French Polynesia

Public protests and events that draw large groups of people can turn violent.

Strikes and industrial disputes can lead to social unrest. They may disrupt essential services, including:

• local transport

• domestic flights

• international flights

Avoid demonstrations and crowds.

If there's a strike:

• check on your flights before going to the airport

• ask your tour operator if it affects tourist services

• follow the instructions of local authorities

More information:

• Demonstrations and civil unrest

Violent crime

The rate of serious crime is low in French Polynesia.

Petty crime

Petty crime happens, including drink spiking.

To protect yourself from petty theft and assaults:

• keep your belongings close, especially in crowded places

• don't leave food or drink unattended

• never accept drinks, food, gum or cigarettes from strangers or people you've just met

More information:

• Partying safely

Terrorism is a threat worldwide.

More information:

• Terrorism

Very few beaches in French Polynesia are patrolled. 

Obey warning signs and follow lifeguards' and local authorities' advice.  A red flag means don't swim.

Transport and tour operators don't always follow safety and maintenance standards. This includes adventure activities, such as scuba diving.

If you plan to do a tour or adventure activity:

• check if your travel insurance policy covers it

• ask about and insist on minimum safety requirements

• always use available safety gear, such as life jackets or seatbelts

If proper safety equipment isn't available, use another provider.

French Polynesia experiences severe weather, including:

• cyclones

• earthquakes

• tsunamis

The High Commission of France in French Polynesia has procedures for natural disasters.

Check the High Commission of France in French Polynesia (French) for news and weather updates.

If there's an emergency, the High Commission of France will open a hotline (French). Call (+689) 40 44 42 10 for information.

Check weather reports regularly during your stay. Be prepared to change your plans if you need to.

Monitor:

• Weather Bureau in French Polynesia (French) 

• Fiji Meteorological Service

• Australian Bureau of Meteorology

• Joint Typhoon Warning Center (US Navy)

If there's a natural disaster:

• secure your passport in a safe, waterproof place

• monitor local media

• monitor sources such as the Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System

• follow the advice of local authorities

• keep in touch with your friends and family

• ask your tour operator if tourist services at your destination are affected

Cyclones

Cyclone season is November to April. However, tropical storms and cyclones may occur at any time of year.

Severe weather can bring:

• flooding

• landslides

• disruptions to infrastructure

• breaks in essential services

The direction and strength of tropical cyclones can change with little warning.

If there's a cyclone or severe tropical storm:

• you may get stuck in the area

• flights could be delayed or suspended

• available flights may fill quickly

• ports may close

• adequate shelter may not be available

French Polynesia has a cyclone alert system with 6 levels:

• Yellow: potential cyclone activity in the next 72 hours - follow weather forecasts and bulletins

• Orange: potential cyclone activity in the next 48 hours - prepare for a cyclone

• Red: the cyclone is imminent — in the next 12 to 18 hours - protect yourself and stay indoors

• Red: during the cyclone - protect yourself and stay indoors

• Purple: safeguard phase - damage and risks (electrical cables, etc.) are being assessed - remain alert

• Green: end of cyclone alert

Learn about the alert system and recommended responses on the website of the High Commission of France website (French) and from their Cyclone Alert brochure (French).

If a cyclone is approaching:

• know how to evacuate from your hotel or cruise ship

• find your local shelter

• monitor alerts and advice, including on local radio

• go to the Weather Bureau in French Polynesia (French) for weather update

Once the Safeguard Phase is announced:

• take care leaving your shelter

• look out for debris

• avoid fallen electrical wires

Earthquakes

Earthquakes sometimes happen.

Ask your host or hotel about local procedures and what to do during an earthquake.

If there's an earthquake:

• consider tsunami risks

• monitor the United States Geological Survey

After an earthquake:

• expect aftershocks

• be prepared for delays and changes to your travel plans

• ask your travel agent and tour operators to confirm travel services and accommodation bookings

Tsunamis

Tsunamis may occur, so stay alert for warnings.

A tsunami can arrive within minutes of a tremor or earthquake. Get updates from the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center.

French Polynesia has 2 types of evacuation:

• immediate — for a tsunami from Tonga which could arrive in 1 hour

• staged — for a tsunami from South America or Alaska that could arrive in 8 hours

If you're near the coast, move immediately to high ground if advised by local authorities or if you:

• feel a strong earthquake that makes it hard to stand up

• feel a weak, rolling earthquake that lasts a minute or more

• see a sudden rise or fall in sea level

• hear loud and unusual noises from the sea

Don't wait for official warnings such as alarms or sirens.

Once on high ground, monitor local media.

To prepare yourself for earthquakes and tsunamis you can:

subscribe to tsunami alerts from the Global Disaster Alert and Co-ordination system

get earthquake updates from the US Geological Service

get tsunami updates from the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center

More information:

• High Commission of France in French Polynesia Tsunami Alert brochure (French)

• High Commission of France in French Polynesia Cyclone Alert brochure (French)

• Pacific Tsunami Warning Center

• Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System

Get comprehensive travel insurance before you leave. Your policy needs to cover all overseas medical costs, including medical evacuation and adequate coverage for any pre-existing conditions. The Australian Government won’t pay for these costs.

