Breaking News: Travel restrictions to French Polynesia
Papeete, February 1st, 2021
Faced with the resurgence of COVID-19 cases around the world and in order to preserve French Polynesia which has for its part, shown significant improvement for several consecutive weeks, the authorities have decided to temporarily suspend travel to The Islands of Tahiti including for tourists from all origins until further notice.
As of Wednesday 3 February Travel will be authorized only for travelers who can justify one of the compelling reasons (health, professional, family, return home) cf website of the High Commission. The duration of this measure will be specified in the coming days.
Travelers currently in French Polynesia whose return is scheduled during this week can end their stay normally; beyond that, it is advisable to contact your airline to check your flight schedule.
All travelers aged 11 and over who travel to French Polynesia by air are subject to the following mandatory conditions:
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- Prior to boarding:
- Proof of a negative RT-PCR test (any RT-PCR test listed on this FDA site is allowed) carried out within three days prior to their international air departure. If the result is not obtained in due time, a certificate of completion of the RT-PCR test must be presented to the airline company, together with a negative result to an antigen test performed on the day of boarding. Any antigen test listed on this FDA site is acceptable for the same-day test in the event the RT-PCR test result was not received. Self-tests are not accepted.
- Present the receipt of the health registration from the Etis.pf platform (Electronic Travel Information System).
- Present the certificate of derogatory travel HERE and the declaration on honour HERE completed and signed.
- During the stay:
- Travelers must complete a self-test 4 days after arrival in French Polynesia. The self–test will be provided upon arrival in French Polynesia.
- Prior to departure (returning in United States only):
- Beginning January 26, 2021, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) requires all passengers 2 years of age or older on a flight to the United States, regardless of their immunization status, to present at check-in :
- A negative result from a Covid-19 viral test carried out within 3 days prior to their international flight;
- or, in the case of a previous Covid-19 infection within the last 3 months prior to departure, a positive viral test result, along with an official letter from a physician indicating that the passenger has made a full recovery and is authorized to travel;
- The possible options for testing prior to departure are available HERE. For travelers who could not carry out their test before reaching the international airport, antigenic testing are available at Tahiti Faa’a Airport. Hours: Tuesday to Thursday from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. and Saturday from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Travelers staying in the islands need to ensure to reach Tahiti no later than 4:00 p.m to have enough time to get tested at the airport’s Covid Center.
- Beginning January 26, 2021, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) requires all passengers 2 years of age or older on a flight to the United States, regardless of their immunization status, to present at check-in :
- Prior to boarding:
Also, the authorities of French Polynesia have declared a state of health emergency with the application of reinforced measures through Feburary 15, 2021.
A curfew is in effect on the islands of Tahiti and Moorea. All trips, circulation or movement in public areas are prohibited, every day, between 9:00 pm and 4:00 am through February 15, 2021 with the possibility to be extended. The official statement can be downloaded on the website of the High Commission. Find the curfew terms and conditions in the frequently asked questions.