Travel Consideration: French Polynesia

US State Department Travel Considerations for French Polynesia

French Polynesia is a French overseas territory located in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. It is made up of several groups of islands, the largest and most populated of which is Tahiti. French Polynesia has a moderately developed economy, which is dependent on imported goods, tourism and the financial assistance of mainland France. Tourist facilities are well developed and are available on the major islands.

A passport valid for six months beyond duration of stay is required. Visas are not required for stays up to one month. Extensions for up to three months may be granted locally by applying to the Haut Commissionaire (The French High Commissioner). For further information about entry requirements, travelers, particularly those planning to enter by sea, may contact the French Embassy at 4101 Reservoir Road, N.W, Washington, D.C. 20007, telephone (202) 944-6200, fax 202-944-6212, or visit the Embassy of France’s web sites at http://www.info-france-usa.org.

French Polynesia has one of the lowest crime rates within France and its territories. However, petty crime, such as pickpocketing and purse snatching, occurs. The loss or theft abroad of a U.S. passport should be reported immediately to the local police, and the U.S. Embassy. U.S. citizens may refer to the Department of State’s pamphlet, A Safe Trip Abroad for ways to promote a more trouble-free journey. The pamphlet is available by mail from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402, via the Internet at http://www.access.gpo.gov/su_docs, or via the Bureau of Consular Affairs home page at http://travel.state.gov.

Medical treatment is generally good on the major islands, but is limited in areas that are more remote or less populated. Patients with emergencies or with serious illnesses are often referred to facilities on Tahiti for treatment. In Papeete, the capital of Tahiti, two major hospitals as well as several private clinics provide 24-hour medical service. Serious medical problems requiring hospitalization and/or medical evacuation to the United States can cost thousands of dollars. Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health services

While in a foreign country, U.S. citizens may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in the United States. The information below concerning French Polynesia is provided for general reference only, and may not be totally accurate in a particular location or circumstance.

Safety of Public Transportation: Good
Urban Road Conditions/Maintenance: Good
Rural Road Conditions/Maintenance: Good
Availability of Roadside Assistance: Good in Tahiti

While most major roads are paved, many secondary roads are not. Traffic is brisk and all types of vehicles and pedestrians jockey for space on narrow streets. Crosswalks are marked and the law requires that motor vehicles stop for pedestrians; however, this is not always done. Tourists should exercise caution when driving, particularly at night.

For specific information concerning the operation and rental of motor vehicles in French Polynesia contact the Embassy of France.

French customs authorities may enforce strict regulations concerning temporary importation into or export from French Polynesia of some items. Customs officials can control at any time, not just on the border. It is advisable to contact the Embassy of France in Washington, D.C. or one of France’s consulates in the United States for specific information regarding customs requirements. The web site for French customs is www.finances.gouv.fr/douane. Goods arriving on pleasure yachts must be declared at the first point of arrival in French Polynesia. Arms, animals, alcohol, cigarettes, cameras, etc., must be included in this declaration.

French customs officials encourage the use of an ATA (Admission Temporaire/Temporary Admission) Carnet for the temporary admission of professional equipment, commercial samples, and/or goods for exhibitions and fair purposes. ATA Carnet Headquarters, located at the U.S. Council for International Business, 1212 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10036, issues and guarantees the ATA Carnet in the United States. For additional information call (212) 354-4480, send an e-mail to atacarnet@uscib.org or visit their web site at http://www.uscib.org.

There is no U.S. Embassy or diplomatic post on Tahiti nor on any of the other French Polynesian islands. Assistance for U.S. citizens is provided by the U.S. Embassy in Suva, Fiji, which is located at 31 Loftus Street, P.O. Box 218, in the capital city of Suva, telephone 679-314-466, fax 679-302-267.

Americans living in or visiting French Polynesia are encouraged to register with the U.S. Embassy in Suva, Fiji, and to obtain up-to-date information on travel and security in French Polynesia. Additional information is available from the home page of the U.S. Embassy in Suva, Fiji at http://www.amembassy-fiji.gov.

Civil aviation operations in French Polynesia fall under the jurisdiction of French authorities. The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has assessed the government of France’s civil aviation authority as category 1 -- in compliance with international aviation safety standards for oversight of France’s air carrier operations. For further information, travelers may contact the Department of Transportation within the U.S. at 1-800-322-7873, or visit the FAA Internet web site at http://www.faa.gov/avr/iasa/iasa.pdf. The U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) separately assesses some foreign air carriers for suitability as official providers of air services. For information regarding the DOD policy on specific carriers, travelers may contact DOD at (618) 229-4801.

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