Do I Need a Visa to Visit Tahiti?
Visa & Entry Formalities
All travelers to The Islands of Tahiti are responsible for obtaining all necessary documents, visas and special permits for entry and to comply with all legalities as mandated by nationality, country of origin, final destination and transit conditions, as well as regulations of the Carrier providing transportation.
In addition, it is also their responsibility to check the date of validity of these travel documents and to renew them as necessary.
Visa Requirements for French Polynesia
First, check to see if you need a visa for French Polynesia by visiting the official visa website for France. Take a quick test to determine whether you need a visa.
We recommend you review additional entry regulations in preparation for your visit:
www.polynesie-francaise.pref.gouv.fr/Demarches-administratives/Accueil-des-etrangers
1. Leisure Stay of Three Months or Less
Countries that do not have visa formalities for short-term stays have been defined by the Decree of 29 December 2011 on the documents and visas required by visitors entering the Polynesian territory.
Click here for more information
In summary, these are the following countries:
- European Union countries
- Countries of the European Economic Area
In addition, visitors holding a residence permit from one of the countries of the European Union or the Schengen Area are exempt from the requirement to obtain a visa provided that their residence permit is valid for the duration of their stay in French Polynesia.
Exemptions are also granted to holders of diplomatic passports or biometric passports of certain countries. For all short-term visas, visitors must provide their return ticket.
2. Stay of More than Three Months
Any foreigner who wishes to stay more than three months in French Polynesia must apply for a long-term visa with the exception of citizens of the exempt countries.
3. Transit Through the United States
It is the responsibility of each passenger to carry the proper travel documentation and to meet the entry conditions of each country on their itinerary.
Please see this link for entry via the United States: https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/
4. Customs Formalities
All goods must be declared, and the corresponding tax duties must be paid at the customs office. Note that at the entrance or exit of French Polynesia, some goods are subject to special regulations. To consult the list of these goods: click here
The Directorate General of Customs and Indirect Rights also disseminates information on the website of the Ministry of Economy, Finance and Industry: Click here
5. Specific Information for U.S. and Canadian citizens
For U.S. and Canadian Citizens: Passport must be valid for a minimum of three months after the return date. No visa is required for stays of up to 90 days. A foreigner with a residence card for the U.S. is not exempt from the above requirements and should consult the French Consulate’s official visa provider for information. American citizens may also be required to carry short-stay visas in the following cases: holders of diplomatic and official passports on assignment, students enrolled in courses in French Polynesia, journalists on assignment, crew members, as well as those who will have paid activities in French Polynesia (including scientists and artists).
Note: The French Consulate is no longer handling Visa Applications in the U.S.
See: https://france-visas.gouv.fr/en_US/web/france-visas and https://www.vfsglobal.com/en/individuals/index.html
6. Specific Information for Chinese Passport Holders
Chinese tourists can book a trip without visa to The Islands of Tahiti through a travel agency approved by the visa office of the French embassy, the visa free policy is only applicable to ADS tour groups with less than 15 days stay. Tourists who have had a Schengen multiple entry visa issued by France for 6 months or more can also enter French Polynesia with this visa.
Chinese FIT travelers can apply for the visa to The Islands of Tahiti through the French Embassy and consulate visa offices. Official website of the French Embassy: https://cn.ambafrance.org/article31742
