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French Polynesia visas

French Polynesia tourist visa

Many travellers can visit without a visa for up to 3 months in a 6-month period. Travellers who need a visa must apply through a French embassy or consulate.

Ways to get a French Polynesia tourist visa

  1. Visa-free entry for an unlimited period

    No visa needed

    Citizens of European Union countries, European Free Trade Association countries, Andorra, Monaco and San Marino.

    Stay
    Unlimited.

    Passports that qualify (3)

  2. Visa-free short visit

    No visa needed

    Citizens of the countries and territories listed for the general short-stay exemption.

    Stay
    Up to 3 months in a 6-month period.

  3. Additional visa-free short visit

    No visa needed

    Citizens of Fiji and Papua New Guinea qualify for an additional exemption for French Polynesia.

    Stay
    Up to 90 days in a 180-day period.

    Passports that qualify (2)

  4. Visa-free organised trip for Chinese visitors

    No visa needed

    Chinese citizens are included in the additional exemption list, but the summary table limits their exemption to organised trips.

    Passports that qualify (1)

  5. Visa-free visit with a long-stay visa or residence permit

    No visa needed

    Travellers holding a long-stay visa or residence permit issued by France or another Schengen Area country.

    Stay
    Up to 3 months in a 6-month period.

  8. Short-stay visitor visa

    Visa needed

    Visitors who need a visa for a stay of up to 90 days.

    Stay
    Up to 90 days.
    Fee
    €9 regular fee. No fee for spouses of French nationals or family members of other European Union or European Free Trade Association nationals.
    1. Lodge an application at a French embassy or consulate in your country of residence.
    2. Pay the applicable fee unless you qualify for a fee exemption.

  9. Long-stay visa

    Visa needed

    Travellers who need a visa for a stay of more than 90 days.

    Stay
    More than 90 days. The maximum stay is not specified.
    Fee
    €99 regular fee. Reduced fees are €50 for students and €15 for children adopted by a French national. Spouses of French nationals pay no fee.
    1. Lodge an application at a French embassy or consulate in your country of residence.
    2. Pay the applicable fee unless you qualify for a fee exemption.

Who needs it

Travellers who do not qualify for a visa exemption need a visa to visit French Polynesia.

Who doesn't

Citizens of the European Union, European Free Trade Association, Andorra, Monaco and San Marino can enter and live without a visa for an unlimited period. Other exemptions depend on nationality, residence documents or visas already held.

How to apply

  1. Apply at a French embassy or consulate in your country of residence.
  2. Pay the applicable visa fee.

Good to know

  • French Polynesia applies entry rules separate from the Schengen Area.
  • A Schengen short-stay visa is generally not valid for French Polynesia. Some nationality-based exceptions apply.
  • Visa-free stay limits differ by exemption. Do not treat 3 months and 90 days as interchangeable.
  • The rules for Chinese visitors are described differently: one exemption list includes China, while the summary table limits this to organised trips.
  • If you are already in a part of France, visa applications can be lodged at the local prefecture, the local government office.

Questions

Do I need a tourist visa for French Polynesia?

Travellers who do not qualify for a visa exemption need a visa to visit French Polynesia. Citizens of the European Union, European Free Trade Association, Andorra, Monaco and San Marino can enter and live without a visa for an unlimited period. Other exemptions depend on nationality, residence documents or visas already held.

What are the ways to get a tourist visa for French Polynesia?

There are 9 options: Visa-free entry for an unlimited period (no visa at all); Visa-free short visit (no visa at all); Additional visa-free short visit (no visa at all); Visa-free organised trip for Chinese visitors (no visa at all); Visa-free visit with a long-stay visa or residence permit (no visa at all); Visa-free visit with a qualifying French visa (no visa at all); Visa-free cruise visit for listed nationalities (no visa at all); Short-stay visitor visa (a visa from an embassy); Long-stay visa (a visa from an embassy).

Who can go to French Polynesia without a tourist visa?

Citizens of European Union countries, European Free Trade Association countries, Andorra, Monaco and San Marino. Citizens of the countries and territories listed for the general short-stay exemption. Citizens of Fiji and Papua New Guinea qualify for an additional exemption for French Polynesia. Chinese citizens are included in the additional exemption list, but the summary table limits their exemption to organised trips. Travellers holding a long-stay visa or residence permit issued by France or another Schengen Area country. Citizens of Bahrain, China, India, Indonesia, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, South Africa and Thailand who hold a multiple-entry visa issued by France with validity between 6 months and 5 years. Citizens of Bahrain, China, India, Indonesia, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, South Africa and Thailand travelling by cruise ship.

How long can I stay on a French Polynesia tourist visa?

Up to 90 days with a short-stay visa.

How much does a French Polynesia tourist visa cost?

The regular visa fee for a stay of up to 90 days is €9.

How do I apply for a French Polynesia tourist visa?

1. 1. Apply at a French embassy or consulate in your country of residence. 2. 2. Pay the applicable visa fee.

What rules do I have to follow on a French Polynesia tourist visa?

French Polynesia applies entry rules separate from the Schengen Area. A Schengen short-stay visa is generally not valid for French Polynesia. Some nationality-based exceptions apply.

Does my passport change whether I need a tourist visa for French Polynesia?

Yes. Rules depend on the country that issued your passport. Open the French Polynesia visa page and choose your passport for a plain answer.

Can a tourist visa for French Polynesia be refused?

Yes. Officials can refuse a visa or entry, even after you apply. Give true answers, bring the documents asked for, and keep proof of your onward trip and money.

Where do I check the latest French Polynesia tourist visa rules?

On French Polynesia's official immigration or foreign ministry website, or at its embassy. Rules change, so check close to your trip.

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