Travel restrictions are always changing. Only vaccinated travelers are allowed to travel to Polynesia for tourism. The following post, regularly updated, will give you the travel restrictions put in place in order to help you prepare your trip to Bora Bora.
BEFORE LEAVING
COVID-19 TEST
Any person (resident and non-resident) going to Polynesia will have to show a negative result to the RT-PCR test for Covid-19 carried out less than 72h before the flight or an antigen test (allowing the detection of the “N” protein of the SARS-CoV-2) performed less than 48h prior to departure.
If travelling with Air Tahiti Nui from the USA I invite you to check their website as they have a partnership with Good Life Medical Service.
You can also use this web application to locate Covid-19 testing site near you.
ETIS
You will have to fill out a health form on etis.pf (Electronic Travel Information System) platform and present the receipt at the check-in to the airline company with which you are travelling. This request must be made between 30 to 6 days the latest, prior to departure and at each entry on the Polynesian ground.
If vaccinated, you will pay the health surveillance fee 5 000 XPF.
If you’re not vaccinated, you will pay the heath surveillance fee 12 000 XPF.
If non vaccinated
If non vaccinated or vaccinated but coming from countries outside the green zone, you can only travel to Polynesia with a compelling reason : Health, Work, or Family. You will need an authorization to travel issued by the High-Commissioner (on the ETIS platform).
Sworn Statement
For vaccinated and non vaccinated travelers, you will need to complete, print and sign a Sworn Statement
If you travel from France
When traveling from France you might transit through Vancouver. Before you leave, you will need to apply for an electronic travel authorization on the Canadian website.
The fee will be 7 Canadian dollars. Remember to apply at least 72 hours prior departure.
What if I test positive before my trip?
If the test result is positive, you won’t be accepted on the flight. You will have to contact a doctor or hospital and, consequently, follow the prescribed health instructions.
I invite you to check direclty with your airline company to be aware of the cancellation policies.
To travel again to Polynesia, it will be necessary to carry out another RT-PCR test COVID-19 and to obtain a negative result to the COVID-19.
DURING THE TRIP
During the flight the wearing of a mask is mandatory during the entire flight for passengers 11 years old and older.
AT ARRIVAL
At Tahiti Faa’a airport, masks must be worn and barrier gestures are mandatory.
Vaccinated travellers
To be considered as vaccinated passenger you need to be fully vaccinated. Delay between full vaccination and departure date must be :
- 7 days : Pfizer, Moderna, Astrazeneca
- 28 days : Janssen
Vaccinated travelers will perform an RT-PCR Self test upon arrival.
If the results are negative they will be able to circulate freely in Polynesia as soon as they arrive
For non vaccinated passengers
Non vaccinated passengers or vaccinated but coming from a country outside the green zone will perform an RT-PCR Self test upon arrival.
A 10-day quarantine in dedicated isolation centers or at home at passengers’ own expense is mandatory. They will need to take an RT-PCR test at the Louis Malardé Institute (Tahiti) on the 4th day and 8th day of the quarantine.
What happens if I am positive to Covid-19 in Bora Bora ?
If you test positive, you will be asked to isolate yourself and submit to the care offered by the country in case of confirmation of the disease.
Be sure to check with your travel insurance to verify the costs covered in this case because you will be responsible for any medical expenses in the country.
For Bora Bora you will be repatriated to Tahiti by a private plane chartered by Tahiti Air Charter. Please note that there is no hospital in Bora Bora.
DURING YOUR STAY
Currently there is a lockdown in Polynesia. You won’t be able to go out or do activities outside your hotel, guest house, or accommodation. You can enjoy freely activities within tourist accommodation (beach, snorkeling, swimming, paddle boarding, etc.).
The following is currently not applicable.
Please take care to respect the barrier gestures put in place by the Polynesian government. As far as you are concerned :
In bars and restaurants, the customers must imperatively consume seated, with a distance of one meter between the people gathered around each table, not to gather and wear the mask during their movements.
The tables are limited to 6 people.
In public transport, plane, bus, boat, the mask is strictly mandatory.
In shops, masks are mandatory and the managers must organize the premises by applying the health measures in force.
These measures are taken in order to protect the inhabitants of Polynesian from Covid-19. The medical capacities are limited and it is important to respect the barrier gestures. If you don’t do it for yourself, please do it for the population of these beautiful islands.
Despite the restrictions, your experience in Polynesia will still be unforgettable. The activities are mainly outdoors, the hotels have put in place measures that will preserve you as much as possible without hindering your stay. The pensions, stores, restaurants on the island make every effort to allow you to have a good time while respecting the barrier gestures. You will feel on vacation and safe.
IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS
If you have any questions and concerns about the travelling restrictions put in place, please contact Tahiti Tourism by email : covid19@tahititourisme.org or by phone (+689) 40 505 770.
I strongly recommend you to check the travel restrictions regularly before departure on Tahiti Tourism official website as procedures often change.
