Travel Vaccines and Advice for New Caledonia
New Caledonia is a special collective 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.
On This Page:
Do I Need Vaccines for New Caledonia?
Other Ways to Stay Healthy in 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?
The Isle of Pines
What Should I Take to New Caledonia?
U.S. Embassy in New Caledonia
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: typhoid, hepatitis A, polio, yellow fever, chikungunya, hepatitis B, influenza, COVID-19, pneumonia, meningitis, chickenpox, shingles, Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis) and measles, mumps and rubella (MMR).
See the bullets below to learn more about some of these key immunizations:
- 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. - Hepatitis A –
Food & Water –
Recommended for most travelers. - Polio –
Food & Water –
Due to an increase in cases globally, an additional adult booster is recommended for most travelers to any destination. - Yellow Fever –
Mosquito –
Required if traveling from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. - Chikungunya –
Mosquito –
Few cases reported since 2016. Increased risk for those who may be in more rural areas. - Hepatitis B –
Blood & Body Fluids –
Recommended for travelers to most regions. - Influenza –
Airborne –
Vaccine components change annually. - COVID-19 –
Airborne –
Recommended for travel to all regions, both foreign and domestic. - Pneumonia –
Airborne –
Two vaccines given separately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both. - Meningitis –
Direct Contact & Airborne –
Given to anyone unvaccinated or at an increased risk, especially students. - 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. - Polio –
Food & Water –
Considered a routine vaccination for most travel itineraries. Single adult booster recommended. - TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) –
Wounds & Airborne –
Only one adult booster of pertussis required. - Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) –
Various Vectors –
Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended.
See the table below for more information:
Recommended Travel Vaccinations for New Caledonia |
||
| VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| 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. |
| Hepatitis A | Food & Water | Recommended for most travelers. |
| Polio | Food & Water | Due to an increase in cases globally, an additional adult booster is recommended for most travelers to any destination. |
| Yellow Fever | Mosquito | Required if traveling from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. |
| Chikungunya | Mosquito | Few cases reported since 2016. Increased risk for those who may be in more rural areas. |
| Hepatitis B | Blood & Body Fluids | Recommended for travelers to most regions. |
Routine Vaccinations for New Caledonia |
||
| VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| Influenza | Airborne | Vaccine components change annually. |
| COVID-19 | Airborne | Recommended for travel to all regions, both foreign and domestic. |
| Pneumonia | Airborne | Two vaccines given separately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both. |
| Meningitis | Direct Contact & Airborne | Given to anyone unvaccinated or at an increased risk, especially students. |
| 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. |
| TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) | Wounds & Airborne | Only one adult booster of pertussis required. |
| Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) | Various Vectors | Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended. |
Specific Vaccine Information
- Typhoid – Typhoid, caused by Salmonella Typhi, is primarily transmitted through tainted food and water. Protection against this disease involves vaccination combined with good hygiene and careful food consumption.
- Hepatitis A – The hepatitis A virus is highly contagious, primarily transmitted through contaminated food, water, or close contact. To prevent infection, practice good hygiene and get vaccinated.
- Chikungunya – Chikungunya, a mosquito-borne virus, can be prevented by avoiding mosquito bites and reducing breeding sites. The chikungunya vaccine provides the best protection.
- Hepatitis B – Hepatitis B, a liver infection transmitted through infected fluids, can be prevented through safe practices and the hepatitis B vaccine. The vaccine prompts the immune system to produce antibodies, offering robust and long-lasting protection against the virus.
- Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) – Measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) are viral infections with distinct symptoms. They spread through respiratory droplets and close contact. Vaccination is the most effective way to prevent MMR infections, with the MMR vaccine offering protection against all three diseases.
Visit our vaccinations page to learn more. Travel safely with Passport Health and schedule your appointment today by calling or book online now.
Other Ways to Stay Healthy in New Caledonia
Prevent Bug Bites in New Caledonia
In case of bug bites, cleanse the area, use anti-itch treatments, and resist scratching to prevent infection. Seek medical help for severe reactions or if symptoms of vector-borne diseases emerge post-bite.
Food and Water Safety in New Caledonia
When traveling, ensure food safety by adhering to CDC recommendations, which include eating fully cooked foods, avoiding raw seafood, and selecting reputable dining places. Safely drink bottled beverages, avoiding ice in uncertain water sources, and consume alcohol in moderation. Prevent travelers’ diarrhea through hand hygiene and avoiding street food in unsanitary areas.
Infections To Be Aware of in New Caledonia
- Dengue – Dengue fever, transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes, significantly impacts global health, affecting up to 400 million people yearly. Without specific antiviral treatments, prevention through avoiding mosquito bites is key. Repellents and nettings are recommended.
- Zika – Zika virus, transmitted mainly by Aedes mosquitoes, can have serious consequences, especially for pregnant women and their babies. To prevent Zika, individuals should protect themselves from mosquito bites, practice safe sex, and eliminate breeding sites.
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
What Is the Climate Like in New Caledonia?
New Caledonia is an island group in the South Pacific with a tropical climate. The popular places to visit are Nouméa, the Isle of Pines, and the Loyalty Islands. The weather is warm all year.
There are two main seasons. The dry season is from June to September. It is cooler, with temperatures between 65 to 77 degrees. The wet season is from November to April. It is warmer, with temperatures between 75 to 85 degrees.
Check a weather website or ask local experts before your trip for the most accurate weather information.
How Safe Is New Caledonia?
New Caledonia is a safe place to visit, but it’s important to follow some tips to stay safe:
- Check the news and travel warnings.
- Get your vaccines and see a doctor before you go.
- Buy travel insurance to help if something goes wrong.
- Use sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat to protect yourself from the sun.
- Use insect repellent and wear long clothes to avoid mosquito bites.
- Swim in safe areas, and wear special shoes to protect your feet in the water.
- Drink bottled water and eat at good restaurants to avoid getting sick.
- Watch out for thieves and keep your things safe.
- Be careful when driving, and learn the local traffic laws.
- Know the phone numbers for emergencies: 15 for medical, 17 for police, and 18 for fire services.
Follow these tips to have a fun and safe trip to New Caledonia.
The Isle of Pines
Avoid an Embarrassing Stop
Over 70% of travelers
will have diarrhea.
Get protected with Passport Health’s
travelers’ diarrhea kit!
The Isle of Pines in New Caledonia is a beautiful place to visit. Tourists love its pretty beaches, clear water, and amazing nature. Here are some fun things to do there:
- Beaches: Enjoy the sun and water at beaches like Kuto Bay, Kanumera Bay, and Oro Bay.
- Snorkeling and diving: See colorful fish and coral in the clear water around the island.
- Piscine Naturelle: Swim and snorkel in this natural pool surrounded by coral and plants.
- Upi Bay: Take a canoe tour to see the cliffs, water, and sea creatures in Upi Bay.
- N’Ga Peak: Hike to the top of the island’s highest point for great views.
- Grotte de la Reine Hortense: Explore this cave with cool rocks where a queen once hid.
- Cultural experiences: Visit local villages and learn about their traditions and way of life.
- Watersports: Try activities like kayaking, paddleboarding and sailing in the lagoon and along the coast.
Remember to be respectful of the environment and the people who live there while having fun on the Isle of Pines.
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.
Customer Reviews
Passport Health – Travel Vaccines for New Caledonia
“Staff was very efficient and the service was excellent. The nurse administering our shots took the time to carefully explain everything ahead of time as well as waiting for 10 minutes or so afterwards to make sure we had no adverse reactions. Very very much appreciated!”
“The nurse was amazing and kind and it’s so nice to see her year after year for my shots before travel to Caledonia.”
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