French Polynesia: Authorities to further ease domestic restrictions effective Oct. 25 /update 24

Event

Authorities in French Polynesia are further relaxing domestic COVID-19 restrictions effective Oct. 25.

Domestic Restrictions
Gatherings at public places may involve up to 50 people instead of 10, while fairs, sporting events, and exhibitions may resume with health protocols. Traffic restrictions within the Leeward Islands will no longer apply. Officials may ease additional curbs in the coming days if caseloads decrease.

Other ongoing measures will continue. Officials are enacting a 22:00-04:00 curfew across the Windward and Leeward Islands, and a 21:00-04:00 curfew in the Austral Islands. International tourists may obtain permission from authorities to be exempt from lockdown measures for health reasons, purchasing essential goods, and travel between the airport or ferry terminal.

Facemasks are mandatory at places where physical distancing is impossible, on public transport, near shopping centers and markets, places of worship, and around schools. 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 eight people per table and social distancing in place. Sports facilities can open at 50-percent capacity. Cruises may gradually resume activities if all crew and passengers are vaccinated. Recreational venues like museums and cinemas are open with limited capacity.

Individuals may travel between islands but must present proof of vaccination. 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 before departure; unvaccinated children aged 12 and below are exempt from the requirements. COVID-19 tests are available at Tahiti Airport.

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; "green" countries include 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 U.S., 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 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