French Polynesia

Safety and security

Emergency phone numbers

Local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crimes and providing emergency services.

• Dial 17 for police.
• Dial 15 for ambulance.
• Dial 18 for fire.
• Dial 16 for sea rescue.

Demonstrations 

Strikes may occur in certain industries, which can cause travel disruptions. They may take place in response to political or economic issues. They may also occur on significant holidays, and during large events.

• Demonstrations can be unpredictable. Avoid areas around protests and other demonstrations. 
• Check local media for updates and traffic advisories.  Check with airlines for travel disruption notices.

Crime

Petty crime, such as pickpocketing or theft may occur, especially in tourist areas.  Violent crime is uncommon.

• Passports and other valuables may be stolen if left unattended.
• Use caution in crowded areas and poorly lit locations.
• Police response times outside of Tahiti may be limited.

Scams

Follow the Department of State guidelines to protect yourself from scams.

If you are a victim of a scam, learn how the FBI can help.  

Financial scams are not common in French Polynesia.

If using dating apps or websites in French Polynesia: 

• Criminals may use dating apps to target potential victims for robbery or assault.
• Let your friends and family know where you are and consider sharing your location on your phone. 
• Meet in a popular public place.
• Tell your family or friends all the details about the person you are meeting and how you met them (which app).
• Set up and talk using a video call before agreeing to meet in person. 
• Avoid locations where you can be isolated, like hotel rooms, private apartments or houses.
• Never leave food or drinks unattended at a bar or restaurant.
• Observe the preparation of your food or drink order when possible.
• Refuse offers of food or drinks from strangers.
• Have a communication plan with friends or family. Send updates to them on an agreed schedule.

Victims of crime

Local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crime. You may report crimes to the local police by dialing 17.

Review our information for Victims of Crime. 

The U.S. embassy in Fiji can:

• Issue you a Travel Letter to return to the U.S. if you lose your passport.
• Help you find medical care. 
• Assist you in how to report a crime to the police.
• Contact relatives or friends with your written consent.
• Provide general information regarding the criminal justice system. 
• Provide a list of local attorneys. We do not endorse or recommend any specific attorneys.
• Provide information on victim’s compensation programs in the United States.

Sexual assault and domestic violence

• U.S. citizen victims of sexual assault are encouraged to contact the U.S. embassy for assistance.
• U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence are encouraged to contact the U.S. embassy for assistance.

Technology use abroad

Mobile devices are vulnerable to compromise, theft, and damage anywhere in the world. Follow these safe practices:

• Update all software (operating system and apps) before leaving the United States.
• Use reputable, U.S.-based VPN or VoIP applications. 
• Don’t connect to public Wi-Fi networks.
• Research the safety of routes recommended by GPS. The fastest route is not always the safest.
• Be cautious using dating apps abroad, as scammers often target U.S. citizens.

Drones

Drones are legal in French Polynesia but are tightly regulated.  

It is illegal to use drones or to take photos and videos of the following areas:

• Public spaces (museums, parks, streets)
• Urban areas
• Airports
• Military bases
• Prisons
• Nuclear plants
• Large gatherings such as concerts and parades
• Violators can be arrested and fined up to 75,000 euros or 1-year imprisonment.
• You must follow French Civil Aviation Authority (DGAC) rules.
• There are restrictions near airports, overpopulated areas, and around sensitive sites. 
• Review information on commercial use of drones requires authorization.
• Review information on regulations and information on use of drones.

Devices

There are no major restrictions on personal electronics.  However, it is illegal to possess or import unauthorized surveillance equipment.

• There are strict laws regarding bringing radio transmitters without proper permits. 
• Laws about radio restrictions also apply to maritime radios.
• Review more information about operating radio equipment.

