French Polynesia

Use Normal Level of Caution

The Overseas Lands of French Polynesia are located in the Pacific Ocean between Australia and South America. It is a group of five archipelagoes, with Tahiti being the most well-known island. The population is about 280,000 people. As a French overseas territory, the French president is chief of state and is represented by a high commissioner. The president of French Polynesia is the head of government.

The French annexed various Polynesian islands during the 19th century and later formed the French colony of Oceania. In 1946, the islands became a French overseas territory, and subsequently, the country has moved toward obtaining autonomy. In 2004, French Polynesia acquired the status of “overseas country,” and today eventual independence is important on the political agenda.

France conducted atomic testing on the atolls between 1966 and 1996. In 1995, the nuclear testing resulted in violent protests in Papeete and widespread international demonstrations. The nuclear test site was dismantled in 1998.

Tourism is well developed in French Polynesia. The islands offer volcanic mountains, beaches and lagoons, sailing, snorkeling, and diving. Tahiti and Bora Bora are well-known destinations.

Currency	XPF: CFP franc
Language	French; Polynesian
Capital	Papeete
Recent Alerts	None
Latest Alert	Not Available

Diseases To Be Aware Of

The diseases listed below are those which occur most often in French Polynesia. Other, less frequently encountered diseases might be displayed within the Travel Alerts section if they have occurred recently.

Hepatitis A There is a significant risk for hepatitis A virus exposure in French Polynesia through contaminated food or water. Infection can still occur at tourist destinations and resorts.
Hepatitis B There is a significant risk for acquiring hepatitis B in French Polynesia.
Typhoid Fever Unvaccinated people can become infected through contaminated food and water in French Polynesia, especially when visiting smaller cities, villages, or rural areas where food and water sources may be contaminated.
Dengue Fever Outbreaks of dengue fever may occur.
Yellow Fever There is no risk of yellow fever transmission in this country. However, a yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for travellers over 1 year of age arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission and for travellers having transited more than 12 hours through an airport of a country with risk of yellow fever transmission.
Chikungunya Fever Chikungunya fever has occurred in this country.
Rabies Rabies may be present in bats.
Zika Fever Zika virus can occur in this country.

Vaccinations to Consider

The following is a list of recommended vaccinations for travelling to French Polynesia.

Hepatitis A Vaccine There is a significant risk of exposure to hepatitis A for this country, therefore, the vaccination is recommended.
Hepatitis B Vaccine There is a significant risk of infection with hepatitis B for this country, therefore, the vaccination is recommended.
Typhoid Fever Vaccine There is a risk of exposure to typhoid fever in this country through consumption of unsafe food and water. Since exposure to unsafe sources is variable within this country, the vaccination against typhoid fever is generally recommended, especially when visiting smaller cities or rural areas, where food and water sources may be contaminated.
Yellow Fever Vaccine A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for travellers over 1 year of age arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission and for travellers having transited more than 12 hours through an airport of a country with risk of yellow fever transmission.
Rabies Vaccine The rabies vaccination is recommended for those travellers whose activities or work may bring them into contact with bats.

Medications to Consider

The following is a list of recommended medications for travelling to French Polynesia.

None required.

Safety and Security in French Polynesia

Emergency Numbers

Personal Safety

The crime rate is low in French Polynesia, and most travellers have no trouble. However, petty crime, such as pickpocketing or other theft, can occur. With respect to your personal safety, be cautious and always be aware of your surroundings, especially at night. Keep valuables secured and out of sight. Safeguard your important documents, such as your passport. Avoid walking alone at night. Do not accept drinks or food from strangers and never leave your drinks out of your sight.

Exercise caution when driving as rural roads may be poorly maintained and unpaved. Avoid driving after dark.

Exercise extreme caution when participating in outdoor adventure activities as safety standards may not be adequate.

Although same-sex sexual activity and marriage are both legal under French law, social attitudes may be intolerant of same-sex relations.

Due to its location, French Polynesia is at risk for earthquakes and resulting tsunamis. Cyclone season is from November to April. Flooding, landslides, major damage to infrastructure, and disruption to travel plans may result. Be aware of the evacuation routes and act in accordance with the region’s evacuation plan.

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Updated: December 16, 2020