French Polynesia: Authorities end state of emergency as of Nov. 16; COVID-19 restrictions ongoing /update 25

Event

Authorities in French Polynesia have adjusted COVID-19 controls as of Nov. 16 amid reduced COVID-19 activity.

Domestic Restrictions
Officials have lifted a state of emergency declaration and ended a curfew in outlying islands; however, restrictions will continue. Public gatherings remain limited to 100 people. Public establishments must follow a density limit of one person per four square meters (43 square feet). Restaurants can offer dine-in services with at most eight people per table and social distancing in place. Sports facilities can operate at 50-percent capacity. Facemasks remain mandatory in public, but the requirement has ended when people are outdoors.

The government will begin requiring a health pass for people 12 years, two months old and older to enter high-risk establishments and access some transport from Dec. 1. Health passes are available for individuals that are fully vaccinated, have obtained a negative COVID-19 test in the previous 72 hours, or received a positive test result 11 days to six months old. Officials will require the pass for nightclubs, which will reopen from Dec. 1, cultural events, concerts, trade fairs and shows, and visitors to medical facilities, with an exemption for emergencies. Events occurring under the health pass requirement can occur without capacity limits.

Individuals may travel between islands but must present proof of vaccination. Unvaccinated minors above age 12 traveling with an adult must provide a negative antigen test result taken within 48 hours or a PCR test taken within 72 hours before departure. Unvaccinated children aged 12 and below are exempt from the requirements. COVID-19 tests are available at Tahiti Airport. From Nov. 22, authorities will phase out these measures and require a health pass for maritime or air transport from Tahiti to outlying islands, with an exemption for children, starting Nov. 22.

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, including most of the EU, Australia, Bahrain, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Comoros, Hong Kong, Japan, Jordan, Lebanon, New Zealand, Singapore, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, Taiwan, Uruguay, the US, and Vanuatu, in the past 15 days can visit French Polynesia for any reason. 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 aged above six years. 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 above six years old must undergo COVID-19 testing on days four and eight. Vaccinated outbound passengers may travel to "green" countries for any reason; unvaccinated individuals, as well as those going to locations except "green" countries, may only travel for essential reasons with prior approval.

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