New Caledonia Crime Rate & Safety
Homicide statistics, crime trends, and travel safety for New Caledonia
US State Department Travel Advisory
Exercise Increased Caution
Updated May 21, 2026
New Caledonia recorded 3.1 intentional homicides per 100,000 people in 2009, a rate that is moderate by global standards. That places New Caledonia #94 of 195 countries by homicide rate, compared with the Oceania average of 5.9 per 100,000 and a world average of 5.2. Homicide rates have remained broadly stable over the past decade. For travelers, the US State Department currently rates New Caledonia at Level 2 of 4: Exercise Increased Caution.
Homicide Rate
3.1 /100k
Safety Rank
#102 of 195
Travel Advisory
Level 2 of 4
Data Year
2009
Homicide Rate Trend (2006-2009)
Intentional homicides per 100,000 people. Homicide rates have remained broadly stable over the past decade. Source: UNODC via World Bank.
How New Caledonia Compares
Intentional homicides per 100,000 people, latest available year per country.
Safety for Travelers
Summary of the current US State Department advisory for New Caledonia:
The advisory level was decreased to 2. The "Unrest" risk indicator was removed. Advisory Summary was updated. Exercise Increased Caution in New Caledonia due to risk of crime. Advisory summary Exercise increased caution in New Caledonia. Review our travel guidance for New Caledonia to learn how to prepare for a safe trip. Exercise increased caution in Areas Outside Noumea at night due to crime. Due to the civil unrest in 2024, an increased police and military presence remains around the country. Political demonstrations and protests may turn violent with little notice.
Level 1
Exercise Normal Precautions
Level 2
Exercise Increased Caution
Level 3
Reconsider Travel
Level 4
Do Not Travel
Safety Guidance for New Caledonia
Practical safety information for visitors, from US State Department country information (last updated January 21, 2025).
Public Safety
Marches highlighting labor or political issues take place in the greater Noumea area from time to time. Any protest or demonstration has the potential to turn violent. You should avoid large public demonstrations at all times. Roads leading into and out of Noumea may be closed during periods of civil unrest. Messages regarding demonstrations and strikes, explosive device/suspicious packages, and weather-related events are posted on the embassy’s website.
Crime
The crime rate in New Caledonia is low; however, petty crime such as pick pocketing and purse-snatching does occur. Fights and assaults sometimes occur outside discotheques and bars, especially over weekends and holidays and at closing time See our website and the FBI pages for information on scams.
Victims of Crime
Report crimes to the local police at 17 emergencies and contact the U.S. Embassy +679 331 4466. Remember that local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting the crime. See our webpage on help for U.S. victims of crime overseas . We can: help you find appropriate medical care assist you in reporting a crime to the police contact relatives or friends with your written consent explain the local criminal justice process in general terms provide a list of local attorneys provide our information on victim’s compensation programs in the U.S. provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States and/or limited medical support in cases of destitution help you find accommodation and arrange flights home replace a stolen or lost passport
Domestic Violence
U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence may contact the Embassy for assistance.
Tourism
The tourism industry is generally regulated and rules with regard to best practices and safety inspections are regularly enforced. Hazardous areas/activities are identified with appropriate signage and professional staff is typically on hand in support of organized activities. In the event of an injury, appropriate medical treatment is widely available throughout the country. Outside of a major metropolitan center, it may take more time for first responders and medical professionals to stabilize a patient and provide life-saving assistance. U.S. citizens are encouraged to purchase medical evacuation insurance .
About This Data
Homicide figures are intentional homicides per 100,000 people, compiled by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and published by the World Bank (indicator VC.IHR.PSRC.P5). Homicide is the most reliably comparable crime statistic across countries because definitions of other offences (assault, theft, robbery) vary widely between national legal systems and reporting practices.
Travel advisory levels are issued by the US Department of State and updated continuously. They reflect risks to travelers including crime, terrorism, civil unrest, health, and natural disasters — not only crime rates. Countries report crime data with different lags; the most recent available year is shown for each metric.
New Caledonia Population & Demographics
Population of 292,639, growth trends, economy, and more.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is New Caledonia safe to visit?
The US State Department rates New Caledonia at Level 2 of 4 (Exercise Increased Caution). The homicide rate of 3.1 per 100,000 is moderate by global standards.
What is the crime rate in New Caledonia?
New Caledonia has an intentional homicide rate of 3.1 per 100,000 people (2009, World Bank/UNODC), ranking #94 of 195 countries.
What is the US travel advisory level for New Caledonia?
New Caledonia is currently at Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution. Advisory levels range from Level 1 (Exercise Normal Precautions) to Level 4 (Do Not Travel).
How does crime in New Caledonia compare to other countries?
New Caledonia's homicide rate of 3.1 per 100,000 is below the world average of 5.2 and below the Oceania average of 5.9.