Last updated: 23 Oct 2025
Tahiti (French Polynesia)
About
| France Tourism Development Agency: Morningside Close, Block C 222 Rivonia Road, Morningside, Sandton Tel: +27 (0) 10 205 0201 E-mail: info.az@atout-france.fr |
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| Native Name of French Polynesia: | Polynésie Française |
| Capital: | Papeete (PPT) |
| Currency: | Change Pacific Franc (XPF) |
| Language: | French and Tahitian. English is understood in the tourist resorts. |
| Dialling code from SA: | + 689 |
| Time Zones: | UTC/GMT -10 hours (12 hours behind South Africa) |
| Best Time to go: | June to October. Tropical and sunny weather year round with a humid season from November to March, where short rain spells can occur. |
| Best For: | Island relaxation, cultural exploration |
| Plugs: | 110/220 volts AC (depending on the location), 60Hz. European round two-pin plugs and US-style flat two-pin plugs are in use. |
| Drinking Water: | Mains water in hotels and towns is safe to drink. |
| Health: | There are adequate and well-equipped medical facilities, however visitors are required to pay for these services. Comprehensive health insurance is recommended. |
| Customs: | Tipping in Tahiti not required nor expected as it goes against local custom where hospitality is paramount |
| Duty Free: | The following items may be imported into Tahiti by passengers 18 years and over without incurring customs duty: • 200 cigarettes or 100 cigarillos or 50 cigars or 250g of tobacco • 2L of wine, sparkling wine, beer and cider and 2L of other alcoholic drinks • Goods up to a value of XPF30,000 (XPF15,000 for passengers up to 15 years of age). There is no duty-free allowance for perfume, eau de toilette, tea or coffee |
| Prohibited Imports: | Narcotics, counterfeit goods, unlicensed firearms and ammunition, cultured pearls from outside Tahiti, endangered species, domestic pets, art and antiquities (unless you have a permit), and medicines (other than for personal use). |
Issuing Authorities
Public Holidays 2026: Jan 1; Mar 5; Apr 3, 6; May 1, 8, 14, 25; Jul 14; Aug 15; Nov 1, 11, 20; Dec 25
Visa Requirements
- Visas are required by S.A. passport holders. The type of visa to apply for is a C-TOM visa
Applications are through French Consultates
Travel Health
| Compulsory: | Yellow Fever (Dependant on Country of Origin/Stopover) |
| Recommended Travel Vaccines: | Hepatitis A & B, Tetanus, Polio |
