Travel Facts
US State Dept Travel Advisory
The US Department of State currently recommends US citizens exercise normal precautions in French Polynesia. Consult its website via the link below for updates to travel advisories and statements on safety, security, local laws, and special circumstances in this country.
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories.html
Passport/Visa Requirements
US citizens should make sure their passport will not expire for at least 6 months after they enter the country even if they do not intend to stay that long. They should also make sure they have at least 2 blank pages in their passport for any entry stamp that will be required. A visa is not required as long as you do not stay in the country more than 89 days.
US Embassy/Consulate
None (overseas lands of France); US citizens may call US Dept of State (202)-501-4444 for emergencies; alternate contact is the US Consulate in Tahiti 689-40-426-535 or Tel:(+689) 40 42 65 35; US Embassy in Suva, 158 Princes Road, Tamavua, PO Box 218, Suva, Fiji
LGBTQIA+ Travelers
Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, and asexual (LGBTQIA+) travelers can face unique challenges when traveling abroad. Laws and attitudes in some countries may affect safety and ease of travel. Legal protections vary from country to country. Many countries do not legally recognize same-sex marriage. Approximately seventy countries consider consensual same-sex sexual relations a crime, sometimes carrying severe punishment.
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/before-you-go/travelers-with-special-considerations/lgbtqi.html
Telephone Code
689
Local Emergency Phone
Ambulance: 15; Fire: 18; Police: 17
Vaccinations
The CDC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for French Polynesia: hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, yellow fever, rabies, meningitis, polio, measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis), chickenpox, shingles, pneumonia and influenza.
http://www.who.int/
Climate
Tropical, but moderate
Currency (Code)
Comptoirs Francais du Pacifique francs (XPF)
Electricity/Voltage/Plug Type(s)
220 V / 60 Hz / plug types(s): C, D, E
Major Languages
French, Polynesian
Major Religions
Protestant 54%, Roman Catholic 30%
Time Difference
UTC-10 (5 hours behind Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
Potable Water
Opt for bottled water
International Driving Permit
Suggested
Road Driving Side
Right
Tourist Destinations
Bora Bora (includes Mount Otemanu); Rangiroa (includes Ile aux Recifs); Maupiti (includes Tereia Beach); Moorea (includes Magic Mountain); Tuamotu Islands
Major Sports
Soccer, va'a (outrigger canoe racing), surfing, rugby
Cultural Practices
Tahitians tend to dress up when dining out.
Tipping Guidelines
Many hotels and restaurants include a service charge. It is considerate to leave a little extra for outstanding service. At restaurants that do not add service charges, tip 10% of the bill. Taxi drivers customarily are tipped 10% of the fare.
Souvenirs
Black pearls, mother-of-pearl jewelry and decorative items, pareau cloth, wood and stone carvings, vanilla
Traditional Cuisine
Poisson cru — raw tuna marinated in lime juice and coconut milk and served with various vegetables; often, fresh coconut meat is wrapped in cloth, and the milky juice is then squeezed over the fish and vegetables
Please visit the following links to find further information about your desired destination.
World Health Organization (WHO) - To learn what vaccines and health precautions to take while visiting your destination.
US State Dept Travel Information - Overall information about foreign travel for US citizens.
To obtain an international driving permit (IDP). Only two organizations in the US issue IDPs:
American Automobile Association (AAA) and American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA)
How to get help in an emergency?
Contact the nearest US embassy or consulate, or call one of these numbers:
from the US or Canada - 1-888-407-4747 or from Overseas - +1 202-501-4444
Page last updated: Wednesday, September 20, 2023
