Emergency Help Abroad – New Caledonia

Crime & Legal Awareness

A concise overview of the key laws, legal expectations and enforcement practices travellers should understand before visiting New Caledonia — including behaviours that may be acceptable in the UK but carry stricter penalties or different interpretations abroad.

1. STRICT DRUG, WEAPON & ALCOHOL LAWS

• Possession or trafficking of illegal drugs can result in severe penalties, including long prison sentences.

• Carrying weapons, knives or restricted items without authorisation is illegal.

• Drink-driving is strictly enforced, with high fines and potential arrest.

• Public intoxication or disorderly behaviour may attract police attention.

• Supplying alcohol to minors or breaking local alcohol-sales restrictions can lead to penalties.

2. RESPECT FOR CULTURE, PUBLIC MORALS & ENVIRONMENT

• Kanak customs and traditions are central to community life; disrespecting cultural rules can cause serious offence.

• Dress modestly when visiting tribal areas or villages.

• Public indecency or explicit behaviour is not tolerated.

• Littering or damaging lagoons, beaches or protected forests may result in fines.

• Removing cultural artefacts or entering tribal lands without permission is prohibited.

3. PUBLIC BEHAVIOUR & CIVIL ORDER

• Police may request identification — carry your passport or a photocopy.

• Violent incidents and protests can occur, particularly linked to political tensions — avoid demonstrations entirely.

• Theft, especially in Nouméa, occurs in busy areas — keep valuables secure.

• Aggressive behaviour, shouting or disputes may escalate quickly.

• Failure to follow police instructions can lead to immediate detention.

4. TRAVEL, TRANSPORT & ADMINISTRATIVE OFFENCES

• Driving without a valid licence or insurance is illegal and heavily penalised.

• Road accidents must be reported — leaving the scene is a serious offence.

• Rural roads can be unlit and hazardous at night; avoid travelling after dark.

• Using unlicensed taxis or informal transport can lead to disputes or safety risks.

• Overstaying visas or failing to comply with entry rules may lead to fines.

5. PHOTOGRAPHY, DRONE & SECURITY RESTRICTIONS

• Photographing tribal ceremonies, people or homes requires permission.

• Drones are regulated; unauthorised drone use may lead to confiscation or fines.

• Avoid photographing government, police or military installations.

• Some cultural and sacred sites forbid photography entirely.

• Filming protests, conflicts or police activity can attract unwanted attention.

6. ENVIRONMENTAL & SAFETY LAWS

• Removing coral, marine life or shells from protected lagoon zones is illegal.

• Feeding wildlife — including turtles and reef fish — is prohibited in many areas.

• Entering protected lagoons or nature reserves outside designated zones may lead to penalties.

• Open fires require permission and may be banned during dry seasons.

• Ignoring cyclone, earthquake or tsunami warnings can put travellers at significant risk.

7. RESPECT FOR NATURE, CULTURE & HERITAGE SITES

• Climbing or disturbing sacred Kanak sites is strictly forbidden.

• Removing plants, volcanic stones or natural materials from heritage areas is illegal.

• Damaging traditional huts, carvings or community structures is treated seriously.

• Trespassing in tribal areas without authorisation can lead to confrontation.

• Disregarding conservation rules in the UNESCO-listed lagoon may result in fines or removal.

What You Shouldn’t Do - Behaviours Travellers Should Avoid.

These are important behaviours and actions to avoid to stay respectful, safe and aligned with local expectations. Remember that what feels ordinary or routine in the UK may be understood quite differently in New Caledonia.

• Don’t buy, use or transport illegal drugs — penalties are severe.

• Don’t disrespect Kanak customs, sacred sites or community rules.

• Don’t enter tribal land without prior permission.

• Don’t walk alone at night in isolated areas or unlit streets.

• Don’t leave valuables visible in cars or accommodation.

• Don’t use unlicensed taxis or informal transport.

• Don’t remove coral, shells or natural souvenirs from beaches or lagoons.

• Don’t photograph people or villages without permission.

• Don’t ignore cyclone or tsunami warnings.

• Don’t hike alone in remote mountainous areas without notifying someone.

• Don’t drink untreated tap water in rural regions — use bottled or purified.

• Don’t display large amounts of cash in public.

• Don’t drive after drinking — police enforce strict limits.

• Don’t attempt to bribe officials or police.

• Don’t swim alone where strong currents or sharks are known risks.

• Don’t film or photograph police, protests or sensitive locations.

• Don’t rely solely on card payments — smaller shops may require cash.

• Don’t trespass or disturb cultural village grounds.

• Don’t act aggressively or loudly — it is considered disrespectful.

• Don’t overstay your visa or ignore entry-stamp conditions.