If you can't afford travel insurance, you can't afford to travel. This applies to everyone, no matter how healthy and fit you are.

If you're not insured, you may have to pay many 1000s of dollars up-front for medical care.

Confirm:

• what activities and care your policy covers

• that your insurance covers you for the whole time you’ll be away

Consider your physical and mental health before you travel, especially if you have an existing medical condition.

See your doctor or travel clinic to:

• have a basic health check-up

• ask if your travel plans may affect your health

• plan any vaccinations you need

Do this at least 8 weeks before you leave.

More information:

• General health advice

• International travel and health

Not all medication available over the counter or by prescription in Australia is available in other countries. Some may even be illegal or controlled substances, even if prescribed by an Australian doctor.

If you plan to bring medication, check if it's legal in French Polynesia. Take enough legal medicine for your trip.

Carry a copy of your prescription or a letter from your doctor stating:

• what the medicine is

• how much you'll take

• that it's for personal use

More information:

• Medicine

Insect-borne diseases

A dengue type 2 epidemic was declared 10 April on the islands of Tahiti and 12 July for Bora Bora. Other islands including Moorea, Nuku Hiva and Fakarava are also at risk.

Outbreaks of other insect-borne diseases can also happen, mostly in warmer and wetter months.

These include:

• dengue

• Zika virus

• chikungunya

• filariasis, particularly in rural areas

If you're pregnant, the Australian Department of Health recommends you:

• discuss travel plans with your doctor

• consider deferring non-essential travel to Zika virus-affected areas

To protect yourself from illness:

• make sure your accommodation is insect-proof

• use insect repellent

• wear long, loose, light-coloured clothing

Get medical advice if you have a fever, muscle pains, a rash or a bad headache.

More information:

• Infectious diseases

• Health Department of French Polynesia (French)

Leptospirosis

To protect yourself against leptospirosis:

• wear closed-toed shoes when walking

• avoid contact with muddy water or local rivers

• store food in sealed containers

• use a straw if you drink from a can

• remove rubbish from around your buildings

Other health risks

You're also at risk of waterborne, foodborne, parasitic and other infectious diseases, including:

• scabies

• conjunctivitis

• influenza

Tap water in Papeete is usually safe to drink.

To protect yourself from illness:

• attend to symptoms such as itchiness and skin wounds

• avoid raw and undercooked food, such as salads

• drink boiled water or bottled water with sealed lids in rural or remote areas

Get medical advice if you have a fever, muscle pain, a rash, diarrhoea or a severe headache.

If you travel outside of Papeete:

• drink boiled water or bottled water with sealed lids

• avoid ice cubes

More information: 

Health Departments of French Polynesia (French)

Medical facilities

The standard of facilities in Papeete is very high. However, facilities in outlying areas and remote islands are basic.

Medical treatment is expensive.

The standard of rescue and emergency services is high. However, the travel time between Papeete and the outer islands may delay emergency responses.

You may need to be evacuated if you become seriously ill or injured. Medical evacuation can be very expensive.

There is a decompression facility at the Central Hospital of French Polynesia in Papeete. It can take hours to reach from popular dive sites on other islands.

Make sure your insurance covers medical evacuation and your planned activities.

You're subject to all local laws and penalties, including those that may appear harsh by Australian standards. Research local laws before travelling.

If you're arrested or jailed, the Australian Government will do what it can to help you under our Consular Services Charter. But we can't get you out of trouble or out of jail.

French Polynesia is an overseas territory of France. A mix of French and local laws apply.

More information:

• Travel advice for France

Drugs

Penalties for drug offences, even small amounts, include fines and imprisonment.

More information:

• Carrying or using drugs

Proof of identity

By law, you must always carry photo ID.

Some Australian criminal laws still apply when you’re overseas. If you break these laws, you may face prosecution in Australia.

More information:

• Staying within the law and respecting customs

French Polynesia recognises dual nationals.

More information:

• Dual nationals

Dress and behaviour standards are conservative outside of Tahiti, Moorea, Bora Bora and other tourist areas.

Take care not to offend, especially outside tourist resorts.

Visits to certain sacred sites (marae) may require prior authorisation.  Check with local authorities before visiting any natural or historical site.

LGBTI information

Under French law, same-sex marriage is legal. However, outside of the main tourist islands of Tahiti, Moorea and Bora Bora, you may encounter more conservative attitudes.

More information:

• Advice for LGBTI travellers

Every country or territory decides who can enter or exit through its borders.

Make sure you meet all entry and exit conditions. If you don't, the Australian Government can’t help you.

Visa conditions

Visa-free travel for short stays.

You likely won't need a visa for a tourist visit of up to 3 months.  However, you may need to show proof of:

• sufficient money for your stay

• return or onward travel ticket

• adequate travel or health insurance

• the purpose of your visit

In other situations, you may need a visa.

French Polynesia is an overseas territory of France.

Entry and exit conditions can change. Contact the Embassy of France in Canberra or the Consulate of France in Sydney for up to date information on visa requirements.

Some goods aren't allowed in French Polynesia. Other goods require specific approvals or other formalities.

