The Islands of Tahiti to reopen borders on July 15th
An innovative health protocol launched in order to protect its population and visitors
Papeete, July, 14th – The Islands of Tahiti, renowned for its breathtaking scenery and legendary hospitality, is one of the first destinations to announce the reopening of its borders to international tourists as of July 15th.
The destination continues to be proactive and innovative in implementing a robust health protocols to protect the local population and its visitors in search of a stay free of Covid-19.
By June 2020, the destination fully contained the Covid-19 spread with only sixty recorded cases and no fatalities. Beginning July 15th, all travelers (resident and non-resident) arriving by air will be required to complete the following actions:
- Complete a RT-PCR test for SARS-CoV-2 within three days prior to the departing flight to Tahiti and present the negative result to the airline attendant upon check-in
- Submit a health commitment form via the online platform Etis.pf, (Electronic Travel Information System). Like a health ESTA, this health surveillance system established by the government of French Polynesia monitors the traveler’s health status and allow to contact the traveler throughout his itinerary if necessary.
- Conduct a self-administered RT-PCR test of SARS-CoV-2 using the kit provided free of charge upon arrival at Tahiti Faa’a international airport four days after the traveler’s arrival in French Polynesia.
If a traveler is tested positive during their journey in The Islands of Tahiti, they will be rapidly transported to the main island of Tahiti to avoid any spread and for medical care if necessary, by the local health authorities. Travelers must commit to covering all costs associated with their transportation, quarantine until free of virus, and medical care, if necessary.
“The country, the health authorities including the Ministry of Tourism and Tahiti Tourisme as well as the tourism actors have all been mobilized over the last few weeks to prepare for the return of our visitors. This health protocol with the ETIS platform and the Traveler’s Self-Test implies a huge work and an impressive logistics for a territory as big as Europe,” states Jean-Marc Mocellin, CEO of Tahiti Tourisme.
In addition to new health protocols, the majority of the French Polynesian tourism industry has agreed to adopt a common policy, waiving cancellation or changes fees in the case of unforeseen lockdowns or border closures.
The Islands of Tahiti are mobilized and are looking forward to sharing its legendary hospitality with visitors once again.
