Travel Vaccines and Advice for New Caledonia
New Caledonia is a special collectivity of France located in the South Pacific. It consists of a main island and various smaller islands in the region.
The capital city is Noumea and it is also the largest city on Grand Terre and the other islands.
New Caledonia has a small population across the islands. But, there is a vibrant and distinct culture to be found.
Do I Need Vaccines for New Caledonia?
Yes, some vaccines are recommended or required for New Caledonia. The CDC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for New Caledonia: hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, yellow fever, meningitis, polio, measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis), chickenpox, shingles, pneumonia and influenza.
See the bullets below to learn more about some of these key immunizations:
- Hepatitis A –
Food & Water –
Recommended for most travelers - Hepatitis B –
Blood & Body Fluids –
Accelerated schedule available - Typhoid –
Food & Water –
Shot lasts 2 years. Oral vaccine lasts 5 years, must be able to swallow pills. Oral doses must be kept in refrigerator. - Yellow Fever –
Mosquito –
Required if traveling from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission - Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) –
Various Vectors –
Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended. - TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) –
Wounds & Airborne –
Only one adult booster of pertussis required. - Chickenpox –
Direct Contact & Airborne –
Given to those unvaccinated that did not have chickenpox. - Shingles –
Direct Contact –
Vaccine can still be given if you have had shingles. - Pneumonia –
Airborne –
Two vaccines given seperately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both. - Influenza –
Airborne –
Vaccine components change annually. - Meningitis –
Airborne & Direct Contact –
Given to anyone unvaccinated or at an increased risk, especially students. - Polio –
Food & Water –
Considered a routine vaccination for most travel itineraries. Single adult booster recommended.
See the tables below for more information:
Recommended Travel Vaccinations for New Caledonia |
||
| VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| Hepatitis A | Food & Water | Recommended for most travelers |
| Hepatitis B | Blood & Body Fluids | Accelerated schedule available |
| Typhoid | Food & Water | Shot lasts 2 years. Oral vaccine lasts 5 years, must be able to swallow pills. Oral doses must be kept in refrigerator. |
| Yellow Fever | Mosquito | Required if traveling from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission |
Routine Vaccinations for New Caledonia |
||
| VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) | Various Vectors | Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended. |
| TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) | Wounds & Airborne | Only one adult booster of pertussis required. |
| Chickenpox | Direct Contact & Airborne | Given to those unvaccinated that did not have chickenpox. |
| Shingles | Direct Contact | Vaccine can still be given if you have had shingles. |
| Pneumonia | Airborne | Two vaccines given seperately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both. |
| Influenza | Airborne | Vaccine components change annually. |
| Meningitis | Airborne & Direct Contact | Given to anyone unvaccinated or at an increased risk, especially students. |
| Polio | Food & Water | Considered a routine vaccination for most travel itineraries. Single adult booster recommended. |
Visit our vaccinations page to learn more. Travel safely with Passport Health and schedule your appointment today by calling or book online now.
Do I Need a Passport or Visa for New Caledonia
A passport that is valid for at least six months is required for entry into New Caledonia. You don’t need a visa if your stay is under 90 days. If you plan to stay for an extended period of time apply at the nearest French Embassy. Make sure that you apply well beforehand as it usually takes a considerable amount of time.
New Caledonia Entry Requirements |
||
| Do I Need A… | For My Trip to New Caledonia? | |
|---|---|---|
| Passport |  |
|
| Tourist Visa | ||
| Business Visa | ||
| Vaccinations | |
|
Sources: Embassy of New Caledonia and U.S. State Department
For more information contact a Passport Health Passport and Visa specialist by calling 1-844-366-8472 or by filling out our online form.
What Is the Climate Like in New Caledonia?
New Caledonia has a tropical climate, but has a hot and rainy season and a cool and dry season. These seasons are influenced by the trade winds.
The hot and rainy season runs from December to March with temperatures ranging from 90 to 95.
The cool and dry season runs from June to September with temperatures ranging from 65 to 75.
How Safe Is New Caledonia?
Avoid public areas where protests take place as protests occur regularly and have the potential to turn violent. Crime is low in New Caledonia, but petty crimes are most common such as pickpocketting. Keep your valuables close and in your sights at all times, especially in crowded areas.
Be cautious in nightclubs and clubs for brawls and assaults are more prone to happen in those locations.
Remember that local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crime.
Swamps in New Caledonia
Swamps don’t always draw tourists. But, the swamps in New Caledonia are an exception, particularly the Heart of Voh. The Heart of Voh is a natural design created in a swamp near the town of Voh. A heart can be seen by plane or by mountain.
Tourists can climb Mount Kathepaik, usually a two hour hike, to see the naturally created heart from above.
What Should I Take To New Caledonia?
Here are some essential items to consider for your trip to New Caledonia:
- If you’re traveling between June-September, bring a light sweater to wear at night.
- If you’re traveling between December and March, pack light clothes and an umbrella for rain.
- Hats and sunscreen to protect against the sun.
- Light rain jacket (sometimes the weather can be unpredictable)
- Mosquito repellent and clothing that covers bare skin to prevent mosquito bites and infections.
U.S. Embassy in New Caledonia
All Americans visiting New Caledonia should register online with the U.S. Department of State before departure. This will inform the office of your travel plans within the country and will allow them to reach out in the case of an emergency or evacuation.
There is no U.S. embassy in New Caledonia, but it is served by the embassy in Fiji.
U.S. Embassy Suva
158 Princes Rd, Tamavua
Suva, Fiji Islands
Phone: +(679) 331-4466
Emergency: +(679) 772-8049
Email: SuvaACS@state.gov
If you have any questions about traveling to Tokelau or are wondering what shots you may need for your trip, schedule an appointment with your local Passport Health travel medicine clinic. Call us at or book online now and protect yourself today.
On This Page:
What Vaccines Do I Need for New Caledonia?
Do I Need a Passport or Visa for New Caledonia?
What Is the Climate Like in New Caledonia?
How Safe Is New Caledonia?
Swamps in New Caledonia
What Should I Take to New Caledonia?
U.S. Consular Services in New Caledonia
