Coronavirus COVID-19 - Travel Information
Papeete, January 20, 2021
Conditions of entry and stay in French Polynesia
French Polynesia has confirmed conditions of entry and stay in the country applicable to all travelers from 11 years old (resident and non-resident) arriving by air.
Since July 15th, 2020, quarantine measures have been lifted and French Polynesia’s borders are open to international tourism from all countries. All travelers are subject to the following mandatory conditions:
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- Prior to boarding:
- Proof of a negative RT-PCR test (list of approved and non approved tests) 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 test must be presented to the airline company, together with a negative result to an antigen test performed on the day of boarding. Virological tests for nucleic acid amplification RT-PCR and rapid antigenic tests are tests accepted and authorized by the French Polynesian Health Authority. Test result documents must clearly state the name of the medical authority that performed the test, the date of the test, the type of test performed, the name of the traveler and the test result. In case of a negative result, the document must clearly state “NEGATIVE RNA SARS-COV2 NON-DETECTED” or “NEGATIVE RNA SARS-COV2 NON-DETECTED” or “COVID 19 NON-DETECTED”. Self-tests are not accepted ;
- Present the receipt of the health registration from the Etis.pf platform (Electronic Travel Information System) ;
- 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 tests will be available at Tahiti Faa’a Airport from January 26, 2021.
- 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:
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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 extend it. The official statement can be downloaded on the website of the High Commission. Find the curfew terms and conditions in the frequently asked questions.
Here are the conditions to prepare your stay:
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Since the reopening of the borders on July 15, 2020, The Islands of Tahiti have applied a common policy of canceling and modification to allow travelers to make reservations in full confidence
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- RT-PCR Test
A SARS-CoV-2 virus genome test (list of approved and non approved tests) has to be carried out by all travelers from 11 years old in a health authority center (hospital, clinic, medical centre, Covid-19 testing Center, or medical analysis laboratory) within three days before the flight to Tahiti (at the passenger’s expense).
Ex: If the flight departs on a Monday at 11pm, the passenger needs to take the test the preceding Friday.
Virological tests for nucleic acid amplification RT-PCR and rapid antigenic tests are tests accepted and authorized by the French Polynesian Health Authority. Self-tests are not accepted.
The results of this test must be negative and will need to be presented to airline staff upon check-in prior to boarding the flight to French Polynesia.
No boarding will be allowed if the test is positive.
- Sanitary entry form online (Etis.pf)
After obtaining the negative test results, each adult must fill out a digital Sanitary entry form online on the dedicated platform (Etis.pf) mainly agreeing to:
- Respect the prevention measures and all health safety instructions issued by the authorities of French Polynesia for the pre-boarding phase, during the flight, disembarkation and throughout the stay;
- Call the emergency health line at 40 455 000 in case of cough, fever or respiratory difficulty. If the traveler feels any sign of distress, they should dial “15” (emergency services);
- Submit to the health surveillance system established by the government of French Polynesia which, among other health protocols, mandates a self-test for the SARS-CoV-2 virus 4 days after arrival French Polynesia;
- Have travel insurance or personally assume all expenses related to cost of care including hospitalization, confinement, or repatriation, should the visitor fall ill during their stay;
- Provide information about the stay in French Polynesia (except for residents) : itinerary, inter-island transport, accommodation (e-mail contacts / telephone / dates of stay).
The Sanitary entry form is to be completed online on the dedicated digital platform ETIS.pf [Electronic Travel Information System].
Once completed a receipt with an ETIS number will be issued by email;
A printout of this receipt must be presented upon check-in together with the test results in order to be able to board the flight to French Polynesia and both documents will need to be presented upon arrival at Tahiti’s Faa’a international airport.
The printout receipt of the health engagement form is to be kept with the traveler at all times and in all places during their stay in French Polynesia.
In order to find a certified Covid19 testing facility, you may want to check the following web sites :
For the United States :
- Good Life Medical Services, in West Hollywood, Los Angeles, California
- EqualTox Laboratory, near LAX, Los Angeles, California (closed on weekends)
- Reliant Urgent Care, Multiple Locations in Los Angeles, California
- My Doctor Medical Group, San Francisco, California
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- Application of International Air Transport Association (IATA) travel health protocol will be applied (at airports and on board the plane);
- Wearing mask during the flight.
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- Wearing a mask is mandatory (from the age of 11 years old):
- in all enclosed places and ERPs,
- in certain open-air public spaces (parks, markets, garage sales, etc.),
- in the vicinity of certain places (schools, airports, ferry terminals, places of worship, sports facilities, etc.),
- on public transport,
- during authorized gatherings (funeral ceremonies, protest events, professional gatherings, guided tours, etc.).
- Respecting prevention measures at all times and in all places;
- In case of a change of itinerary, travelers should update the “itinerary” part of their file on the Etis.pf website;
- In addition to the test required prior to departure, a self-test provided by French Polynesia, will need to be carried out on the fourth day after arrival in the destination. An envelope will be given to each traveler upon their arrival at the airport. This test consists of an oral and nasal swab, to be self-performed at the date indicated on the envelope containing a self-test kit with instructions and an information note.
- Self-diagnosis of visitors: in case of doubt on the traveler’s state of health (fever and/or flu symptoms), they are required to contact the reception of their accommodations and/or call directly to (+689) 40 455 000. If they feel any sign of distress, they should dial “15” (emergency services);
- Depending on the diagnosis made by the Health Authorities, follow their instructions which may include isolation measures and / or carrying out an additional RT-PCR test.
- Wearing a mask is mandatory (from the age of 11 years old):
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The Islands of Tahiti Testing Locations
With the list of nations requiring negative COVID-19 tests to be taken prior to departure continuing to expand.
The list of current options for travelers that are required to take a test prior to departure :
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If you have already booked your stay in The Islands Of Tahiti, we recommend that you consult the website of your airline company:
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“According to Article 6 of the aforementioned decree, the High Commissioner of the Republic may grant individual exemptions to cruise ships wishing to call, stop or anchor in French internal waters and territorial sea” – Art.12 of Order No. HC 3099 CAB of October 20, 2020.
Consult the website of your cruise company:
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“It is forbidden for any pleasure boat arriving in French Polynesia to call, anchor or park, or disembark at sea any person in the internal waters and territorial sea of French Polynesia until further notice”. – Art.13 of the Order No. HC 3099 CAB of October 20, 2020.
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