French Polynesia: Authorities extend lockdown measures through Sept. 20 due to COVID-19 activity /update 19

Event

Authorities will extend lockdown measures through Sept. 20 due to COVID-19 activity. The measures are in effect for the Society Islands and several localities in Tuamotu-Gambier. An overnight 20:00-04:00 remains in place. Officials are enforcing a weekend curfew from 21:00 Fridays to 04:00 Monday in Tuamotu-Gambier. Exemptions from the curfew are likely in effect for emergency situations, among others. On-site activities in schools are suspended through Sept. 10. A movement ban will continue in Leeward island. Exemptions include traveling for work, obtaining necessities, seeking vaccinations and medical treatments, and caregiving. Nonessential business must close.

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, fully vaccinated travelers who have been in "green" countries in the past 15 days can visit French Polynesia for any reason; the countries include most of the EU, Australia, Bahrain, Brunei, Canada, Chile, the Comoros, Hong Kong, Israel, Japan, Jordan, Lebanon, New Zealand, Singapore, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, Taiwan, Ukraine, Uruguay, the US, and Vanuatu. 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 13 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 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