply Article 58 of Law N°2009-594 dated 27 May 2009 and giving the date of the marriage ceremony,
- Birth certificates: Full copies dated less than 6 months prior to date of the marriage and, if issued by a foreign authority, translated and authenticated in conformity with the provisions of that country,
- Proof of identity: Copy of passports and visas (or visa requests) if necessary. NOTE: some nationalities do not need a visa for a stay of less than one or three months. For visa information, please contact the SASN(1) Department at the High Commission in Noumea - (687) 26 63 00
- If widowed: the death certificate of the former spouse,
- Proof of residence: evidence that you do not live in France or its territories,
- Parents' details: full names, dates and places of birth, addresses and professions (often on the birth certificate),
- Your witnesses' details: full names, dates and places of birth, addresses and professions together with a copy of their identification papers,
- Your translator/interpreter's details: Copy of identity paper, address and proof that he/she has been sworn under oath.
Depending on your nationality, you may need to provide other documents (please refer to IGREC (2) N°545 to 548). These may include:
- proof of eligibility to be married
- Austria, Spain, Italy, Luxembourg and Portugal: Birth Certificate issued for the purpose of marriage
- Germany: Certificate of capacity to be legally married
- The Netherlands and Belgium: Extract from the Population Register
- Switzerland: Certificate from the Family Register
- Turkey: Extract from the Family Register
Documents to be sent under separate cover (these must not be attached to the original application file submitted one month before publication of the banns):
Any documents relating to special situations must be forwarded separately. These will then be attached and inserted into your file for the marriage ceremony.
- Notarial Certificate if you have drawn up a Marriage Contract. This should be translated and authenticated if issued overseas
- Certificate regarding the hearing or non-hearing of the future spouses
- Certificate of publication and non-opposition to the marriage - to be issued by a French Consulate or a Foreign Authority
Hearing by the Registrar of Births, Deaths and Marriages
The Registrar of Births, Marriages and Deaths can request a common hearing of the future spouses, as provided in the Civil Code (Article 63). There are exceptions in certain cases, where it is impossible, or where, on proof of documents, it appears that this hearing is not necessary.
The Registrar can request that the qualified Diplomatic or Consular Authority carry out this hearing.
If, during this hearing, there are real indications which can lead to the presumption that the marriage may be null under Articles 144, 146, 146-1, 147, 161, 163, 180 or 191 of the Civil Code, the qualified Diplomatic or Consular Authority must immediately refer the matter to the French Public Prosecutor and the Mayor of the chosen commune with a view, if necessary, to applying the provisions of Articles 175-1 and 175-2 of the Civil Code.
Publication of the Banns
The banns must be published, for a period of ten days, at the Town Hall where the marriage ceremony is to take place.
The publication of the banns may also be compulsory in your own country (see IGREC (2) 539-1).
For information: banns do not have to be published in South Korea, Australia, New Zealand, China and Japan.
The marriage ceremony can take place on the eleventh day - i.e. one month and ten days after submitting the application file in the chosen commune.
Marriage Contract
A marriage contract is not compulsory.
The Marriage Ceremony
The marriage ceremony must be conducted at the Town Hall by a Registrar of Births, Deaths and Marriages, in the presence of at least two witnesses and four or more people, all aged at least 18 years of age. These may or may not be relatives of the bride and groom.
The Registrar must ensure that the future spouses have a translator/interpreter to translate the ceremony.
A French "Family Record Book" will be given to the couple at the ceremony.
Registering the Marriage
The bridal couple are responsible for finding out from their national authorities, how a French marriage should be registered in their own country.
*Article 58 of the LODEOM (Law N° 2009-594 dated 27 May 2009 for Economic Development of French Overseas Countries, Territories and Administrative Districts)
1. SASN: Admission to Visit and Nationality Department
2. IGREC: Instruction General Relative à l'Etat Civil - General Directive Relating to Civil Status.
For more information :
Nouméa city Town Hall
Bureau de l'Etat Civil
00 687 27 31 15 or 00 687 27 07 31
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Postal & Telecommunication Services
The New Caledonia Post and Telecommunications Office (OPTNC) has branches located throughout the Territory with a network of 50 agencies and shops. It provides the services and products in its 3 activity sectors : mail, banking services and telecommunications.
In general, a letter posted in New Caledonia takes approximately four to five days to reach metropolitan France by airmail (three days for Australia and New Zealand). Postal stamps, telephone cards and first day covers are very colourful and well illustrated and are greatly sought after by stamp collectors and tourists. The New Caledonia Post and Telecommunications Office was world champion for philately in 2003.
Telephone Communications
When dialing overseas, dial 00 for the international network, followed by the country code after the tone then the phone number requested. For example, for Australia, dial 00 + 61 + area code (without the 0) + telephone number.
For more information contact the Telecommunications Commercial Agency, 9 rue Gallieni in Nouméa and in all the OPT agencies. By telephone at 1014 (call free).
Can I use your mobile phone in New Caledonia?
The Mobilis "Liberté" service is contract free and provides domestic and international telecommunications. This service is based on the pre-pay system by purchasing a quota of communication minutes. Rechargeable cards are sold for 1,050 XPF, 3,150 XPF and 5,250 XPF (tax included).
The roaming system is available in New Caledonia. It provides the possibility of using your mobile telephone on the Mobilis network of the OPT-NC which is different from the one you have subscribed to, without changing your telephone number.
For Mobilis clients who travel and who want to use their mobile overseas, they just need to subscribe in advance to the travel option in an OPT agency (free option) The Post Office has agreements with the following telecommunications companies:
| Metropolitan France | France Telecom Mobile Orange, SFR and Bouygues Telecom |
| New Zealand | Vodafone NZ |
| Australia | Optus, Vodafone Australie and Telstra |
| French Polynesia | Tikiphone |
| United Kingdom | Vodafone UK |
| Hong-Kong | Hutchinson Telephone |
| Switzerland | Swisscom Mobile |
| Liechtenstein | Telecom FL |
| Spain | Telefònica Mòviles España |
| Vanuatu | Telecom Vanuatu Limited |
| Italia | Vodafone Omnitel Italie |
| Fidji | Vodafone Fiji Limited |
| Japan | Vodafone KK et NTT DoCoMo |
| Belgium | Mobistar |
| Canada | Rogers Wireless |
Subscribers to these networks can benefit from the same advantages in New Caledonia and can also use their mobile telephone on the Mobilis network.
How do you go about applying to work in New Caledonia?
Foreigners must obtain an authorisation from the Government of New Caledonia.
Contact : Haut-commissariat / Service des étrangers