Papeete Entry Requirements

Children must have their own passport regardless of age; they cannot be included on a parent's passport. Minors (under 18) traveling alone, with one parent, or with adults who are not their parents should carry a notarized letter of consent from the non-traveling parent(s) or legal guardian(s). This letter should include travel dates, destination, accompanying adult details, and contact information. Birth certificates may also be requested. For divorced or separated parents, custody documents may be required. These requirements help prevent international child abduction.

Importing pets to French Polynesia is highly regulated and complex. Dogs and cats require: an import permit (obtained months in advance from Service du Développement Rural), ISO-compliant microchip, rabies vaccination (administered at least 30 days before travel but not more than 12 months prior), rabies antibody titer test, veterinary health certificate (issued within 5 days of travel), treatment for parasites, and possible quarantine upon arrival. Pets must arrive as manifested cargo, not as accompanied baggage. Certain breeds may be prohibited. Birds, rabbits, and other animals have different requirements. The process is expensive and time-consuming; many visitors choose not to bring pets. Service animals may have different procedures but still require advance planning.

Visitors wishing to stay beyond the initial 90-day visa-free period must apply for a long-stay visa or residence permit before the authorized stay expires. Applications are submitted to the Haut-Commissariat in Papeete and require justification (work, study, family reunification, retirement, etc.). Requirements vary by purpose but typically include: valid passport, proof of financial means, health insurance, criminal background check, and specific documents related to the stay purpose (employment contract, university enrollment, marriage certificate, etc.). Processing can take several months. Working in French Polynesia requires a work permit, which employers typically arrange. Overstaying your authorized period can result in fines, deportation, and future entry bans. For stays over 3 months, you may need to register with local authorities.

Passengers arriving by cruise ship typically follow simplified procedures. If your cruise begins and ends outside French Polynesia with a port call in Papeete, you may be allowed to disembark for the day without going through full immigration, though you must stay with organized ship excursions or carry your passport and ship ID. If joining or leaving a cruise in Papeete, you will go through standard immigration and customs procedures. Some nationalities that would normally require a visa may be exempt if arriving by cruise ship for short port calls, but this varies - verify with your cruise line and immigration authorities before booking.

Passengers transiting through Papeete (Faa'a Airport) without leaving the international transit area generally do not need to go through immigration if continuing on the same calendar day. However, this depends on your nationality, final destination, and whether you need to collect and recheck baggage. If your layover requires an overnight stay or you wish to leave the airport, you must meet standard entry requirements for French Polynesia. Confirm transit visa requirements with your airline, especially if you hold a passport that typically requires visas. Some travelers may need a transit visa even if not leaving the airport.