Is Traveling To Tahiti Safe Against The Coronavirus?

The current COVID-19 pandemic has made travel to Tahiti, Bora Bora, and Moorea more challenging than ever. Quarantine is mandatory for almost anyone entering Tahiti, and the US Embassy advises against it with a level 4 warning. French Polynesia, including Tahiti, Bora Bora, and Moorea, is open to vaccinated visitors and has relaxed many previous requirements. However, travelers still need a negative COVID-19 test within 72 hours of international flight departure.

The Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) can help receive security messages and make it easier to locate individuals in emergencies. Since August 1, 2022, travel restrictions between French Polynesia and mainland France have been lifted, but there are still safety and security concerns. The islands are divided into five groups, with 118 islands. The largest hurdle is the requirement for negative COVID-19 tests within 72 hours of international flight departure. Passport validity requirements include an ETIS confirmation, negative test result, and a sworn statement promising to adhere to all COVID-19 precautions.

Travel to French Polynesia can commence for fully vaccinated or immunized visitors from the United States only. The Australian Government advises exercising normal safety precautions and ensuring personal belongings, including passports and other travel documents, are protected. Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and purse snatching, occurs, but violent crime is rare.

What should I be careful of in Tahiti?

Tahiti is a country known for its natural disasters, such as typhoons and earthquakes, which can cause significant damage to buildings, floods, and landslides. To ensure safety, travelers should stay in well-lit, populated areas, especially at night, and avoid carrying large amounts of cash or valuables. They should also be aware of their surroundings and avoid walking alone or in isolated areas. Typhoons, which have wind speeds of at least 74 miles per hour, typically occur from November to April, with the highest risk occurring between January and March.

To stay safe during a typhoon, travelers should follow local authorities’ advice, follow evacuation orders, stay informed about the storm’s progress through local news and weather reports, and have a plan in place in case they need to leave their accommodations or seek shelter.

Do you need a COVID test to enter French Polynesia?

A negative COVID-19 test must be presented within 72 hours of entry, and fully vaccinated individuals are not eligible for quarantine.

Do you need vaccinations to go to Tahiti?

Tahiti is recommended to receive several vaccinations, including typhoid, hepatitis A, polio, yellow fever, rabies, hepatitis B, influenza, COVID-19, pneumonia, meningitis, chickenpox, shingles, Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis), and measles, mumps and rubella (MMR). The CDC and WHO recommend these vaccinations for travelers, with typhoid being a food and water vaccine that lasts 2 years, hepatitis A being a food and water vaccine recommended for most travelers, polio being a food and water vaccine recommended for most travelers, and yellow fever being a mosquito vaccine required for travelers from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission.

Rabies is a rabies vaccine recommended for long-term travelers and those who may come in contact with animals. Hepatitis B is recommended for travelers to most regions. Influenza is an airborne vaccine, with components changing annually. COVID-19 is an airborne vaccine recommended for travel to all regions, both foreign and domestic. Pneumonia is an airborne vaccine, with two separate doses given separately for all 65+ or immunocompromised individuals.

Meningitis is a direct contact and airborne vaccine, given to those unvaccinated or at an increased risk, especially students. Chickenpox is a direct contact and airborne vaccine, and shingles can still be given if the person has had shingles. Polio is a routine vaccination for most travel itineraries, with a single adult booster.

Is it safe to fly to Tahiti?

The crime rate in French Polynesia is low, but petty crimes like theft do occur. To avoid these, keep belongings close, especially in crowded areas, and don’t leave food or drink unattended. Each country or territory has its own entry and exit requirements, and visa conditions can change at short notice. Contact your airline, the Embassy of France in Canberra, or the Consulate of France in Sydney for the latest information.

What is required to travel to Tahiti?

A valid passport is required for visitors traveling from Moorea to Papeete, via Bora Bora, to Tahiti. Official travel documents may be required for stopovers outside Europe. The website uses cookies and tracking technologies to enhance user experience. Personal data, including IP addresses and browsing data, may be processed for personalized advertising, content measurement, audience research, and services development.

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Do I need to be vaccinated to go to Bora Bora?

Yellow fever vaccination is required for entry to Bora Bora if coming from a region with the virus. Dengue, a mosquito-borne infection, is present in Bora Bora, so mosquito repellent and mosquito nets are recommended. Passport Health offers vaccinations and travel services. If bitten by bugs, clean the area, resist scratching, and use over-the-counter remedies like hydrocortisone or antihistamines to relieve itching. Seek medical attention for severe reactions.

What to avoid in French Polynesia?

To avoid diseases like dengue fever and Zika virus, visitors should use mosquito repellent, avoid sunburn and heat stroke, and be aware that local tap water may not be safe to drink.

Did Tahiti get COVID?

The COVID-19 pandemic has led to 511 confirmed cases since August 2, 2020, with 205 being released from isolation and considered cured. The remaining cases are isolated at home or in a dedicated accommodation center, with 34 people confirmed in the last 10 days. Ten people are currently hospitalized at the CHPF for COVID-19 symptoms, with two in intensive care. The cases are located in the urban communes of Tahiti, Moorea, and Raiatea, with two new cases under investigation. The average age of all cases is 36 years old. The active cases are located in Tahiti, Bora-Bora, and Raiatea.

How bad are mosquitoes in French Polynesia?

The risk of mosquito activity is moderate, so it’s recommended to eliminate any standing water on your property where mosquitoes can breed.

What can I not bring to Tahiti?

French Polynesia has imposed restrictions on certain items, including fresh fruit, dried fruit, nuts, plant produce, seeds, plants, soil, soiled camping or sports equipment, meat, eggs, and egg products. Importers must provide sanitary documents such as an import license, phytosanitary, or veterinary health certificate for these items. Failure to do so may result in the items being destroyed on site.

For more information, visit the French Polynesian Government’s Biosecurity website in French only. The restrictions apply to various products, including fresh fruit, dried fruit, nuts, plant products, soil, soiled camping or sports equipment, meat, eggs, dairy products, honey, and animal products.

Is it safe to walk around Papeete?

French Polynesia offers a safe and enjoyable trip to Tahiti and Her Islands, with a focus on peace and happiness. Criminal acts against visitors are rare and nearly non-existent once you leave Papeete, the capital city. To ensure a safe experience, it is recommended to avoid wearing expensive jewelry and carrying large sums of cash in Papeete. This is especially important for those planning a honeymoon, wedding anniversary, family vacation, or simply traveling with peace of mind.

When leaving Papeete, it is advised to avoid wearing expensive jewelry, carrying large sums of cash, and participating in fights. Overall, French Polynesia is a key factor in planning a safe and enjoyable trip to Tahiti and Her Islands.