French Polynesia: Authorities easing COVID-19 restrictions territorywide as of March 3 /update 32

Event

Authorities in French Polynesia have eased some measures as of March 3 amid reduced COVID-19 activity. The government has stopped requiring vaccination for all public-facing employees, though the requirement continues for specific high-risk industries, such as medical care. Officials no longer mandate a vaccination pass to attend fairs or exhibitions. Authorities have ended density and group size restrictions in most locations, including places of worship, cultural venues, and entertainment venues. However, capacity remains capped at 500 people at nonessential businesses. The government has also lifted outdoor facemask mandates; people 11 years old and above must still wear facemasks indoors at public venues, passenger transport, and funeral services.

Domestic Measures
The government requires people 12 years, two months old or above to be fully vaccinated to obtain a vaccination pass; residents must receive a third vaccine dose five to seven months after their second dose to maintain the pass. Authorities mandate vaccination passes for travel from Tahiti and Moorea to outlying islands, though exemptions are possible for compelling reasons. Approved travelers must receive a negative test result taken within 24 hours before departure. Vaccination passes are also necessary to enter entertainment and cultural events, festivals, nightclubs, and meeting venues. Public gatherings remain restricted to 100 people, but officials do not limit crowds operating under vaccination pass rules or registered public demonstrations.

International Travel Restrictions
The government permits entry for fully vaccinated foreign nationals over 12 years old for any reason; inbound passengers must receive a booster dose within nine months of their second dose to enter the territory. Travelers must apply for an Electronic Travel Information System (ETIS) health registration receipt 30 days or less before arrival; unvaccinated or red zone travelers must register at least six days ahead of arrival. Officials require all entrants to provide a PCR or rapid antigen test taken within 24 hours before entry and 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 are exempt. 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 arrivals aged above 12 years old and individuals who test positive must quarantine in Tahiti for 10 days at their own expense.

Vaccinated outbound passengers may travel for any reason; unvaccinated individuals and people traveling to red countries may only travel for essential reasons with prior approval unless returning to their primary place of residence.

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