French Polynesia
From CruisersWiki
French Polynesia Cruising Guide
An online cruising guide for sailing around French Polynesia.
| French Polynesia | |
 French Polynesia | |
 Flag | |
| Capital: | Papeete |
|---|---|
| Language: | Tahitian, French |
| Currency: | ?? |
| More notes about the country | |
 Latest News
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| Content - news items, etc. | |
French Polynesia is a French overseas collectivity in the southern Pacific Ocean. It is made up of several groups of Polynesian islands, the most famous island being Tahiti in the Society Islands group, which is also the most populous island and the seat of the capital of the territory (Papeete). Although not an integral part of its territory, Clipperton Island was administered from French Polynesia until 2007.
Some cruising/sailing notes about the region needs to be submitted here.
Climate & Weather
Tropical, but moderate: occasional cyclonic storms in January. Very humid.
The average ambient temperature is 80°F (27°C) and the waters of the lagoons average 79°F (26°C) in the winter and 84°F in the summer. Summer is from November through April, with a warmer and more humid climate and winter is from May through October, when the climate is slightly cooler and drier.
Winds: Expand
Sources of weather forecasting information:
Local forecasts are, of course, in French, but non-French speakers should find them relatively easy to understand. A very useful vocabulary can be found at How to Understand French Weather Forecasts for Sailors
Charts
Submit details of the charts required for safe navigation of the area.
Any navigation notes here.
Local Radio Nets
Also see World Cruiser's Nets
Submit details of Cruiser's Nets and VHF operating/calling channels here.
Arrival/Departure procedures
All visiting yachts MUST make their way to Papeete (Tahiti) to complete the full entry procedures and documentation. If arriving at any of the other islands first, skippers MUST report to the local police. At the first stop, the police will issue an "arrival" document, one copy is mailed to Tahiti and another kept by the skipper. This document MUST be presented to the local police at each island stop-over in the group and/or enroute to Tahiti.
It is important to note that should the vessel (having first made landfall at an outer island) not proceed to Tahiti for formal clearance, you will not receive final clearance when leaving French Polynesia. Final clearance can be received from an outer island ONLY if a visit has been made to Papeete at some stage for full documentation.
Visiting yachts are required to leave French Polynesia well before the start of the cyclone season in November.
BOND: On arrival, each person from a non-European Union country on board the yacht is required to deposit (in a French Polynesian bank) the equivalent value, in cash, of the cost of a one-way air ticket back to their home country. If clearing in to Papeete within 30 days of your first arrival in the Group, you may wait until arrival in Tahiti to post this bond. There are however banks in the Marquesas should you wish to deposit the bond there. This bond money is refunded on the day before departure.
Citizens of European Union countries arriving by yacht are not required to post a bond.
It is possible to have this bond waived for "short-stay" yachts (up to 30 days).
Immigration & Visas
Citizens of France and those of The European Union, USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Brazil, Bulgaria, Hong Kong, Iceland, Norway, Switzerland, Argentina, Bolivia, Brunei, Chile, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Korea, Malaysia, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Singapore and Uruguay (for a stay of between 1 and 3 months, depending on nationality), do not require visas. All visitors need a passport valid for a minimum of 3 months (except for French nationals). All other nationalities require a visa in advance - obtained from French diplomatic missions.
European Union citizens can apply for an extension to their 3 month stay by applying to the High Commissioner's office in Papeete:
Direction de la Reglementation et du Controle de la Legalite (DRCL),
BP115, Papeete, Tahiti,
Tel:- (+689) 54 27 13
at least 1 month before the end of the 3 month period, and/or apply for a Carte de Sejour - resident card (valid for 10 years).
Non-EU citizens can make application to stay for up to 3 months, by contacting the PAF (Police de l'Air et des Frontieres). It is perhaps better to obtain a 3-month tourist visa (but not extendable) in advance from a French Consulate outside of French Polynesia. Formalities are much simplified if the visa is obtained in advance. If a visiter leaves French Polynesia (e.g. by air) and then returns, you can obtain a new 30 day stamp that is extendable for a further 60 days.
Non-EU citizens wanting to stay longer, can contact a French Consulate and follow the procedure to obtain a "Carte de Sejour" (temporary resident card) to stay for more than 3 months in French Polynesia.
You may be requested to provide proof of the availability of sufficient funds for your stay in French Polynesia, often for those arriving without visas.
Customs
Firearms MUST be declared. For a stay of under 3 days, firearms and ammunition can be kept on board, otherwise they MUST be bonded by the authorities on each island you visit until your departure.
Very strict rules apply for animals on board.
Health
Medical treatment is generally good on the major islands, but is limited in areas that are more remote or less/sparsely populated. Patients with emergencies or with serious illnesses are often referred to facilities on Tahiti for treatment. In Papeete, the capital of Tahiti, two major hospitals as well as several private clinics provide 24-hour medical service. Serious medical problems requiring hospitalization or medical evacuation can cost thousands of dollars.
Note: Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health services.
Security
French Polynesia has one of the lowest crime rates within France and its territories. However, petty crime, such as pickpocketing and purse snatching, occurs.
Current Fees and Charges
Please quote date of posting.
- Entry fee =
Islands
| Clipperton | Gambiers | Australs | Society Islands | Tuamotus | Marquises |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clipperton | Mangareva | Raivavae Moerai, Rurutu Mataurai, Tubuai Rapa | Bora Bora Huahine Maupiti Moorea Raiatea Tahaa Tahiti | Rangiroa Fakarava Manihi Atoll Tikehau Atoll | Nuka Hiva Hiva Oa Ua Pou Fatu Hiva Tahuata Ua Huka |
Passages
- Pacific Passage - East to West
Suggested Route Through the Group
Describe
Suggested Circuit of the Group
Describe
References & Publications
Books, Guides, etc.
Links to Forum Discussions
List links to discussion threads on partnering forums. (see link for requirements)
External Links
Submit useful website links for the region
Personal Notes
Personal experiences
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| | HOMEPAGE | Wiki Contents | South Pacific | French Polynesia | |
