Ports of entry

The ships’ main port of entry is the island of Tahiti. It is possible to arrange clearance in some of the islands of the other archipelagos (upon prior request and subject to the acceptance of Immigration and Customs).

Customs

On arrival, yachts are imported duty free for a period of 36 months. Duty free fuel is available with the assistance of a yacht agent. Spare parts for yachts in transit can be imported duty free.

Crew Immigration

EU citizens are allowed in French Polynesia without time restriction. Tourist visas allow stays of a maximum of 3 months.

Non-EU citizens needing to stay over a period of 3 months must obtain a long stay visa from the French Embassy or Consulate of their country of origin before their entry in French Polynesia.  Non-EU citizens must hold a bond letter from a registered agent or an outbound air ticket to board any plane bound for Tahiti.

A visa of 15 days maximum can be obtained on arrival by sea for exceptional reasons.

Health

Tahiti Tourisme reminds travelers that vaccination against yellow fever is obligatory for anyone who has stayed in a endemic country and wishing to visit The Islands of Tahiti.  

Yellow fever is a viral disease found in tropical regions of Africa and the Americas. It principally affects humans and monkeys, and is transmitted via the bite of Aedes mosquitoes. Since the beginning of 2017, these reports are consistent with the increased yellow fever activity observed in the southern areas of Bahia State, bordering Espirito Santo and Minas Gerais States, and in the areas of Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo States, all sharing the same ecosystem – tropical and sub-tropical moist broad leaves forest. Occasionally travellers who visit yellow fever endemic countries may bring the disease to countries free from yellow fever. In order to prevent such importation of the disease, under the International Health Regulations, vaccination against yellow fever is mandatory for any person over 9 months who has stayed in an endemic country and wishes to visit The Islands of Tahiti. Visitors may be asked for proof of vaccination upon arrival in Tahiti and should be able to provide such documentation to be granted entry.

Vaccinations are also required for travellers from countries where there are risks .

Also remember that importation of live animals is prohibited (birds…) but transit of dogs, cats or rabbits can be allowed after declaration and proper quarantine procedures. Animal products (meat, skins…) must not be landed ashore.

-List of countries, territories and areas – Vaccination requirements and recommandations for international travellers, including yellow fever and malaria here

-List of countries with risk of yellow fever transmission and countries requiring yellow fever vaccination here

-For more information see the World Health Organization website

Charter regulation

Chartering is legal in French Polynesia. The vessel must have a value over €838.000 and apply charter rates over €1,675 per day. The yacht must count at least 3 professional full-time crew members and be allowed to charter under their flag regulation.

There is no registration fee and it is granted for six months, renewable. Processing time is between 5 to 6 weeks. The charter tax applied is 5% on the gross charter fees. The local yacht agents usually submit the application prior to the vessel’s arrival.

Shipyard

The following refit infrastructures are available:

• A 300 ton travel lift for units up to 40m and unlimited draft.
• The Port Slipway for vessels up to 60m in length, 4.5m draft and 800 tons.
• The floating dry dock can accommodate vessels up to 150m, 6m draft and 3,800 tons.

All are located in Papeete, the capital city, on the main island of Tahiti.

There are ongoing development projects with the Port Authority to increase the refit capacity for superyachts in the future.

Marina Taina can host 20 yachts of up to 60 meters. It is located 10 minutes from the international airport and 20 minutes from downtown Papeete.

Downtown Papeete has a dedicated area for superyachts.

Both places have a video surveillance system and security guards and provide the usual marina services.

Navigation hints

No navigation permit is required in French Polynesia. Most islands of the same archipelago are within a few hours reach.  Outside of Tahiti, anchorage is recommended in the sheltered bays in the lagoons or in the atolls’ lagoon.

Provisioning

Main provisioning is in Tahiti with excellent local or imported quality products. Provisioning can also be air freighted via the local domestic airline to most of the islands around French Polynesia.

For more details, please contact your local yacht agent.