HEALTH
For the most up-to-date conditions of entry and stay in The Islands of Tahiti, please visit the Tahiti Tourisme website:
https://www.tahititourisme.com/preparing-you-trip/health/
TIME DIFFERENCE
The Islands of Tahiti known as French Polynesia are 10 hours behind GMT (GMT+10.)
GETTING TO THE ISLANDS OF TAHITI
The Islands of Tahiti are located in the southern hemisphere, halfway between California and Australia.
The Tahiti-Faa’a International Airport is the main point of entry to The Islands of Tahiti, and the only international airport for the whole destination.
There are several air carriers flying to and from this well-preserved heaven.
International airlines
- Air Tahiti Nui is our national airline and sets the islands’ tone from the moment travelers board the plane. Air Tahiti Nui flies to Los Angeles, Seattle, Paris, and Auckland
- Air France connects The Islands of Tahiti to Paris via Los Angeles
- Hawaiian Airlines operates one flight a week from Honolulu
- United Airlines is the bridge between their San Francisco hub and The Islands of Tahiti
- Delta Airlines flies between Los Angeles and The Islands of Tahiti
- French Bee is the low-cost carrier between Paris and The Islands of Tahiti via San Francisco
- Air Calin is the link between neighboring New Caledonia
CLIMATE
In ancient times, thanks to their deep understanding of Nature’s rhythms, our Tupuna – ancestors – had established the two seasons governing the Polynesian world: the season of abundance – Matari’i i Ni’a (our summer from November to April), and the season of scarcity (our Tahitian “winter” from April to October) – Matari’i i Raro.
The arrival of the Pleïades in the sky was the marker for Matari’i i Ni’a, the opening of abundance season.
In opposition to Matari’i i Ni’a, Matari’i i Raro represented the months of restriction brought by dryer and cooler weather, leading to periods when the population could face scarcity.
There was true reverence for the cycles of Nature and the sacredness of Life.
The Islands of Tahiti are blessed with lovely tropical climate, making it an ideal all year-round destination.
Average temperature is 78°F/25°C.
As already defined by our Tupuna, two main seasons mark our calendar. From November to April, we see warmer months and more humidity, while the months from May to October are dryer and slightly cooler.
In the southernmost part of The Islands of Tahiti, the Austral and Gambier islands are subject to much cooler temperatures, due to their location further away from the equator.
Meanwhile in the northern part, closer to the equator, the Marquesas islands have their own climate with warm temperatures and less rain than anywhere else in The Islands of Tahiti.
VISA REQUIREMENTS
Foreigners traveling to The Islands of Tahiti are required to hold a valid passport and a return flight ticket to their country of residence or continuing destinations.
Entry conditions and customs regulations are subject to change without notice. It is therefore highly recommended to check the latest requirements and conditions at the nearest French Consulate or Embassy or online:
http://www.polynesie-francaise.pref.gouv.fr/Demarches-administratives/Accueil-des-etrangers
Below is a brief breakdown on entry requirements for the main nationalities visiting:
For U.S. and Canadian Citizens:
A passport valid for three months beyond the date of departure from The Islands of Tahiti is required. No visa is required for stays of up to three months.
For French Citizens:
A passport valid for six months beyond the date of departure from The Islands of Tahiti.
New Zealand and Australian Citizens:
A passport valid for three months beyond the date of departure from The Islands of Tahiti is required. No visa is required for stays of up to three months.
Japanese Citizens:
A passport valid for six months beyond the date of departure from The Islands of Tahiti is required. No visa is required for stays of up to three months.
Other Countries:
We recommend checking with the nearest French Consulate or Embassy or their website. Our team is also happy to assist, please do not hesitate to ask.
CUSTOMS
All items brought in by travelers for their personal use are duty-free, provided they are non-prohibited items.
All telecommunication and radio equipments require an import license.
The Islands of Tahiti are protected from many insects and pests. It is strictly prohibited to bring in any animals, plants, flowers, fruits when traveling to this untouched part of the world.