Tourism safety

The tourism industry is regulated more for mitigating environmental impact than tourist safety:

• Tour operators do not follow or enforce rules and safety inspections. 
• Lifeguards do not usually monitor beaches. Strong currents and rip tides can occur. 
• Road conditions and road safety vary throughout the territory.
• If you get injured, you can usually get medical help in large tourist areas, such as Tahiti, Bora Bora, and Moorea.
• In rural areas, it might take longer for medical help to arrive or you may require transport to a larger area for medical services.
• U.S. citizens are strongly encouraged to have medical evacuation insurance. Review our information on Travel Insurance.

Adventure travel

Research the tour operator ahead of time and assess your personal health condition against required physical abilities for the activity.

• Scuba diving and ATV excursions – These may not be supervised to a U.S. standard.  Ask about safety precautions and using safety gear, such as life jackets, seat belts, and helmets.
• Hiking in the mountains – During heavy rains,  hikers can become stranded.  A charged cell phone with GPS will help local police locate you by dialing 17.
• Review the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) tips for Adventure Travel.

Local laws and customs

Criminal penalties

• U.S. citizens must follow local laws. If you break local laws, even by mistake, you could be deported, arrested, or imprisoned.
  
• Travelers who accidentally break local laws have been detained. Sometimes, this can be for a long time. They may also face criminal charges and even be convicted of a crime.
• You may be prosecuted in the United States for crimes committed abroad regardless of the local law. Review the information provided by the U.S. Department of Justice about crimes against minors abroad.
• Before you start a business or a profession in French Polynesia seek information from the local authorities about what permits or licenses are required.

Arrest notification

• If you are arrested or detained, ask officials to notify the U.S. embassy in Fiji by e-mailing [email protected]. There are no immediate consular services available in French Polynesia.

Counterfeit and pirated goods

Counterfeit and pirated goods are common in many destinations.

• They may be illegal according to local laws. 
• Counterfeit and pirated goods may pose significant risks to consumer health and safety. 
• You may be subject to fines or have to surrender counterfeit and pirated goods to authorities if you bring them back to the United States. 

Learn more about U.S. restrictions on counterfeit and pirated goods:

• U.S. Customs and Border Protection
• U.S. Department of Justice  

Faith-based travelers

Faith based travel includes pilgrimages, service projects, and mission work. Prepare for your travel using these resources: 

• Faith-Based Travel
• Volunteering Abroad
• International Religious Freedom Reports

Gay and lesbian travelers

There are no legal restrictions on consensual same-sex sexual relations, the provision of information or services to persons on the basis of real or perceived sexual orientation, or the organization of events focused on sexual orientation in French Polynesia. 

• Outside of main tourist areas, more conservative attitudes may be common.
• Review our information for Gay and Lesbian Travelers.

Travelers with accessibility needs

The law in French Polynesia prohibits discrimination against people with physical, sensory, psychosocial, intellectual or mental disabilities. The law is enforced.

• The most common types of accessibility may include accessible facilities, information, and access to services, or ease of movement.
• Expect accessibility to be limited in public transportation, lodging, communication, and general infrastructure.
• Accessibility is common in public transportation, lodging, communication, and general infrastructure.
• Review our information on Accessibility Needs.

Students

• Review our information on Studying Abroad.

Women travelers 

• Review our information for Women Travelers.
• Review our information for Victims of Crime.

Human rights

• Review the Department of State’s Human Rights Report for your destination prior to traveling.

Health

Health resources

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) French Polynesia Traveler Information provides destination specific information on prevalent diseases and vaccination recommendations.
• CDC Medical Tourism information
• World Health Organization
• Medicine and Health
• Travel Insurance

Emergency phone numbers

• Dial 15 for emergency medical services.

Ambulance services

Ambulance services are not present or unreliable in most areas except Tahiti, Bora Bora, and Moorea.  

• Ambulances are not equipped with advanced medical equipment. 
• Ambulances are not staffed with trained paramedics. They often have little or no medical equipment. 
• Injured or very ill travelers might prefer to take a taxi or their own car to the nearest major hospital. This option can be faster than waiting for an ambulance.

