Neukaledonien

🇳🇨

Telefonvorwahl

+687

Hauptstadt

Noumea

Bevölkerung

290.000

Einheimischer Name

Nouvelle-Calédonie

Region

Ozeanien

Melanesien

Zeitzone

New Caledonia Time

UTC+11:00

New Caledonia, the French overseas territory in the South Pacific known for lagoon reefs, Isle of Pines white-sand beaches, Melanesian culture, and endemic biodiversity, offers visa-free entry to U.S. and UK passport holders. U.S. State Department advises reconsider travel to New Caledonia due to civil unrest and crime, noting U.S. citizens should reconsider travel or consider departing by commercial or other privately available transportation options in light of current security situation and infrastructure challenges following riots related to electoral reform in May 2024. UK Foreign Office describes New Caledonia as "an Overseas Territory of France ('Territoire d'Outre-Mer')" confirming authorities independently set and enforce entry rules, noting may visit for up to 90 days for tourism or business without visa. U.S. State Department confirms visa not required for stay up to 90 days in 180-days period for U.S. citizens, noting U.S. citizens visiting New Caledonia for tourism or business for stay of less than 90 days in any 6 month period will not need visa. Passport requirements: UK Foreign Office requires passport expiry date at least 3 months after planned departure date with at least 2 blank pages, confirming entry refused for invalid documents or passport reported as lost or stolen. U.S. State Department specifies passport must be valid for six months beyond duration of stay. Yellow fever: UK Foreign Office confirms must have certificate to prove you've had yellow fever vaccination if traveling from countries designated as transmission risks. Customs: UK Foreign Office notes strict rules govern importable goods, confirming must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty including cash and valuables above specified thresholds.

New Caledonia Visa & Immigration System

New Caledonia follows French immigration rules as overseas territory with independent authority to set entry regulations. UK Foreign Office describes New Caledonia as "an Overseas Territory of France ('Territoire d'Outre-Mer')" confirming authorities independently set and enforce entry rules. U.S. travel advisory: U.S. State Department advises reconsider travel to New Caledonia due to civil unrest and crime, noting U.S. citizens should reconsider travel or consider departing by commercial or other privately available transportation options in light of current security situation and infrastructure challenges following riots related to electoral reform in May 2024. Visa-free 90 days: UK Foreign Office states may visit for up to 90 days for tourism or business without visa. U.S. State Department confirms visa not required for stay up to 90 days in 180-days period for U.S. citizens. Passport requirements: UK Foreign Office requires passport expiry date at least 3 months after planned departure date with at least 2 blank pages available, confirming entry refused for invalid documents or passport reported as lost or stolen. U.S. State Department specifies passport must be valid for six months beyond duration of stay, noting some travelers may be asked to show proof of medical insurance. Yellow fever vaccination: UK Foreign Office confirms must have certificate to prove you've had yellow fever vaccination if traveling from countries designated as transmission risks. Visa required for longer stays: UK Foreign Office notes those planning longer visits, work, study, or other purposes should check visa application process and timelines via French visa website. U.S. State Department confirms for stays longer than 90 days in six-month period, must apply for long-term visa at nearest French embassy or consulate at least 30 days in advance as processing time can be quite lengthy. Residence documents: UK Foreign Office confirms UK residents must carry both residence document and passport when crossing borders, noting if awaiting residence document, carry certificate of application sent via email. Customs declaration: UK Foreign Office notes strict rules govern importable goods, confirming must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty including cash and valuables above specified thresholds. Contact French Consulate: UK Foreign Office advises for clarification on how requirements apply individually, contact French Consulate General in UK. U.S. State Department directs for further information, contact French Embassy at 4101 Reservoir Road NW, Washington, DC 20007, telephone 202 944-6200.

Gängige Visumtypen

Visa-Free Entry (90 days)

90 days for tourism or business within 180-day period

Tourism and business visits to New Caledonia. U.S. State Department advises reconsider travel due to civil unrest and crime. UK Foreign Office states may visit for up to 90 days for tourism or business without visa. U.S. State Department confirms visa not required for stay up to 90 days in 180-days period. Requirements include passport valid 6 months beyond stay (U.S.) or 3 months beyond departure with 2 blank pages (UK), yellow fever vaccination certificate if arriving from transmission risk countries, proof of medical insurance (may be requested), and proof of sufficient funds. Suitable for South Pacific lagoon exploration, Isle of Pines beach visits, Melanesian cultural experiences, and business meetings.

French Long-Stay Visa (For stays over 90 days, work, or study)

Varies based on visa type approved

Extended stays, work, or study in New Caledonia exceeding 90-day visa-free period. UK Foreign Office confirms those planning longer visits, work, study, or other purposes should check visa application process and timelines via French visa website. U.S. State Department confirms for stays longer than 90 days in six-month period, must apply for long-term visa at nearest French embassy or consulate at least 30 days in advance as processing time can be quite lengthy. Requirements include completed visa application through French consulate, valid passport with required validity period, supporting documentation (employment contract, school enrollment, etc.), proof of accommodation, proof of financial means, travel insurance, and applicable fees. Processing times vary; apply well in advance (at least 30 days). Contact Embassy of France or French Consulate General in UK for current procedures.

Important Information for New Caledonia Travelers

U.S. Travel Advisory - Reconsider Travel: U.S. State Department advises reconsider travel to New Caledonia due to civil unrest and crime following riots related to electoral reform in May 2024.

French Overseas Territory: UK Foreign Office confirms New Caledonia is Overseas Territory of France with authorities that independently set and enforce entry rules.

Visa-Free 90 Days for U.S. and UK Citizens: UK Foreign Office and U.S. State Department confirm visa-free entry for tourism/business up to 90 days.

