Entry Requirements & Visas
Visa-Free Access for Most Travelers in 2026
French Polynesia, as an overseas territory of France, allows visa-free entry for citizens of over 100 countries including the US, EU, UK, Canada, and Australia for stays up to 90 days. Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your departure date to avoid issues at immigration.
Passport Requirements
Your passport must be valid for at least six months after your planned departure from French Polynesia, with at least two blank pages for entry stamps and any onward travel documentation.
Children under 18 traveling without both parents should carry a notarized consent letter to prevent delays at Papeete International Airport.
Visa-Free Countries
Citizens of the EU, US, UK, Canada, Australia, Japan, and many others can enter visa-free for tourism, business, or transit stays up to 90 days within a 180-day period.
Proof of onward or return travel and sufficient funds (around 15,000 XPF per person) may be requested upon arrival.
Visa Applications
For nationalities requiring a visa, apply through the French consulate in your home country or online via the France-Visas portal, submitting documents like a valid passport, proof of accommodation, financial means, and travel insurance covering at least €30,000 in medical expenses.
Processing times vary from 15 to 60 days, with fees around €80; short-stay Schengen visas are often applicable since French Polynesia follows similar rules.
Border Crossings
Most arrivals are via Faa'a International Airport in Papeete, Tahiti, where French border police conduct efficient checks; inter-island flights within Polynesia require no additional border controls.
Yacht arrivals must clear customs at designated ports like Papeete or Raiatea, with advance notification required for smooth processing.
Travel Insurance
While not mandatory, comprehensive travel insurance is highly recommended to cover medical evacuations (which can cost over $50,000 due to remote islands), trip delays, and adventure activities like scuba diving or shark feeding.
Policies from providers like World Nomads start at $5-10 per day and should include coverage for water sports and remote medical transport.
Extensions Possible
Short-stay extensions up to 30 additional days can be requested at the Papeete Immigration Office for reasons like medical needs or extended tourism, requiring proof of funds and a valid reason.
Fees are approximately 5,000-10,000 XPF, and applications must be submitted at least 15 days before your current stay expires to avoid overstay fines up to 1,000,000 XPF.
Money, Budget & Costs
Smart Money Management
French Polynesia uses the CFP Franc (XPF). For the best exchange rates and lowest fees, use Wise to send money or convert currency - they offer real exchange rates with transparent fees, saving you money compared to traditional banks.
Daily Budget Breakdown
Money-Saving Pro Tips
Book Flights Early
Secure the best deals to Papeete by comparing prices on Trip.com, Expedia, or CheapTickets.
Booking international flights 4-6 months ahead and inter-island 2 months in advance can save 20-40% on fares, especially during peak dry season.
Eat Like a Local
Opt for roulottes (food trucks) in Papeete for authentic dishes like grilled fish or shrimp under 2,000 XPF, avoiding resort restaurants to cut dining costs by up to 60%.
Stock up on fresh fruits and bread from local markets like Fare Oti in Tahiti for picnics on the beach, saving hundreds on daily meals.
Public Transport & Ferries
Use affordable inter-island ferries like those from Tahiti to Moorea (around 1,500 XPF one-way) instead of flights, and local buses (le trucks) for 200-500 XPF per ride.
Purchase multi-day ferry passes for archipelago hopping to reduce per-trip costs by 30-50%.
Free Attractions
Enjoy pristine beaches, hiking to viewpoints like those on Moorea, and public lagoons at no cost, providing endless authentic experiences without guided fees.
Many cultural sites like Marae Arahurahu temple offer free entry, and snorkeling gear can be rented cheaply or borrowed from locals.
Card vs Cash
Credit cards (Visa/Mastercard) are accepted at hotels and larger shops, but carry cash for markets, small vendors, and remote atolls where ATMs are scarce.
Withdraw from bank ATMs in Papeete for the best rates, avoiding airport exchanges that charge high fees up to 10%.
Activity Packages
Bundle snorkeling, kayaking, and cultural tours through local operators for 15,000-20,000 XPF per day, often including lunch and transport to save 25% over individual bookings.
