French Polynesia: Authorities to further reduce COVID-19 restrictions territorywide from March 14 /update 33

Event

The government in French Polynesia will further reduce restrictions territorywide from March 14 amid lower COVID-19 activity. Authorities will halt vaccination pass requirements for most settings, as well as travel from Tahiti and Moorea to outlying islands. Officials will continue to require a health pass for people 12 years and 2 months old and above to visit medical facilities. Individuals must be fully vaccinated, test negative for COVID-19 in the previous 24 hours, or have received a positive COVID-19 test in the last 11 days to four months to obtain a health pass.

Authorities will also lift density and group limits for all remaining establishments operating under the rules. The government will also end the 500-person capacity cap for venues and the 100-person limit for public gatherings. A facemask mandate for indoor public locations, except public transport and health establishments, will also end March 14. Officials advise people with COVID-19 and close contacts to continue wearing facemasks in public.

Domestic Measures
Authorities mandate vaccination passes for travel from Tahiti and Moorea to outlying islands until March 14, 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. A vaccine mandate is effective for specific, high-risk industries, such as medical care.

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