The French Polynesian government announced that as of February 3, 2021 the nation will be prohibiting entry for tourism until further notice, due in part to protect the islands from new and unpredictable variants of the virus.
Only specific cases of travelers will be permitted to travel to the islands past February 3rd, under the justification of ‘compelling reasons’, like a family or medical emergency.
Tahiti, Bora Bora, Mo’orea and other French Polynesian islands reopened to tourists from all countries back in July 2020. For the past 7 months tourists from any country worldwide could enter Tahiti and Bora Bora with no isolation period, but with double-testing protocols in place.
Within the first 2 weeks of reopening in July, over 4000 tourists arrived, with increasing numbers throughout the rest of 2020.
French Polynesia saw their highest spike in case numbers in November 2020 but has since brought levels down to the ultra-low numbers they saw when they first reopened. Despite the impressive reduction in case numbers, a trend that prompts many countries to reopen their tourism industry, the nation still believes closing for all visitors is the best decision.
Tourists who are currently enjoying a stay in French Polynesia are permitted to complete the remainder of their trip, so long as it’s scheduled to end within 1-week. Any tourists with longer stays are asked to contact their airline to reschedule their departure date.
Direct flights are available from Tahiti are flying to Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Paris.
In addition to the announcement of tourism closing, the curfew order has been extended on the islands of Tahiti and Moorea. All trips, circulation or movement in public areas are prohibited daily between 9:00 pm and 4:00 am until at least February 15, 2021.
The government of French Polynesia has not put an end date to their tourism closure and will actively access the situation of when they may safely reopen again.
Disclaimer: Current travel rules and restrictions can change without notice. The decision to travel is ultimately your responsibility. Contact your consulate and/or local authorities to confirm your nationality’s entry and/or any changes to travel requirements before traveling. Travel Off Path does not endorse traveling against government advisories