Polynesia is a dream destination for many travelers wishing to explore its turquoise lagoons and sumptuous mountainous landscapes. However, before embarking on this adventure, it is crucial to know and respect the formalities for entering and staying in Polynesia. This article presents in detail the essential information concerning these formalities, in particular the duration of stay authorised, the documents required to provide, and instructions for foreign citizens.
Nationals of certain countries require a Visa to enter Polynesia, while others benefit from an exemption. It is important to check in advance whether your nationality requires a visa, so that you can take the necessary steps with the competent French embassy or consulate.
French Polynesia is a dream destination for travelers who want to enjoy its heavenly beaches, turquoise lagoons and breathtaking landscapes. Before flying to these paradise islands, it is important to know the formalities for entering and staying in French Polynesia to have a peaceful stay. For detailed information on these formalities, do not hesitate to consult the guide Going to Polynesia: Entry and stay formalities in detail.
For French nationals, it is not necessary to have a visa to enter French Polynesia, a valid passport is sufficient. Nationals of the European Union, the European Economic Area, as well as certain other countries such as the United States or Canada, do not need a visa for short-term stays (less than 3 months). However, it is recommended to check the formalities specific to each nationality with the competent embassies or consulates.
For long-term tourist stays (more than 3 months), a long-stay visa is mandatory. It must be requested from the competent French diplomatic or consular representation in the applicant’s country of residence. For foreign nationals residing in France and wishing to go to Polynesia for a period of more than 3 months, it is advisable to contact the competent Prefecture.
In addition to these entry and residence formalities, it is also important to take into account the health regulations in force. It is indeed necessary to have an up-to-date prophylactic treatment against malaria, as well as to be vaccinated against yellow fever if you come from a country where this disease is endemic.
Once there, it will be crucial to follow the safety instructions, especially regarding sun protection, swimming and diving. Also remember to take out travel insurance including medical coverage and repatriation assistance.
In summary, to take full advantage of the beauty and hospitality of French Polynesia, it is essential to be well informed about the entry and stay formalities, as well as the health precautions to be taken. Bon voyage and enjoy this unforgettable experience in Polynesian land!
Visa-exempt citizens
If you are a citizen of one of the following countries, you do not need a visa for a tourist stay in Polynesia of less than three month :
– Member countries of the European Union and the Schengen Area
– Andorra, Antarctica, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Australia, Bahamas, Barbados, Bolivia, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Dominica, El Salvador, Grenada, Guatemala, Honduras, Marshall Islands, Solomon Islands, Iceland , Israel, Japan, Kiribati, Liechtenstein, Malaysia, Mauritius, Mexico, Micronesia, Monaco, Montenegro, Nauru, Nicaragua, New Zealand, Palau, Panama, Paraguay, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Vincent and the -Grenadines, Saint Lucia, Samoa, Serbia, Seychelles, Singapore, Switzerland, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Tuvalu, Uruguay, Vanuatu, Vatican
However, in order to benefit from this exemption, the citizens concerned must have a passport individual valid for the duration of the stay, as well as sufficient resources for the duration of the stay and a return or onward travel ticket. It is also important to note that this visa exemption does not allow you to work during your stay.
Citizens subject to a visa
If your nationality is not mentioned in the previous list, you must obtain a short-stay visa for Polynesia. The following documents are usually required for the request:
– A duly completed and signed visa application form
– Two recent passport photos in color
– A valid passport (valid for at least 3 months after the expiry date of the visa)
– Proof of sufficient financial resources for the duration of the stay
– A round-trip or onward travel plane ticket
– A hosting certificate (if you are hosted by a person residing in Polynesia)
– A medical certificate, if the stay is longer than 90 days
Formalities of stay in Polynesia
After your arrival in Polynesia, there are certain formalities to respect depending on the length of your stay.
Stay of less than 3 months
For a stay of less than three months, nationals of visa-exempt countries do not have nonee special formality to be completed. Holders of a short-stay visa simply have to ensure that they comply with the conditions of the visa (duration of stay, reasons for the trip, etc.).
Stay of more than 3 months
For a stay of more than three months, it is necessary to apply for a long-stay visa from the competent French embassy or consulate before leaving for Polynesia. This visa must then be transformed into a residence permit once there.
The documents required for the long-stay visa application vary according to the reason for the stay (work, studies, family reunification, etc.). It is therefore advisable to find out in advance about the documents to be provided.
FAQs
1. I have a passport biometric or electronic: do I still need to get a visa?
Holders of a biometric or electronic passport must check if their nationality is exempt from a visa for Polynesia. If this is the case, you will not need a visa for a tourist stay of less than 3 months.
2. My visa expires in 2 month but I want to extend my stay in Polynesia: is this possible?
To extend a stay beyond the initial duration of the visa, it is necessary to apply for an extension to the local authorities (High Commission of the Republic in French Polynesia). This request must be substantiated (serious reason to extend the stay) and accompanied by the necessary supporting documents.
In conclusion, the formalities for entering and staying in Polynesia vary according to nationality, duration and reason for the trip. It is therefore essential to be well informed in advance and to prepare the documents required to avoid any inconvenience during the trip. Enjoy your stay in Polynesia!