Look for eco-tour packages that support community initiatives while providing value-added experiences like pearl farm visits.
Smart Packing for French Polynesia
Essential Items for Any Season
Clothing Essentials
Pack lightweight, quick-dry tropical clothing like linen shirts, shorts, and cover-ups for sun protection; include a light rain jacket for sudden showers in the wet season.
Respect local customs by bringing modest attire for visits to churches or villages, and swimsuits with sarongs for beach etiquette.
Electronics
Bring a universal adapter for Type A, B, C, and E plugs (220V), waterproof phone case, portable charger for island outings, and a GoPro for underwater footage.
Download offline maps of Tahiti and Bora Bora, plus translation apps for French and Tahitian phrases to navigate remote areas.
Health & Safety
Carry comprehensive travel insurance docs, a basic first-aid kit with motion sickness remedies for boat rides, prescriptions, and reef-safe sunscreen (SPF 50+ mandatory to protect coral).
Include insect repellent for mosquitoes, water purification tablets for remote hikes, and a hat/sunglasses for intense UV exposure in the South Pacific sun.
Travel Gear
Pack a waterproof daypack for lagoon excursions, reusable water bottle (tap water varies by island), snorkel mask/fins (rentals available but personal fit is better), and dry bag for valuables.
Bring photocopies of passport/insurance, a money belt, and eco-friendly toiletries to minimize environmental impact on fragile atolls.
Footwear Strategy
Choose water shoes or reef walkers for sharp coral protection during snorkeling, comfortable sandals for village walks, and lightweight hiking shoes for trails like those on Huahine.
Avoid heavy boots; focus on versatile, breathable options that handle wet conditions and uneven volcanic terrain.
Personal Care
Include biodegradable soap/shampoo, aloe vera gel for sunburn relief, and a compact umbrella or poncho for tropical rains; pack high-humidity hair products if needed.
Travel-sized reef-safe items reduce weight, and don't forget earplugs for noisy ferries or overwater bungalows with waves.
When to Visit French Polynesia
Dry Season (May-October)
Perfect weather with temperatures of 24-28°C, low humidity, and clear skies ideal for snorkeling in Bora Bora's lagoons and hiking on Moorea without rain interruptions.
Fewer crowds in shoulder months like May and October offer better deals on overwater bungalows and vibrant marine life viewing.
Peak Dry Season (June-August)
High season brings warm 25-29°C days, calm waters for diving with manta rays, and events like the Heiva i Tahiti cultural festival in Papeete.
Expect premium prices and booked resorts, but it's prime time for family vacations and clear underwater photography opportunities.
Shoulder Wet Season (November-April)
Milder rains with temperatures around 27-30°C make it great for whale watching (July-October overlap) and lush green landscapes on islands like Taha'a.
Lower costs on accommodations up to 40% off, though short showers are common—ideal for budget travelers seeking serenity.
Wet Season (December-February)
Warm 28-31°C with occasional heavy rains, but fewer tourists mean exclusive access to pearl farms and spa retreats at discounted rates.
Best for indoor cultural experiences like tattoo workshops or relaxing in private villas, avoiding cyclone risks by monitoring forecasts.
Important Travel Information
- Currency: CFP Franc (XPF). ATMs are available in main towns; Euros accepted at resorts but change is in XPF. Cards widely used but cash needed for small islands.
- Language: French (official), Tahitian. English spoken in tourist areas like Bora Bora and Papeete hotels.
- Time Zone: Tahiti Time (TAHT), UTC-10; no daylight saving time
- Electricity: 220V, 60Hz. Type A (two flat pins), B (three pins), C (two round pins), E (two round with ground), and I plugs
- Emergency Number: 17 for police, 15 for medical, 18 for fire; 112 also works as EU standard
- Tipping: Not customary as service is included; a small gesture of 5-10% for exceptional service at resorts is appreciated but optional
- Water: Tap water safe in Papeete but use bottled on outer islands to avoid stomach issues
- Pharmacies: Available in major towns like Papeete; look for "Pharmacie" signs. Bring essentials for remote atolls