French Polynesia, which includes Tahiti, opened its borders to American tourists earlier this month. Now the airlines are responding with flights to actually get you to the South Pacific paradise.
Tahiti, Bora Bora, and the other islands that make up French Polynesia opened to a number of American tourists on May 1 Limitations exist. The first step is to apply for entry through the island’s electronic travel information system between 6 and 30 days prior to departure in order to obtain travel authorization.
Travelers who have proof of vaccination are exempt from quarantine upon arrival, but everyone must provide evidence of a negative COVID test performed within three days of departure. Those who have not been vaccinated must be quarantined for 10 days after their arrival. Visitors are also tested upon arrival.
Despite the opening of the borders, French Polynesia declared a state of health by June 1st.
“Despite the small number of new positive cases, COVID-19 is still floating around in French Polynesia and this vigilance must be maintained.” a publication from State Services States. “We must continue to respect all barrier gestures in order to combat the spread of the coronavirus on all of our islands and on all of our archipelagos. We must not let our guard down. “
As part of the statement, there will be a curfew between 10 p.m. and 4 a.m., bars and open markets will be closed, and masks and social distancing will be mandatory.
French Polynesia is anticipating an increase in visitor numbers due to the growing number of vaccinated Americans, and airlines acknowledge this fact. All international flights arrive at Faa’a International Airport in Papeete, Tahiti. Local airlines bring visitors to other islands. You can find more information about flight operations here:
- Air Tahiti Nui had suspended flights for more than three months, but flights between Papeete and Los Angeles resumed four times a week.
- Air France will resume flights from Los Angeles to Papeete on May 16 for the first time in 14 months.
- During the first week of June, French Bee and United each offer flights from Papeete to San Francisco several days a week.
- And starting July 3, Hawaiian Airlines will resume Papeete-Honolulu flights.
“As countries around the world reopen, leisure travelers are eager to take a long-awaited getaway to new international destinations,” said Patrick Quayle, United’s vice president of international networks and alliances.
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