Medical payments and insurance

Make sure you know if your health insurance plan covers any medical expenses abroad.  Most U.S. plans do not.

• The U.S. government does not pay medical bills.
• U.S. Medicare and Medicaid do not cover expenses or bills abroad.
• Most hospitals and doctors abroad do not accept U.S. health insurance.
• Medical care is not free in French Polynesia. If you require medical attention, you will incur expenses, even if you are treated in a public healthcare facility.
• Lack of payment may bar future travel to French Polynesia.
• Most care providers overseas only accept cash payments.
• Credit card payment is not always available.
• Most hospitals and medical professionals require cash payment.
• Private hospitals often need payment up front or proof of good insurance before providing treatment or admitting a patient. 
• Make sure you know if your health insurance plan provides coverage abroad or reimbursement of payments. The CDC provides more information on types of insurance.
• We strongly recommend supplemental insurance to cover medical evacuation.
• If you purchase supplemental insurance, you are responsible for seeking reimbursement from the insurance provider. Follow their instructions for filing claims.

Vaccinations

Stay up to date with the vaccines recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

• CDC Travelers’ Health
• World Health Organization Travel Advice

Healthcare facilities

Health facilities are available in Tahiti and most populated islands. It may be harder to find adequate health care in rural areas.

• In less populated areas, medical assistance can be found at a dispensaire - a French government-run free clinic, first aid stations, or nursing stations.
• In emergencies, patients may be transferred by plane to Papeete.
• Public medical clinics lack basic resources and supplies. 
• Hospitals and doctors may require payment upfront prior to service or admission.
• Medical staff may speak little or no English.
• Generally, in public hospitals only minimal staff is available overnight in non-emergency wards. Consider hiring a private nurse. Another option is to have family stay the night with the patient, especially a child.
• Patients must cover all costs for transfer to or between hospitals.
• Psychological and psychiatric services are limited, even in larger cities.

Prescription medications

Check with the Federal Office of Public Health to ensure the medication is legal in French Polynesia.

• Always carry your prescription medication in original packaging, along with your doctor’s prescription.
• The outer islands and less populated areas may have limited or no access to pharmacies and prescription medication.
• Exercise caution when purchasing medication abroad. Pharmaceuticals are usually easy to buy with few controls.
• Counterfeit medication is common and may not work, have the wrong strength, or have dangerous ingredients. You should buy medication with the help of a medical professional and from trusted places.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have rules for bringing medication back into the United States.  If you buy medications abroad, the medications must meet CBP’s and the FDA’s requirements to bring them back legally.

The medications must also be for personal use and approved for use in the United States.

For more information:

• U.S. Customs and Border Protection
• Food and Drug Administration

Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) and surrogacy

If you are considering traveling to French Polynesia to have a child through use of assisted reproductive technology (ART) or surrogacy, please review our information on ART and Surrogacy Abroad.

• Surrogacy is illegal for foreigners in French Polynesia.  For additional information, visit the Government of French Polynesia website.
• If you decide to pursue parenthood in French Polynesia via ART with a surrogate, consider hiring a reputable local attorney and be prepared for long and unexpected delays with local authorities while documenting your child’s birth or citizenship status. People who attempt to avoid local law risk legal consequences.

Water quality and food safety

• Tap water is generally safe to drink and use in cooking.
• In rural areas, tap water is not safe to drink. In some locations, tap water is not available every day.
• Bottled water and beverages are generally safe. Use major brands and ensure the seal is intact.
• Many restaurants and hotels serve tap water unless bottled water is specifically requested.
• You may want to request no ice in your drinks since it may be made using tap water.
• Eating uncooked vegetables and fruits can make you sick.
• Make water safe by filtering, boiling, disinfecting, or distilling.
• Impure water can cause diseases like typhoid, cholera, hepatitis, and dysentery.

Air quality

Air pollution can be a significant problem in many destinations abroad.

