The purpose of this report is to smooth the way for cruisers coming to New Caledonia.  If you do not speak French, you may have difficulties communicating with the immigration officials, who require all communications to be in the French language.

I have sought the advice of our friend Chloe Morin, Owner of Noumea Ocean Services:

https://newcaledoniasuperyachtagent.com

She has confirmed the following information.

Officially, arriving cruisers are granted permission to stay in New Caledonia by port immigration for ninety days.  They are not required to post a bond.  If they wish to extend this time, they must apply to the office of the Haut-Commissariat.  A good reason must be given for the extension, for example boat repair, illness, etc.  Reasons such as, “cruising your lovely country, waiting for a weather window” are not considered valid.  An extension should not be requested before about two weeks before the end of your original ninety days.  Port immigration (Police Aux Frontiers) is different from the Haut-Commissariat immigration officials.

If you leave your boat in New Caledonia and fly “home” for several weeks or months when you return you are entitled to an additional ninety days permission by immigration at the airport to stay as a tourist.  Before you depart New Caledonia, you should get a stamp from port immigration that you will be returning to New Caledonia on a one-way ticket because you will depart the country aboard your boat, or even better: buy a round-trip refundable ticket.

During our visits to New Caledonia, the cruisers whom we have met who have had difficulties with the immigration service have been from several countries, including New Zealand and the US. Their stories include accounts of confusion in communications with officials of intentions and policies.  These cruisers were all fine, upstanding, honorable people, except that they do not speak French, and they requested more than 90 days, without having an emergency reason such as illness or ship repair.

We love cruising in New Caledonia and are just completing our fifth visit to these islands.    If you need help or advice, we recommend that you contact Chloe Morin at Noumea Ocean Services.  She is an agent for yachts of all sizes and friend to all cruisers.

Dorothy & Steve Darden

S/V Adagio