French Polynesia

Recommended Vaccinations For French Polynesia

For Most Travellers

Hepatitis B Vaccine

There is a significant risk of infection with hepatitis B for this country, therefore, the vaccination is recommended.

Hepatitis A Vaccine

There is a significant risk of exposure to hepatitis A for this country, therefore, the vaccination is recommended.

For Some Travellers

Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) Vaccine

A dose of Measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine is recommended for infants aged 6 to 11 months.

Rabies Vaccine

The rabies vaccination is recommended for those travellers whose activities or work may bring them into contact with bats.

Typhoid Fever Vaccine

There is a risk of exposure to typhoid fever in this country through consumption of unsafe food and water. Since exposure to unsafe sources is variable within this country, the vaccination against typhoid fever is generally recommended, especially when visiting smaller cities or rural areas, where food and water sources may be contaminated.

Yellow Fever Vaccine

A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for travellers over 1 year of age arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission and for travellers having transited more than 12 hours through an airport of a country with risk of yellow fever transmission.

Recommended Medications For French Polynesia

There are no recommendations for French Polynesia at this time.

Diseases To Be Aware of for French Polynesia

For Most Travellers

Hepatitis B

There is a significant risk for acquiring hepatitis B in French Polynesia.

Dengue Fever

Outbreaks of dengue fever may occur.

Chikungunya Fever

Chikungunya fever has occurred in this country.

Hepatitis A

There is a significant risk for hepatitis A virus exposure in French Polynesia through contaminated food or water. Infection can still occur at tourist destinations and resorts.

For Some Travellers

Measles

There is a risk of acquiring Measles in this country.

Tuberculosis

Travellers to this country are at risk for tuberculosis if visiting sick friends or family, working in the healthcare field, or having close prolonged contact with a sick person.

Hanta Virus

There is a risk of acquiring Hantavirus in this country through the consumption of food and water contaminated by an infected rodent or through rodent bites.

Zika Fever

Zika virus can occur in this country.

Rabies

The risk of acquiring Rabies is low. French Polynesia is free of dog rabies. However, it may be present in bats. Those with occupational risks (such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals, researchers) may be at risk.

Typhoid Fever

Unvaccinated people can become infected through contaminated food and water in French Polynesia, especially when visiting smaller cities, villages, or rural areas where food and water sources may be contaminated.

Yellow Fever

There is no risk of yellow fever transmission in this country. However, a yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for travellers over 1 year of age arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission and for travellers having transited more than 12 hours through an airport of a country with risk of yellow fever transmission.

Safety & Security in French Polynesia

Personal Safety

French Polynesia has a very low crime rate. Petty crime like pickpocketing and theft occurs occasionally in tourist areas and the capital Papeete, but serious crime is rare. Violent crime affecting tourists is almost unheard of. You might encounter drink spiking and theft in crowded places or on beaches, so keep belongings close and don’t leave drinks unattended. Papeete requires more caution than other islands, especially after dark. Avoid poorly lit side streets and the port area at night, as these areas see higher petty crime. Walking alone on isolated beaches after dark is not recommended. Crime rates drop significantly once you leave the capital. Outer islands and resort areas report minimal incidents. Most locals are friendly and welcoming. Scams targeting tourists are uncommon. The biggest safety concerns come from the natural environment rather than crime. Beaches are not patrolled and strong currents occur even in lagoons. Stonefish, coral cuts, and marine hazards pose more risk than people. Book water activities and diving only with verified operators who meet safety standards.

Extreme Violence

French Polynesia has no recent history of terrorism and violent crime is very rare. The territory benefits from France’s counterterrorism framework. No terrorist acts have been recorded in the islands and no specific threats exist. It’s considered a politically quiet and stable location with minimal extremist activity. The homicide rate is extremely low. Violent crime against tourists is almost nonexistent. Mugging and armed robbery are not common concerns. Most violent crime involves domestic disputes rather than random attacks on strangers. Assaults can occur but are infrequent. The presence of French gendarmes and local police maintains security. Firearms are not readily available in circulation. No piracy has occurred in French Polynesian waters. The sailing community lives safely around the islands year-round. While extremely rare, you should still avoid isolated areas including beaches after dark as a basic precaution.

Political Unrest

French Polynesia experiences occasional strikes and industrial disputes that can disrupt essential services including transport, flights, and port operations. These strikes are often related to France-wide labor actions as the territory follows French labor practices. Demonstrations occur from time to time, primarily in the capital Papeete. Even peaceful protests can turn violent. Past protests have involved political tensions around independence movements and voting reforms, though these have been limited. In 1995, protests erupted over French nuclear testing, resulting in unrest at the airport and clashes with police. More recent political stability has returned since 2015. The territory remains under French administration with local self-governance. While political tensions exist around independence, these rarely affect tourists. If you encounter demonstrations or large gatherings, leave the area immediately. Strikes are typically announced in advance, so monitor local news before and during your trip. Transport unions often join strikes, which can affect inter-island travel and airport operations.

Areas To Avoid

French Polynesia has no truly dangerous neighborhoods or islands. Violent crime is rare even in the capital Papeete, though the city requires more vigilance than other areas. In Papeete, avoid poorly lit side streets after dark, especially around the port area and parts of the Fariipiti and Tipaerui districts. Downtown Papeete can be loud and chaotic at night, particularly in bar areas. Petty crime like theft and vehicle break-ins occurs more frequently here than elsewhere. Most crime incidents concentrate in Papeete simply because it has the highest population density. Port areas across the islands see increased petty crime when crowds gather. Beyond Papeete, the islands are remarkably safe. Moorea, Bora Bora, and other outer islands report very few incidents. The bigger risks throughout French Polynesia are environmental. Strong ocean currents exist even in calm-looking lagoons. Beaches are unpatrolled. Coral, stonefish, and other marine hazards require attention. Remote islands may have limited emergency services and longer response times. Mountain areas often have no mobile phone signal. Always stay on marked trails when hiking.