French Polynesia
Phone Code
+689
Capital
Papeete
Population
280,000
Native Name
Polynésie française
Region
Oceania
Polynesia
Timezones
Gambier Islands Time
UTC-09:00
+2 more
On This Page
French Polynesia encompasses 118 islands and atolls scattered across 2,000,000 square kilometers of South Pacific ocean—an area roughly the size of Western Europe containing some of Earth's most stunning tropical paradise destinations. This French overseas collectivity divides into five archipelagos: Society Islands (including Tahiti, Moorea, and Bora Bora), Tuamotu (famous for diving and pearls), Marquesas (remote and dramatic), Austral (traditional and less visited), and Gambier (tiny and isolated). Travelers arrive seeking the quintessential tropical paradise: turquoise lagoons, overwater bungalows, pristine white-sand beaches, vibrant coral reefs, and mountain peaks rising from volcanic islands. Bora Bora represents the ultimate luxury destination with exclusive resorts and jaw-dropping scenery, while Tahiti serves as the gateway with Papeete's markets and culture, and Moorea offers accessible beauty just 30 minutes from the main island. Beyond the famous islands, French Polynesia rewards adventurous travelers with uncrowded atolls, world-class diving, traditional Polynesian culture maintained across centuries, and landscapes where turquoise meets emerald in lagoons so clear you can see the coral gardens from overwater bungalow decks.
French Polynesia Visa & Entry Requirements
French Polynesia maintains its own entry requirements separate from metropolitan France and other French territories. EU, EEA, and Swiss citizens enjoy visa-free entry for stays up to 90 days within any 180-day period, while many other nationalities including United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and Japan also receive 90-day visa-free access. Entry requires passport valid for at least three months beyond intended stay (six months recommended), return or onward ticket, and proof of sufficient funds for the stay. Travelers planning to visit both French Polynesia and other Pacific destinations should note that French Polynesia visa regulations differ from those in neighboring island nations. Most visitors arrive through Faa'a International Airport in Tahiti (PPT), though international flights also serve Bora Bora directly from select cities. French Polynesia does not participate in the Schengen Area, so travelers should verify specific requirements based on nationality and planned length of stay, especially for stays exceeding 90 days which require long-stay visas obtained before travel.
Common Visa Types
Visa-Free Entry (90 days)
Tourism for EU citizens and many other nationalities
Visitor Visa
Tourism for nationals requiring visas
Essential French Polynesia Travel Information
French Polynesia delivers the ultimate South Pacific experience combining natural beauty, luxury accommodations, and authentic Polynesian culture across 118 islands spanning five distinct archipelagos. The Society Islands anchor most visits—Tahiti provides the international gateway with Papeete's markets, museums, and restaurants; Moorea offers accessible paradise with dramatic mountain peaks, lagoon activities, and family-friendly resorts; and Bora Bora delivers iconic luxury with Mount Otemanu rising above turquoise lagoon ringed by exclusive overwater bungalow resorts. Beyond these famous islands, the Tuamotu atolls attract divers to pristine coral passes and rare marine life, while Rangiroa and Fakarava offer world-class underwater experiences. The remote Marquesas Islands inspired Paul Gauguin and Jacques Brel with their dramatic landscapes, ancient tikis, and traditional culture largely untouched by tourism. Transportation between islands relies primarily on Air Tahiti domestic flights connecting major islands several times weekly, supplemented by cargo ships and cruise vessels for adventurous travelers. Activities range from snorkeling in crystal-clear lagoons teeming with rays and reef sharks, to hiking volcanic peaks for panoramic views, to cultural experiences including traditional dance shows, black pearl farm visits, and Polynesian feasts. Food blends French sophistication with Polynesian ingredients—fresh tuna, coconut, tropical fruits, and poisson cru (raw fish in coconut milk) featured at both upscale resort restaurants and simple roadside roulottes. The islands cater to honeymooners and luxury travelers seeking exclusive overwater bungalows and pristine beaches, but also reward budget-conscious visitors who stay in pensions (family-run guesthouses) and explore less-developed islands where life proceeds much as it has for centuries.
Discover French Polynesia
Ways to Experience This Destination
Stay in overwater bungalows at Bora Bora, Moorea, or Taha'a: private lagoon access, glass floor panels viewing marine life, sunset views over Mount Otemanu, couples' spa treatments, private island picnics, and five-star dining creating ultimate romantic escape.
Explore Tuamotu atolls: drift dive Rangiroa's Tiputa Pass with hundreds of sharks, snorkel pristine Fakarava coral gardens, swim with rays and reef sharks in Moorea, dive Bora Bora's lagoon, and discover world-class underwater biodiversity in crystal-clear Pacific waters.
