Aussies warned to 'reconsider' travelling to popular holiday island
New Caledonia in the South Pacific has experienced ongoing unrest since May with holidaymakers once again warned against visiting as tensions rise.
Aussies travelling to New Caledonia, an island in the South Pacific, have been warned to reconsider their travel plans as ongoing tensions and crime across the nation continue.
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade this week updated its travel advice, warning holidaymakers to avoid unnecessary travel to the French archipelago, which is a popular stop for many cruise lines from Australia.
"Reconsider your need to travel to New Caledonia due to ongoing civil unrest and travel disruptions," the Smart Traveller website warned on Tuesday.
The department warned "demonstrations and protests may increase leading up to a national public holiday on 24 September," amid ongoing political tensions which reached alarming heights in May when riots erupted across the nation.
The island’s nightly curfew, previously between 10pm and 5am, will be now be enforced between 6pm and 6am, as it was earlier this year, with an increased police and security presence.
"Security incidents, including arson and carjacking continue across the country. Political demonstrations and protests may turn violent at short notice. Avoid demonstrations and public gatherings. Essential services are impacted. Continue to follow the advice of local authorities," the government body warns.
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State of emergency in Noumea
Violence across the island nation first erupted in May after a bill was passed allowing more French residents to cast ballots in provincial elections. Indigenous people have long sought independence from France. At least six people died and hundreds more were been injured.
At the time, the unrest forced domestic and international airports to shut and cruise ships including P&O wiping Noumea and Lifou from their itinerary. Flights in and out were cancelled too, leaving holidaymakers stranded.
It's understood no cruise ships have been sailing to New Caledonia since the unrest began in May, this includes P&O Cruises Australia and Carnival Cruise Lines.
"Carnival Corporation and plc brands are continuing to closely monitor the situation in New Caledonia. We are liaising with the Australian government, local authorities, and our partners in New Caledonia about when we can resume calls to Noumea and Lifou," a spokesperson told Yahoo News Australia on Wednesday.
In May, hundreds of Aussies were trapped on the island and unable to get home. Speaking to Yahoo News Australia at the time, Sydney woman Sarah Melrose said she felt "unsafe" holed up in her remote island accommodation with "limited food" and little communication from authorities.
The 35-year-old travelled to Noumea, the nation's capital, before making her way to a smaller island, Isle of Pines, with two friends where they remained for weeks until domestic travel was reinstated.
Now, security incidents, including arson and carjacking continue across the country, Smart Traveller warned this week. While La Tontouta International Airport is still accessible by road, this can change at short notice, current travellers have been warned.
"Look after your belongings and always lock your car and accommodation," Smart Traveller states.
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