Before you travel
No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide and any specific travel advice that applies to you:
Travel insurance
If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.
About FCDO travel advice
The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) provides advice about risks of travel to help British nationals make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice.
Follow and contact FCDO travel on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. You can also sign up to get email notifications when this advice is updated.
This information is for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK. It is based on the UK government’s understanding of the current rules for the most common types of travel.
French Polynesia is an Overseas Collectivity of France (‘Collectivité d’Outre-Mer’). The authorities in French Polynesia set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the French Consulate General in the UK.
COVID-19 rules
There are no COVID-19 testing or vaccination requirements for travellers entering French Polynesia.
Passport validity requirements
Your passport must have an ‘expiry date’ at least 3 months after the date you plan to leave French Polynesia.
Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.
You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.
Visa requirements
You can visit French Polynesia without a visa for up to 90 days for tourism or business. To stay longer, to work or study, for business travel or for other reasons, check the visa application process and timelines on the French visa website.
If you want to work in French Polynesia, get permission from the French Consulate General before you travel there.
UK residents of French Polynesia
Carry your residence document, as well as your passport, when entering or exiting French Polynesia. If you have applied but not yet received your document, carry your certificate of application. You will have received this as an email.
Vaccine requirements
You must have a certificate to prove you’ve had a yellow fever vaccination if you’re coming from a country listed as a transmission risk.
For full details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see TravelHealthPro’s French Polynesia guide.
Customs rules
There are strict rules about goods you can take into or out of French Polynesia (in French). You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.
Taking money into French Polynesia
Check what cash and valuables you need to declare to bring them into French Polynesia.
Terrorism
There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times.
UK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe abroad and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad.
Terrorism in French Polynesia
Although there’s no recent history of terrorism in French Polynesia, attacks cannot be ruled out.
Crime
Protecting yourself and your belongings
Avoid isolated areas, including beaches, after dark.
Do not carry large amounts of cash or wear expensive-looking jewellery or watches on the street. Put valuables and travel documents in a safety deposit box or hotel safe.
Outdoor activities and adventure tourism
Swimming safety
See water safety on holiday from the Royal Life Saving Society.
Scuba diving
Diving schools may have limited resources and do not always observe safety and maintenance standards. Always:
- ask to see a dive operator’s credentials
- check the conditions on your insurance policy – some policies require dive instructors to have certain qualifications
- make sure safety equipment looks to be in good condition
- make sure oxygen is available on the boat
- ask about safety precautions, including the ability to transfer divers to the only hyperbaric chamber in French Polynesia, which is in Papeete
If you have not had any previous diving experience, check what to do if something goes wrong, including how to call for help while at sea.
Transport risks
Road travel
If you are planning to drive in French Polynesia, see information on driving abroad.
You’ll need to carry both the 1968 version of the international driving permit (IDP) and your UK driving licence when driving. You cannot buy an IDP outside the UK, so get one before you travel.
Hire car companies often have stricter requirements for their customers, such as a year of driving experience, a higher minimum age and holding an IDP.
Extreme weather and natural disasters
Find out what you can do to prepare for and respond to extreme weather and natural hazards.
Cyclones
Tropical storms including cyclones can happen from November to April. Monitor local news and check World Meteorological Organization weather reports for French Polynesia.
Earthquakes
Earthquakes are a risk in French Polynesia. The US Federal Emergency Management Agency website has advice about what to do before, during and after an earthquake.
Before you travel check that:
- your destination can provide the healthcare you may need
- you have appropriate travel insurance for local treatment or unexpected medical evacuation
This is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant.
Emergency medical number
Call 15 (or 4048 5906 from a landline) and ask for an ambulance.
Contact your insurance company quickly if you’re referred to a medical facility for treatment.
Vaccine recommendations and health risks
At least 8 weeks before your trip:
See what health risks you’ll face in French Polynesia, including:
Medication
The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or bought in the UK can be different in other countries.
Read best practice when travelling with medicines on TravelHealthPro.
Healthcare in French Polynesia
General healthcare facilities in French Polynesia are good for uncomplicated treatment, but more serious cases may need evacuation to a larger healthcare facility. Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment abroad and repatriation.
Healthcare for residents
If you plan to live in French Polynesia, consult the UK Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) about long-term entitlement to healthcare under the French national system.
DWP Overseas Medical Benefits helpline: +44 (0)191 218 1999
You can also get English-language information about French social security services online or on +33 (0)820 90 42 12. You can get French-language information online about state services in French Polynesia.
Health insurance cards
The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) or Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) do not provide health cover for you if you go to French Polynesia to visit or to live.
Travel and mental health
Read FCDO guidance on travel and mental health. There is also mental health guidance on TravelHealthPro.
The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) cannot provide tailored advice for individual trips. Read this travel advice and carry out your own research before deciding whether to travel.
Emergency services in French Polynesia
Ambulance: 15 (or 4048 5906 from a landline)
Fire: 18
Police: 17
Contact your travel provider and insurer
Contact your travel provider and your insurer if you are involved in a serious incident or emergency abroad. They will tell you if they can help and what you need to do.
Refunds and changes to travel
For refunds or changes to travel, contact your travel provider. You may also be able to make a claim through insurance. However, insurers usually require you to talk to your travel provider first.
Find out more about changing or cancelling travel plans, including:
- where to get advice if you are in a dispute with a provider
- how to access previous versions of travel advice to support a claim
Support from FCDO
FCDO has guidance on staying safe and what to do if you need help or support abroad, including:
Contacting FCDO
Follow and contact FCDO travel on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. You can also sign up to get email notifications when this travel advice is updated.
You can also contact FCDO online.
Help abroad in an emergency
There is no British Embassy in French Polynesia and the British Embassy in Paris, France, supports British nationals who need emergency help from the UK government.
FCDO in London
You can call FCDO in London if you need urgent help because something has happened to a friend or relative abroad.
Telephone: 020 7008 5000 (24 hours)
Find out about call charges
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