Asia and Oceania

Terrorism

There is a low threat from terrorism.  But you should be aware of the global risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks, which could be in public places, including those frequented by expatriates and foreign nationals.

 

For further information see our Terrorism Abroad page.

Visas

 

New Caledonia is a dependent territory of, and has a special status with, France.  If you are a British Citizen or British Subject with Right of Abode in the UK, you will not need a visa to enter France.  Other British passport holders should confirm the current entry requirements with the nearest French Diplomatic mission.

 

Passport validity

 

All British passport holders require a valid passport.  There is no minimum passport validity requirement but you should ensure that your passport is valid for the proposed period of your stay.

 

Employment

 

It is important to note that EU regulations regarding employment and right of abode do not apply to New Caledonia and British nationals have no right to work or to extend their stay beyond the initial three months without special authorisation from the local authorities.

 

Extension of stay

 

If you wish to remain in New Caledonia for more than three months, you should apply via their local Haut Commissariat or French Consulate for the necessary residence and work permits.

 

Travelling with children

 

Single parents or other adults travelling alone with children should be aware that some countries require documentary evidence of parental responsibility before allowing lone parents to enter the country or, in some cases, before permitting the children to leave the country.  For further information contact the French Embassy in London.

There is a dedicated Swine Flu page on the FCO website. Guidance on Pandemic Flu is available on the UK Department of Health website at: www.dh.gov.uk.

General health care facilities in New Caledonia are good for uncomplicated treatment but more serious cases may require evacuation to Australia or France.  You should make provision for this in your insurance cover.

The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) does not provide health cover in New Caledonia.

British nationals planning a permanent move to New Caledonia, especially those who have not yet reached retirement age, should consult the UK Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) at the earliest opportunity to obtain advice on their longer-term entitlement as residents to health care provision under the French national system.  Enquiries should be made to the DWP Overseas Medical Benefits help-line on 00 44 191 218 1999 which is open on Mondays to Fridays from 08.00 to 20.00 daily. Alternatively, information can be obtained direct from the English language service of the Caisse Primaire d’Assurance Maladie (French social security service) on 00 33 8 20 90 42 12 or CLEISS (the Helpdesk in France for international mobility and social security) on 00 33 1 45 26 33 4.

Outbreaks of dengue fever are possible.

You should exercise normal precautions to avoid exposure to HIV/AIDS. For more general information on how to do this see HIV and AIDS.

You should seek medical advice before travelling to New Caledonia and ensure that all appropriate vaccinations are up-to-date.  For further information on vaccination requirements, health outbreaks and general disease protection and prevention you should visit the websites of the National Travel Heath Network and Centre (NaTHNaC) and NHS Scotland's Fit For Travel or call NHS Direct on 0845 46 47.

 

For more general health information see our Travel Health page.

Insurance

 

We recommend that you obtain comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling to New Caledonia.  You should check any exclusions, and that your policy covers you for the activities you want to undertake.  See our Travel Insurance page.

 

If things do go wrong when you are overseas see our When Things Go Wrong page.

Consular Registration

Register with our LOCATE service to tell us when and where you are travelling abroad or where you live abroad so our consular and crisis staff can provide better assistance to you in an emergency.  More information about registering with LOCATE can be found here.

There is no resident British Diplomatic Mission in New Caledonia.  Routine consular matters are covered by the British Embassy in Paris.