New Caledonia is a French territory in the south-west Pacific, built around the long main island of Grande Terre, where the capital, Nouméa, sits, with smaller islands linked to it by ferry. France runs it as an overseas territory that is not part of the European Union, so New Caledonia is not covered by Roam Like at Home, and a French SIM, like any other European one, roams here on whatever terms its operator sets. Since the riots of 2024, staying connected also matters for following curfews and road closures.
Key facts for New Caledonia
- EU roaming: not covered by Roam Like at Home
- Local networks: varies by plan
- Emergency numbers: ambulance 15 or 256767; police 17; fire 18
- Embassies: no British mission; help for British nationals comes from Paris, and Canadians can turn to Australia's consulate general in Nouméa
Since the 2024 unrest
In May 2024, protests against constitutional reforms turned into riots with arson and looting, and Canada still advises a high degree of caution because of political tensions. The UK Foreign Office says tensions have eased, but protests and roadblocks can start with little or no warning, particularly on roads blocked in the past, including routes to the airport. Limits on buying and carrying alcohol, fuel and weapons remain, public gatherings are restricted, and curfews can be imposed or changed at short notice; the French High Commission in New Caledonia publishes the current rules. Stay away from demonstrations, which can turn violent even when they start peacefully, and keep your phone charged so you can follow local news.
Arriving in New Caledonia
British visitors can stay up to 90 days without a visa, with a passport that expires at least 3 months after departure and has 2 blank pages. Anyone coming from a country with yellow fever transmission must show a vaccination certificate. Customs rules are strict, so declare anything that may be prohibited or taxed, and check which cash and valuables you have to declare.
Sharks, reefs and diving
Sharks are a risk to swimmers in some areas, including Nouméa, where the authorities have set up temporary supervised swimming zones, so swim only where bathing is allowed. Dive centres may have limited resources and do not always keep to safety standards: check the operator's credentials, make sure there is oxygen on the boat, and ask how a diver would reach a hyperbaric chamber in an emergency.
Buses, ferries and the roads of Grande Terre
Buses link all the main towns and villages, and ferries connect Nouméa with the other islands. On Grande Terre the main roads are paved, but drunk or unlicensed drivers, poorly maintained cars, and livestock and pedestrians on unlit secondary roads make night driving risky, while roadblocks, carjackings and objects thrown at vehicles, though not frequent, do happen. UK drivers need the 1968 International Driving Permit alongside their licence, hire firms may set stricter conditions, and the alcohol limit for drivers is lower than in England and Wales.
Cyclones, fires and earthquakes
The UK Foreign Office says cyclones are a particular risk from mid-December to mid-March, while Canada gives a wider window from November to April; Météo France and the territory's public safety bureau publish warnings in French. Bush and forest fires are common between September and February, and New Caledonia lies in an active seismic zone, where a strong earthquake can be followed by a tsunami.
Health, money and petty crime
Healthcare is good for uncomplicated treatment on the main island but limited on the other islands, and serious cases may be evacuated to Australia or France. Neither the EHIC nor the UK's GHIC covers you here, so take insurance that includes evacuation. Zika, dengue and chikungunya are among the health risks. The currency is the CFP franc; cards and cash machines are easy to find in Nouméa, but carry enough cash for remote areas. Petty theft, car break-ins and drink spiking occur, so never leave a drink unattended and avoid isolated places, beaches included, after dark.
Getting connected
A travel eSIM installed before your flight connects on arrival, on 3G or 4G depending on the plan. An Oceania plan also covers Australia, New Zealand, Fiji and French Polynesia, and a World plan suits a longer journey. Keep your usual SIM for bank texts, with its data roaming turned off.
Consular protection: who to call in New Caledonia
- Call 15 or 256767 for an ambulance, 17 for the police and 18 for the fire service.
- The UK has no embassy or consulate in New Caledonia: British nationals who need emergency help are supported by the British Embassy in Paris.
- Canadians can get help during office hours from the Consulate General of Australia in Nouméa, under a consular sharing agreement, as well as from the High Commission of Canada in Canberra.
- Look up in the Telcomia app the mission that covers New Caledonia for your nationality, and save its contact details before you travel.
- French is the official language.
Questions travellers ask about New Caledonia
Will my EU SIM work in New Caledonia?
Only on roaming, at the rates your operator sets, because New Caledonia is outside the EU and is not covered by Roam Like at Home. French SIMs are no exception unless the operator includes it.
Is it safe to visit after the 2024 riots?
Tensions have eased, but Canada still advises a high degree of caution. Avoid demonstrations, respect curfews and check the French High Commission's updates.
Which network does a Telcomia eSIM use in New Caledonia?
It depends on the plan, on 3G or 4G.
Is my EHIC valid?
No. Neither the EHIC nor the GHIC applies, so travel insurance with evacuation cover is essential.
The short version
Check the latest curfews and restrictions before you fly, install the eSIM, avoid demonstrations and blocked roads, swim only in permitted areas, bring the 1968 permit if you drive, watch the cyclone season, carry insurance, and save 15 and 17.
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