• For information about common air pollutants, check the CDC’s Air Quality page.
• For information about the U.S. Air Quality Index and health guidance, check out the EPA’s AirNow.
• For general health information, visit the Medicine and Health page.

Transportation

Road conditions and safety

Road conditions in French Polynesia are different than in the United States. While most major roads are paved, many secondary roads are not.

• In cities, traffic moves fast and vehicles and pedestrians compete for space on narrow streets.
• Stay alert when driving, particularly at night. While extensive sections of the road to the island of Tahiti have streetlights, many side streets do not.
• If you rent bicycles or mopeds, you should take extra precautions to avoid collisions, even on roads with little traffic.
• At night, beware of bicycles operating without proper lights.  Drivers don’t always respect traffic laws. Most of the time, they don’t give pedestrians the right of way.

Traffic laws

Crosswalks are marked, and the law requires that motor vehicles stop for pedestrians; however, this law is not always followed in practice.

• Driving while intoxicated is illegal.
• Use of a mobile phone while driving is also illegal.
• A valid U.S. driver’s license is generally recognized for short-term visitors in French Polynesia. An International Driving Permit is recommended but not required.
• You must always carry a valid driver’s license, passport copy, and rental documents. Requests for bribes by local officials may occur.

Taxis and ride-shares

Taxis are available in French Polynesia, particularly on Tahiti and in Papeete.

• Taxis are generally safe and regulated. However, they can be expensive, and meters are not always used. Confirm the fare before beginning your trip.
• Ride-share services such as Uber are not widely available. Travelers typically rely on taxis, hotel-arranged transportation, or pre-booked private drivers.
• Use only licensed taxis and avoid accepting rides from unregistered drivers.

Public and commercial transportation

Public transportation is limited primarily to the island of Tahiti.

• Maintain control of your personal belongings on public transportation such as buses and ferries. Be aware of the possibility of pickpocketing.
• Visit the website of French Polynesia’s national tourist office and national authority responsible for road safety.
• Review our information on Driving and Transportation Safety Abroad.

Aviation safety oversight

• The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has found that French Polynesia’s Civil Aviation Authority (certified thru France) meets international standards for aviation safety oversight.  FAA's website includes more information on its assessment program.

Maritime travel

Mariners and passengers planning travel to French Polynesia should check the following: 

• U.S. Maritime Advisories
• U.S. Maritime Alerts
• Maritime Safety Office Navigational Warnings 
• U.S. Coast Guard Maritime Commons

Weather and natural disasters

Local resources

• Monitor conditions through the French Polynesia meteorological service and local emergency authorities.
• Hotels and resorts typically provide guidance and emergency instructions during severe weather events.

Weather conditions

Tropical cyclones or hurricanes

Cyclone season typically runs from November through April.

• Storms can bring high winds, heavy rainfall, flooding, and infrastructure disruption.
• Monitor local weather updates and follow guidance from local authorities such as the Direction de la Météorologie.

Heavy rainfall and flooding

The rainy season is from November to April. It can produce intense downpours, leading to flash flooding, landslides, and road closures, particularly on Tahiti and high islands.

High surf and dangerous currents

Strong ocean currents and large waves can occur year-round. They are more common during the austral winter from May to October. These conditions can create hazardous swimming and boating environments.

Earthquakes and tsunamis

French Polynesia is in a seismically active region. While earthquakes are usually minor, there are risks of a tsunami, and warning systems are in place. Follow local alerts and evacuation instructions if issued.

U.S. citizens living abroad

Living abroad resources

If you live outside the United States for a long time, you or your family may experience various life events, wish to exercise U.S. citizenship rights, or need to meet U.S. legal obligations while abroad.

• Learn how to prepare for voting in U.S. elections, the birth of a child, or getting married.
• Ensure you have a plan for healthcare and medical insurance abroad.
• Even abroad, you still have certain obligations such as paying your U.S. taxes or registering for military selective service.
• Review information on federal benefits, such as Social Security and Veterans Affairs benefits.

Embassies and consulates