Important Travel Information
Here are the most important things you should know before you depart on your Tahitian honeymoon. For answers to other helpful questions, check out our Tahiti Frequently Asked Questions.
What documents do we need to travel to Tahiti?
Passports are required for all citizens. Passports must be valid for a minimum of six months after the date of departure from Tahiti, or you can be denied entry. All passengers require proof of a return or continuing ticket.
Visas are not required for stays up to one month for USA, Canadian, Australian or New Zealand citizens. Travelers with a valid passport from the European Union are allowed to stay up to three months without a visa.
What vaccinations do we need to visit Tahiti?
No vaccinations are required to travel to Tahiti. However, if you are entering Tahiti from an area deemed infected by cholera, yellow fever, or the plague by the World Health Organization, proof of immunization against these diseases is required. To see a list of yellow-fever affected areas, visit www.CDC.gov.
As with any foreign travel, a Hepatitis A shot is recommended. However, this is a common vaccine and many people have been vaccinated prior to their honeymoon.
What happens if I get sick in Tahiti?
Most upscale resorts in Tahiti have a doctor or nurse on call. Three large, modern hospitals can be found in Papeete, with others on Raiatea and Nuku Hiva, and are open 24 hours a day. Smaller infirmaries are also scattered throughout Tahiti and her islands.
Often times, health insurance in your home country will not protect you while you are abroad. It is very important to review your insurance policies before you go so there are no unpleasant surprises.
If you are not covered by your policy, travelers’ medical insurance is available at a low cost. Speak with your BigDay agent about the plan that works best for you.
What airlines fly to Tahiti?
From North America, Air Tahiti Nui, Hawaiian Air and Air France fly to Tahiti.
What is Tahiti’s time zone?
Tahiti is in the same time zone as Hawaii! It is two hours behind US Pacific Standard Time, 11 or 12 hours behind Parisian time, depending on the season, and 19 hours behind Sydney, Australia. The official time is UTC/GMT -10 hours. Check the Current Time in Papeete, Tahiti.
How long does it take to travel to Tahiti?
Flights from Los Angeles, California (LAX) to Papeete are eight hours, while a direct flight from JFK in New York lasts 12.5 hours. Flights from Sydney, Australia are approximately seven hours. To fly from London, expect a 20 hour flight.
Can we get married in Tahiti?
Travel Specialists at TheBigDay suggest obtaining a legal certificate in your home country and celebrating the marriage with a traditional Polynesian ceremony or one of your own choosing on one of Tahiti’s stunning beaches.
Legal ceremonies in Tahiti are possible, however, they require 30 days of residence and myriad of other paperwork, including a certificate of celibacy.
In addition, the USA does not legally recognize a marriage of its citizens performed in Tahiti and some resorts require proof of a recent marriage to have access to their honeymoon specials.
How safe is Tahiti?
Tahiti is safer than most western countries, although petty crime does exist. Use common sense regarding your personal safety and that of your belongings.
What is the currency in French Polynesia?
The currency in Tahiti is the French Pacific Franc (Comptoirs Français du Pacifique Francs), also known as XPF of CFP for short.
Click to check out the current Tahiti exchange rates. US Dollars are accepted for payment in some tourist areas, however, you will likely get a better rate if you pay in the local currency.
Where can we exchange money in Tahiti?
In addition to the airport, there are a number of banks and ATMs in Tahiti and on her larger islands. Hotels will also exchange money, but usually at a poor rate. Note that banks – and the ATMs inside them – close on Friday evening and do not open again until Monday, so make sure you have enough cash to last the weekend!
Additionally, many places accept credit cards. In the case of resorts, most items and meals can be billed directly to your room tab.
Can we drink the water in Tahiti?
Luxury resorts and upscale restaurants offer potable water. Bottled water is readily available throughout the islands. Note that in restaurants you will have to specify still (no gas) versus carbonated (gas) water.
What languages are spoken in Tahiti?
The official languages of French Polynesia are French and Tahitian. However, English is widely spoken at resorts and in tourist areas.