Geld & Währung

Geld & Währung

CFP-Franc (XPF)

Währungscode: XPF

Praktische Geldtipps

CFP-Franc (XPF) — fest an den Euro gebunden: 119,3317 XPF = 1 EUR (unveränderlich, garantiert durch die französische Staatskasse); EUR direkt zu XPF in Nouméa wechseln; CHF-Inhaber: CHF vorher in EUR wechseln, dann EUR zu XPF in Nouméa; USD und AUD wechselbar bei Bankfilialen

Neukaledonien nutzt den CFP-Franc (XPF, auch Pazifik-Franc genannt), der zu einem festen Kurs von 119,3317 XPF = 1 EUR an den Euro gebunden ist. Dieser Kurs ist unveränderlich und durch die französische Staatskasse garantiert. DACH-Reisende: EUR-Inhaber können EUR direkt zu XPF bei BCI, Société Générale, BNP Paribas oder Banque de Nouvelle-Calédonie in Nouméa wechseln — kein Kursrisiko. Schweizer Reisende (CHF): CHF vorher in EUR wechseln (Wise, Revolut, Hausbank), dann EUR zu XPF in Nouméa. USD-Inhaber können ebenfalls bei Bankfilialen in Nouméa wechseln, aber EUR-Kurs ist günstiger. XPF nicht in anderen Ländern wechselbar — nicht zu viel umtauschen.

Geldautomaten in Nouméa und größeren Städten — BCI, Société Générale, BNP Paribas und Banque de Nouvelle-Calédonie akzeptieren Visa und Mastercard; begrenzte Infrastruktur auf den Loyalitätsinseln und der Isle of Pines; XPF in Nouméa vor Inseltouren abheben

Geldautomaten sind in Nouméa (Stadtzentrum, Baie des Citrons, Anse Vata) sowie in Koumac, Koné und Poindimié auf der Hauptinsel verfügbar. BCI-, Société-Générale- und BNP-Paribas-Automaten akzeptieren Visa und Mastercard und geben XPF aus. Die Loyalitätsinseln (Lifou, Maré, Ouvéa) und Isle of Pines haben sehr begrenzte Bankinfrastruktur — ein Postamt (OPT) kann einen einfachen Automaten haben, aber die Verlässlichkeit für internationale Karten ist nicht garantiert. Strategie: ausreichend XPF in Nouméa abheben, bevor zu den Außeninseln gereist wird. Gebühren: XPF 300–600 pro Abhebung.

Gute Kartenzahlung in Nouméa — die meisten Hotels, Restaurants und Supermärkte akzeptieren Visa und Mastercard; Apple Pay in größeren Betrieben; außerhalb von Nouméa und auf Außeninseln oft nur Bargeld; kein Trinkgeld-Brauch (französische Servicepauschale inklusive)

Visa und Mastercard werden in den meisten Hotels, Restaurants, Supermärkten (Carrefour, Casino) und größeren Geschäften in Nouméa akzeptiert. Apple Pay funktioniert in größeren Betrieben mit NFC-Terminals. Google Pay funktioniert, wird aber weniger häufig unterstützt. Außerhalb von Nouméa und auf den Außeninseln (Loyalitätsinseln, Isle of Pines) ist Bargeld (XPF) oft die einzige Option. Kleine Restaurants, Marktverkäufer, Bootsbetreiber und Gemeinschaftsunterkünfte akzeptieren nur Bargeld. Neukaledonien folgt französischen Trinkgeldkonventionen — Servicepauschale ist gesetzlich eingeschlossen, Trinkgeld nicht erwartet.

Teures Pazifikziel: Mittelklassehotel Nouméa XPF 15.000–30.000/Nacht (EUR 126–252); Restauranthauptgericht XPF 2.500–5.000 (EUR 21–42); Fähre Nouméa–Isle of Pines XPF 7.000–10.000 einfach; Flug Nouméa–Loyalitätsinseln XPF 10.000–20.000; Baguette XPF 120

Neukaledonien ist eines der teuersten Reiseziele im Pazifik — vergleichbar mit dem französischen Festland. Mittelklassehotel in Nouméa: XPF 15.000–30.000/Nacht (EUR 126–252). Budget-Unterkunft bei Baie des Citrons: XPF 8.000–15.000/Nacht (EUR 67–126). Restauranthauptgericht in Nouméa: XPF 2.500–5.000 (EUR 21–42). Lokales Caldoche- oder Kanak-Schnellrestaurant: XPF 900–1.800. Fähre Nouméa–Isle of Pines (Betico): XPF 7.000–10.000 einfach. Flug Nouméa–Lifou/Maré/Ouvéa (Aircalin oder Air Calédonie): XPF 10.000–20.000. Baguette: XPF 120 (französische Qualitätsbäckereien in ganz Nouméa).

Hinweis: Prüfen Sie vor der Reise immer aktuelle Wechselkurse. Geldwechsel ist an Flughäfen, in Banken und bei autorisierten Wechselstuben möglich.

Häufige Geldfragen

Städte mit Vertretungen

Wo dieses Land Botschaften oder Konsulate unterhält

Vertretungen vor Ort

Ausländische Vertretungen in Neukaledonien

Diese Botschaften und Konsulate haben ihren Sitz in diesem Land. Wähle eine Vertretung, um Details und Kontaktinformationen zu öffnen.

Alle Länder nach Kontinent

Planning travel to New Caledonia? Check current U.S. State Department travel advisories. iVisa can provide guidance on French visa applications for extended stays and assistance for your New Caledonia visit.

Get New Caledonia Travel Assistance