Information about entry requirements for Tahiti

Entry formalities:
All passengers entering French Polynesia must be in possession of a valid passport and outbound ticket. (passport must be good for 6 months past return date). Note: US "Green Card" is not a travel document.

Citizens of the following countries can stay 3 months without a visa:
All countries of the European Union.
As well as citizens of the following other countries: Andorra, Cyprus, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Malta, Monaco, Norway, San Marino, Switzerland and the Vatican.

Citizens of the following countries can stay 1 month without a visa:
Argentina, Australia, Bermuda, Brunei, Canada, Croatia, Czech Republic, Hungary, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Poland, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Korea, the United States of America and Uruguay.

Visitors from other nations from South America, Africa and Asia need to apply for their visa before entering French Polynesia. Visas for France are not valid.

Since entry formalities may change at any moment, it is strongly recommended that you check with the nearest French Consulate or Embassy. Visas are actually issued in Tahiti and may take up to 3 weeks to be returned back to the French Consulate.

There is NO WORK visa and NO resident visa available. There is no work either...

You do not need to get ANY Immunization shots prior to going to French Polynesia.

Health:
No need for any type of inoculation against exotic diseases when going to Tahiti.
French Polynesia enjoys a high standard of health, with excellent medical and dental services, pharmacies, private clinics and a large hospital in Tahiti.

There are NO snakes, poisonous spiders or any land critters that can hurt or sting you. There could be some mosquitoes and sand flies (called nono) depending where you are, but their bite is very mild and the itch doesn't last (rub lime ). It is a good idea, however to pack some bug repellent.

Inoculation:
No vaccinations are required except for passengers from high-risk countries (this information can be obtained from your airline). On the islands of Tahiti, good sanitary facilities and health services are available. The cities of Papeete, Taravao (pensinsula of Tahiti) and Uturoa (Raiatea) have fully equipped hospitals. Other tourist islands at least possess a hospital or clinic.

Notes come in CFP denominations of 500, 1000, 5000 and 10,000, and coins in denominations of 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50 and 100.

Most credit cards are widely accepted and banks will give you a cash advance.

Traveler's checks ($US or Euros) are easily cashed (you will have to show your passport).

Safety is not an issue, and carrying cash around is not a problem. Just don't be careless, and lock your valuables in the hotel safety box (most of them have one in the room).

There are a few ATM machines in all the islands as well.

Luggage:
Bring summer clothes, beachwear, sports wear and boat wear, all preferably in cotton. Have something warm available for the evenings which are sometimes cooler(lagoon side, boat trips and in the mountains). Footwear: sandals, sneakers, boat shoes.

Essential:
Swimming costumes, sunglasses, hat and sunblock creams (intense reflection of the lagoons) and a powerful anti-mosquito lotion (useful in the islands in certain seasons).

The sun:
One thing you must not forget is lots of sunscreen, as the sun is VERY strong and will burn you after only 1/2 hour of exposure. Wear a T-shirt and waterproof sunblock when snorkeling. Also a good idea: reef shoes if you are going wadding in the shallows or the reef. Beaches are all coral, with chunks which can be sharp.

Language:
The official languages of French Polynesia are French and Tahitian.

Taxes:
Sojourn tax of 150 F.CFP/pers/day on international classified hotels, international cruises and any other establishments of equal characteristics.
A sojourn tax of 50 F.CFP/pers/day on non classified hotels, and any other establishments of equal characteristics.

Transport:
Taxis are available in and around the city, they also operate around Moorea, Huahine, Raiatea and Bora Bora. They have a Tiare Tahiti Blossom insignia on the Taxi light on top of the cab indicates that the driver can speak English. Unfortunately, taxis are really expensive, the taxi fare for a trip of 6km trip is between £11 & £16. Also it is important to note that there are not taxis on other islands.

The rate are visibly displayed inside the cab and all the Taxis on the islands are equipped with Taxi meters.

Furthermore, all the accommodations can pre-book a taxi from the airport or ferry quay.

There are a large number of rental cars available in Papeete, with a variety of cars and rates. the price is around £35 to £44 per day. However the price includes insurance and unlimited kilometres. The cost for the petrol is around £2.70 per litre.

If you travelling in July, August and New Year's Eve, it is important to book it in advance.

Also it is important to know that in French Polynesia, they drive on the right.

The major international car-rental such as Avis, Budget, Europcar and Hertz are on Tahiti; on other islands such as Moorea, Huahine, Raiatea, Bora Bora and Rangiroa, only two rental companies operate: Avis and Europcar.

On the island of Tahiti, modern buses and taxis are available for those who don't have a car. A car, a four-wheel drive vehicle or even a scooter can be rented in one of the numerous agencies. In the Society Archipelago, "trucks" (picturesque buses with wooden passenger cabins) serve the different towns. Finally, depending on the island you're on, if you want to discover our hidden paradises you can always go out for a ride on a bike or on a horse! On some islands, taxi boats for lagoon transfers are also available to go to motus (islets) where you can find accommodation or to the airport.

Tip:
Tipping is not part of the Tahitian tradition and should not be encouraged on a routine basis.
All the prices quoted on menus, hotels or shops are all inclusive and you need not add anything for service or tax.

Currency:
The local currency is the Central Pacific Franc or CFP which is pegged to the Euro. No matter where you come from, it is best to change your currency into CFP when you get to Tahiti. Money can be exchanged at the airport ATM upon arrival, even in the middle of the night, or later at a bank in any island ( banks and ATM charge a service fee ). Hotels and some businesses will change your currency, but not at the bank rate. Most credit cards are widely accepted and banks will give you a cash advance. Traveller's checks ($US or Euros) are easily cashed (fees). On some islands there will not be any exchange office.