French 61.1% (official), Polynesian 31.4% (official), Asian languages 1.2%, other 0.3%, unspecified 6%

Protestant 54%, Roman Catholic 30%, other 10%, no religion 6%

Tourism accounts for about one-fourth of GDP and is a primary source of hard currency earnings. Other sources of income are pearl farming and deep-sea commercial fishing. The territory benefits substantially from development agreements with France aimed principally at creating new businesses and strengthening social services.

Defense is the responsibility of France.

There is no U.S. eEmbassy or cConsulate in French Polynesia.  However, there is a U.S. Consular Agent in French Polynesia who can provide assistance.  Americans living or traveling to French Polynesia are encouraged to register with the local U.S. Consular Agent or the U.S. Embassy in Suva, Fiji, or through the State Department’s travel registration web site and to obtain up-to-date information on travel and security within French Polynesia.  Americans without Internet access may register directly with the nearest eEmbassy or cConsulate.  By registering, American citizens make it easier for the eEmbassy or cConsulate to contact them in case of emergency.  To contact the U.S. Consular Agent, call (689) 42 65 35 or fax (689) 50 80 96 or e-mail usconsul@mail.pf.  The U.S. Consular Agency is located at Centre Tamanu Iti, 1er etage, Punaauia, B.P. 10765, 98711 Paea, Polynesie Francaise.  The U.S. Embassy in Suva, Fiji, which oversees the U.S.Consular Agent in French Polynesia, can also provide assistance for U.S. citizens.  It is located in the capital city of Suva at 31 Loftus Street, P.O. Box 218, telephone 679-331-4-466, fax 679-3302-267.  Information may also be obtained by visiting the Embassy’s home page at http://fiji.usembassy.gov/.

A passport valid for six months beyond duration of stay is required.  Visas are not required for stays of up to one month.  Extensions for up to three months may be granted locally by applying to the border police at the airport or to the Haut Commissionaire (The French High Commissioner).  The application for an extension must be presented with a fiscal stamp, which can be purchased in a post office.  For further information about entry requirements, travelers, particularly those planning to enter by sea, may contact the French Embassy at 4101 Reservoir Road NW, Washington, DC 20007, telephone 202-944-6200, fax 202-944-6212, or visit the Embassy of France's web site at http://www.info-france-usa.org/.  Additional information is available at GIE Tourisme, Fare Manihini, Boulevard Pomare, B. P. 65, Papeete, French Polynesia, Telephone: (689) 50-57-00, Fax: (689) 43-66-19. 

Information about dual nationality or the prevention of international child abduction can be found on our web  site.  For further information about customs regulations, please read our Customs Information.

Airports:  51, Airports w/paved runways:  39

Tahiti – Faa ‘ a Airport (PPT/NTAA)
Tahiti Airport, French Polynesia, BP 117, Papeete, Tahiti, 98713, FRENCH POLYNESIA
Tahiti Airport, French Polynesia, Faa ‘ a, Tahiti, 98713, FRENCH POLYNESIA
Tel: +689 866061
Fax: +689 837391
E-mail: courier@tahiti-aeroport.pf
Website: www.tahiti-aeroport.pf
Customs, hours: 24 hours
Tel: +689 866061 x 3322

Bora Bora Airport (BOB/NTTB)
Bora Bora, French Polynesia, Bora Bora, FRENCH POLYNESIA
Tel: +689 677014
Fax: +689 677004
E-mail: setil.aeropports@tahiti-aeroport.pf

Although French Polynesia has one of the lowest crime rates within France and its territories, petty crime, such as pick-pocketing and purse snatching, is occurring more frequently.  Visitors should secure valuables at all times.  Common sense precautions should be taken, especially at night, to avoid becoming a target of opportunity.

The cyclone season is November through April.  French Polynesia is located in an area of high seismic activity.

Infant MR total: 7.84 deaths/1,000 live births  
Life expectancy at birth: TOTAL76.31 years (Male 73.88/Female 78.86)

Required: None
Recommended: Hep A & B, Rabies, Typhoid
Boosters: MMR, DPT

There is no risk of Malaria in French Polynesia. Dengue, filariasis, Ross River virus, and Murray Valley encephalitis are diseases carried by insects that also occur in this region. Scrub typhus and other rickettsial infections are present in this region.

Medical treatment is generally good on the major islands, but is limited in more remote or less populated areas.  Patients with emergencies or serious illnesses are often referred to facilities on Tahiti for treatment. Although some doctors and hospitals are beginning to accept credit card and U.S. insurance payments, others still expect immediate cash payment for health services.

Other hazards for travelers include ciguatera poisoning, which occurs frequently on some of the islands. Snake and spider bites are also a risk.

Country calling:Code:  +689 
Internet Country Code:  pf