Tahiti and the remainder of French Polynesia has reopened to tourism

(CNN) – The beautiful islands of French Polynesia have officially reopened their borders to tourists.

The group of Pacific Islands, which includes popular Tahiti and Bora Bora beach excursions, opened its borders to travelers from all over the world on May 1.

While this is good news for people looking for a vacation spot this summer, don’t assume that everything will be back to normal in the archipelago.

Currently, every visitor has to quarantine for 10 days regardless of whether they are vaccinated. In addition, the islands of Tahiti and Moorea have a curfew every day from 10 p.m. to 4 a.m. until June 1.

Travelers must fill this out ETIS health declaration form before boarding their flight. One form is required per adult, but minors can be included on the form of a parent or legal guardian. These are picked up by the departure or customs agent at the departure airport.

What do you do when you arrive? Shops, restaurants, bars, museums, places of worship, video game parlors, sports fields, salons, and other businesses are largely open, although they must respect local curfews and maintain social distance inside.

Masks are also required in all public places on the islands, with the exception of children under the age of 11. Night clubs, outdoor markets, and circuses are closed. Restaurants are limited to six people per table.

Most travelers to Tahiti fly through the US as there are direct flights from Los Angeles, Honolulu and San Francisco. Tourists from Asia will most likely have to travel via Auckland, which allows transit passengers according to established guidelines.

All flights land at Faa’a International Airport (PPT) in Papeete, the country’s only international airport. Tourists cannot enter Tahiti with their own boats, although some small, select cruise lines have been allowed to dock.

Travelers must have a negative Covid test to travel to French Polynesia. However, the details are based on the guidelines of the individual airlines. It is therefore best to check with the airline before booking tickets.

Most US airlines require a test to be performed no more than 72 hours before the flight.

If you need another negative test to return to your home country, there is a rapid test facility at the airport.

While French Polynesia is a separate country, it is an overseas region of France and follows French law.

This means that people from the EU and the Schengen countries do not have to go through any international customs upon arrival. However, the local currency is the French Pacific Franc rather than the Euro, although many companies targeting foreigners accept both.