Local Laws

CRIMINAL PENALTIES: While you are traveling in French Polynesia, you are subject to its laws. Foreign laws and legal systems can be vastly different than those in the United States. Foreigners should carry photo identification with them at all times. Respect any sites that for cultural or security reasons have warnings posted against photography. French Polynesia enforces driving-under-the-influence laws, and offenders may be taken to jail. Engaging in sexual conduct with children or using or disseminating child pornography in a foreign country is a crime prosecutable in the United States. If you break local laws in French Polynesia, your U.S. passport won’t help you avoid arrest or prosecution. It’s very important to know what’s legal and what’s not wherever you go.

There are also some things that might be legal in the country you visit, but still illegal in the United States. You can be prosecuted in the United States for engaging in sexual conduct with children or for using or disseminating child pornography in a foreign country regardless of the legality of these activities under that country’s laws. Counterfeit and pirated goods are illegal in the United States and if you purchase them in a foreign country, you may be breaking local law as well.

Arrest notifications in host country: While some countries will automatically notify the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate if a U.S. citizen is detained or arrested in that country, others may not. To ensure that the United States is aware of your circumstances, request that the police and prison officials notify the Embassy in Suva or the Consular Agent in Tahiti as soon as you are arrested or detained overseas.

SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES: There are no restrictions on the import or export of local or foreign currency. However, amounts exceeding €10,000 (French Pacific Franc) or equivalent must be declared if travelling to or from a country outside the European Union.

Customs: French customs authorities may enforce strict regulations concerning temporary importation into or export from French Polynesia of some items. Please contact the Embassy of France in Washington, D.C., or one of the French consulates in the United States for specific information regarding customs requirements. Goods arriving on pleasure yachts must be declared at the first point of arrival in French Polynesia. Arms, animals, alcohol, cigarettes, cameras, etc., must be included in this declaration.

Please see Customs Information for additional information.

Some visitors to French Polynesia have reported problems using ATMs with certain kinds of credit and debit cards. You should should verify that your ATM cards will work in French Polynesia before traveling.

Natural Events: Tropical storms, including cyclones, can occur during the official cyclone season between November and April. French Polynesia is located in an area of high seismic activity. Although the probability of a major earthquake occurring during an individual trip may be remote, earthquakes can occur. General information regarding disaster preparedness is available via the Bureau of Consular Affairs’ web site, and from the U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) home page.

Trekking: Due to the steep geography in French Polynesia, hiking can be hazardous. You should speak with local guides and/or hotel staff before starting a trek. It is best to hike with a companion, carry a cellular phone, inform someone of the intended trail you wish to take, and stay on trails that are clearly marked.

WOMEN TRAVELER INFORMATION: If you are a woman traveling abroad, please review our travel tips for Women Travelers.

LGBT RIGHTS: According to French law, same-sex marriage is allowed and applies to all French territories. Laws prohibiting discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity have been enacted in France since 1985. For more detailed information about LGBT rights in French Polynesia, you may review the State Department’s annual Country Reports on Human Rights Practices. For further information on Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) travel, please read our LGBT Travel Information page.

ACCESSIBILITY: While in French Polynesia, individuals with disabilities may find accessibility and accommodation different from what you find in the United States. The law prohibits discrimination against persons with physical or mental disabilities in employment, education, access to health care, and the provision of other state services. The French Polynesian government generally enforces these provisions effectively.

French Polynesia subscribes to laws that require disability accommodations, and many new buildings with public or community space are accessible. Many existing buildings as well as transportation systems do not yet meet these requirements. Accessibility is a requirement, however, for new construction.