🇵🇫 French Polynesia Visa & Entry Requirements

You typically do not need a visa to enter French Polynesia for tourism or business stays up to 90 days, but requirements vary depending on your nationality and purpose of visit.

Visa Policy Overview

French Polynesia has a moderate visa policy, allowing citizens of many countries to enter without a visa for short-term stays. The territory offers visa-free access to citizens of over 40 countries, including the United States, Canada, Australia, and members of the European Union. Visitors from eligible countries can stay in French Polynesia for up to 90 days without a visa, as long as they meet certain requirements, such as holding a valid passport, proof of onward travel, and sufficient funds.

The visa policy is designed to promote tourism and facilitate travel to French Polynesia while maintaining the security and integrity of the territory. Citizens of countries that are not eligible for visa-free access must apply for a visa at the French embassy or consulate in their home country before traveling to French Polynesia.

Requirements By Nationality

By Visitor Type

Tourists: Tourists can stay in French Polynesia for up to 90 days without a visa, as long as they meet the requirements mentioned above. The typical stay for tourists is 7-14 days, but extensions are possible in certain circumstances. To extend their stay, tourists must apply at the immigration office in Papeete and provide proof of sufficient funds and onward travel.

Business Travelers: Business travelers may need to provide additional documentation, such as an invitation letter from a French Polynesian company or organization, and may be required to apply for a specific type of visa. The requirements for business travelers vary depending on the purpose and duration of their stay.

Students: Students must provide proof of enrollment in a French Polynesian educational institution and may need to apply for a student visa. The duration of the student visa depends on the length of the course of study.

Workers: Workers must have a job offer from a French Polynesian employer and must apply for a work visa. The work visa is typically valid for one year and can be renewed.

Documents Checklist

1. A valid passport with at least six months' validity
2. Proof of onward travel, such as a return ticket or a reservation for onward travel
3. Proof of sufficient funds, such as cash, traveler's checks, or credit cards
4. A completed arrival/departure card, which will be provided by the airline or at the airport
5. A valid visa, if required
6. Proof of health insurance, which may be required for certain types of visas
7. A police certificate, which may be required for certain types of visas
8. A copy of your hotel reservation or other accommodation arrangements
9. A copy of your itinerary, including flight numbers and travel dates
10. Any additional documentation required for your specific type of visa or purpose of visit

Entry Points & Procedures

The main airport in French Polynesia is Faa'a International Airport, which is located near Papeete. Upon arrival, visitors must go through immigration and customs, where they will be required to present their travel documents and complete an arrival/departure card. The immigration process typically takes around 30 minutes to an hour, depending on the number of passengers and the time of day. Visitors can also enter French Polynesia by sea, at the port of Papeete, where they will be required to go through customs and immigration procedures.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

• Not having a valid passport with at least six months' validity
• Not having proof of onward travel or sufficient funds
• Not completing the arrival/departure card correctly
• Not declaring all goods and items at customs
• Not having the required visas or documentation for your purpose of visit
• Not registering with the local authorities, if required, within the first few days of your stay