Visit multiple archipelagos: fly Tahiti to Moorea to Bora Bora exploring Society Islands, venture to Tuamotu atolls for diving, reach remote Marquesas for culture and drama, combining luxury resorts with family pensions for diverse South Pacific experience.
Discover Polynesian heritage: visit ancient marae (temples) and tikis in Marquesas, attend traditional dance performances, learn black pearl cultivation, explore Papeete's markets and museums, experience authentic village life maintaining centuries-old traditions.
Experience French Polynesia affordably: stay in family pensions on Moorea or Tahiti, eat at roulottes and local markets, snorkel from beaches instead of tours, explore less-developed islands, proving paradise is accessible beyond luxury price points.
Money & Currency
CFP Franc (₣, XPF)
Currency code: XPF
Practical Money Tips
CFP Franc (XPF) — pegged to EUR at 119.33, available only in French Pacific territories
French Polynesia uses the CFP franc (Franc Pacifique, XPF), a currency shared with New Caledonia and Wallis and Futuna. It is pegged to the euro at the fixed rate of 119.33 XPF per EUR and managed by the Institut d'émission d'Outre-mer (IEOM). XPF is not available outside the French Pacific territories — exchange USD, GBP, AUD, NZD, EUR, or other major currencies upon arrival in Tahiti at Faa'a International Airport (which has exchange desks open for international arrivals) or at BNP Paribas and Banque de Polynésie branches in Papeete. AUD, NZD, and USD exchange well given the large Australian, New Zealand, and American visitor base. The pegged EUR rate means traveler math is straightforward for European visitors: 1 EUR = approximately 119 XPF.
ATMs in Papeete and main islands — none on remote atolls and motu islets
BNP Paribas and Banque de Polynésie have ATMs in Papeete (Tahiti), Moorea, Bora Bora (main village), Huahine, Raiatea, and Fakarava (main Tuamotu atoll). International Visa and Mastercard cards work at these ATMs. Remote atolls in the Tuamotu Archipelago (Rangiroa outer motu, Tikehau, Manihi, Fakarava outside the main village) and the Marquesas Islands (Nuku Hiva, Hiva Oa) have very limited or no ATM access. Withdraw sufficient XPF in Papeete or the main island before island-hopping. The exclusive overwater bungalow resorts on Bora Bora and Moorea are fully card-based for room charges, but activities and local boat tours may need cash.
Cards at major resorts — local markets and outer island activities need cash
International resort hotels on Bora Bora, Moorea, and in Papeete accept Visa and Mastercard for accommodation charges. Apple Pay and Google Pay are not widely supported in French Polynesia — contactless payment infrastructure is limited outside the largest international hotel chains. Local markets (Papeete Municipal Market, Raiatea market), small pensions (family guesthouses), inter-island boat operators, and village activities are cash-only. For authentic local experiences — trying poisson cru (raw fish salad) at a roulotte food truck or buying a pareo (sarong) at the market — XPF cash is essential.
One of the world's most expensive island destinations — plan carefully
French Polynesia is consistently ranked among the most expensive travel destinations globally, comparable to the Maldives. Basic hotel in Papeete: XPF 15,000–25,000/night (€125–210). Overwater bungalow at a major Bora Bora resort: XPF 80,000–300,000/night (€670–2,500). Local roulotte truck meal in Papeete: XPF 1,000–2,000 (€8–17). Restaurant dinner: XPF 3,500–7,000. Local beer (Hinano): XPF 600–900. Inter-island flight (Bora Bora–Tahiti): XPF 12,000–25,000. Budget 'bungalow pension' (family guesthouse): XPF 10,000–18,000. For budget travelers, pensions and rouleaux food trucks make paradise somewhat accessible; for luxury travelers, Bora Bora and Tetiaroa (Marlon Brando's private island) represent the pinnacle of South Pacific resort luxury.
Note: Always check current exchange rates before traveling. Currency exchange is available at airports, banks, and authorized money changers.
Cities with missions
Where this country maintains embassies or consulates
Explore different regions and their cities.
Embassies in French Polynesia
These foreign embassies and consulates are based here. Choose a mission to open its in-depth guide and contact details.
All countries by continent
French Polynesia offers visa-free entry for EU citizens and many other nationalities for 90-day stays, making these stunning South Pacific islands accessible for extended tropical paradise experiences combining luxury resorts, pristine nature, and authentic Polynesian culture.
Check French Polynesia Visa Requirements