French Polynesia: Authorities extend nightly curfew to 20:00-04:00 from Aug. 23 to Sept. 5 due to COVID-19 activity /update 18

Event

Authorities will extend the territorywide nightly curfew by one hour to 20:00-04:00 Aug. 23-Sept. 5 amid continued high COVID-19 activity. Exemptions from the curfew are likely in effect for emergency situations, among others. Officials will also suspend on-site activities in schools across the territory Aug. 23-Sept. 5. Additionally, a movement ban will be in effect in Leeward and Windward islands Aug. 23-Sept. 5 due to significant COVID-19 activity in those areas. Exemptions include traveling for work, obtaining necessities, seeking vaccinations and medical treatments, and caregiving, among others. Nonessential business must close.

Officials are enforcing a weekend curfew of 21:00 Fridays to 04:00 Monday in Tuamotu-Gambier. Exceptions from the curfew are likely in place for emergency situations, among others.

A territorywide State of Health Emergency remains in effect. Facemasks are mandatory at places where physical distancing is impossible, on public transport, near shopping centers and markets, places of worship, and around schools. A ban on exhibitions and trade fairs is in place, though exceptions may be allowed for events with prior contractual and financial agreements. Officials may announce a further tightening of curbs in the coming days if caseloads increase.

International Travel Restrictions
The government continues to ban the entry of foreign nationals from most locations, except for essential reasons, such as critical personal or professional needs or medical emergencies. However, travelers who have exclusively been in several "green" countries for 15 days can visit French Polynesia for any reason; the countries include most of the EU, Australia, Canada, Israel, Japan, Lebanon, New Zealand, Singapore, South Korea, and the US. The government requires supporting documentation before approving boarding requests for flights.

All approved travelers must apply for an Electronic Travel Information System health registration receipt. Permitted passengers over the age of 11 must provide a negative result from a PCR COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours or antigen test taken within 48 hours before departure for French Polynesia. Authorities will conduct a COVID-19 antigen test for all arrivals. Fully vaccinated passengers from green locations do not have to quarantine. Other inbound passengers must quarantine for 10 days at government-designated facilities at their own expense. However, the government will permit some travelers to self-quarantine; individuals must request for self-quarantine at least 72 hours before departure. Quarantined travelers and children under 18 years old must undergo COVID-19 testing on days four and eight.

Advice

Follow all official orders. Obtain permission before traveling during curfew hours. Consider delaying travel if experiencing symptoms associated with COVID-19, as they may prompt increased scrutiny, delays, and quarantine.

Resources

Electronic Travel Information System
High Commission in French Polynesia