Does Visiting New Caledonia Require A Visa?

U.S. citizens do not need a visa for entering New Caledonia on a regular tourist passport and staying no more than 90 days out of every six months. Return ticket travel is allowed. For foreigners wishing to reside in New Caledonia, they must request a long-stay visa from the French Consulate or Embassy or the “Prefecture” in their country of residence.

For those from countries that require a visa before entering New Caledonia, obtaining one is a relatively quick and easy process. There are two conditions for travelers: a France tourist visa is required for New Caledonia, and a French visa is required for travel to France. Travelers can visit New Caledonia without a visa for up to 90 days for tourism or business purposes.

U.S. citizens do not need a visa if entering on a regular tourist passport and staying no more than 90 days out of every six months. Passport holders from countries in the European Union or the European Economic Community generally do not need a tourist visa for New Caledonia for a stay of up to 90 days in any six-month period. However, they must be in possession of a valid travel document (air ticket) and no visa will be issued on arrival in New Caledonia.

Australian citizens must obtain a visa in advance and apply through a consular system. Visa exempt individuals can stay up to 90 days per 180 days. Many nationalities, including Australian and New Zealand passport holders, do not require a visa for New Caledonia.

Is New Caledonia part of the EU?

New Caledonia, a part of the Melanesia subregion, is a group of islands in the Coral Sea, including Grande Terre, Loyalty Islands, Chesterfield Islands, Belep archipelago, Isle of Pines, and a few remote islets. The island is known as Grande Terre le Caillou by locals and is also known as La Kanaky by pro-independence Kanak parties. The island has a land area of 18, 575 km2 and is divided into three provinces: North and South Provinces on the mainland, and Loyalty Islands Province off the east coast.

The population of 271, 407 is diverse, with indigenous Kanak people predominating in the North and Loyalty Islands Provinces. The South Province contains significant populations of European, Kanak, and Polynesian origin, as well as smaller groups of Southeast Asian, Pied-Noir, and North African heritage. The capital of New Caledonia is Nouméa.

New Caledonia was part of the continent Zealandia, which broke off from the supercontinent Gondwana between 79 and 83 million years ago. The earliest human presence in New Caledonia dates back to the Lapita culture, which was highly skilled navigators and agriculturists. The first settlements were concentrated around the coast between c. 1100 BC and AD 200.

When not to go to New Caledonia?

New Caledonia, located in the South Pacific, enjoys beautiful weather with an average temperature of 20-27ºC and 345 sunshine days annually. However, the islands experience a cyclone season from November to May, with February to April being the most dangerous time. Bushfires are also a risk from September to February. The best time to visit is from September to November, when the islands have perfect swimming conditions with minimal rain.

However, peak travel season and high prices can be expected. For better deals on flights and accommodations, visit from February to July. Civil unrest can lead to protests and demonstrations, so it’s advisable to avoid large gatherings and political events.

Do they speak English in New Caledonia?

Tourism is a significant part of New Caledonia’s economy, with visitors mainly coming from Australia and New Zealand. English is widely spoken in Nouméa and the tourism industry. The most commonly taught foreign languages are English and Japanese. New Caledonia is part of the French Republic and its official language is French, following constitutional law 92-554. However, Melanesian languages may be used in certain situations in legislation and justice. The “Loi d’orientation d’Outre-Mer” (law 2000-1207) ensures respect for indigenous languages due to their importance to New Caledonian culture.

Do you need a visa to visit New Caledonia?

A visa is not required for a tourist visit of up to 3 months, but the total stay must not exceed 90 days over 180 days (6 months). Entry and exit conditions can change at short notice. Due to ongoing civil unrest and travel disruptions, it is advised to reconsider visiting New Caledonia. Security incidents, including arson and carjacking, continue across Australia, and a nationwide curfew between 10pm and 5am may impact essential services. Australian officials have advised following heightened security measures, including while travelling through New Caledonia.

Is it expensive in New Caledonia?

New Caledonia is known for its high cost of living, with a cost of living 20 to 37 times higher than in Australia or New Zealand. The island offers a wide range of accommodation options, including standard hotel rooms, tribal accommodation, and holiday home rentals called gîtes. These privately owned gîtes can be cheaper than hotel rooms per person but are typically further from the beach and are rented weekly. Accommodation costs are likely to take the largest portion of holiday savings.

Can I enter French Polynesia with a Schengen visa?

French Polynesia is an overseas territory of France, accessible to EU and Schengen countries’ nationals with their National Identity Card. A valid long-stay visa or Residence Permit issued by France or other Schengen countries allows entry for up to 90 days within a six-month period. Some countries’ nationals can enter French Polynesia with a valid multiple-entry visa, including Bahrain, Belarus, China, India, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Russia, South Africa, and Ukraine.

Short-stay Schengen visas issued by France or other Schengen countries are not valid for entering French Polynesia. Visa-required nationals must obtain a separate visa for French Polynesia with a special wording indicating its validity territory. Citizens of Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Nauru, Solomon Islands, Tuvalu, and China have visa exemption or limited visa-free entry to French Polynesia. French Polynesia offers short-term and long-term visas for temporary travel, including tourism, business trips, and work.

Is New Caledonia worth it?

New Caledonia, also known as ‘the Pebble’ in French, is a tropical island destination with a unique blend of French-Melanesian and tropical flavors. Located just a 3-hour drive from Sydney, it offers a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of Sydney. The island has become a hub for haute cuisine, offering a variety of French-Melanesian fusion dishes that cater to a wide range of tastes, from the budget-conscious to the champagne-addict. New Caledonia is a must-visit for those seeking a tropical island getaway with a touch of Parisian flair.

Who needs a visa for French Polynesia?

U. S. citizens are permitted to enter French Polynesia without a visa if they remain in the country for a minimum of 90 days over a six-month period, provided that they are in possession of a regular tourist passport. Nevertheless, in the event that the visit is not for the purpose of tourism, a visa may be necessary. It is a prerequisite for tourists to possess a return ticket. For further information, please consult the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs or the French Embassy. The US Department of State is unaware of any restrictions pertaining to HIV/AIDS entry for visitors or foreign residents of French Polynesia.

Is Schengen visa valid for New Caledonia?

New Caledonia offers visa exemptions for individuals in possession of valid residence permits, long-stay visas from France or Schengen countries, those designated as statutory refugees, individuals classified as stateless, or persons lacking nationality who are residents of a Schengen state. A passport that was issued less than ten years ago and is still valid for at least three months beyond the intended date of departure is required. Additionally, it must have a minimum of two blank pages. Furthermore, this exemption extends to nationals of New Zealand and other countries.

Is New Caledonia cheap or expensive?

The cost of travel in New Caledonia is not as exorbitant as in New Zealand; however, it is not unduly inexpensive, with food being somewhat more expensive in New Caledonia.

Is New Caledonia a cheap country?

The cost of travel in New Caledonia is not as exorbitant as in New Zealand; however, it is not unduly inexpensive, with food being somewhat more expensive in New Caledonia.