Needless to say, weapons, munitions, and narcotics are banned.
| Tobacco | Quantity |
| Cigarettes | 200 units |
| Cigarillos | 100 units |
| Cigars | 50 units |
| Pipe tobacco | 250g |
| Alcoholic beverages | Quantity |
| Still wines | 2 liters |
| Beverages over 22° | 2 liters |
| Beverages 22° or less | 2 liters |
For more information, please refer to the Tahiti Tourisme website:
https://tahititourisme.com/en-us/travel-planner/tahiti-customs-declarations/
Or contact your dedicated Tahiti Islands Travel’s Curator.
LANGUAGES
French and Tahitian are the two official languages in The Islands of Tahiti. However, English is widely spoken in the main tourist areas.
WATER AND ELECTRICITY
Tap water is safe to drink in many areas. While most resorts, hotels, and lodges will mention whether it is drinkable, in case of doubt, we recommend opting for mineral bottled water.
Electricity is 110 or 220 volts depending on the island and type of accommodation. Checking with the property will ensure proper use of plugs and adaptors.
DOMESTIC TRAVEL
Two main domestic carriers share the sky: Air Tahiti and Air Moana.
On the main island of Tahiti, the domestic terminal is located within the Tahiti-Faa’a International Airport building.
One carry-on weighing a maximum of 5 kg (11lbs) and with a maximum size of 55 x 35 x 25 cm (21 x 13 x 9 in) per traveler is allowed.
For check-in bags, the maximum dimensions (including wheels and handles): length + width + height must be equal or inferior to 150 cm (59 in)
Weight allowance will vary based on the type of ticket. Minimum is 23kg per guest or 46 kg per guest maximum.
For further details, please do not hesitate to contact us, our team will be happy to assist.
THE ESSENTIALS
Casual, comfortable, light clothing is recommended.
Resort-chic will be appreciated in some of the most upscale properties or fine dining restaurants throughout the islands.
Sandals are the island-cool and it seems important to remind our mutual guests that heels may not do well on the beach or walking on wooden pontoons.
Sun protection, sunglasses, a hat or baseball cap, swim shirt, beach bag and/or backpack, reef shoes and a good mosquito repellent are a must. The sun can be quite intense…
A light jacket or shawl can be handy during the cooler months from June to September.
And remember… The Islands of Tahiti are a tropical destination.
We can only suggest keeping the suitcases light to avoid any luggage surcharge fees.
HEALTH
A French Territory of Overseas, The Islands of Tahiti offer a reliable health service with the main hospital and private clinics located on the island of Tahiti.
The smaller islands have hospitals or urgent care facilities.
For travelers under medical treatment, we recommend bringing a sufficient supply for the length of their stay.
CURRENCY
Currency in The Islands of Tahiti is the Pacific Franc (XPF or CFP). It is linked to Euro, and 1 EUR = 119.332 XPF
Major credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express) are accepted in the main tourist areas throughout the islands.
Banks throughout the islands are open on weekdays.
ATMs are available in the main visited areas.
Currency exchange service is provided at hotels and resorts’ reception desk, the Tahiti-Faa’a international airport based on international flights schedules.
If traveling to the Marquesas, Austral Islands, or Tuamotu atolls, we recommend carrying sufficient amount of local currency as there are no banks nor ATMs on some of the more remote islands.
TIPPING
Tipping is not customary nor expected in The Islands of Tahiti. Hence, there are no rules or customs when it comes to tipping. It is left to each guest’s appreciation.
Since 2007, a service charge has been implemented and included on the final bill in hotels and resorts. At the end of each year, the collected funds are divided and distributed among the staff, as a bonus for committed service.
OFFICES & STORES
Most stores and offices are open until 16h00 during weekdays, and Noon Saturday noon.
Sunday is often considered a day of worship, rest, and family time in The Islands of Tahiti.
Looking for any shopping recommendations? Your dedicated Tahiti Islands Travel’s Curator will be happy to assist.
STAYING CONNECTED
Wifi is available in the most visited areas in The Islands of Tahiti. Speed will depend on the islands’ or properties’ connection to the network.
For travelers wishing to enjoy enhanced connection on the road, please inquire about the Tahiti Wifi portable device that can be booked through our services.
Vini and Vodafone are the main telecommunications companies in the territory outside of the national post/telecommunications company, OPT (Office des Postes et Télécommunications).