French Polynesia: Authorities to implement eased COVID-19 restrictions Sept. 20-27 /update 20

Event

Authorities will implement eased COVID-19 restrictions Sept. 20-27. Under the measures, a territory-wide 20:00-04:00 curfew remains in effect. Officials are enforcing a 14:00-04:00 weekend curfew in Bora Bora, Huahine, Maupiti, Moorea, Raiatea, Tahaa, and Tahiti. International tourists may obtain permission from authorities to be exempt from the lockdown measures for health reasons, purchasing essential goods, and travel between the airport or ferry terminal. The weekend restrictions are not applicable in Austral Islands, Gambier Islands, Marquesas Islands, and Tuamotu Islands. Cruises may gradually resume activities if all crew and passengers are vaccinated.

Facemasks are mandatory at places where physical distancing is impossible, on public transport, near shopping centers and markets, places of worship, and around schools. Gatherings of more than 10 people remain prohibited. Retail stores may open at a density limit of one person per four square meters (43 square feet). Restaurants can offer dine-in services with at most six people per table and social distancing in place. Sports facilities can open at 50 percent capacity. Recreational venues like museums and cinemas must close.

Individuals may travel between islands but must present proof of vaccination and an RT-PCR test taken within 72 hours. Unvaccinated minors aged above 12 and traveling with an adult must provide a negative antigen test result taken within 48 hours or RT-PCR test taken within 72 hours of departure; unvaccinated children aged 12 and below are exempt from the requirements. COVID-19 tests are available at Tahiti Airport.

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 12 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