French Polynesia: Authorities modify entry requirements for travelers as of Jan. 17 /update 30

Event

Authorities have modified entry requirements for entrants to French Polynesia as of Jan. 17. Fully vaccinated passengers from “red” countries may enter the territory for any reason. Officials require all entrants to provide a PCR or RAT test taken within 24 hours before entry, as well as undergo an on-arrival test. Most inbound travelers above six years old must also take additional tests on days four and eight after entry; vaccinated minors accompanied by a vaccinated adult from green and orange countries are exempt. Unvaccinated arrivals aged above 12 years old, and individuals who test positive must quarantine in Tahiti for 10 days.

Domestic Measures
Public gatherings remain limited to 100 people. Establishments must limit capacity to one person per four square meters (43 square feet). Restaurants can offer dine-in services with up to eight people per table and social distancing in place. Sports facilities can operate at 50-percent capacity. Facemasks remain mandatory in public, with exceptions outdoors.

Authorities require a health pass for people 12 years, two months old and above. The 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 within the past 11 days to six months. Officials require residents to receive a third vaccine dose five to seven months after their second dose to maintain health passes. Individuals must obtain a health pass to access high-risk establishments, such as cultural events, concerts, nightclubs, trade fairs and shows, and visitors to medical facilities, except for emergencies. Events requiring a health pass can occur without capacity limits. Travel between Tahiti and Moorea can occur; however, the government requires a health pass for visitors from these locations to outlying islands.

International Travel Restrictions
The government permits entry for fully vaccinated foreign nationals over 12 years old who have visited "green", “orange”, and “red” locations in the previous 15 days for any reason and do not have to quarantine. All vaccinated entrants must provide proof of vaccination. A complete list of designations is available here. Country classifications can change at short notice, and officials encourage passengers to monitor changes before boarding flights.

All approved travelers must apply for an Electronic Travel Information System (ETIS) health registration receipt within 30 days before arrival; unvaccinated or red zone travelers must register at least six days ahead of arrival. Authorities conduct a COVID-19 PCR test for all arrivals above six years old. People that test positive must quarantine at their own expense in Tahiti for 10 days. Fully vaccinated passengers do not have to quarantine, though request that these entrants self-quarantine at their accommodations for 72 hours until receiving the result of an on-arrival test. Unvaccinated inbound passengers must quarantine for 10 days at a facility of their choice and expense in Tahiti. However, the government may 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 and orange countries for any reason; unvaccinated individuals and people traveling to red 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