Urgent travel warning for Aussies to hotspot

Australians planning a trip to New Caledonia have been warned against travelling to the hotspot as the threat of violence soars.

Australians planning a trip to New Caledonia have been warned against travelling to the hotspot as the threat of violence soars.

On Tuesday, travel advice to the South Pacific destination was updated, with Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade advising Aussies to reconsider plans amid civil unrest and travel disruptions.

“Political tensions and unrest may increase at short notice”, the department’s updated Smartraveller site read.

“Demonstrations and protests may increase leading up to a national public holiday on 24 September.”

Urgent waring for Aussies heading to New Caledonia ad the threat of violence soars

The island’s nightly curfew, previously between 10pm and 5am, will be now be enforced between 6pm and 6am.

The French archipelago has seen arson attacks and carjackings on the rise amid civil unrest.

“Security incidents, including arson and carjacking continue across the country. Political demonstrations and protests may turn violent at short notice,” the advice continued.

A man walks past a burnt vehicle at an independantist roadblock at Magenta Tour district in Noumea, France's Pacific territory of New Caledonia, on May 22, 2024. Picture: Theo Rouby/AFP

A man stands at a roadblock barricade, with Kanak and Breton flags, controlling access to a district in Noumea, France's Pacific territory of New Caledonia, on May 24. Picture: Theo Rouby / AFP

A man walks past a damaged supermarket in Noumea, France's Pacific territory of New Caledonia, on May 24. Picture: Theo Rouby / AFP

“Avoid demonstrations and public gatherings. Essential services are impacted. Continue to follow the advice of local authorities. You can access La Tontouta International Airport by road. This can change at short notice.”

It warned that roads have also been damaged and many have blockades in place.

“You’ll need to assess your situation before travelling. Monitor the media and follow the advice of local authorities (see ‘Safety’). Aircalin and Qantas are operating a limited number of flights each week. Contact your airline for the latest information.”

In mid-May, rioting and looting erupted in New Caledonia over an electoral reform plan that Indigenous Kanak people feared would leave them in a permanent minority, putting independence hopes definitively out of reach.

The unrest left nine dead and damage estimated at more than 1.5 billion euros (AU$2.46 billion).