More information:

• Biosecurity Department of French Polynesia (French)

• High Commission of France in French Polynesia (French)

Validity

Some countries won’t let you enter unless your passport is valid for 6 months after you plan to leave that country. This can apply even if you’re just transiting or stopping over.

Some foreign governments and airlines apply the rule inconsistently. Travellers can receive conflicting advice from different sources.

You can end up stranded if your passport is not valid for more than 6 months.

The Australian Government does not set these rules. Check your passport’s expiry date before you travel. If you’re not sure it’ll be valid for long enough, consider getting a new passport.

Lost or stolen passport

Your passport is a valuable document. It's attractive to people who may try to use your identity to commit crimes.

Some people may try to trick you into giving them your passport. Always keep it in a safe place.

If your passport is lost or stolen, tell the Australian Government as soon as possible:

• In Australia, contact the Australian Passport Information Service.

• If you're overseas, contact the nearest Australian embassy or consulate.

The local currency is the Pacific Franc (XPF — Franc Pacifique).

You can change Australian dollars at:

• most commercial banks

• the international airport

• licensed exchange bureaus

• hotels and resorts

You may not be able to use credit cards or find ATMs:

• at smaller shops

• on remote islands and atolls

Industrial and political disputes as well as strikes can cause disruptions to essential services including transport.  Monitor developments and plan as required.

To learn more about strikes and civil disputes. See Safety

Driving permit

You can drive in French Polynesia on a valid Australian driver's licence for up to one year after arrival.  

Road travel

Take care driving, particularly at night. Many roads are narrow and unpaved.

If you plan to drive:

• check your insurance cover

• learn local traffic laws and practices

• keep your car windows up and doors locked

• don't drink and drive

• follow the advice of local authorities

More information:

• Road safety and driving

• Transport Department of French Polynesia - Direction des Transports Terrestres (French) including Foreign Licences

Motorcycles

Make sure your insurance policy covers you before riding a motorbike, quad bike or similar vehicle.

Always wear a helmet.

Taxis

You can hail a taxi on the street in Papeete.

You can also find a taxi at the Faa'a international airport and in Papeete at the:

• Station de Vaima

• Station du Marché (Market)

• Station de Vaiete

Drivers may charge for luggage.

Many outer islands don't have taxis.

Public transport

Major centres have a limited network of minibuses (Le Truck).

Minibus services:

• can be hailed from the side of the road

• operate weekdays until 6pm

• have a limited weekend service

Ferries (navettes) run between Tahiti and smaller islands.

More information:

• Transport and getting around safely

• Travelling by boat

• Tahiti Taxi

Sea travel

Some international cruise liners visit French Polynesia.

Medical facilities on cruise ships may not meet Australian standards.

Treatment may also cost more.

Many insurance companies have refused to pay for medical evacuations to hospitals in French Polynesia. These have been mostly claims by cruise passengers with existing conditions.

If you plan to go on a cruise:

• check the on-board medical facilities meet your needs

• ask about the costs of medical treatment onboard

• get the right cover for your medical conditions

• buy cover that includes medical evacuation

• be aware Medicare benefits may not apply during your journey

More information:

• Going on a cruise

• Health

• Travelling by boat

Air travel

DFAT doesn’t provide information on the safety of individual commercial airlines or flight paths.

Check French Polynesia's air safety profile with the Aviation Safety Network.

More information:

• Air travel

Depending on what you need, contact your:

• family and friends

• airline

• travel agent

• employer

• insurance provider

Fire and rescue services

Call 18.

Medical emergencies

Call 15 or go to a hospital.

Police

Call 17 or go to the nearest police station or gendarmerie station (outside of Papeete).

Always get a police report when you report a crime.

Your insurer should have a 24-hour emergency number.

Contact your provider with any complaints about tourist services or products.

Read the Consular Services Charter for what the Australian Government can and can’t do to help you overseas.

Limited consular help is available from the Australian Consulate in Tahiti. It can't issue Australian passports or notarise documents.

Australian Consulate, Tahiti

C/- Petropol Central Office

Papeava Port Zone

Papeete

Tahiti, French Polynesia

Phone: (+689) 40 468 806

For full consular help, contact the Australian Consulate-General in Noumea, New Caledonia.

The Consulate-General provides passport and notarial services during official visits to French Polynesia. For notarial services at other times, consider checking with the relevant Australian authority whether there are local options such as a foreign citizen who holds a particular professional title or occupation (e.g. notary public, lawyer, police officers, etc.) who may be accepted as a witness.

Australian Consulate-General, Noumea

Norwich building

Level 2

11 rue Georges Baudoux

Artillerie, Noumea, New Caledonia

Phone: +687 272 414

Website: noumea.consulate.gov.au

Email: consular.noumea@dfat.gov.au

Facebook: Australia in New Caledonia, French Polynesia and Wallis and Futuna

Twitter: @AusEmbCGNoumea

Check the Consulate-General website for details about opening hours and any temporary closures.

24-hour Consular Emergency Centre

In a consular emergency, if you can't contact an embassy, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on:

• +61 2 6261 3305 from overseas

• 1300 555 135 in Australia